bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive bias modification for interpretation with and without prior repetitive negative thinking to reduce worry and rumination in generalised anxiety disorder and depression: protocol for a multisession experimental study with an active control condition
Authors: Krahé Charlotte , Mathews Andrew , Whyte Jessica , Hirsch Colette R
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Worry and rumination are two forms of repetitive thinking characterised by their negative content and apparently uncontrollable nature. Although worry and rumination share common features and have been conceptualised as part of a transdiagnostic repetitive negative thinking (RNT) process, it remains unclear whether they share the same underlying cognitive mechanisms. This multisession experimental study investigates the tendency to make negative interpretations regarding ambiguous information as a cognitive mechanism underlying RNT. We compare multisession cognitive bias modification for interpretations (CBM-I) with an active control condition to examine whether repeatedly training positive interpretations reduces worry and rumination in individuals with generalised anxiety disorder or depression, respectively. Further, we examine the potential modulatory effects of engaging in RNT immediately prior to CBM-I.

Design, methods and analysis

A community sample of individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for either generalised anxiety disorder (n=60) or current major depressive episode (n=60) will be randomly allocated to CBM-I with prior RNT, CBM-I without prior RNT (ie, standard CBM-I), or an active control (no resolution of ambiguity) condition. All conditions receive a 3-week internet-based intervention consisting of one initial session at the first study visit and nine home-based sessions of CBM-I training (or active control). We will assess and compare the effects of CBM-I with and without prior RNT on ‘near-transfer’ measures of interpretation bias closely related to the training as well as ‘far-transfer’ outcomes related to RNT and emotional distress. Impact on questionnaire measures will additionally be assessed at 1-month follow-up. Multigroup analyses will be conducted to assess the impact of CBM-I on near-transfer and far-transfer outcome measures.
Prevalence and correlates of sexual and gender-based violence against Chinese adolescent women who are involved in commercial sex: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xu-Dong , Myers Sierra , Yang Hong-Juan , Li Yun , Li Ji-Hong , Luo Wei , Luchters Stanley
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Despite the vast quantity of research among Chinese female sex workers (FSWs) to address concerns regarding HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk, there is a paucity of research on issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the missed opportunity for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) promotion among young FSWs. Our research aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of SGBV among Chinese adolescent FSWs, and to explore SRH service utilisation.

Design and methods

A cross-sectional study using a one-stage cluster sampling method was employed. A semistructured questionnaire was administered by trained peer educators or health workers. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine individual and structural correlates of SGBV.

Setting and participants

Between July and September 2012, 310 adolescent women aged 15–20 years, and who self-reported having received money or gifts in exchange for sex in the past 6 months were recruited and completed their interview in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.

Results

Findings confirm the high prevalence of SGBV against adolescent FSWs in China, with 38% (118/310) of participants affected in the past year. Moreover, our study demonstrated the low uptake of public health services and high rates of prior unwanted pregnancy (52%; 61/118), abortion (53%; 63/118) and self-reported STI symptoms (84%; 99/118) in participants who were exposed to SGBV. Forced sexual debut was reported by nearly a quarter of FSWs (23%; 70/310) and was independently associated with having had a drug-using intimate partner and younger age (<17 years old) at first abortion. When controlling for potential confounders, having experienced SGBV was associated with frequent alcohol use, having self-reported symptoms of STI, having an intimate partner and having an intimate partner with illicit drug use.

Conclusions

This study calls for effective and integrated interventions addressing adolescent FSWs' vulnerability to SGBV and broader SRH consequences.
Cancer risk awareness and screening uptake in individuals at higher risk for colon cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Salimzadeh Hamideh , Bishehsari Faraz , Delavari Alireza , Barzin Gilda , Amani Mohammad , Majidi Azam , Sadjadi Alireza , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: December 2016

Objective

We aimed to measure cancer knowledge and feasibility of a screening colonoscopy among a cohort of individuals at higher risk of colon cancer.

Methods

This study was conducted as part of an ongoing screening cohort, in which first degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with colon cancer are invited to participate in a free of charge screening colonoscopy. We enrolled 1017 FDRs in the study between 2013 and 2014 measuring their data on demographics, cancer knowledge and colonoscopy uptake. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The relative's mean age was 48.7 years. Only about 28% of FDRs were aware of their increased risk for cancer, near 35.0% had ever heard about colonoscopy with 22% aware of the correct age to start screening. Comparing cancer knowledge of FDRs at high risk versus those at moderate risk, we recorded non-significant differences (p>0.05). Almost two-thirds of FDRs expressed willingness to undergo a colonoscopy and 49.2% completed the procedure, of which 12.8% had advanced neoplasm.

