bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TIME DIVERSIFICATION: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE ECONOMIC INDEX OF RISKINESS
Authors: LU RICHARD , YANG CHEN-CHEN , WONG WING-KEUNG
Published: October 2018

Time diversification which is the idea of there being less riskiness over longer investment horizons is examined in this paper. Different from previous studies, this paper contributes to the literature by using the Aumann and Serrano index as a risk measure to examine whether there is any time diversification in stock investment by using the daily returns of S&P 500, S&P 400, and NASDAQ with both short and long holding periods and by using the block bootstrapping technique in the simulation. The advantage of using the Aumann and Serrano index as a risk measure is that it satisfies the monotonicity with respect to stochastic dominance while most of other risk measures do not. From the returns of short (long) holding periods, we conclude that, in general, the riskiness of the shorter (longer) period is statistically greater than that of the longer (shorter) period. Our findings reject the hypothesis of no time diversification effect and reject the geometric Brownie motion process for the returns of different holding periods. The results could be due to short- and medium-term momentums and long-term contrarian. Our findings are useful to academics, investors, and policy makers in their decision-making related to time diversification.
PRICING CARBON EMISSIONS IN CHINA
Authors: CHANG CHIA-LIN , MAI TE-KE , MCALEER MICHAEL
Published: October 2018

The review paper provides a strategy for determining carbon emissions pricing in China to guide how carbon emissions might be mitigated to reduce fossil fuel pollution. China has promoted the development of clean energy, including hydroelectric power, wind power, and solar energy generation. In order to involve companies in carbon emissions control, regional and provincial carbon markets have been established since 2013. As China’s carbon market is organized domestically, and not necessarily using market principles, there has been little research on China’s carbon price and volatility. This paper provides an introduction to China’s regional and provincial carbon markets, proposes how to establish a national market for pricing carbon emissions, discusses how and when these markets might be established, how they might perform, and the subsequent prices for China’s regional and national carbon markets. Power generation in manufacturing consumes more than other industries, with more than 40% of total coal consumption. Apart from manufacturing, the northern China heating system relies on fossil fuels, mainly coal, which causes serious pollution. In order to understand the regional markets well, it is necessary to analyze the energy structure in these regions. Coal is the primary energy source in China, so that provinces that rely heavily on coal receive a greater number of carbon emissions permits. In order to establish a national carbon market for China, a detailed analysis of eight important regional markets is presented. The four largest energy markets, namely, Guangdong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hubei, traded around 82% of the total volume and 85% of the total value of the seven markets in 2017, as the industry structure of the western area is different from that of the east. The China National Development and Reform Commission has proposed a national carbon market, which can attract investors and companies to participate in carbon emissions trading.
Novel Unidirectional Porous β-Tricalcium Phosphate Used as a Bone Substitute after Excision of Benign Bone Tumors of the Hand: A Case Series
Authors: Ikumi Akira , Funayama Toru , Tsukanishi Toshinori , Noguchi Hiroshi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: October 2018

Unidirectional porous β-tricalcium phosphate (UDPTCP; Affinos®, Kuraray, Tokyo, Japan) has been in clinical use since 2015. Animal studies have confirmed the excellent potential of UDPTCP with regard to bone formation and material absorption. We present the first three clinical cases using UDPTCP as a bone substitute after curettage of benign bone tumors of the hand. All three patients were males, 29-, 30- and 81-years-old, two having a diagnosis of enchondroma and the other, a bone ganglion, with a pathological fracture identified in one case. Over a mean follow-up of 10 months, all patients achieved satisfactory clinical result, with no adverse events of UDPTCP noted. Radiographic evidence of good bone formation and material absorption was observable over the postoperative course. UDPTCP provided satisfactory clinical results, with good biocompatibility and fast resorption characteristics. Therefore, UDPTCP could provide a safe and reliable filling substitute for bone defects following curettage of small bone tumors.
Assessing the Power of Prostitution Policies to Shift Markets, Attitudes, and Ideologies
Authors: Skilbrei May-Len
Published: October 2018

Since the late 1990s, many countries have been debating what prostitution policies to apply, and, particularly in Europe, several have changed the overall approach to the phenomenon and the people involved. Prostitution is more than ever before firmly placed on policy agendas as a topic related to gender equality and globalization. Furthermore, it is seen in context with issues relating to organized crime, health, and gentrification. In both policy debates and the academic discourse, particular ways of regulating prostitution are treated as models and a central discussion is which model among these works best. In this article, I argue that this search for a best practice of prostitution policy that can be transferred to and work similarly in a new jurisdiction builds on a lack of understanding of the importance of context and implementation. How policies work depends on, among other factors, aims, implementation structures, and characteristics of local prostitution markets. But I present a broad spectrum of research to clarify what should be taken into consideration when assessing policies’ abilities to achieve diverse goals. I argue that a fundamental problem in both prostitution policy debates and scholarship is that the arguments over prostitution policies have become too detached from the many and differing contexts in which these policies operate and I propose a way forward for research.
Mortgage-Default Research and the Recent Foreclosure Crisis
Authors: Foote Christopher L. , Willen Paul S.
Published: October 2018

