bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High expression of nucleobindin 2 is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Altan Bolag , Kaira Kyoichi , Okada Shuichi , Saito Tsugumichi , Yamada Eijiro , Bao Halin , Bao Pinjie , Takahashi Kengo , Yokobori Takehiko , Tetsunari Oyama , Nishiyama Masahiko , Yamada Masanobu
Published: July 2017

Nucleobindin 2 has been reported that its high expression is associated with poor outcome and promotes cell migration and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. However, we aimed to investigate the nucleobindin 2 expression in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues and its potential relevance to clinicopathological factors and prognosis using immunohistochemical analysis. In our study, nucleobindin 2 level in gastric cancer tissues was higher than in non-tumor tissues. A high expression of nucleobindin 2 is significantly associated with tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, and clinical stage. Furthermore, the expression level of nucleobindin 2 protein was independent predictor of progression-free survival. In summary, nucleobindin 2 might play a crucial role in gastric cancer development and could serve as an independent predictor of prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
Genetic changes of MLH1 and MSH2 genes could explain constant findings on microsatellite instability in intracranial meningioma
Authors: Pećina-Šlaus Nives , Kafka Anja , Bukovac Anja , Vladušić Tomislav , Tomas Davor , Hrašćan Reno
Published: July 2017

Postreplicative mismatch repair safeguards the stability of our genome. The defects in its functioning will give rise to microsatellite instability. In this study, 50 meningiomas were investigated for microsatellite instability. Two major mismatch repair genes, MLH1 and MSH2, were analyzed using microsatellite markers D1S1611 and BAT26 amplified by polymerase chain reaction and visualized by gel electrophoresis on high-resolution gels. Furthermore, genes DVL3 (D3S1262), AXIN1 (D16S3399), and CDH1 (D16S752) were also investigated for microsatellite instability. Our study revealed constant presence of microsatellite instability in meningioma patients when compared to their autologous blood DNA. Altogether 38% of meningiomas showed microsatellite instability at one microsatellite locus, 16% on two, and 13.3% on three loci. The percent of detected microsatellite instability for MSH2 gene was 14%, and for MLH1, it was 26%, for DVL3 22.9%, for AXIN1 17.8%, and for CDH1 8.3%. Since markers also allowed for the detection of loss of heterozygosity, gross deletions of MLH1 gene were found in 24% of meningiomas. Genetic changes between MLH1 and MSH2 were significantly positively correlated (p = 0.032). We also noted a positive correlation between genetic changes of MSH2 and DVL3 genes (p = 0.034). No significant associations were observed when MLH1 or MSH2 was tested against specific histopathological meningioma subtype or World Health Organization grade. However, genetic changes in DVL3 were strongly associated with anaplastic histology of meningioma (χ2 = 9.14; p = 0.01). Our study contributes to better understanding of the genetic profile of human intracranial meningiomas and suggests that meningiomas harbor defective cellular DNA mismatch repair mechanisms.
Targeting miR-21 decreases expression of multi-drug resistant genes and promotes chemosensitivity of renal carcinoma
Authors: Gaudelot Kelly , Gibier Jean-Baptiste , Pottier Nicolas , Hémon Brigitte , Van Seuningen Isabelle , Glowacki François , Leroy Xavier , Cauffiez Christelle , Gnemmi Viviane , Aubert Sébastien , Perrais Michaël
Published: July 2017

Renal cell carcinoma, the most common neoplasm of adult kidney, accounts for about 3% of adult malignancies and is usually highly resistant to conventional therapy. MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs, which have been previously shown to promote malignant initiation and progression. In this study, we focused our attention on miR-21, a well described oncomiR commonly upregulated in cancer. Using a cohort of 99 primary renal cell carcinoma samples, we showed that miR-21 expression in cancer tissues was higher than in adjacent non-tumor tissues whereas no significant difference was observed with stages, grades, and metastatic outcome. In vitro, miR-21 was also overexpressed in renal carcinoma cell lines compared to HK-2 human proximal tubule epithelial cell line. Moreover, using Boyden chambers and western blot techniques, we also showed that miR-21 overexpression increased migratory, invasive, proliferative, and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways whereas opposite results were observed using an anti-miR-21-based silencing strategy. Finally, we assessed the role of miR-21 in mediating renal cell carcinoma chemoresistance and further showed that miR-21 silencing significantly (1) increased chemosensitivity of paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and dovitinib; (2) decreased expression of multi-drug resistance genes; and (4) increased SLC22A1/OCT1, SLC22A2/OCT2, and SLC31A1/CTR1 platinum influx transporter expression. In conclusion, our results showed that miR-21 is a key actor of renal cancer progression and plays an important role in the resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. In renal cell carcinoma, targeting miR-21 is a potential new therapeutic strategy to improve chemotherapy efficacy and consequently patient outcome.
Portulaca oleracea extract can inhibit nodule formation of colon cancer stem cells by regulating gene expression of the Notch signal transduction pathway
Authors: Jin Heiying , Chen Li , Wang Shuiming , Chao Deng
Published: July 2017