Conclusions

Our data indicated that remarkable numbers of FDRs were not still informed of their cancer risk or never received a physician recommendation for screening. The desirable uptake at first invitation, which would be higher over successive invitations, supports the feasibility of a family-based recruitment approach for early screening. This has promising implications to introduce targeted screening colonoscopy into the healthcare system in Iran and other developing nations.
Informing treatment decisions through meta-analysis: to network or not?
Authors: Al Wattar Bassel H , Zamora Javier , Khan Khalid S
Published: December 2016

Evidence from randomised trials and their meta-analyses is typically formed of head-to-head comparisons of a couple of treatments; multiarm trials are infrequent. However, in real-life healthcare, there are many more than two treatment options for a particular condition. To be relevant for the shop-floor of practice, evidence-based medicine requires the use a comprehensive approach to compile, compare and contrast evidence on all options in one synthesis. Network meta-analysis (NMA) offers exactly such a solution. It generates a rank order of the available treatments for practitioners and policymakers that has the merit of objectivity. However, reviewers should make transparent the limitations of NMA as it uses direct and indirect comparisons, inevitably collating data with a certain degree of heterogeneity. This approach is increasingly being deployed to underpin evidence syntheses for incorporating research into practice.
Wrong guidelines: how to detect them and what to do in the case of flawed recommendations
Authors: Iannone Primiano , Costantino Giorgio , Montano Nicola , Podda Gian Marco , Minardi Monica , Doyle James , Cartabellotta Antonino
Published: December 2016

Any evidence-based recommendation needs careful assessment of its methodological background as well as of its content trustworthiness, especially given that following it will not necessarily produce the intended clinical outcomes. There are no established instruments to evaluate guidelines for their content, while useful tools assessing the quality of methods followed are well recognised and adopted. We suggest a ‘safety bundle’ considering methodological aspects and content trustworthiness of guidelines, by adopting the GRADE method in a backward fashion. Sharing the critical analysis of the guidelines with patients, including any eventual uncertainty about them, is of key importance in order to avoid the possible adverse effects derived from following the wrong guidelines. Such critical approach is also helpful and beneficial in producing better care pathways, health policy decisions and more relevant and ethical research.
Validity of the Manchester Triage System in patients with sepsis presenting at the ED: a first assessment
Authors: Gräff Ingo , Goldschmidt Bernd , Glien Procula , Dolscheid-Pommerich Ramona C , Fimmers Rolf , Grigutsch Daniel
Published: December 2016

Background

The Manchester Triage System (MTS) does not have a specific presentational flow chart for sepsis. The goal of this investigation was to determine adequacy of acuity assignment for patients with sepsis presenting at the ED and triaged using the MTS.

Materials and methods

This retrospective analysis included patients >16 presenting to an ED in Bonn, Germany, on the first 12 days of each month between June 2012 and March 2014. Patients were classified into one of three septic groups, or no sepsis. For those with sepsis, adequacy of acuity assignment was based on the criteria of the first consensus conference of the American College of Chest Physicians and Society of Critical Care Medicine, first published in 1992. Adequacy of prioritisation is expressed as sensitivity and likelihood ratio (LR–).

Results

Among 20 836 patients evaluated, 801 (3.8%) were septic; of these, 581 (72.5%) had sepsis, 194 (24.2%) had severe sepsis and 26 (3.2%) had severe sepsis with circulation dysfunction. Patients who met the criteria for sepsis were correctly prioritised with a sensitivity of 70.4% (95% CI 66.5 to 74.0). The LR– was 0.628 (95% CI 0.564 to 0.698). Patients with severe sepsis were appropriately prioritised with a sensitivity of 84.5% (95% CI 78.1 to 89.4), and LR– was 0.330 (95% CI 0.243 to 0.450). In the group with severe sepsis and circulation dysfunction, sensitivity of MTS was 61.5% (95% CI 39.3 to 79.8), and LR– was 0.466 (95% CI 0.286 to 0.757).

