bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Load Balancing for Parallel Multiphase Flow Simulation
Authors: Ahmad Najeeb , Farooqi Muhammad Nufail , Unat Didem
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a scalable dynamic load balancing scheme for a parallel front-tracking method based multiphase flow simulation. In this simulation employing both Lagrangian and Eulerian grids, processes operating on Lagrangian grid are susceptible to load imbalance due to moving Lagrangian grid points (bubbles) and load distribution based on spatial location of bubbles. To load balance these processes, we distribute load keeping in view both current processor load distribution and bubble spatial locality and remap interprocess communication. The result is a uniform processor load distribution and predictable and less expensive communication scheme. Scalability studies on the Hazel Hen supercomputer demonstrate excellent scaling with exponential savings in execution time as the problem size becomes increasingly large. While moderate speedup is observed for strong scaling, speedup of up to 30% is achieved over nonload-balanced version when simulating 13824 bubbles on 4096 cores for weak scaling studies.
Photovoltaic Energy-Assisted Electrocoagulation of a Synthetic Textile Effluent
Authors: Pavón-Silva Thelma Beatriz , Romero-Tehuitzil Hipólito , Munguia del Río Gonzálo , Huacuz-Villamar Jorge
Published: March 2018

The feasibility of using photovoltaic modules to power a continuous 14 L electrochemical reactor applied to remove an azo dye with an efficiency of 70% is reported. The photovoltaic modules were directly connected, and the system efficiency was observed properly maintained when currents were applied in the range of 2.5 to 7.9 A. This value depends on solar radiation. Likewise, it was found that the efficiency depends mainly on the current density and the flow rate prevailing in the reactor.
Efficacy and Safety of a Formulated Herbal Granula, Jiu Wei Zhen Xin, for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhao Lin-lin , Qiu Xin-jian , Wang Dong-sheng , Tang Tao , Luo Jie-kun , Hu Sui-yu , Huang Hui-yong
Published: March 2018

Background. The traditional Chinese medicine formula Jiu Wei Zhen Xin Granula (JWZXG) is prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in China. This study was to assess the efficacy and safety of JWZXG in patients with GAD. Method. Data were pooled from 14 randomized controlled trials involving the assessment of mean changes of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) total scores, response rates, adverse event rates, quality, publication bias, and risk of bias. Results. Pooled analysis showed no significant difference in response rate (risk ratio 1.01, 95% CI [0.93–1.08]; Z test = 0.17, P = 0.86) and no significant difference between JWZXG group and azapirones group (RR 0.69, 95% CI [0.45, 1.06]; Z test = 1.69, P = 0.09) in rate of adverse events. Though no difference exists between JWZXG group and azapirones group in HAMA total score from baseline, JWZXG group was inferior to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) group (WMD −0.93, 95% CI [−1.64, −0.23]; Z test = 2.6, P = 0.009) which had more adverse events than JWZXG group (RR 0.64, 95% CI [0.46, 0.89]; Z test = 2.63, P = 0.009). Conclusions. This meta‐analysis preliminarily suggests that JWZXG is as effective as azapirones, though having the same possibility of suffering AEs. JWZXG was inferior to SSRIs but causes fewer AEs in the treatment of GAD.
Validity of Multisensor Array for Measuring Energy Expenditure of an Activity Bout in Early Stroke Survivors
Authors: Kramer Sharon Flora , Johnson Liam , Bernhardt Julie , Cumming Toby
Published: March 2018

Introduction. Stroke survivors use more energy than healthy people during activities such as walking, which has consequences for the way exercise is prescribed for stroke survivors. There is a need for wearable device that can validly measure energy expenditure (EE) of activity to inform exercise prescription early after stroke. We aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the SenseWear-Armband (SWA) to measure EE and step-counts during activity <1 month after stroke. Materials and Methods. EE was measured using the SWA and metabolic cart and steps-counts were measured using the SWA and direct observation. Based on walking ability, participants performed 2x six-minute walks or repeated sit-to-stands. Concurrent validity and test-retest reliability were determined by calculating intraclass and concordance correlation coefficients. Results and Discussion. Thirteen participants walked; nine performed sit-to-stands. Validity of the SWA measuring EE for both activities was poor (ICC/CCC < 0.40). The SWA overestimates EE during walking and underestimated EE during sit-to-stands. Test-retest agreement showed an ICC/CCC of <0.40 and >0.75 for walking and sit-to-stand, respectively. However, agreement levels changed with increasing EE levels (i.e., proportional bias). The SWA did not accurately measure step-counts. Conclusion. The SWA should be used with caution to measure EE of activity of mild to moderate stroke survivors <1 month after stroke.
Osteoblast-Secreted Factors Mediate Dormancy of Metastatic Prostate Cancer in the Bone via Activation of the TGFβRIII–p38MAPK–pS249/T252RB Pathway
Authors: Yu-Lee Li-Yuan , Yu Guoyu , Lee Yu-Chen , Lin Song-Chang , Pan Jing , Pan Tianhong , Yu Kai-Jie , Liu Bin , Creighton Chad J. , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Villalobos Pamela A. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , de Nadal Eulalia , Posas Francesc , Gallick Gary E. , Lin Sue-Hwa
Published: March 2018