To investigate whether Portulaca oleracea extract affects tumor formation in colon cancer stem cells and its chemotherapy sensitivity. In addition, to analyze associated genetic changes within the Notch signal transduction pathway. Serum-free cultures of colon cancer cells (HT-29) and HT-29 cancer stem cells were treated with the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil to assess sensitivity. Injections of the stem cells were also given to BALB/c mice to confirm tumor growth and note its characteristics. In addition, the effect of different concentrations of P. oleracea extract was tested on the growth of HT-29 colon cancer cells and HT-29 cancer stem cells, as determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method. The effects of P. oleracea extract on the expression of β-catenin, Notch1, and Notch2 in the HT-29 cells were studied using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The tumor volume of the HT29 cells was two times larger than that of HT29 cancer stem cells. Treatment with P. oleracea extract inhibited the proliferation of both HT-29 cancer cells and HT-29 cancer stem cells at doses from 0.07 to 2.25 µg/mL. Apoptosis of HT-29 cancer cells and HT-29 cancer stem cells was assessed by flow cytometry; it was enhanced by the addition of P. oleracea extract. Finally, treatment with P. oleracea extract significantly downregulated the expression of the Notch1 and β-catenin genes in both cell types. The results of this study show that P. oleracea extract inhibits the growth of colon cancer stem cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it inhibits the expression of the Notch1 and β-catenin genes. Taken together, this suggests that it may elicit its effects through regulatory and target genes that mediate the Notch signal transduction pathway.
The association of miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p and miR-664-3p expression profiles with outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab
Authors: Fiala Ondrej , Pitule Pavel , Hosek Petr , Liska Vaclav , Sorejs Ondrej , Bruha Jan , Vycital Ondrej , Buchler Tomas , Poprach Alexandr , Topolcan Ondrej , Finek Jindrich
Published: July 2017

MicroRNAs regulate the expression of genes involved in several important cancer-related processes including cell adhesion, proliferation, and tumour angiogenesis. Bevacizumab is routinely used in the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, but, so far, no reliable biomarker predicting response to bevacizumab has been established. The aim of our retrospective study was to evaluate the association of miR-126-3p, miR-126-5p and miR-664-3p tumour expression levels with outcomes of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with bevacizumab. The study included 63 patients. For the assessment of microRNA expression, gene-specific TaqMan assays were used. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with low tumour expression of miR-126-3p were 8.8 and 20.6 months versus 13.5 months and median overall survival was not reached for patients with high expression ( p = 0.0064 and p = 0.0027), respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with low tumour expression of miR-126-5p were 9.0 and 22.2 months versus 12.0 and 23.4 months for patients with high expression ( p = 0.2113 and 0.6858), respectively. The median progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with low tumour expression of miR-664-3p were 9.1 and 22.5 months versus 8.8 and 23.4 months for patients with high expression ( p = 0.2542 and p = 0.1922), respectively. The multivariable Cox proportional hazards model revealed that miR-126-3p expression was significantly associated with progression-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.28, p = 0.0053) and also with overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.18, p = 0.0046). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the expression of miR-126-3p in the tumour tissue was associated with outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab.
Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 degradation induced by NEDD4 promotes acquired erlotinib resistance in non–small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Sun Huake , Ma Huiwen , Wang Jianmin , Xia Liqin , Zhu Guangkuo , Wang Zhoufei , Sun Jianguo , Chen Zhengtang
Published: July 2017

Acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as gefitinib and erlotinib, is a critical issue in the treatment of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutant–positive non–small-cell lung cancer. Recent evidence suggests that downregulation of gene of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 plays an important role in acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in various types of cancers, including lung cancer. It was reported that the E3 ubiquitin ligase neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated gene (NEDD4) (also known as NEDD4-1) negatively regulated phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 protein levels through poly-ubiquitination and proteolysis in carcinomas of the prostate, lung, and bladder. Whether this process plays a role in epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors resistance in non–small-cell lung cancer has not been studied extensively. In view of this, we investigated the involvement of NEDD4 and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 in acquired erlotinib resistance with tyrosine kinase inhibitor–sensitive (HCC827) or tyrosine kinase inhibitor–resistant (Erlotinib-resistant HCC827/ER cells which harbored exon 19 deletion. Overexpression of NEDD4 in HCC827/ER cells was detected, and the reverse correlation between NEDD4 and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 expression in these cells was also revealed. In HCC827/ER cells with knockdown of NEDD4, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 and p-Akt expressions were decreased; the sensitivity of HCC827/ER cells to erlotinib was partially restored. Similar results were also observed in vivo. In H1650/ER cells harboring both exon 19 and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 deletion, expression of p-Akt and sensitivity to erlotinib were not affected by simple knockdown of NEDD4 but affected after transfection of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 into H1650/ER cells. Our results demonstrate that NEDD4 may promote the acquired resistance of non–small-cell lung cancer cells to erlotinib by decreasing phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 protein expression. Targeted decrease in NEDD4 expression may be a potential therapeutic strategy for tyrosine kinase inhibitor–resistant non–small-cell lung cancer.
Hook1 inhibits malignancy and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Xu , Zhang Qi , Chen Wei , Hu Qida , Lou Yu , Fu Qi-Han , Zhang Jing-Ying , Chen Yi-Wen , Ye Long-Yun , Wang Yi , Xie Shang-Zhi , Hu Li-Qiang , Liang Ting-Bo , Bai Xue-Li
Published: July 2017