This article reviews the surge in research on mortgage default inspired by the recent foreclosure crisis. Economists already understood a great deal about default, both theoretically and empirically, when the crisis began, but new research has moved the frontier further by improving data sources, building dynamic optimizing models of default, and explicitly addressing reverse causality between rising foreclosures and falling house prices. Mortgage defaults also featured prominently in early papers that pointed to subprime and other privately securitized mortgages as fundamental drivers of the housing boom, although this research has been criticized recently. Going forward, improvements to data and models will allow researchers to make progress on the two central questions in this literature. First, what are the relative contributions of adverse life events and negative equity to mortgage default? Second, why is default so rare, even among people with deep negative equity or acute financial distress?
Ferroelectric HfZrO Films: Process, Characterization and Devices
Authors: Clark Robert D.
Published: October 2018

This is presentation number 696 from the 2018 ECS/Aimes international meeting within the symposium D01: Semiconductors, Dielectrics, and Metals for Nanoelectronics 16. This talks covers joint work on ferroelectric films and devices between Tokyo Electron, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and Notre Dame. Polarization is correlated to structural characterization using electrical measurements combined with Grazing Incidence X-Ray Diffraction. Test devices were fabricated and characterized to demonstrate and investigate how ferroelectric HfZrO can be used for various electronic applications including memory, logic, and neuromorphic devices.
Bidirectional Relationship between Gastric Emptying and Plasma Glucose Control in Normoglycemic Individuals and Diabetic Patients
Authors: Mihai Bogdan Mircea , Mihai Cătălina , Cijevschi-Prelipcean Cristina , Grigorescu Elena-Daniela , Dranga Mihaela , Drug Vasile , Sporea Ioan , Lăcătușu Cristina Mihaela
Published: October 2018

Gastric emptying and glycemic control pathways are closely interrelated processes. Gastric chyme is transferred into the duodenum with velocities depending on its solid or liquid state, as well as on its caloric and nutritional composition. Once nutrients enter the intestine, the secretion of incretins (hormonal products of intestinal cells) is stimulated. Among incretins, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has multiple glycemic-regulatory effects that include delayed gastric emptying, thus triggering a feedback loop lowering postprandial serum glucose levels. Glycemic values also influence gastric emptying; hyperglycemia slows it down, and hypoglycemia accelerates it, both limiting glycemic fluctuations. Disordered gastric emptying in diabetes mellitus is understood today as a complex pathophysiological condition, with both irreversible and reversible components and high intra- and interindividual variability of time span and clinical features. While limited delays may be useful for reducing postprandial hyperglycemias, severely hindered gastric emptying may be associated with higher glycemic variability and worsened long-term glycemic control. Therapeutic approaches for both gastric emptying and glycemic control include dietary modifications of meal structure or content and drugs acting as GLP-1 receptor agonists. In the foreseeable future, we will probably witness a wider range of dietary interventions and more incretin-based medications used for restoring both gastric emptying and glycemic levels to nearly physiological levels.
Status of Artemisinin Resistance in Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum from Molecular Analyses of the Kelch13 Gene in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oboh Mary Aigbiremo , Ndiaye Daouda , Antony Hiasindh Ashmi , Badiane Aida Sadikh , Singh Upasana Shyamsunder , Ali Nazia Anwar , Bharti Praveen Kumar , Das Aparup
Published: October 2018

Evolution and spread of malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum capable of evading antimalarials are the prime concern to malaria control. The currently effective drug, artemisinin (ART), is under threat due to detection of ART-resistant P. falciparum parasites in the Southeast Asian countries. It has been shown that amino acid (AA) mutations at the P. falciparum Kelch13 (Pfk13) gene provide resistance to ART. Nigeria, a part of the Sub-Saharan Africa, is highly endemic to malaria, contributing quite significantly to malaria, and resistance to chloroquine (CQ) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) combination drugs has already been reported. Since artemisinin combined therapy (ACT) is the first-line drug for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Nigeria and five amino acid mutations have been validated in the Pfk13 gene alongside with candidate mutations for ART resistance, we performed molecular surveillance for mutations (following PCR and DNA sequence analyses) in this gene from two southwestern states of Nigeria. Statistical analyses of DNA sequences were also performed following different evolutionary models. None of the different validated and candidate AA mutations of Pfk13 gene conferring resistance to ART could be detected in P. falciparum sampled in the two southwestern states of Nigeria. In addition, DNA sequencing and sequence analyses indicated neither evolutionary selection pressure on the Pfk13 gene nor association of mutations in Pfk13 gene with mutations of other three genes conferring resistance to CQ and SP. Therefore, based on the monomorphism at the Pfk13 gene and nonassociation of mutations of this gene with mutations in three other drug-resistant genes in malaria parasite P. falciparum, it can be proposed that malaria public health is not under immediate threat in southwestern Nigeria concerning ART resistance.
Numerical Study on Optimization of Structural Parameters of Guiding Vane of Longitudinal Ventilation for Highway Tunnel
Authors: Wu Shixian , Liu Heqing , Chen Yongping , Wang Haiqiao
Published: October 2018