Bone metastasis from prostate cancer can occur years after prostatectomy, due to reactivation of dormant disseminated tumor cells (DTC) in the bone, yet the mechanism by which DTCs are initially induced into a dormant state in the bone remains to be elucidated. We show here that the bone microenvironment confers dormancy to C4-2B4 prostate cancer cells, as they become dormant when injected into mouse femurs but not under the skin. Live-cell imaging of dormant cells at the single-cell level revealed that conditioned medium from differentiated, but not undifferentiated, osteoblasts induced C4-2B4 cellular quiescence, suggesting that differentiated osteoblasts present locally around the tumor cells in the bone conferred dormancy to prostate cancer cells. Gene array analyses identified GDF10 and TGFβ2 among osteoblast-secreted proteins that induced quiescence of C4-2B4, C4-2b, and PC3-mm2, but not 22RV1 or BPH-1 cells, indicating prostate cancer tumor cells differ in their dormancy response. TGFβ2 and GDF10 induced dormancy through TGFβRIII to activate phospho-p38MAPK, which phosphorylates retinoblastoma (RB) at the novel N-terminal S249/T252 sites to block prostate cancer cell proliferation. Consistently, expression of dominant-negative p38MAPK in C4-2b and C4-2B4 prostate cancer cell lines abolished tumor cell dormancy both in vitro and in vivo. Lower TGFβRIII expression in patients with prostate cancer correlated with increased metastatic potential and decreased survival rates. Together, our results identify a dormancy mechanism by which DTCs are induced into a dormant state through TGFβRIII–p38MAPK–pS249/pT252–RB signaling and offer a rationale for developing strategies to prevent prostate cancer recurrence in the bone.

Significance: These findings provide mechanistic insights into the dormancy of metastatic prostate cancer in the bone and offer a rationale for developing strategies to prevent prostate cancer recurrence in the bone. Cancer Res; 78(11); 2911–24. ©2018 AACR.
The Transcriptional Coactivator TAZ Is a Potent Mediator of Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma Tumorigenesis
Authors: Deel Michael D. , Slemmons Katherine K. , Hinson Ashley R. , Genadry Katia C. , Burgess Breanne A. , Crose Lisa E.S. , Kuprasertkul Nina , Oristian Kristianne M. , Bentley Rex C. , Linardic Corinne M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS) is a childhood soft tissue sarcoma driven by the signature PAX3-FOXO1 (P3F) fusion gene. Five-year survival for aRMS is <50%, with no improvement in over 4 decades. Although the transcriptional coactivator TAZ is oncogenic in carcinomas, the role of TAZ in sarcomas is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of TAZ in P3F-aRMS tumorigenesis.

Experimental Design: After determining from publicly available datasets that TAZ is upregulated in human aRMS transcriptomes, we evaluated whether TAZ is also upregulated in our myoblast-based model of P3F-initiated tumorigenesis, and performed IHC staining of 63 human aRMS samples from tissue microarrays. Using constitutive and inducible RNAi, we examined the impact of TAZ loss of function on aRMS oncogenic phenotypes in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. Finally, we performed pharmacologic studies in aRMS cell lines using porphyrin compounds, which interfere with TAZ-TEAD transcriptional activity.

Results: TAZ is upregulated in our P3F-initiated aRMS model, and aRMS cells and tumors have high nuclear TAZ expression. In vitro, TAZ suppression inhibits aRMS cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, supports myogenic differentiation, and reduces aRMS cell stemness. TAZ-deficient aRMS cells are enriched in G2–M phase of the cell cycle. In vivo, TAZ suppression attenuates aRMS xenograft tumor growth. Preclinical studies show decreased aRMS xenograft tumor growth with porphyrin compounds alone and in combination with vincristine.

Conclusions: TAZ is oncogenic in aRMS sarcomagenesis. While P3F is currently not therapeutically tractable, targeting TAZ could be a promising novel approach in aRMS. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2616–30. ©2018 AACR.
COX-2/PGE2 Axis Regulates HIF2α Activity to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hypoxic Response and Reduce the Sensitivity of Sorafenib Treatment
Authors: Dong Xiao-Feng , Liu Tian-Qi , Zhi Xu-Ting , Zou Jie , Zhong Jing-Tao , Li Tao , Mo Xiang-Lan , Zhou Wei , Guo Wen-Wen , Liu Xia , Chen Yuan-Yuan , Li Meng-Yang , Zhong Xiao-Gang , Han Ya-Min , Wang Zhong-Hao , Dong Zhao-Ru
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF2α) is regarded as a preferential target for individualized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment and sorafenib resistance. Our study aimed to identify the regulatory mechanisms of HIF2α activity under hypoxic conditions. We sought to determine whether the COX-2/PGE2 axis is involved in the regulatory mechanisms of HIF2α activity and of sorafenib resistance in hypoxic HCC cells.

Experimental Design: The cell viability, migration, and invasion abilities were measured to analyze the effects of HIF2α on hypoxic HCC cells. Both in vitro and in vivo HCC models were used to determine whether the COX-2/PGE2 axis is a driver of HIF2α level and activity, which then reduces the sensitivity of sorafenib treatment in hypoxic HCC cells.

Results: Under hypoxic conditions, the COX-2/PGE2 axis effectively stabilized HIF2α and increased its level and activity via decreasing von Hippel-Lindau protein (p-VHL) level, and also enhanced HIF2α activity by promoting HIF2α nuclear translocation via MAPK pathway. The activation of HIF2α then led to the enhanced activation of VEGF, cyclin D1, and TGFα/EGFR pathway to mediate HCC development and reduce the sensitivity of sorafenib. More importantly, COX-2–specific inhibitors synergistically enhanced the antitumor activity of sorafenib treatment.