Hook1 is a member of the hook family of coiled-coil proteins, which is recently found to be associated with malignant tumors. However, its biological function in hepatocellular carcinoma is yet unknown. Here, we evaluated the Hook1 levels in human hepatocellular carcinoma samples and matched peritumoral tissues by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Small interfering RNA knockdown and a transforming growth factor-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition model were employed to investigate the biological effects of Hook1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Our results indicated that Hook1 levels were significantly lower in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues than in the peritumoral tissues. In addition, Hook1 expression was significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy. Hook1 was downregulated after transforming growth factor-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Moreover, Hook1 knockdown promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition and attenuated the sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to doxorubicin. In summary, our results indicate that downregulation of Hook1 plays a pivotal role in hepatocellular carcinoma progression via epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Hook1 may be used as a novel marker and therapeutic molecular target in hepatocellular carcinoma.
RIZ1 and histone methylation status in pituitary adenomas
Authors: Xue Yake , Chen Ruokun , Du Wei , Yang Fengdong , Wei Xinting
Published: July 2017

RIZ1 displays strong tumor-suppressive activities, which has a potential histone methyltransferase activity. The objective of the study was to evaluate the level and the methylation status of RIZ1 and analyze its association with clinicopathological features and the histone in the pituitary adenomas. We found that RIZ1-positive cases were 11/50 and H-Scores 22.75 ± 11.83 in invasive pituitary adenomas and 26/53 and 66.3 ± 21.7 in non-invasive pituitary adenomas (χ2 = 8.182, p = 0.004). RIZ1 and C-myc showed the opposite trend in these cases. The methylation levels of RIZ1 were more than 50% in 30.4% (7/23) CpG sites through MALDI-TOF Mass array. There was significant difference (p < 0.01) in 4 CpG sites between invasive pituitary adenoma group and non-invasive pituitary adenoma group; furthermore, the relieved methylation levels of H3K4/H3K9 and enhanced methylation levels of H3K27 in the patients’ serum were found. Furthermore, there was statistic difference of H3K4 and H3K27 methylation between invasive pituitary adenoma and non-invasive pituitary adenoma group (p < 0.01). The average progression-free survival in high RIZ1 group was 52.63 ± 7.62 months and 26.06 ± 4.23 months in low RIZ1 group (p < 0.05). Promoter region methylation of RIZ1 may play an important role in the epigenetic silencing of RIZ1 expression in pituitary adenomas, which may translate into important diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts secrete FGF-1 to promote ovarian proliferation, migration, and invasion through the activation of FGF-1/FGFR4 signaling
Authors: Sun Yuanzhen , Fan Xiaoli , Zhang Qing , Shi Xiaoyu , Xu Guangwei , Zou Cuimin
Published: July 2017

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, due to its high propensity for metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts, as the dominant component of tumor microenvironment, are crucial for tumor progression. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of ovarian cancer cells by cancer-associated fibroblasts remain little known. Here, we first isolated cancer-associated fibroblasts from patients’ ovarian tissues and found that cancer-associated fibroblasts promoted SKOV3 cells’ proliferation, migration, and invasion. Fibroblast growth factor-1 was identified as a highly increased factor in cancer-associated fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (~4.6-fold, p < 0.01) and ELISA assays (~4-fold, p < 0.01). High expression of fibroblast growth factor-1 in cancer-associated fibroblasts either naturally or through gene recombination led to phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 in SKOV3 cells, which is followed by the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase pathway and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition–associated gene Snail1 and MMP3 expression. Moreover, treatment of SKOV3 cell with fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor PD173074 terminated cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, reduced the phosphorylation level of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4, and suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase pathway. In addition, the expression level of Snail1 and MMP3 was reduced, while the expression level of E-cadherin increased. These observations suggest a crucial role for cancer-associated fibroblasts and fibroblast growth factor-1/fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 signaling in the progression of ovarian cancer. Therefore, this fibroblast growth factor-1/fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 axis may become a potential target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Screening key genes and miRNAs in early-stage colon adenocarcinoma by RNA-sequencing
Authors: Liu Jixi , Liu Fang , Li Xiaoou , Song Xin , Zhou Lei , Jie Jianzheng
Published: July 2017