Conclusions

The MTS has some weaknesses regarding priority levels in emergency patients with septic illness. Overall, target key symptoms (discriminators) which aim at identifying systemic infection and ascertaining vital parameters are insufficiently considered.
Demographic factors, workplace factors and active transportation use in the USA: a secondary analysis of 2009 NHTS data
Authors: Quinn Tyler D , Jakicic John M , Fertman Carl I , Barone Gibbs Bethany
Published: December 2016

Background

While active transportation has health, economic and environmental benefits, participation within the USA is low. The purpose of this study is to examine relationships of demographic and workplace factors with health-enhancing active transportation and commuting.

Methods

Participants in the 2009 National Household Travel Survey reported demographics, workplace factors (time/distance to work, flextime availability, option to work from home and work start time) and active transportation (for any purpose) or commuting (to and from work, workers only) as walking or biking (≥10 min bouts only). Multiple logistic regression examined cross-sectional relationships between demographics and workplace factors with active transportation and commuting.

Results

Among 152 573 participants, active transportation was reported by 1.11% by biking and 11.74% by walking. Among 111 808 working participants, active commuting was reported by 0.80% by biking and 2.76% by walking. Increased odds (p<0.05) of active commuting and transportation were associated with younger age, lower income, urban dwelling, and the highest and lowest education categories. Males had greater odds of commuting and transporting by bike but decreased odds of walk transporting. Inconsistent patterns were observed by race, but whites had greater odds of any biking (p<0.05). Odds of active commuting were higher with a flexible schedule (p<0.001), the option to work from home (p<0.05), shorter time and distance to work (both p<0.001), and work arrival time between 11:00 and 15:59 (walking only, p=0.001).

Conclusions

Active transportation differed across demographic and workplace factors. These relationships could inform infrastructure policy decisions and workplace wellness programming targeting increased active transportation.
Optimising clinical performance during resuscitation using video evaluation
Authors: Lowe David J , Dewar Alistair , Lloyd Adam , Edgar Simon , Clegg Gareth R
Published: December 2016

Video evaluation of resuscitation is becoming increasingly integrated into practice in a number of clinical settings. The purpose of this review article is to examine how video may enhance clinical care during resuscitation. As healthcare and available therapeutic interventions evolve, re-evaluation of accepted paradigms requires data to describe current practice and support change. Analysis of video recordings affords creation of a framework to evaluate individual and team performance and develop unique and tailored strategies to optimise care delivery. While video has been used in a number of non-clinical settings, there has been a recent increase of video systems in the prehospital and other clinical areas. This paper reviews the key opportunities in the emergency department-based resuscitation setting to enhance ergonomics, technical and non-technical skills—at both team and individual level—through video-assisted care performance analysis and feedback.
Management of bleeding in patients receiving non-vitamin K antagonists
Authors: Balla Sudarshan , Koerber Scott , Flaker Greg
Published: December 2016

Anticoagulation with non-vitamin K antagonists (Non vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOACs)) including dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban is at least as effective as warfarin, has fewer drug and food interactions and does not require monthly monitoring. Although major bleeding with NOACs is infrequent, there remains concern about the ability to effectively treat episodes of major bleeding. New agents have been developed that are capable of providing rapid reversal of the anticoagulation effect of NOACs. Idarucizumab normalises the dilute thrombin time and the ecarin clotting time, both of which are elevated with dabigatran. Andexanet alfa reduces increased anti-factor Xa activity seen with the use of rivaroxaban and apixaban. A universal reversal agent is in development. These agents, unlike agents to reverse the anticoagulation effect of vitamin K antagonists, appear to reverse the specific NOAC anticoagulant. The development of reversal agents is a major advancement in managing bleeding in the era of NOACs. Future studies will be required to determine the impact on important clinical outcomes.
Pectinate ligament dysplasia in the Border Collie, Hungarian Vizsla and Golden Retriever
Authors: Oliver James A. C. , Ekiri Abel B. , Mellersh Cathryn S.
Published: December 2016