Conclusions: Our data obtained demonstrate that the COX/PGE2 axis acts as a regulator of HIF2α expression and activity to promote HCC development and reduce sorafenib sensitivity by constitutively activating the TGFα/EGFR pathway. This study highlights the potential of COX-2–specific inhibitors for HCC treatment and particularly for enhancing the response to sorafenib treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(13); 3204–16. ©2018 AACR.
Genome-wide Discovery and Identification of a Novel miRNA Signature for Recurrence Prediction in Stage II and III Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kandimalla Raju , Gao Feng , Matsuyama Takatoshi , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Uetake Hiroyuki , Takahashi Naoki , Yamada Yasuhide , Becerra Carlos , Kopetz Scott , Wang Xin , Goel Ajay
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The current tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) staging system is inadequate at identifying patients with high-risk colorectal cancer. Using a systematic and comprehensive biomarker discovery and validation approach, we aimed to identify an miRNA recurrence classifier (MRC) that can improve upon the current TNM staging as well as is superior to currently offered molecular assays.

Experimental Design: Three independent genome-wide miRNA expression profiling datasets were used for biomarker discovery (N = 158) and in silico validation (N = 109 and N = 40) to identify an miRNA signature for predicting tumor recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer. Subsequently, this signature was analytically trained and validated in retrospectively collected independent patient cohorts of fresh-frozen (N = 127, cohort 1) and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE; N = 165, cohort 2 and N = 139, cohort 3) specimens.

Results: We identified an 8-miRNA signature that significantly predicted recurrence-free interval (RFI) in the discovery (P = 0.002) and two independent publicly available datasets (P = 0.00006 and P = 0.002). The RT-PCR–based validation in independent clinical cohorts revealed that MRC-derived high-risk patients succumb to significantly poor RFI in patients with stage II and III colorectal cancer [cohort 1: hazard ratio (HR), 3.44 (1.56–7.45), P = 0.001; cohort 2: HR, 6.15 (3.33–11.35), P = 0.001; and cohort 3: HR, 4.23 (2.26–7.92), P = 0.0003]. In multivariate analyses, MRC emerged as an independent predictor of tumor recurrence and achieved superior predictive accuracy over the currently available molecular assays. The RT-PCR–based MRC risk score = (−0.1218 × miR-744) + (−3.7142 × miR-429) + (−2.2051 × miR-362) + (3.0564 × miR-200b) + (2.4997 × miR-191) + (−0.0065 × miR-30c2) + (2.2224 × miR-30b) + (−1.1162 × miR-33a).

Conclusions: This novel MRC is superior to currently used clinicopathologic features, as well as National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria, and works regardless of adjuvant chemotherapy status in identifying patients with high-risk stage II and III colorectal cancer. This can be readily deployed in clinical practice with FFPE specimens for decision-making pending further model testing and validation. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3867–77. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Rodriguez et al., p. 3787
Enhanced Intratumoral Delivery of SN38 as a Tocopherol Oxyacetate Prodrug Using Nanoparticles in a Neuroblastoma Xenograft Model
Authors: Nguyen Ferro , Alferiev Ivan , Guan Peng , Guerrero David T. , Kolla Venkatadri , Moorthy Ganesh S. , Chorny Michael , Brodeur Garrett M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Currently, <50% of high-risk pediatric solid tumors like neuroblastoma can be cured, and many survivors experience serious or life-threatening toxicities, so more effective, less toxic therapy is needed. One approach is to target drugs to tumors using nanoparticles, which take advantage of the enhanced permeability of tumor vasculature.

Experimental Design: SN38, the active metabolite of irinotecan (CPT-11), is a potent therapeutic agent that is readily encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles. Tocopherol oxyacetate (TOA) is a hydrophobic mitocan that was linked to SN38 to significantly increase hydrophobicity and enhance nanoparticle retention. We treated neuroblastomas with SN38-TOA nanoparticles and compared the efficacy with the parent prodrug CPT-11 using a mouse xenograft model.

Results: Nanoparticle treatment induced prolonged event-free survival (EFS) in most mice, compared with CPT-11. This was shown for both SH-SY5Y and IMR-32 neuroblastoma xenografts. Enhanced efficacy was likely due to increased and sustained drug levels of SN38 in the tumor compared with conventional CPT-11 delivery. Interestingly, when recurrent CPT-11–treated tumors were re-treated with SN38-TOA nanoparticles, the tumors transformed from undifferentiated neuroblastomas to maturing ganglioneuroblastomas. Furthermore, these tumors were infiltrated with Schwann cells of mouse origin, which may have contributed to the differentiated histology.