In order to reduce the energy loss during longitudinal ventilation for highway tunnels, a guiding vane was proposed to be installed on the tunnel dome in the downstream of the air supply outlet. The effects of the guiding vane’s angles and equivalent heights on the effectiveness of tunnel ventilation were investigated by the numerical simulation using the CFD approach. When the installation angle of the guiding vane was 2∼5 degrees and the equivalent height was 0.20∼0.35, the guiding vane played a significant role in drag reduction. Under the circumstances, the pressure‐rise of air supply outlet was the maximum. The required distance for pressure‐rise was approximately 90∼115 m that was not affected by the average air velocity in the tunnel and the structure parameters of the guiding vane.
Differentially Private Recommendation System Based on Community Detection in Social Network Applications
Authors: Li Gesu , Cai Zhipeng , Yin Guisheng , He Zaobo , Siddula Madhuri
Published: October 2018

The recommender system is mainly used in the e-commerce platform. With the development of the Internet, social networks and e-commerce networks have broken each other’s boundaries. Users also post information about their favorite movies or books on social networks. With the enhancement of people’s privacy awareness, the personal information of many users released publicly is limited. In the absence of items rating and knowing some user information, we propose a novel recommendation method. This method provides a list of recommendations for target attributes based on community detection and known user attributes and links. Considering the recommendation list and published user information that may be exploited by the attacker to infer other sensitive information of users and threaten users’ privacy, we propose the CDAI (Infer Attributes based on Community Detection) method, which finds a balance between utility and privacy and provides users with safer recommendations.
Biochanin A Induces S Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Haiyang , Han Fengfeng , Wang Mengmeng , Luo Yong , Guo Xuejun
Published: October 2018

Lung cancer is among the most common malignancies with a poor 5-year survival rate reaching only 16%. Thus, new effective treatment modalities and drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of this malignancy. In this study, we conducted the first investigation of the effects of Biochanin A on lung cancer and revealed the mechanisms underlying its potential anticancer effects. Biochanin A decreased cell viability in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner and suppressed colony formation in A549 and 95D cells. In addition, Biochanin A induced S phase arrest and apoptosis and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in A549 and 95D cells in a dose-dependent manner. Our results of subcutaneous xenograft models showed that the growth of Biochanin A group was significantly inhibited compared with that of control groups. Finally, P21, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were activated in Biochanin A-treated cells and Biochanin A-treated xenografts which also demonstrated that Biochanin A induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in lung cancer cells by regulating expression of cell cycle-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins. In conclusion, this study suggests that Biochanin A inhibits the proliferation of lung cancer cells and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis mainly by regulating cell cycle-related protein expression and activating the Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 pathways, thus suggesting that Biochanin A may be a promising drug to treat lung cancer.
A Numerical Model of Blood Flow Velocity Measurement Based on Finger Ring
Authors: Yusheng Fu , Wang Qiyu , Yi Jianbo , Song Dan , Xiang Xin
Published: October 2018

Aiming to measure the blood flow velocity in a finger, a novel noninvasive method, i.e., a ring with a heat source chip and a temperature sensor, is designed in this paper. The heat source chip is used to heat the finger and generate heat diffusion between the chip and the temperature sensor. And the temperature sensor is designed to measure the temperature difference. Since the blood flow is the main medium of heat diffusion in bodies, part from the heat energy in the tissue will be taken away by the flowing blood. Therefore, the blood flow velocity can be acquired via its relationship with the temperature difference. Compared to the ultrasound Doppler method and the laser Doppler method, the proposed method guarantees a more convenient operation in more flexible work sites. We also analyze the theory between heat transfer and laminar flow. Finally, several simulations are conducted, and the influence of the relevant factors (i.e., the number of blood vessels, the radius, etc.) corresponding to the simulation results is also discussed.
Topological Structure of Manufacturing Industry Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Perera Supun S. , Bell Michael G. H. , Piraveenan Mahendrarajah , Kasthurirathna Dharshana , Parhi Mamata
Published: October 2018

Empirical analyses of supply chain networks (SCNs) in extant literature have been rare due to scarcity of data. As a result, theoretical research have relied on arbitrary growth models to generate network topologies supposedly representative of real‐world SCNs. Our study is aimed at filling the above gap by systematically analysing a set of manufacturing sector SCNs to establish their topological characteristics. In particular, we compare the differences in topologies of undirected contractual relationships (UCR) and directed material flow (DMF) SCNs. The DMF SCNs are different from the typical UCR SCNs since they are characterised by a strictly tiered and an acyclic structure which does not permit clustering. Additionally, we investigate the SCNs for any self‐organized topological features. We find that most SCNs indicate disassortative mixing and power law distribution in terms of interfirm connections. Furthermore, compared to randomised ensembles, self‐organized topological features were evident in some SCNs in the form of either overrepresented regimes of moderate betweenness firms or underrepresented regimes of low betweenness firms. Finally, we introduce a simple and intuitive method for estimating the robustness of DMF SCNs, considering the loss of demand due to firm disruptions. Our work could be used as a benchmark for any future analyses of SCNs.
Effects of a Short-Term Recreational Team Handball-Based Programme on Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health of 33-55-Year-Old Men: A Pilot Study
Authors: Póvoas Susana C. A. , Castagna Carlo , Resende Carlos , Coelho Eduardo Filipe , Silva Pedro , Santos Rute , Pereira Rita , Krustrup Peter
Published: October 2018

