bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Scapular Dyskinesis Test and Lateral Scapular Slide Test in Scapular Assessment
Authors: Yüksel Ertuğrul , Yeşilyaprak Sevgi Sevi
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Alterations of the normal position or any abnormal motion of the scapula during active motions of shoulder is termed Scapular Dyskinesis (SD). SD is quite common in overhead athletes with or without shoulder pain. In addition to overhead athletes, SD has also been identified in healthy, asymptomatic individuals. Although there are several proposed methods to identify SD, there are two common methods used in clinical practice; as Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST) and Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT). SDT was developed as a dynamic functional test after the development of LSST which is a static measurement. SDT has also relatively higher reliability than LSST. In the 2013 consensus statement from ‘scapular summit’, SDT was recommended as a simple and reliable method for scapular assessment because of being a dynamic functional assessment method. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation of these two observational tests in asymptomatic population

Methods:

Eighty-three healthy participants (mean age 21.74±2.3 years, 166 arms, 32 Female-51 Male) were recruited. Participants were eligible if they were ≥18 years of age, having active full shoulder motion, and who have no health problem to hinder them from participate. Individuals with symptoms produced by cervical spine motion, impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, shoulder instability and a history of shoulder fracture/surgery were excluded. All participants performed SDT and LSST in a random order. Pearson's chi-squared test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

SDT detected SD in 44 participants (53%), LSST detected SD in 30 participants (36%). 20 participants (24%) determined as having SD in both tests. There was a moderate significant correlation between SDT and LSST (p=0.000, Pearson Chi-Square value=32.856, Phi=0.445).

Conclusion:

SDT and LSST have moderate correlation in identifying SD. In recent years, it is suggested that scapula shouldn’t be assessed in static positions/postures. Although both SDT and LSST show the presence of SD, they don’t evaluate SD in the same way because of the fact that LSST is a static assessment method whereas SDT is a dynamic method. Furthermore, SDT has higher reliability rather than other static assessment methods. Moderate correlation between these two tests may not always provide compatible outcome. For these reasons, we don’t recommend the use of LSST solely or instead of SDT in examination of SD. LSST’s complementary role in determination of SD with other assessment methods is arguable due to reliability issues. Optimal observational assessment algorithm in determination of SD should be investigated in future studies.
Functional Strength Ratio in Athletes with and Without Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit (GIRD)
Authors: Güney Hande , Harput Gülcan , Çolakoğlu Filiz , Baltacı Gül
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Eccentric external rotator (ER) and concentric internal rotator (IR) strength is expressed as a functional strength ratio (ER:IR) for shoulder. The difference in functional strength ratio has been well documented in athletes, but no one compared the functional ratio in athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GIRD on functional ER:IR strength ratio of the adolescent athletes.

Methods:

Fifty-three adolescent athletes (12-18 years) from basketball and volleyball teams participated in the study. All the athletes were filled a questionnaire to obtain demographic information and information about their sporting activity. To determine the GIRD, the range of glenohumeral internal rotation motion was measured with the use of a digital inclinometer. An isokinetic dynamometer was used for the assessment of eccentric and concentric muscle strength of the dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Student-t test was used to assess the difference on ER:IR strength ratio between groups.

Results:

After the clinical examination of all shoulders the athletes were divided into 2 different groups, which were shoulders with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (Group 1, n=34) and shoulders without GIRD (Group 2, n=22). There was a significant difference among groups on functional ER: IR strength ratio (t=-2.172, p=0.034). The ratio was lower in shoulders with GIRD.

Conclusion:

GIRD has an adverse effect on functional shoulder ratio, which is one of the causes of shoulder injuries in adolescent athletes. Therefore, GIRD should be treated to prevent future injuries.
Retrospective Evaluation of the Results of Arthroscopy Assisted Reduction and Osteosynthesis of Tibial Plateau Fractures and the Role of the Arthroscopy at Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Ozturk Hasan , Tuzlu Mahmut , Savran Ahmet , Kose Bayram
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Aim of this study is to compare the medium and long term functional and radiological results of 31 patients with tibial plateau fractures, treated by same surgeon with arthroscopy assisted reduction and osteosynthesis between 2006 and 2013.

Methods:

This study is designed as evaluation of retrospective case series. 52 patients who has administered Tepecik Education and Research Hospital or Private Izmir Hospital between 2006 and 2013 with tibial plateau fracture and treated by same surgeon with arthroscopic assisted reduction and osteosynthesis is evaluated. Patients with insufficient data and cannot continue follow-up are excluded. 31 patient is included to study meeting our criteria. Injury mechanism, physical examination findings, operation records, concomitant intra articular pathologies, need for allograft or autograft and radiological investigations are retrospectively obtained from hospital medical record system. Preoperative evaluation depends on Schatzker Classification. Patients with floating knee, ipsilateral tibia diaphysis fracture, distal femoral intraarticular fracture, compartment syndrome or neurovascular injury is excluded from study. We didn’t take Schatzker Class is not an exclusion criteria. Results are investigated with Rasmussen radiological and clinical scores statistically.