Conclusions: Nanoparticle delivery of SN38-TOA produced increased drug delivery and prolonged EFS compared to conventional delivery of CPT-11. Also, lower total dose and drug entrapment in nanoparticles during circulation should decrease toxicity. We propose that nanoparticle-based delivery of a rationally designed prodrug is an attractive approach to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy in pediatric and adult tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2585–93. ©2018 AACR.
Endoscopic and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Gastric Cancer with versus without Helicobacter Pylori Eradication
Authors: Kodama Masaaki , Okimoto Tadayoshi , Mizukami Kazuhiro , Abe Hisanori , Ogawa Ryo , Okamoto Kazuhisa , Shuto Mitsutaka , Matsunari Osamu , Hirashita Yuka , Sato Ryugo , Abe Takashi , Nagai Takayuki , Arita Tsuyoshi , Murakami Kazunari
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: The rate of gastric cancer (GC) after Helicobacter pylori eradication has gradually increased; therefore, we investigate the clinicopathological features of GC following eradication in comparison with those of GC with H. pylori infection. Methods: This study included 50 subjects with GC after eradication (GCE) and 151 patients with GC with H. pylori infection (GCI). Clinicopathological factors were assessed. The manifestation of GC was further evaluated using immunohistochemical analysis and in situ hybridization. Results: Macroscopic analysis revealed a significantly higher ratio of depressed type /elevated type in the GCE compared with the GCI (30/19 vs. 61/77, p = 0.041). The gastric phenotype was more common in the GCE compared with the GCI, and the proportion of CDX2-positive cases was lower in the GCE (8 out of 18; 44.4%) compared with the GCI (18 out of 19; 94.7%; p = 0.00082). Ki-67 labeling index was significantly lower in the GCE (32.03 ± 22.15) compared with the GCI (79.20 ± 14.87, p < 0.0001). No patient in the GCE showed evidence of Epstein-Barr virus infection. Conclusion: The clinicopathological characteristics of GC following H. pylori eradication differ from those of GC in patients with H. pylori infection in terms of morphology, mucin phenotype, and proliferation rate.
The Influence of Leaf Consumption on Time Allocation in Black Howler Monkeys (Alouatta pigra)
Authors: Rangel-Negrín Ariadna , Coyohua-Fuentes Alejandro , Canales-Espinosa Domingo , Dias Pedro Américo D.
Published: March 2018

The analysis of factors that determine variation in time budgets is important to understand the interactions between environment, behaviour and fitness. We tested the hypothesis that changes in the dietary patterns of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) caused by a decrease in the availability of preferred foods are a main determinant of variation in time budgets. We predicted that individuals would trade off travel time for resting time (i.e., minimize energy expenditure) as the diet included more leaves. We conducted our study in the Mexican state of Campeche between 2005 and 2008, where we studied the behaviour of 28 adult males and 32 adult females belonging to 14 different groups for a total of 3,747.2 focal sampling hours. Study groups lived in forest fragments with variation in habitat quality. Individuals showed different rest:travel trade-offs in response to leaf consumption according to the quality of the forest fragments they lived in. Individuals that lived in high-quality fragments increased resting time under more folivorous regimes, whereas those living in low-quality fragments increased travel time. Our results suggest that howler monkeys living in low-quality fragments spend more time foraging to compensate for the low quality of the available resources.
Place of Residence and Cognitive Function among the Adult Population in India
Authors: Xu Hanzhang , Ostbye Truls , Vorderstrasse Allison A. , Dupre Matthew E. , Wu Bei
Published: March 2018

Background: The place of residence has been linked to cognitive function among adults in developed countries. This study examined how urban and rural residence was associated with cognitive function among adults in India. Methods: The World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health data was used to examine cognition among 6,244 community-residing adults age 50+ in 6 states in India. Residential status was categorized as urban, rural, urban-to-urban, rural-to-urban, rural-to-rural, and urban-to-rural. Cognition was assessed by immediate and delayed recall tests, digit span test, and verbal fluency test. Multilevel models were used to account for state-level differences and adjusted for individual-level sociodemographic, psychosocial, and health-related factors. Results: Urban residents and urban-to-urban migrants had the highest levels of cognition, whereas rural residents and those who migrated to (or within) rural areas had the lowest cognition. The differences largely persisted after adjustment for multiple covariates; however, rural-to-urban migrants had no difference in cognition from urban residents once socioeconomic factors were taken into account. Conclusion: Cognition among adults in India differed significantly according to their current and past place of residence. Socioeconomic factors played an important role in the cognitive function of adults in urban areas.
Cognitive Reserve Hypothesis in Frontotemporal Dementia: Evidence from a Brain SPECT Study in a Series of Greek Frontotemporal Dementia Patients
Authors: Maiovis Pantelis , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Gerasimou Georgios , Gotzamani- Psarrakou Anna , Karacostas Dimitrios
Published: March 2018

Background and Objective: Cognitive reserve (CR) mediates the clinical expression of brain pathology in Alzheimer’s disease, while there are much less relevant data in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In the present study we examined whether CR, measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI), correlated with regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in Greek FTD patients. Methods: Eighty FTD patients, i.e., 47 with behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) and 33 with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), were enrolled into this study. CR was assessed using the CRI questionnaire, which provides a total score (CRI) and 3 subscores, i.e., CRI-education, CRI-working activity, and CRI-leisure time. The FTD-Clinical Dementia Rating Scale was used to assess the severity of dementia and a brain SPECT study was performed to measure rCBF. Finally, multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore correlations between CR indices and frontotemporal rCBF. Results: In both the bvFTD and the PPA groups, higher scores in the CRI, CRI-education, and CRI-leisure time correlated with lower rCBF in the bilateral frontal and left temporal cortex, respectively, controlling for age, sex, time since symptom onset, and disease severity. Conclusion: In the present study, lifetime participation in leisure time activities was found to mitigate the burden of disease in bvFTD and PPA patients. Moreover, FTD patients with a higher educational attainment were able to cope better with greater brain damage. Determination of the most suitable activities to build an adequate level of CR is crucial for dementia prevention.
Prophylactic Effect of Dexamethasone on Regorafenib-Related Fatigue and/or Malaise: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Study in Patients with Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (KSCC1402/HGCSG1402)
Authors: Tanioka Hiroaki , Miyamoto Yuji , Tsuji Akihito , Asayama Masako , Shiraishi Takeshi , Yuki Satoshi , Kotaka Masahito , Makiyama Akitaka , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Shimose Takayuki , Masuda Satohiro , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Komatsu Yoshito , Saeki Hiroshi , Emi Yasunori , Baba Hideo , Oki Eiji , Maehara Yoshihiko ,   Kyushu Study Group of Clinical Cancer (KSCC)
Published: March 2018