Recreational team handball is an intermittent high-intensity exercise mode with physiological demands in the range of those found to enhance health and physical fitness of sedentary adults. We examined the effects of a short-term team handball-based training programme on physical fitness and metabolic and cardiovascular health of sedentary 33-55-year-old former male team handball players. Twenty-four participants were divided into team handball (THG; n=15) and control groups (CG; n=9) and evaluated at baseline and postintervention. During 12 weeks, THG performed 2-3 60-min recreational team handball matches weekly (average: 2.2 ± 0.7), and CG maintained an inactive lifestyle. Average heart rate (HR) during matches was 80 ± 7%HRmax, with peak values of 91 ± 6%HRmax. A time-by-group interaction was shown in aerobic performance (p=0.016), postural balance (p=0.019), maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) (p=0.023), resting HR (p<0.001), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p=0.048), and fasting blood glucose (p=0.052) in favor of THG. THG improved aerobic performance (80%, p<0.001), VO2max (14%, p<0.001), and postural balance (27%, p=0.018). Decreases in resting HR (16%, p<0.001) and fasting blood glucose (7%, p=0.015) and increases in HDL cholesterol (11%, p=0.002) were found in THG. Recreational team handball practice shows positive physical fitness and health-related adaptations, with high attendance, which may contribute to the reduction of the risk of developing lifestyle diseases.
Application of Machine Learning Techniques for Clinical Predictive Modeling: A Cross-Sectional Study on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in China
Authors: Ma Han , Xu Cheng-fu , Shen Zhe , Yu Chao-hui , Li You-ming
Published: October 2018

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases. Machine learning techniques were introduced to evaluate the optimal predictive clinical model of NAFLD. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed with subjects who attended a health examination at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University. Questionnaires, laboratory tests, physical examinations, and liver ultrasonography were employed. Machine learning techniques were then implemented using the open source software Weka. The tasks included feature selection and classification. Feature selection techniques built a screening model by removing the redundant features. Classification was used to build a prediction model, which was evaluated by the F-measure. 11 state-of-the-art machine learning techniques were investigated. Results. Among the 10,508 enrolled subjects, 2,522 (24%) met the diagnostic criteria of NAFLD. By leveraging a set of statistical testing techniques, BMI, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGT), the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and uric acid were the top 5 features contributing to NAFLD. A 10-fold cross-validation was used in the classification. According to the results, the Bayesian network model demonstrated the best performance from among the 11 different techniques. It achieved accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and F-measure scores of up to 83%, 0.878, 0.675, and 0.655, respectively. Compared with logistic regression, the Bayesian network model improves the F-measure score by 9.17%. Conclusion. Novel machine learning techniques may have screening and predictive value for NAFLD.
Electromagnetic Interference from Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Inhibiting the Pacing Function of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) Device
Authors: Erqou Sebhat , Kormos Robert L. , Wang Norman C. , McNamara Dennis M. , Bazaz Raveen
Published: October 2018

There is an increasing prevalence of patients with concomitant implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and left ventricular devices (LVADs). The potential for negative interactions between these continually evolving technologies is a valid concern. Previously reported interactions include inappropriate ICD therapy and interference with ICD telemetry function. Understanding the nature of such interactions and developing a comprehensive strategy to approach such situations are important. In this report, we describe a case of electromagnetic interference from LVAD inhibiting the pacing function of an ICD that was corrected by reprograming the device. We would encourage investigators to review patients with ICD and LVAD in their institutions in order to help assess the frequency and nature of these and other interactions.
Directional Blasting Technology of Slit Charge for Geological Disposal of High‐Level Radioactive Waste
Authors: Man Ke , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Ju , Wang Xiyong
Published: October 2018

Based on the slit charge technology, the blasting progress and the blasting theory have been studied in detail. Combined with the high‐level radioactive waste geological disposal, in which the excavation damaged zone of the surrounding rock is required as small as possible, the testing of the Beishan exploration tunnel (BET) has been studied, and the blasting parameters have been designed using the slit charge technology. Theoretically, the rock failure criterion has been proposed, which adopted the dynamic mechanical parameters, such as the dynamic compress strength, dynamic tensile strength, dynamic modulus, dynamic passion ratio, dynamic fracture toughness, and dynamic stress intensity factor. Furthermore, the blasting test has been carried out under the same tunnel face with left and right sides simultaneously, and it can be found that the blasting effect with the slit charge technology is better than another side, which verified the useful and scientific meaning of this technology. It should be noticed that the blasting method includes numerous blasting parameters, which interact with each other. Those blasting parameters obtained just limited the slit charge, and the result and the theoretical knowledge could be applied to the blasting and excavation of the deep geoengineering and HLW geodisposal.
PICK1 Deficiency Induces Autophagy Dysfunction via Lysosomal Impairment and Amplifies Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Mo Yunchang , Lou Yingying , Zhang Anqi , Zhang Jingjing , Zhu Congying , Zheng Bo , Li Dan , Zhang Mingyuan , Jin Wenjun , Zhang Lei , Wang Junlu
Published: October 2018