Results:

31 patients (23 male, 7 female) with mean age of 46,3 (min. 18- max. 67) is included our study with the mean follow-up of 45 months. Simultaneous meniscus lesion is detected in 15 patients and repair or partial meniscectomy is performed depending on the lesion. 10 patients need for allograft or autografting for joint surface restoration. Medial and/or lateral plate osteosynthesis is performed depending on fracture configuration. Final average Rasmussen functional score is calculated 25,7 and final average Rasmussen radiological score as 16,5. Secondary arthroscopic debridement is needed in 3 patients with arthrofibrosis.

Conclusion:

First arthroscopy assisted intra-articular fracture treatment is done in 1993 at knee joint and technique is improved with years. With the published satisfactory results of arthroscopy assisted series, current treatment of choice in tibial plateau fractures became arthroscopy assisted osteosynthesis, same as our routine application in our clinics. Advantages of arthroscopy is opportunity of treatment of concomitant intra articular pathologies, differentiation of these lesions as acute or degenerative and chronic more objective than any other imaging modality, detection of chondral injury more accurate and control of anatomical reduction of fracture lines. Downside of our study is lack of control group. Our conclusion is arthroscopy assistance in tibial plateau fractures improves results without increase in compartment syndrome or other complication rate when compared to literature.
Design of a Single Mechanical Joint for Multitype Angular Position Sensors Used in Gait Analysis
Authors: Irmak Rafet , Bicer Gökan , Irmak Ahsen
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

Gait and motion analysis are important tools in assessment of athletic performance and clinical evaluation. Wearable sensor based solutions have advantages over video based systems by their prices and ease. Resistive, magnetic or optic Encoders, flexible resistors and accelerometers are common sensor types unsed in gait analysis systems used in rehabilitation. All these sensors have similar mounting and electronic instrumentation approach but all have separate mechanical joint design. The purpose of this study is to develop a single mechanical joint for multitype angular position sensors used in gait analysis.

Methods:

Single turn analog encoder, flexible resistor and 3 axis accelerometer was used as angular position sensor. Constant voltage source (7805) was used for instrumentation of analog encoder and 3 axis accelerometer driver circuit. A voltage divider was used for flexible resistor driver circuit. Mechanical design was made to obtain small and light mechanical joint where all sensors can be mounted.

Results:

Flexible sensor and encoder was mounded on the center of mechanical joint. Encoder is mounted outside and flexible sensor was mounted in side of the mechanical joint center. Accelerometer was mounted on lower (movable) arm of mechanical joint. Encoder has direct connection with upper and lower arms of mechanical joint. Root of flexible sensor is mounted on one side o the mechanical joint and driven by a mechanical dial on the other arm. Range of motion for analog encoder is 0-360 degree in a single plane, flexible is 0-180 degree for single plane and accelerometer is 0-360 degree for tree planes.

Conclusion:

Most difficult part of the design was to obtain highest range for flexible resistor. This sensor have 3 inclenght and changes its restinte related to its bending angle. It’s possible to obtain measurement by directly paste it on skin and it’s also easy to have measurement on mechanical joints in narrow angles. For a conventional mechanical joint the range can not be lower then 180 degrees. The length of resistor limits the range. This design problem was solved by adding a secondary mechanical shaft to joint center, winding the sensor over it a mechanical dial. This design can be used in training and research purpose where double check is needed. Future studies may focus on adding contless sensors and integrated circuit type angular sensors to mechanical joint.
Role of B-color and Resolution Sonography Presets for the Diagnosis of Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: DeCosta Lindsay , Guthrie Joy D.
Published: December 2014

Sonography is an accurate and commonly used method of determining the presence, location, and acuity of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A retrospective data analysis of 284 venous examinations was performed to determine if imaging presets increase the ability to detect an acute DVT. There were no significant differences between the outcomes of three modalities of sonographic imaging. If a patient had a prior DVT, the likelihood of observing another DVT using only two-dimensional imaging, resolution presets, or the B-color option was approximately nine times greater than for a patient who did not have a prior DVT. Sex, age, body mass index, ethnicity, and comorbidities of diabetes and/or hypertension were not significant predictors of observing a DVT. Using a resolution-enhancing preset that increases the overall frequency range to reduce artifacts and improve border definition and/or using the B-color preset to tint the overall image did not improve the likelihood of detecting an acute DVT during a lower extremity venous duplex sonogram.
Uterine Artery Doppler of the Gravid Uterus as a Predictor Identifying At-Risk Pregnancies
Authors: Mulrooney Jane Sullivan
Published: December 2014

Uterine artery Doppler has been a useful aid in the sonographic evaluation of uteroplacental hemodynamics of the gravid uterus. Pulsatility index, resistive index, and systolic/diastolic ratio can be calculated and interpreted in the evaluation of blood flow. The waveform itself can be evaluated for diastolic notching and used to interpret the qualitative appearance of the blood flow. In addition to the hemodynamic characteristics, practitioners have incorporated maternal serum tests to attempt to isolate at-risk candidates. This article summarizes the effectiveness of each methodology, with a primary focus on an at-risk population, since studies of low-risk populations have not demonstrated significant sensitivity for prediction of complications such as pre-eclampsia, placental abruptia, or fetal demise.
How I treat incidental pulmonary embolism
Authors: O’Connell Casey
Published: December 2014