Background: Regorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor with a proven survival benefit for metastatic colorectal cancer patients. The KSCC1402/HGCSG1402 study investigated the prophylactic effect of oral dexamethasone (DEX) on regorafenib-related fatigue and/or malaise. Patients and Methods: Patients who progressed after standard chemotherapy were randomized 1: 1 to a DEX group (2 mg/day; days 1–28) with regorafenib or a placebo group with regorafenib. The primary endpoint was the incidence of fatigue and/or malaise, based on version 4.0 of the National Cancer Institute’s CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events). One of the secondary endpoints was the in­cidence of fatigue and/or malaise based on the CTCAE assessed by patient-reported outcome (PRO). Results: The incidence of any grade of fatigue and/or malaise assessed by the investigators was 58.8% in the DEX group and 61.1% in the placebo group (p = 0.8101), and that assessed by PRO was 47.2 and 58.3%, respectively (p = 0.3450). The incidence of grade ≥2 fatigue and/or malaise, as assessed by the investigators, was 19.4% for the DEX group and 38.9% for the placebo group (p = 0.0695), and that assessed by PRO was 27.8 and 52.8%, respectively (p = 0.0306). Conclusion: Our results suggest that prophylactic oral DEX is clinically effective in improving regorafenib-related fatigue and/or malaise.
Association of Fatigue Intensification with Cognitive Impairment during Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Feng Li Rebekah , Espina Alexandra , Saligan Leorey N.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Cancer-related fatigue is a common complaint during cancer treatment and is often associated with cognitive impairment. This study examined cognitive deficits that were associated with fatigue symptoms during external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in men with localized prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 36 participants were enrolled and followed up at baseline, 24 h, 7 days, 14 days after EBRT initiation, at midpoint, and at completion of EBRT. Fatigue was measured by self-report using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Fatigue (FACT-F), and cognitive impairment by the Computer Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment (CAMCI®). Results: Subjects with increased fatigue during EBRT reported a significant decline in cognitive function and had difficulties with CAMCI®’s route finding and item recall tasks during EBRT. Increased fatigue during EBRT was associated with perceived cognitive difficulties in executive function and recognition memory, but not with attention or verbal memory. Conclusions: Our results suggest that there might be specific cognitive domains that are associated with increased fatigue during EBRT. These findings will provide important information for targeting specific cognitive domains using pharmacotherapy or behavioral interventions. CAMCI® is a valuable tool for psycho social providers to detect subtle cognitive impairment in fatigued cancer patients in a clinical setting.
Long-Term Follow-Up after Paediatric Kidney Transplantation and Influence Factors on Graft Survival: A Single-Centre Experience of 16 years
Authors: Friedersdorff Frank , Koch Therese-Marie , Banuelos-Marco Beatriz , Gonzalez Ricardo , Fuller Tom Florian , von Mechow Stefanie , Müller Dominik , Lingnau Anja
Published: March 2018

Introduction: To evaluate graft- and patient survival after paediatric kidney transplantation and detecting influence factors, which affect the post-transplant time. Materials and Methods: We analysed long-term survival rates and complications after paediatric kidney transplantation and searched for predictive parameters for graft function. Results: In 132 patients, 143 kidney transplantations were performed. Graft failure occurred in 25%. Chronic rejections were the leading cause of graft loss (42.9%). Graft survival rates were 92.2% after 1 year, 85.5% after 5 years, 71.1% after 10 years and 62.1% after 15 years. The following parameters strongly influenced graft survival: number of transplants (p = 0.014), year of transplant (p < 0.0001 for 1997–2005), Epo-therapy post-transplant (p = 0.001), hypotension donor (p = 0.027), cold ischemia time (p = 0.023), anastomosis time >50 min (p = 0.008), delayed graft function (p = 0.003) and deceased donation (p = 0.039). The percentage of patients who died was 5.6%. Overall patient survival rates were 99.3% after 1 year, 95.2% after 5 years, 94.2% after 10 years and 90.7% after 15 years. Various types of infections (42.9%) were the main causes of death. Conclusions: The main causes of death after kidney transplantations in paediatric recipients are malignancy and infections. To avoid vascular complications especially in young recipients (<9 years), the cold ischemia time should be as short as possible.
Bilateral Ageusia and Tongue Anesthesia Following Unilateral Brainstem Infarct: A Case Report with a Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Saleh Christian , Negoias Simona  , Wagner Franca , Mono Marie-Luise
Published: March 2018