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory reaction caused by infection. Multiple organ failure ultimately leads to high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, therapies against these responses have been unsuccessful due to the insufficient underlying pathophysiological evidence. Protein interacting with C-kinase 1 (PICK1) has received considerable attention because of its important physiological functions in many tissues. However, its role in sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is unclear. In this study, we used cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to establish a septic model and found that decreased microtubule-associated protein-1light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I in PICK1−/− septic mice was caused by autophagy dysfunction. Consistently, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from PICK1−/− mice showed the accumulation of autophagosomes as well. However, more serious damage was caused by PICK1 deficiency indicating that the disrupted autophagic flux was harmful to sepsis-induced ALI. We also observed that it was the impaired lysosomal function that mediated autophagic flux blockade, and the autophagy progress was relevant to PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. These findings will aid in the potential development of PICK1 with novel evidence of autophagy in sepsis treatment and prevention.
Reduced Activity of HDAC3 and Increased Acetylation of Histones H3 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Yan , Zhou Mi , Lv Xiuying , Song Lina , Zhang Di , He Yan , Wang Mian , Zhao Xue , Yuan Xiaoqing , Shi Guixiu , Wang Dashan
Published: October 2018

Aberrant histone acetylation and deacetylation are increasingly thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, limited data from studies about the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) in RA are controversial. Those conflicting results may be caused by sample size, medication, and age- and sex-matched controls. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression and activity of class I HDACs (1–3.8) and their effects on histone acetylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients. The expression of class I HDACs in PBMCs from RA patients was decreased in both mRNA and protein levels in comparison with HCs. The nuclear HAT activities were dramatically increased. Further, we found HDAC3 activity to be the most significantly reduced in overall reduction of HDACs in the RA group. The extent of total histone H3, but not H4, acetylation in PBMCs from RA patients was increased compared to that in healthy controls (HCs) (p<0.01). In RA PBMCs, the activity and expression of class I HDACs are decreased, which is accompanied with enhanced HAT activity. An altered balance between HDAC and HAT activity was found in RA PBMCs.
Longitudinal Study on Low-Dose Aspirin versus Placebo Administration in Silent Brain Infarcts: The Silence Study
Authors: Maestrini Ilaria , Altieri Marta , Di Clemente Laura , Vicenzini Edoardo , Pantano Patrizia , Raz Eytan , Silvestrini Mauro , Provinciali Leandro , Paolino Isabella , Marini Carmine , Di Giuseppe Matteo , Russo Tommasina , Federico Francesco , Coppola Cristiana , Prontera Maria Pia , Mezzapesa Domenico Maria , Lucivero Vincenzo , Parnetti Lucilla , Sarchielli Paola , Peducci Maria , Inzitari Domenico , Carlucci Giovanna , Serrati Carlo , Zat Carla , Cavallini Anna , Persico Alessandra , Micieli Giuseppe , Bastianello Stefano , Di Piero Vittorio
Published: October 2018

Background. We investigated low-dose aspirin (ASA) efficacy and safety in subjects with silent brain infarcts (SBIs) in preventing new cerebrovascular (CVD) events as well as cognitive impairment.Methods. We included subjects aged ≥45 years, with at least one SBI and no previous CVD. Subjects were followed up to 4 years assessing CVD and SBI incidence as primary endpoint and as secondary endpoints: (a) cardiovascular and adverse events and (b) cognitive impairment.Results. Thirty-six subjects received ASA while 47 were untreated. Primary endpoint occurred in 9 controls (19.1%) versus 2 (5.6%) in the ASA group (p=0.10). Secondary endpoints did not differ in the two groups. Only baseline leukoaraiosis predicts primary [OR 5.4 (95%CI 1.3-22.9, p=0.022)] and secondary endpoint-a [3.2 (95%CI 1.1-9.6, p=0.040)] occurrence.Conclusions. These data show an increase of new CVD events in the untreated group. Despite the study limitations, SBI seems to be a negative prognostic factor and ASA preventive treatment might improve SBI prognosis.EU Clinical trialis registered with EudraCT Number:2005-000996-16; Sponsor Protocol Number: 694/30.06.04.
The Potential of the Quick Detection of Selectins Using Raman Spectroscopy to Discriminate Lung Cancer Patients from Healthy Subjects
Authors: Wolny-Rokicka Edyta , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Wydmański Jerzy , Zembroń-Łacny Agnieszka
Published: October 2018