Pectinate ligament dysplasia (PLD) is significantly associated with primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG) in several dog breeds. Gonioscopy screening for PLD is advised in breeds in which PLD and PCAG are particularly prevalent in order that affected dogs may be eliminated from the breeding population. The Border Collie (BC), Hungarian Vizsla (HV) and Golden Retriever (GR) breeds are currently under investigation for PLD by the British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club/International Sheep Dog Society (BVA/KC/ISDS) Eye Scheme. The authors aimed to determine the prevalence of PLD in UK populations of BC, HV and GR and to investigate possible associations between the degree of PLD and age and sex. Gonioscopy was performed in 102 BCs, 112 HVs and 230 GRs and the percentage of iridocorneal angle affected by PLD was estimated and classified as unaffected (0 per cent), mildly affected (<20 per cent), moderately affected (20–90 per cent) or severely affected (>90 per cent). Eleven of 102 (13.8 per cent) BCs, 16/112 (14.3 per cent) HVs and 60/230 (26.1 per cent) GRs were moderately or severely affected by PLD. The prevalence of PLD was significantly higher in GR than both BC and HV. There was a significant positive correlation between PLD and age in the HV and GR but not in the BC. There was no association between PLD and sex in any breed.
The Beringian Coevolution Project: holistic collections of mammals and associated parasites reveal novel perspectives on evolutionary and environmental change in the North
Authors: Cook Joseph A. , Galbreath Kurt E. , Bell Kayce C. , Campbell Mariel L. , Carrière Suzanne , Colella Jocelyn P. , Dawson Natalie G. , Dunnum Jonathan L. , Eckerlin Ralph P. , Fedorov Vadim , Greiman Stephen E. , Haas Genevieve M.S. , Haukisalmi Voitto , Henttonen Heikki , Hope Andrew G. , Jackson Donavan , Jung Thomas S. , Koehler Anson V. , Kinsella John M. , Krejsa Dianna , Kutz Susan J. , Liphardt Schuyler , MacDonald S. O. , Malaney Jason L. , Makarikov Arseny , Martin Jon , McLean Bryan S. , Mulders Robert , Nyamsuren Batsaikhan , Talbot Sandra L. , Tkach Vasyl V. , Tsvetkova Albina , Toman Heather M. , Waltari Eric C. , Whitman Jackson S. , Hoberg Eric P.
Published: December 2016

The Beringian Coevolution Project (BCP), a field program underway in the high northern latitudes since 1999, has focused on building key scientific infrastructure for integrated specimen-based studies on mammals and their associated parasites. BCP has contributed new insights across temporal and spatial scales into how ancient climate and environmental change have shaped faunas, emphasizing processes of assembly, persistence, and diversification across the vast Beringian region. BCP collections also represent baseline records of biotic diversity from across the northern high latitudes at a time of accelerated environmental change. These specimens and associated data form an unmatched resource for identifying hidden diversity, interpreting past responses to climate oscillations, documenting contemporary conditions, and anticipating outcomes for complex biological systems in a regime of ecological perturbation. Because of its dual focus on hosts and parasites, the BCP record also provides a foundation for comparative analyses that can document the effects of dynamic change on the geographic distribution, transmission dynamics, and emergence of pathogens. By using specific examples from carnivores, eulipotyphlans, lagomorphs, rodents, ungulates, and their associated parasites, we demonstrate how broad, integrated field collections provide permanent infrastructure that informs policy decisions regarding human impact and the effect of climate change on natural populations.
Overexpression of Buffy enhances the loss of parkin and suppresses the loss of Pink1 phenotypes in Drosophila
Authors: M’Angale P. Githure , Staveley Brian E.
Published: December 2016