The identification of pulmonary embolism (PE) on computed tomography scans performed for indications other than identification of thromboembolism is a growing clinical problem that has not been adequately addressed by prospective treatment trials. The prevalence of incidentally detected PE ranges from 1% to 4% in unselected populations, with higher rates among hospital inpatients and patients with cancer. Current guidelines recommend using the same approach to type and duration of anticoagulation as is used for patients with suspected PE. Available data regarding the significance of symptomatic subsegmental PE (SSPE) are conflicting, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the appropriate treatment of incidentally detected SSPE, for which the data are sparse. Among cancer patients, the bulk of available data suggest that incidental SSPE is associated with recurrent venous thromboembolism and, when symptomatic, may adversely impact survival. Here, the topic is reviewed utilizing 3 clinical cases, each of which is followed by a discussion of salient features and then by treatment recommendations.
Design, synthesis, docking study and cytotoxic activity evaluation of some novel letrozole analogs
Authors: Vosooghi Mohsen , Firoozpour Loghman , Rodaki Abolfazl , Pordeli Mahboobeh , Safavi Maliheh , Ardestani Sussan K , Dadgar Armin , Asadipour Ali , Moshafi Mohammad Hassan , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: December 2014

Background

Breast cancer is the most common type of female cancer. One class of hormonal therapy for breast cancer drugs -non steroidal aromatase inhibitors- are triazole analogues. In this work, some derivatives of these drugs was designed and synthesized. All synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities on breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, T47D and MCF-7).

Methods

Our synthetic route for designed compounds started from 4-bromotolunitrile which was reacted with 1H-1,2,4-triazole to afford 4-(4-cyanobenzyl)-1,2,4-triazole. The reaction of later compound with aromatic aldehydes led to formation of the designed compounds. Eleven novel derivatives 1a-k were tested for their cytotoxic activities on three human breast cancer cell lines.

Results

Among the synthesized compound, 4-[2-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethenyl]benzonitrile (1c) showed the highest activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and 4-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethenyl]benzonitrile (1 h) exhibited highest activity against T47D cell line. According to cytotoxic activities results, compound 4-[2-(4-dimethylamino)-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethenyl]benzonitrile (1 k) showed comparative activity against T47D and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with compound (1 h) and our reference drug Etoposide.

Conclusion

In the process of anti-cancer drug discovery, to find new potential anti-breast cancer agents, we designed and synthesized a novel series of letrozole analogs. Cytotoxicity evaluation revealed that compounds (1c) and (1 k) were the most potent compounds with comparative activity with Etoposide. The results revealed that π-π interactions are responsible for the enzyme inhibitions of compounds (1 c) and (1 k).
Effectiveness of biostimulation through nutrient content on the bioremediation of phenanthrene contaminated soil
Authors: Kalantary Roshanak Rezaei , Mohseni-Bandpi Anoushiravan , Esrafili Ali , Nasseri Simin , Ashmagh Fatemeh Rashid , Jorfi Sahand , Ja’fari Mahsa
Published: December 2014

Bioremediation has shown its applicability for removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil and sediments. In the present study, the effect of biostimulation on phenanthrene removal from contaminated soil via adding macro and/or micronutrients and trace elements was investigated. For these purposes three macro nutrients (as N, P and K), eight micronutrients (as Mg, S, Fe, Cl, Zn, Mn, Cu and Na) and four trace elements (as B, Mo, Co and Ni) in 11 mineral salts (MS) as variables were used. Placket-Burman statistical design was used to evaluate significance of variables (MS) in two levels of high and low. A consortium of adapted microorganisms with PAHs was used for inoculation to the soil slurry which was spiked with phenanthrene in concentration of 500 mg/kg soil. The optimal reduction resulted when a high level of macro nutrient in the range of 67-87% and low level of micro nutrient in the range of 12-32% were used with the nitrogen as the dominant macronutrient. The Pareto chart showed that NH4NO3 was the most effective variable in this experiment. The effect of elements on phenanthrene biodegradation showed following sequence as N > K > P > Cl > Na > Mg. Effectiveness of the other elements in all runs was less than 1%. The type and concentration of nutrient can play an important role in biodegradation of phenanthrene. Biostimulation with suitable combination of nutrient can enhance bioremediation of PAHs contaminated soils.
Receipt of Chemotherapy Among Medicare Patients With Cancer by Type of Supplemental Insurance
Authors: Warren Joan L. , Butler Eboneé N. , Stevens Jennifer , Lathan Christopher S. , Noone Anne-Michelle , Ward Kevin C. , Harlan Linda C.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

Medicare beneficiaries with cancer bear a greater portion of their health care costs, because cancer treatment costs have increased. Beneficiaries have supplemental insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs; those without supplemental insurance may face barriers to care. This study examines the association between type of supplemental insurance coverage and receipt of chemotherapy among Medicare patients with cancer who, per National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines, should generally receive chemotherapy.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective, observational study included 1,200 Medicare patients diagnosed with incident cancer of the breast (stage IIB to III), colon (stage III), rectum (stage II to III), lung (stage II to IV), or ovary (stage II to IV) from 2000 to 2005. Using the National Cancer Institute Patterns of Care Studies and linked SEER-Medicare data, we determined each Medicare patient's supplemental insurance status (private insurance, dual eligible [ie, Medicare with Medicaid], or no supplemental insurance), consultation with an oncologist, and receipt of chemotherapy. Using adjusted logistic regression, we evaluated the association of type of supplemental insurance with oncologist consultation and receipt of chemotherapy.