Colon adenocarcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the world, developing novel and non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for the early-stage colon adenocarcinoma at molecular level is essential. In our study, RNA-sequencing was performed to identify the differentially expressed genes and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in early-stage colon adenocarcinoma compared to tissues of precancerous lesions, colonic intraepithelial neoplasia. The DEmiRNA-target interaction network was constructed and functional annotation of targets of DEmiRNAs was performed. The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to verify the expression of selected differentially expressed genes. The receiver operating characteristic analyses of selected differentially expressed genes was performed. In total, 865 differentially expressed genes, 26 DEmiRNAs, and 329 DEmiRNA-target pairs were obtained. Based on the early-stage colon adenocarcinoma network, miR-548c-5p, miR-548i, and miR-548am-5p were the top three DEmiRNAs that covered most differentially expressed genes. NTRK2, DTNA, and BTG2 were the top three differentially expressed genes regulated by most DEmiRNAs. Cancer and colorectal cancer pathways were two significantly enriched pathways in early-stage colon adenocarcinoma. The common differentially expressed genes in both the pathways were AXIN2, Smad2, Smad4, PIK3R1, and BCL2. The expression levels of eight differentially expressed genes (NTRK2, DTNA, BTG2, COL11A1, Smad2, Smad4, PIK3R1, and BCL2) in The Cancer Genome Atlas database were compatible with our RNA-sequencing. All these eight differentially expressed genes and AXIN2 had the potential diagnosis value for Colon adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, a total of ten differentially expressed genes (NTRK2, DTNA, BTG2, COLCA1, COL11A1, AXIN2, Smad2, Smad4, PIK3R1, and BCL2) and four DEmiRNAs (miR-548c-5p, miR-548i, mir-424-5p, and miR-548am-5p) may be involved in the pathogenesis of early-stage colon adenocarcinoma which may make a contribution for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for early-stage colon adenocarcinoma.
Sex Ratio at Birth in Vietnam: Results From Data in CHILILAB HDSS, 2004 to 2013
Authors: Le Vui Thi , Duong Duc Minh , Nguyen Anh Duy , Nguyen Chuong Canh , Bui Ha Thi Thu , Pham Cuong Viet , Le Thi Minh , Tran Bich Huu
Published: July 2017

This study aimed to explore the association of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and imbalanced sex ratio at birth (SRB) in Chi Linh district, Hai Duong. The data were collected from a longitudinal study using a community-based periodic, referred as Chi Linh Health and Demographic Surveillance System (CHILILAB HDSS) during 2004 to 2013. A total of 7568 children were analyzed. Results showed that SRB in Chi Linh dramatically increased to the imbalanced sex ratio (114.6 boys to 100 girls) by 2013. SRB was associated with birth order and sex of preceding siblings. SRB was extremely high among families without any sons (136/100). SRB was highest among families having third or more children (175/100). Imbalanced SRB was more likely to occur among women working in small business/homemakers and others, women who attained high education level, and women in wealthy households. We suggested further efforts to tackle imbalanced SRB in periurban areas in Vietnam.
Stability and Variability in Interactive Behavior as Measured by Methods of “Speech Chronemics”
Authors: Krüger Hans-Peter , Stuckenberg Annette , Vollrath Mark
Published: July 2017

Dyadic interaction is modelled as an adaptive process between personality of the partners involved and the characteristics of the theme. The theme structure and the principles which control the adaptation process are referred to as “syntality”. The material of the studies reported are the speech signals of the verbal interaction reduced to an on-off pattern. In a first study individual speech behavior was found to remain stable in dyads even if partners changed. The second study showed the stability of the speech patterns for different interaction themes even if dyads changed. These apparently contradictory results are reconciled by introducing the concept of “adaptive stability”. Individual speech behavior does not happen at a stable activity level, but is characterized by a constant relationship (“less” or “more”) to the respective activity of the other partner.
A Symlog Content Analysis of In-Depth Interviews: Perceptions of Scandinavian Visitors to the United States
Authors: Lobel Sharon Alisa
Published: July 2017

SYMLOG was used for a content analysis of in-depth interviews, obtained from Scandinavian visitors to the United States. The 21 sojourners were interviewed shortly after arrival, one year later prior to departure, and a year after they returned home. Subjects' values for self (PRO-in-SELF) and society (PRO-in-SOCIETY) and perceptions of home and host country (Scandinavian Society, American Society) and people (Scandinavian People, American People) were coded and represented in field diagrams. In addition, t tests were performed to examine significant differences between subjects' perceptions of each country and between subjects' values and perceptions. SYMLOG proved to be a useful tool for preserving the richness of the in-depth interview and for measuring effects of the sojourn upon the visitors' attitudes and values.
Mannequin-Based Immersive Simulation Improves Resident Understanding of a Clinical Decision Rule
Authors: Harwayne-Gidansky Ilana , Bellis Jennifer M. , McLaren Son H. , Critelli Kristen , Clark Sunday , Chen Zhengming , Gerber Linda M. , Ching Kevin
Published: July 2017

Objective.Simulation-based medical education may aid to standardize clinical performance measures, though there is little evidence for using an immersive, mannequin-based simulation for knowledge acquisition. We predicted that residents who had participated in an immersive simulation exercise illustrating the use of a clinical decision rule plus routine instructional methods (experimental group) would understand and implement this tool better than interns who participated in an immersive simulation focused on traumatic brain injury with intracranial hypertension plus routine instructional methods (control group 1). We further predicted that interns in the experimental group would understand and implement this tool as well as senior residents with more clinical experience (control group 2).