Mutations in parkin (PARK2) and Pink1 (PARK6) are responsible for autosomal recessive forms of early onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Attributed to the failure of neurons to clear dysfunctional mitochondria, loss of gene expression leads to loss of nigrostriatal neurons. The Pink1/parkin pathway plays a role in the quality control mechanism aimed at eliminating defective mitochondria, and the failure of this mechanism results in a reduced lifespan and impaired locomotor ability, among other phenotypes. Inhibition of parkin or Pink1 through the induction of stable RNAi transgene in the Ddc-Gal4-expressing neurons results in such phenotypes to model PD. To further evaluate the effects of the overexpression of the Bcl-2 homologue Buffy, we analysed lifespan and climbing ability in both parkin-RNAi- and Pink1-RNAi-expressing flies. In addition, the effect of Buffy overexpression upon parkin-induced developmental eye defects was examined through GMR-Gal4-dependent expression. Curiously, Buffy overexpression produced very different effects: the parkin-induced phenotypes were enhanced, whereas the Pink1-enhanced phenotypes were suppressed. Interestingly, the overexpression of Buffy along with the inhibition of parkin in the neuron-rich eye results in the suppression of the developmental eye defects.
A Score-Based Indexing and Retrieval Technique for Biometric Databases
Authors: Kavati Ilaiah , Prasad Munaga V. N. K. , Bhagvati Chakravarthy
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes a score-based indexing technique for biometric databases. A fixed-length index is computed for each image in the database by calculating its match scores against a preselected set of representative images. Further, an efficient storage mechanism (i.e. index space) is developed to arrange the biometric images like traditional database records so that a rapid search is possible. During identification, the retrieval technique finds a list of similar candidates for the query image from the database using voting scheme. Finally, to identify the genuine match from the retrieved similar candidates, we perform a one-one match between the query and each similar candidate using modified Hausdorff distance measure. Experimental results on different databases show a significant performance improvement in terms of response time and identification accuracy compared to the existing indexing methods.
Local existence and singularities formation for isothermal relativistic radiation hydrodynamics equations
Authors: Geng Yongcai
Published: December 2016

We study the Cauchy problem for multi-dimensional compressible relativistic hydrodynamics in the presence of a radiation field. First, based on the theory of quasilinear symmetric hyperbolic, we establish the local existence of smooth solutions for both non-vacuum and vacuum cases. Next, in the spirit of Sideris’ work [T. Sideris, Formation of singularities of solutions to nonlinear hyperbolic equations, Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 86 (1984) 369–381; T. Sideris, Formation of singularities in three-dimensional compressible fluids, Comm. Math. Phys. 101 (1985) 475–485], we show that smooth solutions blow-up in finite time if the initial data is compactly supported and large enough. Compared with the previous work, the main difficulties of the first problem lie in two aspects, we must first deal with the source terms relying on radiative quantities, and we also need to solve out the new coefficients matrices under the Lorentz transformation for vacuum case. The second difficulty arises on how to verifying that the smooth solution has finite propagation speed..
An enhanced dead reckoning algorithm with hybrid extrapolation models (AisaSim 2016)
Authors: Meng Dong , Yao Yi-Ping , Yao Feng
Published: December 2016

The traditional Dead Reckoning algorithm predicts the future motion state based on a determined polynomial predictor, and the forecasting performance would vary with different types of motion entities. This paper proposes an enhanced dead reckoning algorithm based on hybrid extrapolation models, which can be used to reduce the communication in a distributed interactive simulation. The proposed algorithm perform extrapolation using a number of candidate predictors. Its idea is based on the assumption that a complex trajectory can be decomposed into several simple trajectories. The experimental evaluations show that the enhanced Dead Reckoning algorithm provides better performance in correction data reduction and accurate estimation.
Developing Frameworks to Understand Disaster Causation: From Forensic Disaster Investigation to Risk Root Cause Analysis
Authors: Fraser Arabella , Paterson Shona , Pelling Mark
Published: December 2016

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 calls for science to support policy move toward more holistic solutions to disaster risk. This paper outlines an original framework to promote inter-disciplinary research into disaster causation, identifying the basis for holistic solutions. The PEARL Risk Root Cause Analysis framework responds to limits identified in the established FORensic INvestigations of disasters (FORIN) approach to root cause analysis. The paper documents a systematic review of the FORIN approach as a starting point for the development of the PEARL framework. The proposed PEARL framework offers a broad and adaptable conceptual, methodological and practical approach. In particular, we demonstrate the centrality of governance, including the role of disaster risk management in risk creation, of bringing historical insights into contemporary and future scenarios planning and of integrating research methods. These core elements can assist in repositioning science to better support the goals of the Sendai Framework.
Dynamic geomorphology: historical convergence towards modern practice
Authors: Orme Antony R.
Published: December 2016

Geomorphology, the study of landforms and the processes that shape them, emerged in its modern form in the mid-twentieth century and continues to change. Its practice, however, derives from the convergence of discrete foundations in the Earth, water and applied sciences over the past 400 years, underpinned by advances in analysis and technology. The Earth-science foundation was built as early geologists sought to explain landforms as expressions of underlying rocks or as surrogates for vanished stratigraphies. This approach, more speculative than definitive, rarely explained the processes at work. The water and applied sciences were more discerning but only slowly came to be integrated into morphodynamic explanations. All three foundations, initially vague on time and space, emerged during the Scientific Revolution of the seventeenth century and were refined during the agrarian and industrial revolutions of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, before converging into modern practice during the electronic age of the twentieth century.
Latency Measurement as a Virtualized Network Function using Metherxis
Authors: Mafioletti Diego Rossi , Liberatto Alextian Bartholomeu , Villaça Rodolfo da Silva , Dominicini Cristina Klippel , Martinello Magnos , Ribeiro Moises Renato Nunes
Published: December 2016