This study aimed at determining the concentration of P-selectins in lung cancer patients in different stages and healthy subjects. Then, the ability of the methodology developed to discriminate the existence of lung cancer was also evaluated. Serum spectra were obtained using Raman spectroscopy (RS). Blood samples were taken from subjects divided into two groups: group 1—comparing data from 22 patients clinically diagnosed with cancer before versus after medical intervention; group 2—comparing data from 10 palliative patients versus 17 healthy volunteers. The RS analysis of the samples revealed the presence of five very similar peaks in both groups 1 and 2. This leads to the conclusion that a medical intervention in cancer cases gives results comparable to those obtained from healthy subjects. The study indicates that the use of Raman spectroscopy can produce a better classification of cancer patients. However, diagnostically the results have not been statistically significant, probably due to the limited number of samples gathered. A larger number of samples would be required for future verification.
Dermatophytosis: Prevalence of Dermatophytes and Non-Dermatophyte Fungi from Patients Attending Arsho Advanced Medical Laboratory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bitew Adane
Published: October 2018

Background. Dermatophytosis is a disease of major public health problem around the globe causing a considerable morbidity.Objective. To study the prevalence of dermatophytosis and the spectrum of fungi implicated in causing the infection.Methods. Nail, skin, and scalp scrapings were collected from 318 patients and were used for microscopy and culture study. Fungal pathogens were identified by studying the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of their colonies.Result. Tinea capitis was the predominant clinical manifestation consisting of 48.1% of the cases. Among 153 patients with tinea capitis, 73.2% were in the age group of 1-14 years. Of 318 study participants, 213 (67.98%) were found to be positive for dermatophytosis microbiologically. Out of 164 fungal isolates, 86 were dermatophytes and 78 were non-dermatophyte fungi. Among 86 dermatophytes,T.violaceumrepresented 38.4% of dermatophyte isolates and 89.7% of the isolates were recovered from tinea capitis. Of 76 non-dermatophyte molds,Aspergillus spp.,Scytalidium dimidiatum, and Cladosporiumspp. were the most common isolates, respectively.Conclusions. Failure to detect or isolate fungal pathogens in a large number of clinical samples revealed the limitation of clinical diagnosis in differentiating dermatophytosis from other skin infections demonstrating that clinical diagnosis should be coupled with laboratory methods. Recovery of large number of non-dermatophyte fungi along with dermatophytes in our study showed that non-dermatophyte fungi are emerging as important causes of dermatophytosis, warranting the implementation of intensive epidemiological studies of dermatophytosis across the country.
First Reported Case of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Core Biopsy Yielding Diagnosis of Primary Adrenal Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Mulani Shaunak R. , Stoner Patrick , Schlachterman Alexander , Ghayee Hans K. , Lu Li , Gupte Anand
Published: October 2018

Primary adrenal leiomyosarcoma (PAL) is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor with only a few isolated case reports in the medical literature. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) or endoscopic ultrasound-guided core biopsy (EUS-CB) is a safe, effective modality for sampling lesions in the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs, including the adrenal glands. We describe the case of a 50-year-old male presenting with abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss over the course of one year. CT imaging revealed an 8.1 cm heterogeneous left adrenal mass with PET-confirmed metastases to the liver and lung. Pheochromocytoma was ruled out. Adrenal cortical carcinoma was the other critical differential diagnosis. As the patient was not a candidate for surgery, an EUS-FNA and CB were performed on this left adrenal mass revealing a spindle cell neoplasm with extensive necrosis confirming the diagnosis of primary leiomyosarcoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy with palliative radiation. This case demonstrates the utility of EUS-FNA or CB as modalities that can aid in the diagnosis of adrenal lesions in specific circumstances.
Malignant Transformation of Testicular Teratoma to PNET, Adenocarcinoma, and Osteosarcoma with Complete Remission after Surgery and Combination Chemotherapy in a Young Adult Male
Authors: Shaw Angela , Morrell Miriam , Weissferdt Annikka , Hayes-Jordan Andrea , Harrison Douglas
Published: October 2018

Mixed germ cell tumors (GCT) with teratoma components can transform into somatic malignancies which can include histologies outside of traditional germ cell lineages. We describe a case of an 18-year-old man with a metastatic testicular GCT with both mature and immature teratoma components containing malignant transformation into multiple histologies including PNET in the primary testicular tumor and osteosarcoma in a separate pulmonary metastatic lesion. Management with targeted chemotherapy resulted in a durable remission. This is the first reported case that we know of a patient with primary PNET malignant transformation with subsequent metastatic transformation to osteosarcoma.
Onco-Multi-OMICS Approach: A New Frontier in Cancer Research
Authors: Chakraborty Sajib , Hosen Md. Ismail , Ahmed Musaddeque , Shekhar Hossain Uddin
Published: October 2018