Methods. This was a single center, prospective, simulation-based, randomized controlled trial. Pediatric interns were randomly assigned to clinically integrated teaching, plus a single, immersive simulation and structured debrief aimed at teaching this tool in minor head trauma (intervention), or clinically integrated teaching plus a related simulation on intracranial hypertension. Senior residents were used as an historical control arm and did not participate in a simulated encounter.

Results. 20 interns (ten per group) participated in the study. Senior residents (n=40) served as historical comparisons. Interns in the intervention group scored similar to senior residents on a structured clinical observation score (median 64% vs. 57%), and better than interns in the placebo group (median 64% vs. 43%).

Conclusions. In this study, a single immersive simulation improved resident learning and application of a clinical prediction rule when compared to standard resident education.
A Systematic Survey of Control Groups in Behavioral and Social Science Trials
Authors: Wang Mei , Sun Guangwen , Chang Yaping , Jin Yanling , Leenus Alvin , Maaz Muhammad , Li Guowei , Bhatt Meha , Abbade Luciana P. F. , Nwosu Ikunna , Zielinski Laura , Sanger Nitika , Bantoto Bianca , Luo Candice , Shams Ieta , Shahid Hamnah , Adachi Jonathan , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Levine Mitchell , Samaan Zainab , Thabane Lehana
Published: July 2017

Behavioral and social sciences randomized controlled trials (BSSTs) have a significant role in life sciences. Choosing an appropriate control or comparator group for BSSTs is critical, to provide true intervention effects. The objective of this study was to determine the types of control groups used in BSSTs, and the rationale provided to justify these choices. We conducted a systematic survey of BSST protocols published between January 2012 and October 2016 in the Cochrane Library and Medline databases. We randomly selected 200 protocols. The study selection and data extraction were performed independently in duplicate. The most frequent control groups were active concurrent (97/200, 48.5%), and no treatment concurrent controls (88/200, 44.0%). The majority of studies (71.5%) did not provide justification for comparators choice. We concluded that BSSTs trials compare interventions to active and no treatment controls however the majority of trials lacked rationale for the selection of the study comparator.
Business Not as Usual: Developing Socially Conscious Entrepreneurs and Intrapreneurs
Authors: Parris Denise Linda , McInnis-Bowers Cecilia
Published: July 2017

Our objective was to design an introductory business course to shape the mind-sets and skill sets of the next generation of socially conscious practitioners—to help students develop a sense of self-efficacy built on the confidence that they can make a positive impact on the world using entrepreneurial thinking and action. Essentially, the focus was to develop an introductory business course that would encourage and enable students to understand that business can be a force for good (sustainability and social impact) and to practice collaborative innovation (human-centered design thinking). The overarching design principle was business not as usual, which embraced four themes: (a) sustainability and social entrepreneurship, (b) collaborative innovation, (c) entrepreneurial thinking and action, and (d) self-authorship. We provide an overview of the course modules and their respective learning outcomes along with details of course content and activities to ensure transferability. A concluding discussion shares the impact on students and the challenges of success. We highlight how course design can be a catalyst to enable students to be the change they want to see in the world.
A Peculiar Form of Breast Fat Necrosis Simulating Hyaline Ring Granuloma (So-called Pulse Granuloma): A Rare Complication of Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: García-Martos Maria , Panizo-Santos Angel
Published: July 2017

Pulse granuloma is a rare, foreign body inflammatory reaction that occurs mainly in the oral cavity. It is exceedingly rare elsewhere, with only isolated cases described in the literature. We report the case of a 79-year-old woman with a history of normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism who presented to our hospital with a painful 4-cm lump in the upper quadrants—upper outer quadrant of her left breast. The clinical and radiological (BIRADS-5) findings were indicative of a malignant lesion. However, core needle biopsy revealed features simulating hyaline ring granuloma (pulse granuloma-like). A definitive diagnosis of lipomembranous fat necrosis was made by identifying its characteristic histomorphology. Histopathological study is essential to establish an exact diagnosis since clinical and imaging features may mimic breast carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a hyaline ring granuloma-like in the breast, which may represent a peculiar form of degenerative change of lipomembranous fat necrosis.
Nonweightbearing Radiographs in Patients With a Subtle Lisfranc Injury
Authors: Seo Dong-Kyo , Lee Ho-Seong , Lee Ki Won , Lee Suk Kyu , Kim Sang-Bum
Published: July 2017

Background:

A midfoot sprain can be easily missed because of minimal findings on initial radiographs, which are almost universally nonweightbearing. We investigated preoperative nonweightbearing plain radiographic images in patients who were found to have unstable subtle Lisfranc injuries.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who were operated on between February 2004 and March 2015. Abnormal preoperative radiographic findings and intraoperative instability were compared. The relationship was calculated with Fisher’s exact test.