Results

Dual-eligible patients were significantly less likely to receive chemotherapy than were Medicare patients with private insurance. Patients with Medicare only who saw an oncologist had comparable rates of chemotherapy compared with Medicare patients with private insurance.

Conclusion

Dual-eligible Medicare beneficiaries received recommended cancer chemotherapy less frequently than other Medicare beneficiaries. With the increasing number of Medicaid patients under the Affordable Care Act, there will be a need for patient navigators and sufficient physician reimbursement so that low-income patients with cancer will have access to oncologists and needed treatment.
Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood for Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Unrelated Donor Transplantation
Authors: Eapen Mary , Logan Brent R. , Horowitz Mary M. , Zhong Xiaobo , Perales Miguel-Angel , Lee Stephanie J. , Rocha Vanderson , Soiffer Robert J. , Champlin Richard E.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

There have been no randomized trials that have compared peripheral blood (PB) with bone marrow (BM) grafts in the setting of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) transplantations for hematologic malignancy. Because immune modulation plays a significant role in sustaining clinical remission after RIC, we hypothesize that higher graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) associated with PB transplantation may offer a survival advantage.

Patients and Methods

The primary outcome evaluated was overall survival. Cox regression models were built to study outcomes after transplantation of PB (n = 887) relative to BM (n = 219) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the three most common indications for unrelated RIC transplantation. Transplantations were performed in the United States between 2000 and 2008. Conditioning regimens consisted of an alkylating agent and fludarabine, and GVHD prophylaxis involved a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) with either methotrexate (MTX) or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF).

Results

After adjusting for age, performance score, donor-recipient HLA-match, disease, and disease status at transplantation (factors associated with overall survival), there were no significant differences in 5-year rates of survival after transplantation of PB compared with BM: 34% versus 38% with CNI-MTX and 27% versus 20% with CNI-MMF GVHD prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Survival after transplantation of PB and BM are comparable in the setting of nonirradiation RIC regimens for hematologic malignancy. The effect of GVHD prophylaxis on survival merits further evaluation.
Emergency Department Attendance by Patients With Cancer in Their Last Month of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Henson Lesley A. , Gao Wei , Higginson Irene J. , Smith Melinda , Davies Joanna M. , Ellis-Smith Clare , Daveson Barbara A.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To explore factors associated with emergency department (ED) attendance by patients with cancer in their last month of life.

Methods

Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library) were searched through February 2014 for studies investigating ED attendance toward the end of life by adult patients (age 18 years or older) with cancer. No time or language limitations were applied. We performed meta-analysis of factors using a random-effects model, with results expressed as odds ratios (OR) for ED attendance. Sensitivity analyses explored heterogeneity.

Results

Thirty studies were identified, reporting three demographic, five clinical, and 13 environmental factors, combining data from five countries and 1,181,842 patients. An increased likelihood of ED attendance was found for men (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.29; I2, 58.2%), black race (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.40 to 1.50; I2, 0.0%; reference, white race), patients with lung cancer (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.23; I2, 59.5%; reference, other cancers), and those patients of the lowest socioeconomic status (SES; OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.19; I2, 0.0%; reference, highest SES). Patients receiving palliative care were less likely to attend the ED in their last month of life (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.51; I2, 59.4%).

Conclusion

We identified demographic (men; black race), clinical (lung cancer), and environmental (low SES; no palliative care) factors associated with an increased risk of ED attendance by patients with cancer in their last month of life. Our findings may be used to develop screening interventions and assist policy-makers to direct resources. Future studies should also investigate previously neglected areas of research, including psychosocial factors, and patients' and caregivers' emergency care preferences.
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Carboplatin in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive and Triple-Negative Primary Breast Cancers
Authors: Denkert Carsten , von Minckwitz Gunter , Brase Jan C. , Sinn Bruno V. , Gade Stephan , Kronenwett Ralf , Pfitzner Berit M. , Salat Christoph , Loi Sherene , Schmitt Wolfgang D. , Schem Christian , Fisch Karin , Darb-Esfahani Silvia , Mehta Keyur , Sotiriou Christos , Wienert Stephan , Klare Peter , André Fabrice , Klauschen Frederick , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Krappmann Kristin , Schmidt Marcus , Tesch Hans , Kümmel Sherko , Sinn Peter , Jackisch Christian , Dietel Manfred , Reimer Toralf , Untch Michael , Loibl Sibylle
Published: December 2014

Purpose

Modulation of immunologic interactions in cancer tissue is a promising therapeutic strategy. To investigate the immunogenicity of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –positive and triple-negative (TN) breast cancers (BCs), we evaluated tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and immunologically relevant genes in the neoadjuvant GeparSixto trial.