The acquisition of cancer hallmarks requires molecular alterations at multiple levels including genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. In the past decade, numerous attempts have been made to untangle the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis involving single OMICS approaches such as scanning the genome for cancer-specific mutations and identifying altered epigenetic-landscapes within cancer cells or by exploring the differential expression of mRNA and protein through transcriptomics and proteomics techniques, respectively. While these single-level OMICS approaches have contributed towards the identification of cancer-specific mutations, epigenetic alterations, and molecular subtyping of tumors based on gene/protein-expression, they lack the resolving-power to establish the casual relationship between molecular signatures and the phenotypic manifestation of cancer hallmarks. In contrast, the multi-OMICS approaches involving the interrogation of the cancer cells/tissues in multiple dimensions have the potential to uncover the intricate molecular mechanism underlying different phenotypic manifestations of cancer hallmarks such as metastasis and angiogenesis. Moreover, multi-OMICS approaches can be used to dissect the cellular response to chemo- or immunotherapy as well as discover molecular candidates with diagnostic/prognostic value. In this review, we focused on the applications of different multi-OMICS approaches in the field of cancer research and discussed how these approaches are shaping the field of personalized oncomedicine. We have highlighted pioneering studies from “The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)” consortium encompassing integrated OMICS analysis of over 11,000 tumors from 33 most prevalent forms of cancer. Accumulation of huge cancer-specific multi-OMICS data in repositories like TCGA provides a unique opportunity for the systems biology approach to tackle the complexity of cancer cells through the unification of experimental data and computational/mathematical models. In future, systems biology based approach is likely to predict the phenotypic changes of cancer cells upon chemo-/immunotherapy treatment. This review is sought to encourage investigators to bring these different approaches together for interrogating cancer at molecular, cellular, and systems levels.
Somatic Mutations and Immune Alternation in Rectal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Ji Dengbo , Yi Haizhao , Zhang Dakui , Zhan Tiancheng , Li Zhaowei , Li Ming , Jia Jinying , Qiao Meng , Xia Jinhong , Zhai Zhiwei , Song Can , Gu Jin
Published: October 2018

Checkpoint blockade therapy triggers tumor-specific immune responses in a variety of cancer types. We presumed that rectal cancer patients could have become sensitive to immunotherapy after receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). In this study, we report immune alternation in post-nCRT patients compared with pretreatment conditions from gene-expression omnibus (GEO) data. Whole-exome sequencing of 14 locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patient samples showed that nCRT induced new mutations compared with the paired pretreatment biopsies, evidenced by appearance of a neoantigen landscape. An association was identified between mutation burden and enrichment of immune activation–related pathways. Animal experiment results further demonstrated that radiotherapy enhanced the efficacy of anti–PD-1. Mutation burden and the neoantigens of LARC patients were associated with response to nCRT. The mRNA expression profiling of 66 pretreatment biopsy samples from LARC patients showed that immune activation–related pathways were enriched in response to nCRT. PD-L1 expression was negatively correlated with disease-free survival in the CD8-low expression patient group who received nCRT in a cohort of 296 samples. Thus, nCRT was able to alter immune function in LARC patients, which may be associated with the appearance of neoantigens. Neoantigens could make rectal cancer patients potential candidates to receive checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, and mutation burden could be a useful biomarker to stratify patients into responding and nonresponding groups for immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(11); 1401–16. ©2018 AACR.
Neuroendocrine Breast Carcinomas Share Prognostic Factors with Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: A Putative Prognostic Role of Menin, p27, and SSTR-2A
Authors: Roininen Nelli , Takala Sari , Haapasaari Kirsi-Maria , Jukkola-Vuorinen Arja , Mattson Johanna , Heikkilä Päivi , Karihtala Peeter
Published: October 2018

Objectives: Due to the rarity of breast carcinomas with neuroendocrine features (NEBC), the knowledge on their biology is very limited but the identification of their biology and prognostic factors is essential to evaluate both pathogenesis and possible targeted treatment options. We assessed the expression of the well-characterized prognostic factors of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) in NEBC. Methods: We assessed the immunohistochemical expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), thymidylate synthase (TS), p27, CD56, menin, and somatostatin receptor type 2A (SSTR-2A) in a series of 36 NEBC and 45 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC). Results: Nuclear and cytoplasmic TS, nuclear and cytoplasmic NSE, and nuclear p27 had significant overexpression in NEBC compared with IDC (for all, p < 0.01). In NEBC, cytoplasmic SSTR-2A expression was associated with excellent distant disease-free survival (p = 0.013), cytoplasmic menin expression with poorer relapse-free survival (p = 0.022), and nuclear p27 with longer breast cancer-specific survival (p = 0.022). Conclusions: There is a striking similarity in GEP-NET and NEBC regarding prognostic factors. GEP-NET and NEBC also appear to show similar expression patterns of the studied markers, while there are notable differences compared to IDC. Due to the wide expression of SSTR-2A, the treatment option with somatostatin analogs in NEBC should be evaluated.
Gender, Age, and Concomitant Diseases of Colorectal Diverticulum in China: A Study of 7,964 Cases
Authors: Wang Shu-Fang , Li Cong-Yong , Dai Zhong-Ming , Wang Zi-Kai , Peng Li-Hua , Zhang Xiu-Li , Li Jian-Feng , Yang Yun-Sheng , Hu Bing , Ning Shou-Bin , Zhang Bing-Yong , Han Jun-Ling , Song Ying , Sun Gang , Nie Zhan-Guo
Published: October 2018