We present the case of a 63-year-old male patient who suffered bilateral ageusia following a unilateral left-sided mesencephalon infarct. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a mesencephalon lesion leading to ageusia. We discuss the literature on this rare but important symptom following a stroke.
The Relationship between Carotid and Femoral Artery Intima-Media Thickness and Histopathologic Grade of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Nezami Nariman , Ghabili Kamyar , Shokouhi-Gogani Behrooz , Mirchi Mohammad , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Safa Javid , Zomorrodi Afshar , Gharadaghi Abasad , Mojadidi Mohammad Khalid , Tarzamni Mohammad Kazem , Khajir Ghazal , Ghorashi Sona , Revzin Margarita
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Variability in the grade of atherosclerosis among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) could affect the ultrasound measurements of intima media thickness (IMT). We sought to investigate IMTs of carotid (cIMT) and femoral (fIMT) arteries in CKD patients and assess the degree of their correlation with histopathological atherosclerosis. Methods: Eighty-nine out of 99 enrolled subjects completed this study. The subjects were divided into 3 groups: 34 patients with CKD (Case group), 31 with coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG, positive control group), and 24 healthy kidney donors (negative control group). For histopathological assessment of atherosclerosis, arterial tissue samples were obtained from the patients in each study group. The cIMT and fIMTs were measured by ultrasonography. Results: Histopathological atherosclerosis was present in 82.3, 100, and 20.8% of CKD, CABG, and donor groups respectively (p < 0.001). CKD patients had higher values of cIMT and fIMT than the donor group (p = 0.01 and 0.004, respectively). cIMT was positively correlated with the grade of atherosclerosis in the CKD group only (p < 0.001), while fIMT was correlated with the grade of atherosclerosis in both CKD and donor groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.009 respectively). In CKD patients, cIMT >0.65 mm and femoral values >0.57 mm predicted the presence of histopathological atherosclerosis with sensitivities of 96 and 92% respectively. Conclusion: Higher values of cIMT and fIMT in CKD patients are associated with higher rates and degrees of histopathological atherosclerosis. Additionally, when compared to fIMT, cIMT has a higher sensitivity for detecting atherosclerosis in CKD patients.
Cinacalcet for Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Greeviroj Primploy , Kitrungphaiboon Thidarat , Katavetin Pisut , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Jaber Bertrand L. , Susantitaphong Paweena
Published: March 2018

Background: Cinacalcet could decrease serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in previous meta-analyses. However, the effect of cinacalcet on the new biomarkers such as fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), bone markers, and vascular calcification are still unestablished. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine the effects of cinacalcet on all laboratory and clinical spectrums of chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorders (CKD-MBD). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinical Trials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of cinacalcet relative to standard treatment on CKD-MBD surrogate markers and clinical outcomes. Random-effect models were used to compute the weighted mean difference for continuous variables and the risk ratio for binary variables. Results: Twenty-four RCTs (10,031 dialysis patients) were identified. Besides lowering effects on calcium, phosphate, and PTH, cinacalcet significantly reduced bone resorptive marker (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b) but unaltered bone formation markers (bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin). Cinacalcet also resulted in significant higher risk of hypocalcemia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cinacalcet significantly lowered serum FGF-23 level, although unaltered all-cause mortalities. Conclusions: Use of cinacalcet in dialysis patients improves several CKD-MBD-related surrogate markers. However, the benefit on all-cause mortalities was not demonstrated.
The Scientific Illusion of Victor Burq (1822–1884)
Authors: Walusinski Olivier
Published: March 2018

Victor Burq (1822–1884) is closely associated with a therapy named “burquism” by Jean-Martin Charcot, which was used in treating hysteria, especially hysteric anesthesia and paralysis, by applying metals, mainly copper, to affected zones. In 1876, Charcot, Luys, and Dumontpallier, commissioned by the Société de Biologie, issued 2 opinions validating the results obtained by Burq during the 25 years he dedicated to his research. From that point forward, the careers of these 3 famous physicians were lastingly reoriented toward the practice of hypnosis. This neo-mesmeric resurgence at the end of the nineteenth century can be considered the cause of an epistemological change that gave rise to “psychological medicine.” During the repeated cholera epidemics in the mid-nineteenth century, Burq recommended preventive and corrective ingestion of copper, after observing that smelter workers were unaffected by the disease. The mechanisms of copper’s anti-bacterial action have since been elucidated and legitimize Burq’s anti-cholera campaign. Burq also advocated the ingestion of copper sulphate to treat diabetes. Current-day findings on intestinal microbiota and how these organisms influence blood sugar regulation support Burq’s claims, considered far-fetched for many years.
Methanolic Extract of Leathery Murdah, Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight and Arn. Leaves Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity in Acute and Chronic Models
Authors: Safwan Ali Khan Mohammed , Khatoon Nishath , Al-Sanea Mohammad M. , Gamal Mahmoud Mohamed , Rahman Hidayat Ur
Published: March 2018

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Terminalia coriacea. Materials and Methods: A methanolic extract of T. coriacea leaves was studied in albino Wistar rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema, an acute model, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma, a chronic model, at 3 oral test doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg). Aspirin 100 mg/kg was used as a positive control. Paw volume and wet and dry weights of cotton pellets were determined. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test. Results: The test extract at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg decreased paw volume and wet and dry weights of cotton pellets. The highest test dose (500 mg/kg) displayed a response comparable to that of the standard drug (p < 0.01) on paw volume. The extract produced similar (p < 0.05) decrease in wet weight of the cotton pellet at 125 and 250 mg/kg, whereas the effect of 500 mg/kg of the extract was comparable to that of aspirin 100 mg/kg (p < 0.01). The extract of T. coriacea at 500 mg/kg induced the most significant (p < 0.01) effect on wet weight of granulomatous tissue. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of T. coriacea leaves successfully decreased paw edema as well as dry and wet weights of granulomatous tissue in both acute and chronic inflammatory models thus confirming the anti- edematogenic, antitransudative, and antiproliferative properties of T. coriacea.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ПРЕПАРАТІВ ПРЯМОЇ ПРОТИВІРУСНОЇ ДІЇ ПРИ ХРОНІЧНОМУ ГЕПАТИТІ С У ПОЛЬЩІ
Authors: Halota W. , Flisiak R. , Olchak A.
Published: March 2018