Patients and Methods

GeparSixto investigated the effect of adding carboplatin (Cb) to an anthracycline-plus-taxane combination (PM) on pathologic complete response (pCR). A total of 580 tumors were evaluated before random assignment for stromal TILs and lymphocyte-predominant BC (LPBC). mRNA expression of immune-activating (CXCL9, CCL5, CD8A, CD80, CXCL13, IGKC, CD21) as well as immunosuppressive factors (IDO1, PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, FOXP3) was measured in 481 tumors.

Results

Increased levels of stromal TILs predicted pCR in univariable (P < .001) and multivariable analyses (P < .001). pCR rate was 59.9% in LPBC and 33.8% for non-LPBC (P < .001). pCR rates ≥ 75% were observed in patients with LPBC tumors treated with PMCb, with a significant test for interaction with therapy in the complete (P = .002) and HER2-positive (P = .006), but not the TNBC, cohorts. Hierarchic clustering of mRNA markers revealed three immune subtypes with different pCR rates (P < .001). All 12 immune mRNA markers were predictive for increased pCR. The highest odds ratios (ORs) were observed for PD-L1 (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.86; P < .001) and CCL5 (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.62; P < .001).

Conclusion

Immunologic factors were highly significant predictors of therapy response in the GeparSixto trial, particularly in patients treated with Cb. After further standardization, they could be included in histopathologic assessment of BC.
No Increased Risk of Second Cancer After Radiotherapy in Patients Treated for Rectal or Endometrial Cancer in the Randomized TME, PORTEC-1, and PORTEC-2 Trials
Authors: Wiltink Lisette M. , Nout Remi A. , Fiocco Marta , Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg Elma , Jürgenliemk-Schulz Ina M. , Jobsen Jan J. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Rutten Harm J.T. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Creutzberg Carien L. , Marijnen Corrie A.M.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

This study investigated the long-term probability of developing a second cancer in a large pooled cohort of patients treated with surgery with or without radiotherapy (RT).

Patients and Methods

All second cancers diagnosed in patients included in the TME, PORTEC-1, and PORTEC-2 trials were analyzed. In the TME trial, patients with rectal cancer (n = 1,530) were randomly allocated to preoperative external-beam RT (EBRT; 25 Gy in five fractions) or no RT. In the PORTEC trials, patients with endometrial cancer were randomly assigned to postoperative EBRT (46 Gy in 2-Gy fractions) versus no RT (PORTEC-1; n = 714) or EBRT versus vaginal brachytherapy (VBT; PORTEC-2; n = 427).

Results

A total of 2,554 patients were analyzed (median follow-up, 13.0 years; range 1.8 to 21.2 years). No differences were found in second cancer probability between patients who were treated without RT (10- and 15-year rates, 15.8% and 26.5%, respectively) and those treated with EBRT (10- and 15-year rates, 15.4% and 25.6%, respectively) or VBT (10-year rate, 14.9%). In the individual trials, no significant differences were found between treatment arms. All cancer survivors had a higher risk of developing a second cancer compared with an age- and sex-matched general population. The standardized incidence ratio for any second cancer was 2.98 (95% CI, 2.82 to 3.14).

Conclusion

In this pooled trial cohort of > 2,500 patients with pelvic cancers, those who underwent EBRT or VBT had no higher probability of developing a second cancer than patients who were treated with surgery alone. However, patients with rectal or endometrial cancer had an increased probability of developing a second cancer compared with the general population.
PK11195 Effect on Steroidogenesis Is Not Mediated Through the Translocator Protein (TSPO)
Authors: Tu Lan N. , Zhao Amy H. , Stocco Douglas M. , Selvaraj Vimal
Published: December 2014

Translocator protein (TSPO) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein of unknown function with high physiological expression in steroidogenic cells. Using TSPO gene–deleted mice, we recently demonstrated that TSPO function is not essential for steroidogenesis. The first link between TSPO and steroidogenesis was established in studies showing modest increases in progesterone production by adrenocortical and Leydig tumor cell lines after treatment with PK11195. To reconcile discrepancies between physiological and pharmacological interpretations of TSPO function, we generated TSPO-knockout MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells (MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ) and examined their steroidogenic potential after exposure to either dibutyryl-cAMP or PK11195. Progesterone production in MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ after dibutyryl-cAMP was not different from control MA-10:Tspo+/+ cells, confirming that TSPO function is not essential for steroidogenesis. Interestingly, when treated with increasing concentrations of PK11195, both control MA-10:Tspo+/+ cells and MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ cells responded in a similar dose-dependent manner showing increases in progesterone production. These results show that the pharmacological effect of PK11195 on steroidogenesis is not mediated through TSPO.
Acyl Ghrelin Acts in the Brain to Control Liver Function and Peripheral Glucose Homeostasis in Male Mice
Authors: Stark Romana , Reichenbach Alex , Lockie Sarah H. , Pracht Corinna , Wu Qunli , Tups Alexander , Andrews Zane B.
Published: December 2014