Network latency is critical to the success of many highspeed, low-latency applications. RFC 2544 discusses and defines a set of tests that can be used to describe the performance characteristics of a network device. However, most of the available measurement tools cannot perform all the tests as described in this standard. As a novel approach, this paper proposes Metherxis, a system that can be implemented on general purpose hardware and enables Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) to measure network device latency with micro-second grade accuracy. Results show that Metherxis achieves highly accurate latency measurements when compared to OFLOPS, a well known measurement tool.
Fluid shear stress induces upregulation of COX-2 and PGI2release in endothelial cells via a pathway involving PECAM-1, PI3K, FAK, and p38
Authors: Russell-Puleri Sparkle , dela Paz Nathaniel G. , Adams Diana , Chattopadhyay Mitali , Cancel Limary , Ebong Eno , Orr A. Wayne , Frangos John A. , Tarbell John M.
Published: December 2016

Vascular endothelial cells play an important role in the regulation of vascular function in response to mechanical stimuli in both healthy and diseased states. Prostaglandin I2(PGI2) is an important antiatherogenic prostanoid and vasodilator produced in endothelial cells through the action of the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoenzymes COX-1 and COX-2. However, the mechanisms involved in sustained, shear-induced production of COX-2 and PGI2have not been elucidated but are determined in the present study. We used cultured endothelial cells exposed to steady fluid shear stress (FSS) of 10 dyn/cm2for 5 h to examine shear stress-induced induction of COX-2/PGI2. Our results demonstrate the relationship between the mechanosensor platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and the intracellular mechanoresponsive molecules phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 in the FSS induction of COX-2 expression and PGI2release. Knockdown of PECAM-1 (small interference RNA) expression inhibited FSS-induced activation of α5β1-integrin, upregulation of COX-2, and release of PGI2in both bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, inhibition of the PI3K pathway (LY294002) substantially inhibited FSS activation of α5β1-integrin, upregulation of COX-2 gene and protein expression, and release of PGI2in BAECs. Inhibition of integrin-associated FAK (PF573228) and MAPK p38 (SB203580) also inhibited the shear-induced upregulation of COX-2. Finally, a PECAM-1−/−mouse model was characterized by reduced COX-2 immunostaining in the aorta and reduced plasma PGI2levels compared with wild-type mice, as well as complete inhibition of acute flow-induced PGI2release compared with wild-type animals.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study we determined the major mechanotransduction pathway by which blood flow-driven shear stress activates cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin I2(PGI2) release in endothelial cells. Our work has demonstrated for the first time that COX-2/PGI2mechanotransduction is mediated by the mechanosensor platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1).
Effect of anisotropy on ventricular vulnerability to unidirectional block and reentry by single premature stimulation during normal sinus rhythm in rat heart
Authors: Rossi S. , Buccarello A. , Ershler P. R. , Lux R. L. , Callegari S. , Corradi D. , Carnevali L. , Sgoifo A. , Miragoli M. , Musso E. , Macchi E.
Published: December 2016