Метою терапії є ліквідація вірусу гепатиту С (ВГС), зупинка або зворотний розвиток гістологічних змін, зниження ризику розвитку гепатоцелюлярної карциноми та передачі інфекції іншим особам. Відповідно до рекомендацій Польської групи експертів з ВГС, кожен дорослий хворий на хронічний гепатит С повинен отримувати терапію препаратами прямої противірусної дії (ПППД), за винятком тих пацієнтів, які мають коротку очікувану тривалість життя через інші серйозні супутні захворювання. Якщо доступ до терапії обмежений, пріоритет має бути наданий тим особам, в яких HCV-інфекція може призвести до несприятливого результату захворювання протягом короткого періоду часу, для осіб з цирозом печінки, швидкопрогресуючим фіброзом печінки, з позапечінковими проявами інфекції, хронічними хворобами нирок, пацієнти до і після трансплантації органів. Наведено рекомендації щодо вибору оптимального режиму лікування, оцінки фіброзу печінки, ефективності лікування, боротьби з резистентністю вірусу до ПППД, моніторингу гепатоцелюлярної карциноми, лікування ко-інфекції HBV/HCV та взаємодії ліків. Стаття містить поради щодо лікування пацієнтів з нирковою недостатністю, транс­плантацією печінки та декомпенсацією печінки, а також повторного лікування пацієнтів, які не відповіли на безінтерферонові схеми лікування. Включені також конкретні рекомендації щодо терапії пацієнтів, інфікованих різними генотипами, осіб, в яких хронічний гепатит С рецидивував, а також у разі інфікування вірусами таких генотипів, що, за прогнозами, незабаром з’являться у Польщі.
ТРУДНОЩІ ДІАГНОСТИКИ БОТУЛІЗМУ
Authors: Vаsylievа N. A. , Каchоr V. O. , Іvаkhіv O. L. , Snіtsаrеnkо S. V.
Published: March 2018

Мета роботи – описати випадок нетипового перебігу ботулізму (тип В) з дисоціацією офтальмоплегічного синдрому: наявність помірного птозу, диплопії, мідріазу, анізокорії, порушення акомодації, проте хвора читала навіть дрібний шрифт і писала. Утруднювали діагностику й гарячка та наявність herpes labialis. Виникло рідкісне ускладнення – млявий тетрапарез, дисметаболічна полінейропатія нижніх кінцівок, які тривали понад 2 місяці. Діагноз підтверджено біологічною пробою. Зроблено огляд літератури щодо епідеміології, клініки та сучасного лікування ботулізму у світі і в Україні. Висновки. В Україні склалася несприятлива ситуація щодо ботулізму, що диктує необхідність негайно запровадити жорсткий державний санепіднагляд за виробництвом і реалізацією продуктів харчування. Сучасний ботулізм характеризується поліморфізмом клінічних проявів, проте ряд навіть найхарактерніших симптомів можуть й не відзначатись. У сумнівних випадках, навіть при нечіткому епідеміологічному анамнезі та нетиповій клінічній картині, показане цілеспрямоване обстеження на ботулізм та специфічне лікування. Протиботулінічну сироватку необхідно вводити якомога раніше, що суттєво зменшує ймовірність виникнення летальних випадків і ускладнень.
Ehrlichia canis  DNA in domestic cats parasitized by Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) ticks in Brazil - case report
Authors: Braga Ísis Assis , Taques Isis Indaiara Gonçalves Granjeiro , Costa Jackeliny dos Santos , Dias Ingrid Savino de Oliveira , Grontoski Estefânia Crivelatti , Ziliani Thaysa Felfili , Melo Andréia Lima Tomé , Aguiar Daniel Moura de
Published: March 2018

Ectoparasites can transmit pathogens, including bacteria such as Ehrlichia sp., which trigger infectious diseases in domestic animals. Little is known about the epidemiology of feline ehrlichiosis, although several studies have focused on elucidating the pathogenesis and transmission of this disease. This paper presents the first mutual infection by Ehrlichia sp. between a domestic cat and a Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) tick removed from the animal. The cat and tick were tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect the dsb gene, and the analyzed sequences revealed samples 100% identical to E. canis. Based on this report, we discussed the importance of cats as E. canis reservoirs s and their position in the cycle of transmission between dogs and cats in Brazil.
Recognition and behavioral assessment of acute pain in cats: literature review
Authors: Pereira Marco Aurélio Amador , Campos Karina D'Angelo , Evangelista Marina Caetano , Gonçalves Lucas Alaião , Thurler Rosana Souza , Nagashima Júlio Ken , Garcia Filho Sérgio Grandisoli , Ribeiro Clarissa Muniz , Fantoni Denise Tabacchi
Published: March 2018

Embora a dor seja considerada o quarto sinal vital e uma das manifestações mais comumente encontradas na prática médica veterinária dos animais domésticos, seu tratamento ainda é inadequado. A dor aguda pós-operatória tem suscitado grande interesse por seu potencial risco de cronificação caso não adequadamente tratada, podendo piorar a recuperação e a qualidade de vida do paciente. O gato é uma das espécies domésticas menos estudadas no que diz respeito ao reconhecimento e controle da dor, e algumas das dificuldades residem na avaliação e na percepção da dor. O consenso sobre os sinais comportamentais da dor nesta espécie publicado em fevereiro de 2016 considerou alguns sinais como confiáveis e sensíveis para a avaliação da dor em gatos, em toda uma gama de diferentes condições clínicas, porém afirma a necessidade da realização de estudos que analisem a sua validade e aplicabilidade clínica, especialmente em relação a diferentes intensidades de dor. Na tentativa de se quantificar a dor são utilizados vários tipos de escalas subjetivas tradicionais e outras que facilitam a avaliação da efetividade da analgesia, a partir da observação de sinais comportamentais espontâneos indicativos de dor, combinada a uma resposta qualitativa à palpação da ferida cirúrgica. Faz-se necessária a utilização de escalas específicas para o tipo de dor (aguda ou crônica) e para a espécie, de modo a minimizar a subjetividade e a parcialidade dos observadores e possibilitando uma melhor assistência ao paciente.
Human exposure to Salmonella spp from dog food containing raw meat – systematic review
Authors: Reis Jéssica Santana dos , Santos Daianne Carneiro de Oliveira , Gomide Luciene Barbosa , Ogoshi Rosana Claudio Silva , Pereira Luciano José , Zangeronimo Márcio Gilberto
Published: March 2018