Recent evidence suggests that peripheral ghrelin regulates glucose metabolism. Here, we designed experiments to examine how central acyl ghrelin infusion affects peripheral glucose metabolism under pair-fed or ad libitum feeding conditions. Mice received intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), ghrelin, and allowed to eat ad libitum (icv ghrelin ad lib) or ghrelin and pair-fed to the aCSF group (icv ghrelin pf). Minipumps delivered acyl ghrelin at a dose of 0.25 μg/h at 0.5 μL/h for 7 days. There was no difference in daily blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, or nonesterified fatty acids. Body weight gain and food intake was significantly higher in icv ghrelin ad lib mice. However, both icv ghrelin ad lib and icv ghrelin pf groups exhibited heavier white adipose mass. Icv ghrelin pf mice exhibited better glucose tolerance than aCSF or icv ghrelin ad lib mice during a glucose tolerance test, although both icv ghrelin ad lib and icv ghrelin pf increased insulin release during the glucose tolerance test. Central acyl ghrelin infusion and pair feeding also increased breakdown of liver glycogen and triglyceride, and regulated genes involved in hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. Icv ghrelin pf mice had an increase in plasma blood glucose during a pyruvate tolerance test relative to icv ghrelin ad lib or aCSF mice. Our results suggest that under conditions of negative energy (icv ghrelin pf), central acyl ghrelin engages a neural circuit that influences hepatic glucose function. Metabolic status affects the ability of central acyl ghrelin to regulate peripheral glucose homeostasis.
The Cultural Politics of Queuing Tape
Authors: Sharr Adam
Published: December 2014

Queuing systems—the fields of posts and tapes in railway stations, shops, theme parks, and museums where people line up to queue—are an increasingly dominant spatial phenomenon, familiar across the globe. However, little attention has been paid to the ways in which these queuing systems manipulate, control, and reprogram everyday spaces. The queue, formerly a symbol of democratic consent, has instead become managed: contained and controlled by tape within which people are assumed to behave as predictable pinballs. Moreover, queuing time has come to be seen as productive marketing time, an opportunity for queuers to be monetized. The intellectual origins of these queuing systems in cybernetics theory are considered here, and the economics of queue-jumping are addressed. A case study examines Stansted Airport in London, designed by the well-known architectural firm Foster Associates and completed in 1991. It was famous at the time it was built for its transparent ethos and its clear, easy access from landside to airside. Stansted’s architecture has subsequently been transformed by the logic of queuing tape, not just at check-in and security, but throughout the building. Foster’s Stansted is now dominated by monetized queuing, as travelers move from one queue to the next and each queue is fine-tuned to the logic of shopping and marketing. Stansted has become the definitive example of a new architecture of productive queuing. On the basis of this investigation, the spatial logic and cultural politics of queuing tape are analyzed and discussed.
Binary Equilibrium Adsorption Data and Comparison of Zeolites with Activated Carbon for Selective Adsorption of CO2 from CH4
Authors: Tamnanloo Javad , Fatemi Shohreh , Golmakani Ayub
Published: December 2014

A commercial-type activated carbon (AC) and three zeolitic materials, namely, zeolite socony mobil-5 (ZSM-5), Silicalite-1 and SAPO-34, were comparatively studied for single and binary equilibrium adsorptions of CO2 and CH4. The adsorption isotherm data were obtained experimentally by volumetric method at room temperature (30 °C) in the pressure range of 0–10 bar. The isotherms were used to determine the selectivity of the absorbents for CO2/CH4. The single isotherm data showed AC had the highest adsorption capacity for both CO2 and CH4; however, the CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity of AC was less than that of the zeolitic materials. These results suggest that AC is a suitable material for adsorption of both CO2 and CH4 from flue gas, whereas it would not be suitable for selective separation of CO2 from CH4. The zeolitic materials, namely, ZSM-5, Silicalite-1 and SAPO-34, had good adsorption capacity for CO2 against CH4. The molecular sieving property of SAPO-34 showed higher CO2 selectivity than that of ZSM-5 and Silicalite-1. Further investigations were conducted on SAPO-34 for binary mixtures of CO2–CH4 with different compositions at various total pressures. The results showed that strong adsorption of CO2 caused significant decrease in CH4 adsorption, and therefore, the real selectivity of CO2/CH4 was improved more than the ideal selectivity. Real selectivity of CO2/CH4 at 2.5 bar pressure for an equimolar mixture was 20% more than the ideal selectivity and by increasing total pressure up to 4.5 bar its value improved up to 70% more than the ideal selectivity.
Removal of Heavy-Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using Activated Carbons: Effect of Adsorbent Surface Modification with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Burakov A. , Romantsova I. , Kucherova A. , Tkachev A.
Published: December 2014