Results:

Based on intraoperative findings, medial cuneiform (C1)–second metatarsal (M2) instability was observed in 50 cases (98%), which was the most common. Thirty-nine cases (76.4 %) had multiple joint (at least 2) instability. In the preoperative radiologic findings, C1-M2 diastasis was the most common abnormal finding, in 46 cases (90.1%). Specificity and positive predictive value were 1.0 in C1-M2 avulsion, diastasis, and C1–intermediate cuneiform (C2) diastasis. Abnormal findings of C1-C2, C1-M1, and C2-M2 showed a significant relationship with intraoperative instability ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

C1-M2 avulsion and diastasis and C1-C2 diastasis were definite preoperative predictors of instability. In unstable subtle Lisfranc injuries, 90% had at least a minor radiographic abnormality at the C1-M2 joint on nonweightbearing radiographs. However, caution should be exercised to identify instability without radiographic abnormality in the C1-M2 joint.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series
Shouldn't Dead Be Dead?: The Search for a Uniform Definition of Death
Authors: Lewis Ariane , Cahn-Fuller Katherine , Caplan Arthur
Published: July 2017

In 1968, the definition of death in the United States was expanded to include not just death by cardiopulmonary criteria, but also death by neurologic criteria. We explore the way the definition has been modified by the medical and legal communities over the past 50 years and address the medical, legal and ethical controversies associated with the definition at present, with a particular highlight on the Supreme Court of Nevada Case of Aden Hailu.
Maximizing Community Voices to Address Health Inequities: How the Law Hinders and Helps
Authors: Aoki Julie Ralston , Peters Christina , Platero Laura , Headrick Carter
Published: July 2017

This paper highlights the need to apply an equity lens when assessing the impact of preemption and related legal doctrines on community health. Community autonomy to set and pursue public health priorities is an essential part of achieving health equity. Unfortunately, the priorities of organized industry interest groups often conflict with health equity goals. These groups have a history of successfully using law to limit community autonomy to pursue public health measures, most notably through preemption and related legal doctrines. We examine this phenomenon using two examples. First, we look at dental association efforts to block the spread of dental therapists in Indian Country. Native dental therapists have been improving the oral health of native people in Alaska for over a decade; yet the national and state dental associations have sought with mixed success to leverage state and federal laws to hinder other tribal governments from utilizing these providers. We compare these efforts with a restaurant association-led movement to limit what municipal governments can do to address food-based health inequities, focusing on a “model” ALEC bill that started in Ohio. Finally, we discuss how municipalities and Tribes are fighting back and continuing to pursue health equity for their communities.
Expanding Access to Care: Scope of Practice Laws
Authors: Hoke Kathleen , Hexem Sarah
Published: July 2017

Allied health professionals play an integral role in providing safe, affordable care to communities in need. Laws that define the permissible scope of practice for these professionals may take full advantage of these providers and may unnecessarily restrict safe and effective care. Nurse practitioners in many states may provide care independent of a physician; research reveals that this care is safe, affordable and accessible. Yet hurdles exist that prevent communities from securing the full benefit of NPs in independent practice. The scope of independent practice for allied dental providers varies greatly across the country, often including stringent supervision requirements. Emerging approaches to allowing allied dental providers to practice independently in certain settings or with dentist supervision via telemedicine and creating the intermediate provider, the dental therapist, may increase access to safe, affordable dental care. Research on the impact of laws that allow broader independent practice by NPs to ferret out the hurdles to full implementation of the spirit of such laws is needed. That research could support expanded independent scope for allied dental providers and other allied health care providers.
Motorcycle Policy and the Public Interest: A Recommendation for a New Type of Partial Motorcycle Helmet Law
Authors: Nolte Kurt B. , Healy Colleen , Rees Clifford M. , Sklar David
Published: July 2017

Motorcycle helmet laws are perceived to infringe upon individual rights even though they reduce mortality and health care costs. We describe proposed helmet legislation that protects individual rights and provides incentives for helmet use through a differential motorcycle registration fee that requires higher fees for those who wish to ride without a helmet.
Immigration and Health: Law, Policy, and Ethics
Authors: Parmet Wendy E. , Sainsbury-Wong Lorianne , Prabhu Maya
Published: July 2017

Immigration poses numerous challenges for health professionals and public health lawyers. This article reviews these challenges. We begin by offering some background on immigration and health and then explain some of the reasons why immigrants are less likely than natives to have health insurance. Next we turn to a discussion of some of the particular challenges relating to the health care of refugees. We conclude by analyzing and rejecting some of the arguments that are made for discriminating against immigrants with respect to the provision of public health benefits and services.
Reducing Hospital Readmissions: Addressing the Impact of Food Security and Nutrition
Authors: Swinburne Mathew , Garfield Katie , Wasserman Aliza R.
Published: July 2017