Aim: To analyze the epidemiological features of colorectal diverticulum (CRD) in China. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed CRD patients in 8 tertiary hospitals located in 5 regions of China from 2000 to 2016. The detection rates, number and distribution, demographic information, concomitant disorders, and their associations were investigated. Results: Of 3,446,118 cases, 7,964 (2.3%) were CRD with a mean age of 56 years (11–92 years). The detection rate increased yearly and with increasing age. Males had a higher detection rate than females (3.0 vs. 1.47%, p < 0.01) and 1.8-times higher increase rate. The detection rate increased with age; however, females of > 60 years had a 2.8-times increasing rate than males. CRD occurred most frequently in the right-side colon, followed by rectum. Multiple diverticula were common in males and increased with age, with a 3-times higher increase rate than single lesion. Single-segment CRD occurred more frequently in males than in females (80.1 vs. 76.4%, p < 0.01). Concurred colon polyps were seen in 51.05% cases. Conclusion: CRD detection rates increased annually and with age, particularly in senior females in China. Multiple diverticula were common in males and increased with age. CRD was predominant in the right-side colon. Polyps are the most common comorbidity associated with CRD.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography-Obtained Bile Culture Can Guide Antibiotic Therapy in Acute Cholangitis
Authors: Chandra Subhash , Klair Jagpal Singh , Soota Kaartik , Livorsi Daniel J. , Johlin Frederick C.
Published: October 2018

Background: Only a small proportion of patients with biliary tree infection grow microorganisms in blood cultures. Antibiotics chosen or tailored based on organisms identified on blood cultures have a potential for under-treatment and unfavorable outcomes, including recurrent infection and early stent occlusion. In our current practice, we collect bile for culture if an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP) is performed in patients with suspected cholangitis. In this study, we compare the microbial yield of blood cultures and ERCP-obtained bile cultures in patients with ascending cholangitis. Methods: We reviewed medical records of all the patients treated for ascending cholangitis who had blood cultures and ERCP-obtained bile cultures at a tertiary care center between 2010 and 2016. Bile was collected for culture before injecting contrast, via a catheter after discarding the initial 3 mL. Results: Ninety-three patients were included with mean age of 71 (±15) years. Out of 93 patients, 11 (12%) had prior sphincterotomy, 29 (31%) had an indwelling biliary stent, and malignant obstruction was the most common etiology (34%). ERCP-obtained bile cultures were positive in 90 out of 93 (97%) patients with monomicrobial growth in 34 out of 93 (39%) patients. Mixed intestinal flora was noted in 3 patients. Blood cultures were positive in only 30 out of 93 patients (32%) and 24 out of 93 (26%) patients had monomicrobial growth. Totally 26 out of 30 patients (87%) grew the same organism as the bile culture, 3 grew an organism different from bile cultures, and one had no growth in the bile culture. On multivariable analysis, the presence of an indwelling biliary stent was the lone factor associated with polymicrobial growth, 83 vs. 52%, p = 0.007. Conclusion: ERCP-obtained bile cultures are a reliable and feasible mechanism to evaluate patients with suspected biliary tree infection. This technique has a significantly higher yield when compared to blood culture. Selection and tailoring of antibiotics based on bile culture in the management of ascending cholangitis are advised.
H19 Functions as a Competing Endogenous RNA to Regulate EMT by Sponging miR-130a-3p in Glioma
Authors: Hu Qi , Yin Jianxing , Zeng Ailiang , Jin Xin , Zhang Zhuoran , Yan Wei , You Yongping
Published: October 2018

Background/Aims: Glioma is one of the most devasting tumors and confers dismal prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in various tumors including glioma. A classic lncRNA-H19, which is found to be highly expressed in human glioma tissues and cell lines, and is associated with tumor progression thus predicating clinical outcomes in glioma patients. However, the overall biological functions and their mechanism of H19 in glioma are not fully understood. Methods: Firstly, we analyzed H19 alterations in different grades of glioma tissues through an analysis of 5 sequencing datasets and qRT-PCR was performed to confirm the results. Next, we evaluated the effect of H19 on glioma cells migration, invasion and EMT process. Luciferase assays and RIP assays were employed to figure out the correlation of H19 and SOX4. Results: H19 was overexpressed in glioma tissues. Down-regulation of H19 led to the inhibition of migration, invasion and EMT process with a reduction in N-cadherin and Vimentin. H19 and SOX4 are both direct target of miR-130a-3p. H19 could compete with SOX4 via sponging miR-130a-3p. Conclusion: Taken together, these results provide a possible function of H19 as an oncogene in glioma tissues and provide a potential new therapeutic strategy for human glioma.