This paper describes the effect of surface nanomodification of porous adsorbents. Two commercial activated carbons (ACs), AG-5 and NWC coconut shell based, were used as adsorbents. The adsorbents were modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by chemical vapour deposition. The CNTs were synthesized in the presence of a metal-oxide catalyst prepared using a citrate solgel method. The concentration of metal ions was evaluated by a spectrophotometric method. Experimental results show that the nanomodification of ACs increased their equilibrium adsorption of heavy metals (Ni2+ and Co2+) by 10–30%. Besides, the adsorption behaviour of these metal ions on the standard and nanomodified ACs was determined based on adsorption isotherms. A theoretical description of the adsorption mechanism is presented, and equilibrium constants were calculated. Experimental data on the adsorption of the heavy-metal ions on the nanomodified carbons were successfully fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich models.
Case Report: Gollop-Wolfgang Complex in a 5 month old baby
Authors: Qureshi Ihtesham A. , Gudepu Rohit Kumar , Chava Ravikanth , Emmani Sravya , Asghar Syed Husain , Qureshi Mohtashim A. , Arlappa Nimmathota
Published: December 2014

Skeletal dysplasias are disorders associated with a generalized abnormality in the skeleton. The Gollop-Wolfgang complex (GWC) is a limb deficiency disorder and an unusual limb malformation with highly variable manifestations. Here we report the interesting case of a 5-month old male baby from India with Gollop-Wolfgang Complex showing bifurcation of the right femur, ectrodactyly of both feet, ectrodactyly of left hand, syndactyly of right hand and unusual presentation of bilateral fibular agenesis and caudal (Sacrococcygeal) agenesis. The etiology of GWC in this 5 month old male baby could possibly be attributed to spontaneous gene mutation due to consanguineous marriage of his parents. The clinical, radiographic findings and the unusual presentation are presented in detail.
Case Report: Large nested variant urothelial carcinoma –invasive malignancy masquerading as low grade disease
Authors: Keller Andrew , Lim Ai Jye , Ali Ahmad
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The large nested variant of urothelial carcinoma (LNVUC) is a newly described and rare subtype of urothelial carcinoma. It is characterised by bland cytological features and a large nested architecture similar in appearance to low grade urothelial carcinoma with an inverted growth pattern. To date only 23 cases in a single series have been described.

Case Report

We describe the case of a 59 year old male with LNVUC whose tumour was initially misdiagnosed as a non-invasive low grade urothelial carcinoma. At a subsequent re-resection, his tumour was correctly re-classified as LNVUC with extensive invasion of the muscularis propria. Radical cystectomy and formation of an ileal conduit was performed. His operative specimen revealed invasion of prostatic stroma and perivesical fat, with all surgical margins clear. He is currently free from clinical recurrence 12 months after his cystectomy.

Conclusion

LNVUC is a newly described and rare urothelial carcinoma subtype. It characteristically possesses bland cytological features and may mimic low grade urothelial cancer. Despite its bland appearance it behaves aggressively with invasion, metastasis and death being common.
Hexagynephilippiana gen. et sp. nov., a piperalean angiosperm from the Early Cretaceous of northern Gondwana (Crato Formation, Brazil)
Authors: Coiffard Clément , Mohr Barbara A.R. , Bernardes-de-Oliveira Mary E.C.
Published: December 2014

Hexagyne philippiana gen. et sp. nov. represents the first macrofossil piperalean taxon from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian). The fossil material from northern Gondwana consists of a twig with well‐preserved leaves and a characteristic venation pattern plus a twig with attached leaves and several flowers combined in a raceme. The new taxon shares many characters, such as leaf shape and venation pattern, as well as flower morphology, including a clearly developed perianth and six fused carpels, with extant Aristolochiaceae (sensu lato) and/or related clades. Representatives of Aristolochiaceae grow today in Laurasia. The Early Cretaceous finds in South America (Brazil) may indicate a Gondwanan origin of this group. Based on its morphology, Hexagyne gen. nov. might have had an ecology of an understory plant in a shaded environment.
A General Attraction Model and Sales-Based Linear Program for Network Revenue Management Under Customer Choice
Authors: Gallego Guillermo , Ratliff Richard , Shebalov Sergey
Published: December 2014