O emprego de dietas para cães contendo carne crua tem sido uma prática popular frequente. Estas, quando contaminadas por Salmonella, podem oferecer risco para a saúde dos animais e dos seres humanos. Este trabalho é uma revisão sistemática da literatura efetuada para avaliar a frequência de dietas para cães que continham carne crua contaminada por Salmonella, e se os cães que as consumiam eliminariam a bactéria em suas fezes. A pesquisa foi realizada em duas bases de dados, Web of Knowledge e PubMed, durante janeiro de 2015. Participaram da pesquisa trabalhos sobre dietas para cães contendo alimentos crus e seu consumo; treze artigos foram selecionados. Em 11 trabalhos foram conduzidas análises microbiológicas para Salmonella nas dietas contendo carne crua, sendo que em quatro desses estudos também foi analisada a presença da bactéria nas fezes dos animais. Em 679 dietas contendo carne crua, 141 delas (20,76%) estavam contaminadas, sendo o sorotipo mais encontrado foi Salmonnela Typhimurium (24,60% do total). Dos estudos que relataram a eliminação da bactéria após o consumo de dietas contendo carne crua, um total de 141 amostras fecais foram analisadas, das quais 73 (51,77%) estavam contaminadas, e o sorotipo mais encontrado foi Salmonella Newport (72,60% do total). Os resultados obtidos permitem afirmar que os proprietários dos cães alimentados por dietas (caseiras ou comerciais) a base de carne crua contaminada estão expostos ao risco de infecção por Salmonella tanto pela manipulação de alimentos como pelas fezes dos animais.
Measurement of serum lactate values in domestic cats (Felis catus) submitted to physical and chemical restraint
Authors: Siragusi Rafael Henrique de Souza , Barros Valeska Tallia Mendes de , Fiorini Emiliana Andrade , Bergamo Tiago Montalvão , Siqueira Rafael Cerântola , Manhoso Fábio Fernando Ribeiro , Franco Rodrigo Prevedello
Published: March 2018

The use of serum lactate has become increasingly common in Veterinary Medicine, since it is an excellent marker of tissue oxygenation, elevated in situations of tissue hypoxia, where anaerobic glycolysis is used as an energy source. Studies point out its use in dogs as a prognostic factor in several affections; however it is not commonly used in domestic felines due to the high stress threshold of the species, which may interfere with their values. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum lactate values in domestic cats during physical restraint and after chemical restraint using the combination of 8mg/kg ketamine-S, 0.4 mg/kg midazolam, and 2 mg/kg Tramadol. To this end, 20 clinically healthy female cats without defined race, from six months to five years of age, were divided into two groups, GPR (n = 10) represented by felines that had only physical restraint and the GCR (n = 10) by felines that underwent physical restraint (TPR) and after 30 hours by chemical restraint (TCR). It was observed that in both groups (GPR and CPR) during physical restraint presented hyperlactatemia (GPR = 6.23 ± 0.9 mmol/L – GCR – Tpr = 6.66 ± 1.59 mmol/L) and mean values of 4.42 ± 1.28 mmol/L during chemical restraint (GCR – Tcr). It was concluded that physical restraint interferes with serum lactate values, with the reduction of such values with the use of chemical restraint in the feline species.
The Literature of Revolution and the Origins ofIdeological Origins
Authors: Slauter Eric
Published: March 2018

This essay examines the extent to which Bailyn in Ideological Origins paid a literary scholar’s attention to word choice, imagery, variants, and even reception and a historian’s attention to the context in which such details found meaning. Ironically, the scholar which may have shaped Bailyn’s thinking most was Perry Miller whose second volume of the New England Mind he had reviewed critically.
Evolution of the East Central Eurasian Hydrocarbon Energy Complex
Authors: Cutler Robert M.
Published: March 2018

This article analyzes the evolution of the East Central Eurasian energy triangle China-Kazakhstan-Russia. It treats in depth the behavior of Chinese national oil companies (nocs) regarding foreign direct investment (fdi) in Kazakhstan and Russia. The first section sets out the framework of geo-economics in a complexity-science perspective, in particular the key analytical categories of the ‘emergent coherence’ approach, and it defines a ‘hydrocarbon energy complex’ (hec). The second section analyzes the formation of the East Central Eurasian hec by examining Chinese energy investment in Kazakhstan and Russia since 1991, using the ‘emergent coherence’ framework as explained. The third section examines the geo-economics of Sino-Russian competition for energy resources in Central Asia, specifically in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, over the same timeframe. The fourth section presents conclusions about changes over time in the behavior of Chinese nocs regarding investment in Kazakhstan and Russia and cooperation with them in the energy sector. The fifth section, the conclusion, summarizes the findings, gives them geopolitical perspective, and concludes on the criteria determining the delimitation of the distinct chronological periods emerging from application of the ‘emergent coherence’ framework.