Food insecurity in the United States is a profound public health challenge that hospitals are uniquely situated to address. Through the enactment of the Hospital Readmission Reduction Program, the Affordable Care Act provides a strong economic incentive for hospitals to actively confront food insecurity within the communities they serve. While there is a spectrum of nutrition interventions that hospitals can look to when engaging in these efforts, healthy food prescriptions and medically tailored meals are two particularly innovative and promising approaches that could help hospitals reduce readmissions by addressing the nutritional needs of vulnerable patients.
Policy Approaches to Improving Housing and Health
Authors: Tilburg William C.
Published: July 2017

Safe and healthy housing conditions are critical to improving population health, particularly for the most vulnerable – young children, senior citizens, and individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities – who spend more time at home and are more susceptible to illness and injury. Across the country, millions of Americans are exposed to lead, radon, asbestos, volatile organic compounds, pests, mold, carbon monoxide, and tobacco smoke in the home, affecting the air they breathe and the water they drink. These household hazards are also associated with a wide range of illnesses and injuries, including asthma, cancer, falls, respiratory infections, and mental health issues. Legal and policy interventions can assist communities grappling with the adverse impacts of poor housing conditions and improve the health and safety of all residents, including vulnerable populations.
Long-Term Outpatient Dalteparin (Fragmin) Therapy for Arterial and Venous Thrombosis: Efficacy and Safety—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bick Rodger L. , Rice Jennifer
Published: July 2017

The availability of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), with associated ease of home delivery and enhanced efficacy and safety, has rendered the long-term outpatient use of LMWH feasible. Although warfarin is usually used for long-term secondary prevention, it is not the drug of choice for a variety of conditions such as antiphospholipid thrombosis syndrome, sticky platelet syndrome, and patients with malignancy and other medical conditions who have failed adequate warfarin doses. We assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of outpatient dalteparin in a series of patients with conditions associated with prior warfarin failure or potential to warfarin therapy (antiphospholipid syndrome). The results of this study, detailed herein, demonstrate that long-term dalteparin is highly effective and safe when used as long-term therapy for secondary prevention in selected prothrombotic disorders.
Differential evolution algorithm based tilt integral derivative control for LFC problem of an interconnected hydro-thermal power system
Authors: Topno Pretty Neelam , Chanana Saurabh
Published: July 2017

Conventional control techniques such as proportional integral (PI) control and proportional integral derivative (PID) control are widely used as the load frequency controller in power system control applications; however, the increase in complexity of the power system is degrading the performance of classical control. Therefore, in this paper a new control approach using fractional calculus has been proposed for the load frequency control problem of two-area hydro-thermal power system. The paper presents an interconnected hydro-thermal power system working under different operating conditions introduced in the form of various nonlinearities. Four case studies have been presented in this paper considering transient analysis with (i) different loading conditions, (ii) parameter variations, (iii) different nonlinearities (governor dead band nonlinearity, time delay and generation rate constraints), and (iv) superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) device. A tilt integral derivative (TID) control has been presented as a secondary controller to stabilize the frequency deviations occurring in the two-area power system with the above-mentioned different operating conditions. The parameters of TID controller have been optimized using a differential evolution algorithm which solves an optimization problem formulated using the integral of time-weighted absolute error (ITAE) performance index. In addition, a comparison of dynamic system response obtained using TID control and PID control has been presented, which focusses on the better performance of TID control over PID control in an interconnected power system.
Renegotiating the Journalism Profession in the Era of Social Media: Journalism Students From the Global North and South
Authors: Hujanen Jaana
Published: July 2017

Relying on theories of journalistic ideals and critical discourse analysis, a case study was conducted to investigate how journalism students (re)define journalism ideals in the era of social media. Data were gathered from focus group interviews with European and African students participating in a joint journalism program. The results indicate that the renegotiation of journalism occurs in the discourses of open and collaborative journalism, accountable digital journalism, and challenging and contextualized journalism ethics, where an autonomous journalism profession moves toward collaboration with citizens. An accountable and transparent news process and public awareness of the need for journalism ethics are vital.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? An Integrated Model of Urban Policy Interdependence
Authors: Sapotichne Joshua , Reese Laura A. , Ye Minting
Published: July 2017

This article explores local fiscal policy interdependence by proposing and testing a particular spatial modeling method to examine how different expenditure domains interact with neighboring jurisdictions. The analysis examines the extent of spatial interdependence by policy domain and explores the most robust way of determining neighbors for spatial analysis. It concludes that space matters in ways that need to be taken into account in the development of models explaining local spending and that different functional domains of expenditures have different scales of spatial effects. The extent of spatial interdependence varies by spending domain based on the amount of local government discretion and control over the policy area.
Bigger Is Better: Reducing the Cost of Local Administration by Increasing Jurisdiction Size in Ontario, Canada, 1995–2010
Authors: Cobban Timothy W.
Published: July 2017