This paper addresses two concerns with the state of the art in network revenue management with dependent demands. The first concern is that the basic attraction model (BAM), of which the multinomial logit (MNL) model is a special case, tends to overestimate demand recapture in practice. The second concern is that the choice-based deterministic linear program, currently in use to derive heuristics for the stochastic network revenue management problem, has an exponential number of variables. We introduce a generalized attraction model (GAM) that allows for partial demand dependencies ranging from the BAM to the independent demand model (IDM). We also provide an axiomatic justification for the GAM and a method to estimate its parameters. As a choice model, the GAM is of practical interest because of its flexibility to adjust product-specific recapture. Our second contribution is a new formulation called the sales-based linear program (SBLP) that works for the GAM. This formulation avoids the exponential number of variables in the earlier choice-based network RM (revenue management) approaches and is essentially the same size as the well-known LP formulation for the IDM. The SBLP should be of interest to revenue managers because it makes choice-based network RM problems tractable to solve. In addition, the SBLP formulation yields new insights into the assortment problem that arises when capacities are infinite. Together these contributions move forward the state of the art for network revenue management under customer choice and competition.
Biodeterioration of stored castor (Ricinus communis) seeds by Aspergillus tamarii
Authors: NEGEDU ANTHONY , JOSEPH AMEH B. , UMOH VERONICA J. , ATAWODI SUNDAY E. , RAI MAHENDRA
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Negedu A, Joseph Ab, Umoh VJ, Atawodi SE, Rai MK. 2014. Biodeterioration of stored castor (Ricinus communis) seeds by Aspergillus tamarii. Nusantara Bioscience 6: 126-131. Biodeterioration changes induced by Aspergillus tamarii in seeds of castor stored for a period of 180 days were investigated. Using Sabouroud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and direct plating methods, mycoflora associated with stored castor seeds were examined. The lipolytic ability of the isolates was determined based on free fatty acid production (quantitative). The effect of Aspergillus tamarii on moisture, total fat, crude protein, nitrogen-free extract, ash contents as well as free fatty acid and peroxide values were monitored bimonthly for six months during storage in the laboratory. In storage, Aspergillus tamarii caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) increases in free fatty acids, peroxide value, moisture content, crude protein, ash, and crude fiber contents and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the total fat and soluble sugar content (NFE) of the inoculated seeds compared to the uninoculated control. Aspergillus tamarii associated with stored castor seeds caused deteriorative changes in the seeds during storage period.
Effect of irrigation intervals on growth and chemical composition of some Curcuma spp. plants
Authors: MOHAMED MAKARIM A. , WAHBA HEND E. , IBRAHIM MOHMED E. , YOUSEF ABD-ELGHANI A.
Published: December 2014

Abstract. Mohamed MA, Wahba HE, Ibrahim ME, Yousef AA. 2014. Effect of irrigation intervals on growth and chemical composition of some Curcuma spp. plants. Nusantara Bioscience 6: 140-145. The Influence of irrigation intervals on the growth, yield of rhizomes and chemical composition of both Curcuma aromatica and Curcuma domestica plants was investigated. Three irrigation treatments were used in this experiment. The first treatment was irrigated every one week. The second and third treatments were irrigated every two and three weeks. The long irrigation intervals significantly reduced growth parameters and chemical composition. Growth parameters, i.e. plant height, number of leaves, width of the leaf, fresh and dry weight of rhizomes, as well as chemical composition, i.e. total carbohydrate, volatile oil and curcumin in dry rhizomes increased when the plants irrigated every week compared to irrigation treatments every two or three weeks. Also, C. aromatica gave the higher values of growth parameter and chemical composition compared to C. domestica under all irrigation treatments.
Osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase mRNA is stabilized by binding to vimentin intermediary filaments
Authors: Schmidt Yvonne , Biniossek Martin , Stark G. Björn , Finkenzeller Günter , Simunovic Filip
Published: December 2014

Vascularization is essential in bone tissue engineering and recent research has focused on interactions between osteoblasts (hOBs) and endothelial cells (ECs). It was shown that cocultivation increases the stability of osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mRNA. We investigated the mechanisms behind this observation, focusing on mRNA binding proteins. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we found that the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of ALP mRNA is necessary for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)-mediated stabilization of osteoblastic ALP mRNA. Using pulldown experiments and nanoflow-HPLC mass spectrometry, vimentin was identified to bind to the 3′-UTR of ALP mRNA. Validation was performed by Western blotting. Functional experiments inhibiting intermediate filaments with iminodipropionitrile and specific inhibition of vimentin by siRNA transfection showed reduced levels of ALP mRNA and protein. Therefore, ALP mRNA binds to and is stabilized by vimentin. This data add to the understanding of intracellular trafficking of ALP mRNA, its function, and have possible implications in tissue engineering applications.
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and the phytochemical study of Astragalus arbusculinus gum in animal models
Authors: Shojaii Asie , Motevalian Manijeh , Rahnama Nazanin
Published: December 2014

Background: The importance of inflammatory diseases and side effects of conventional drugs necessitate the finding of new anti-inflammatory agents from natural sources. In this study, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of Astragalus arbusculinus gum were evaluated in animal models.

Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups and pretreated with different doses of A. arbusculinus gum extract before the injection of formalin. Paw edema was measured by a plethysmometer at time 0 and after 8 days and compared to controls. The analgesic effect of the extract was evaluated using the hot-plate test in 42 male albino mice.

Results: The extract of A. arbusculinus gum decreased the rat paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. The effect on inflammation of the highest dose of extract was comparable to sodium salicylate. Astragalus arbusculinus gum extract at doses of 300 and 1000 mg/kg showed analgesic effects comparable to sodium salicylate and morphine, respectively. A preliminary phytochemical study and the determination of the total phenolic content of the gum extract were performed for the first time.

Conclusions: The aqueous extract of A. arbusculinus gum reduced the inflammation and pain in a dose-dependent manner and is a good candidate for further studies of safety and efficacy. The clarification of active components of the plant is necessary.