In recent decades, the belief that larger municipalities can better capture economies of scale led to compulsory amalgamations in several countries. This article examines such a program of compulsory amalgamations in Ontario, Canada, during the late 1990s and early 2000s. By exogenously deciding on a course of municipal restructuring, and leaving a large comparison group of nonamalgamated municipalities within the same institutional framework, the Ontario reforms created a quasi-experiment on the importance of scale for local government. Using a difference-in-differences methodological approach, this article exploits the quasi-experimental setting of the Ontario reforms to examine the causal effect of jurisdiction size on the cost of local administration. The main empirical finding in this article is that increasing local jurisdiction size reduces the cost of local administration. The results provide the most convincing evidence to date that economies of scale exist in local administration and can be captured through consolidation.
Retrospective comparison of low molecular weight heparin vs. warfarin vs. oral Xa inhibitors for the prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism in oncology patients: The Re-CLOT study
Authors: Alzghari Saeed K , Seago Susan E , Garza Jessica E , Hashimie Yasmeen F , Baty Kimberly A , Evans Martha F , Shaver Courtney , Herrington Jon D
Published: July 2017

Background

There is increasing evidence indicating oral factor Xa inhibitors can be used for secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism. Studies are needed to compare oral factor Xa inhibitors, low molecular weight heparins, and warfarin in the oncology population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the recurrent venous thromboembolism incidence in oncology patients utilizing oral Xa inhibitors, low molecular weight heparins, or warfarin.

Methods

Using retrospectively collected data, we compared the recurrent venous thromboembolism incidence in oncology patients taking rivaroxaban/apixaban, enoxaparin, or warfarin with at least three months of follow-up. Patients were included if they had an active cancer, venous thromboembolism, and taking warfarin, enoxaparin, or rivaroxaban/apixaban. The primary endpoint was the first episode of recurrent venous thromboembolism at three months. Secondary endpoints included recurrent venous thromboembolism after six months, major bleeding, and mortality.

Results

Of 127 venous thromboembolism patients, 48 received rivaroxaban or apixaban, 23 received enoxaparin, and 56 received warfarin. The three most common cancer diagnoses were lung (21%), colorectal (14%), and breast (14%). There was no difference in venous thromboembolism recurrence at three months between the rivaroxaban/apixaban (0%), warfarin (3.6%), and the enoxaparin cohorts (4.4%) (p = 0.8319). Major bleeding at three months was only seen in one patient in the enoxaparin arm (4.2%). Mortality at three months was 0%, 3.6%, and 17.4% in the rivaroxaban/apixaban, warfarin, and enoxaparin cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this retrospective study suggest that oral factor Xa inhibitors are potential options for cancer patients with venous thromboembolism. However, randomized, controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (Abernethy Malformation Type Ib) With Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Benedict Mark , Rodriguez-Davalos Manuel , Emre Sukru , Walther Zenta , Morotti Raffaella
Published: July 2017

Abernethy malformation, also termed congenital portosystemic shunt and congenital absence of portal vein is the result of malformation of the splanchnic venous system. Congenital portosystemic shunts are divided into extra- and intrahepatic shunts. Two shunts have been defined: Type I is characterized by the complete diversion of portal blood into the vena cava with an associated congenital absence of the portal vein. Type II is defined by an intact but diverted portal vein through a side-to-side, extrahepatic connection to the vena cava. The clinical manifestations of Abernethy malformation are diverse with a typical presentation consisting of hypoxia and hepto-pulmonary syndrome. Histologically, focal nodular hyperplasia, nodular regenerative hyperplasia, liver adenoma, hepatoblastoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma have all been reported. Herein, we report a case of Abernethy malformation, type Ib, in a 12-month-old male who was found to have a small hepatocellular carcinoma at the time of explant. The immunohistochemical characteristics in relation to the genetic aspects are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of hepatocellular carcinoma developing in a patient who is under the age of 5 years with Abernethy malformation.
The Vanishing Twin Syndrome
Authors: Shinnick Julia K , Khoshnam Nasim , Archer Sydney R , Quigley Philip C , Robinson Haynes , Keene Sarah , Santore Matthew T , Hill Sarah , Patel Binita , Shehata Bahig M
Published: July 2017

Two cases of devastating fetal malformations associated with vanished monochorionic twins were identified upon review of pathology files. A 35-year-old G1P0 woman and 36-year-old G3P1 woman were both diagnosed with an intrauterine twin gestation via transvaginal ultrasound at 10 weeks. The spectrum of fetal anomalies ranged from omphalocele, bilateral upper extremity, and unilateral lower extremity hypoplasia, to craniofacial malformation with diaphragmatic hernia. On histopathologic examination, the placentas demonstrated vascular anastomoses between the surviving co-twin and the “vanished” fetal sac. We propose anastomotic placental vasculature as a contributing factor to the observed fetal malformations. Additionally, genetic or teratogenic factors may have been attributed to the demise of the first twin and the anomalies seen in the other twin. While such instances are rare, they are important to consider when counseling patients regarding outcomes associated with a monochorionic vanished twin.