Single high-intensity premature stimuli when applied to the ventricles during ventricular drive of an ectopic site, as in Winfree's “pinwheel experiment,” usually induce reentry arrhythmias in the normal heart, while single low-intensity stimuli barely do. Yet ventricular arrhythmia vulnerability during normal sinus rhythm remains largely unexplored. With a view to define the role of anisotropy on ventricular vulnerability to unidirectional conduction block and reentry, we revisited the pinwheel experiment with reduced constraints in the in situ rat heart. New features included single premature stimulation during normal sinus rhythm, stimulation and unipolar potential mapping from the same high-resolution epicardial electrode array, and progressive increase in stimulation strength and prematurity from diastolic threshold until arrhythmia induction. Measurements were performed with 1-ms cathodal stimuli at multiple test sites ( n = 26) in seven rats. Stimulus-induced virtual electrode polarization during sinus beat recovery phase influenced premature ventricular responses. Specifically, gradual increase in stimulus strength and prematurity progressively induced make, break, and graded-response stimulation mechanisms. Hence unidirectional conduction block occurred as follows: 1) along fiber direction, on right and left ventricular free walls ( n = 23), initiating figure-eight reentry ( n = 17) and tachycardia ( n = 12), and 2) across fiber direction, on lower interventricular septum ( n = 3), initiating spiral wave reentry ( n = 2) and tachycardia ( n = 1). Critical time window (55.1 ± 4.7 ms, 68.2 ± 6.0 ms) and stimulus strength lower limit (4.9 ± 0.6 mA) defined vulnerability to reentry. A novel finding of this study was that ventricular tachycardia evolves and is maintained by episodes of scroll-like wave and focal activation couplets. We also found that single low-intensity premature stimuli can induce repetitive ventricular response ( n = 13) characterized by focal activations.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We performed ventricular cathodal point stimulation during sinus rhythm by progressively increasing stimulus strength and prematurity. Virtual electrode polarization and recovery gradient progressively induced make, break, and graded-response stimulation mechanisms. Unidirectional conduction block occurred along or across fiber direction, initiating figure-eight or spiral wave reentry, respectively, and tachycardia sustained by scroll wave and focal activations.
Multiport Combined Endoscopic Approach to Nonembolized Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma with Parapharyngeal Extension: An Emerging Concept
Authors: Janakiram Tiruchy Narayanan , Bhatia Sharma Shilpee , Nahata Gattani Vijayshree
Published: December 2016

Background. Surgical approaches to the parapharyngeal space (PPS) are challenging by virtue of deep location and neurovascular content. Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA) is a formidable hypervascular tumor that involves multiple compartments with increase in size. In tumors with extension to parapharyngeal space, the endonasal approach was observed to be inadequate. Combined Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches and Endoscopic Transoral Surgery (EEA-ETOS) approach has provided a customized alternative of multicorridor approach to access JNA for its safe and efficient resection.Methods. The study demonstrates a case series of patients of JNA with prestyloid parapharyngeal space extension operated by endoscopic endonasal and endoscopic transoral approach for tumor excision.Results. The multiport EEA-ETOS approach was used to provide wide exposure to access JNA in parapharyngeal space. No major complications were observed. No conversion to external approach was required. Postoperative morbidity was low and postoperative scans showed no residual tumor. A one-year follow-up was maintained and there was no evidence of disease recurrence.Conclusion. Although preliminary, our experience demonstrates safety and efficacy of multiport approach in providing access to multiple compartments, facilitating total excision of JNA in selected cases.
Long and Midterm Effect of Conservation Agriculture on Soil Properties in Dry Areas of Morocco
Authors: Laghrour Malika , Moussadek Rachid , Mrabet Rachid , Dahan Rachid , El-Mourid Mohammed , Zouahri Abdelmajid , Mekkaoui Mohamed
Published: December 2016

In Morocco, conservation agriculture, particularly no tillage systems, has become an alternative strategy to mitigate land degradation caused by conventional tillage in semiarid to arid regions. This paper is based on behaviour to tillage treatments of two Vertisols in Morocco. After 11 years of testing, soil organic matter content results showed a significant difference (P<0.05) only at soil surface (0–10 cm) in favour of no tillage and a variation of 30% at this depth. The results obtained after 32 years of testing showed a significant soil profile difference (P<0.05), up to 40 cm under no tillage compared to conventional tillage, and a variation of 54% at 5–10 cm. For total nitrogen, there was no significant effect between no tillage and conventional tillage at the soil surface after 11 years unlike the result obtained after 32 years. There are no significant differences in bulk density between tillage treatments at soil surface for both sites. The measurement of soil structural stability showed a significant effect (P<0.05) for all three tests and for both sites. This means that no tillage helped Vertisols to resist different climatic constraints, preserving environmental soil quality.
CD36/Sirtuin 1 Axis Impairment Contributes to Hepatic Steatosis in ACE2‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Nunes-Souza Valéria , Alenina Natalia , Qadri Fatimunnisa , Penninger Josef M. , Santos Robson Augusto S. , Bader Michael , Rabelo Luiza A.
Published: December 2016

Background and Aims. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an important component of the renin‐angiotensin system. Since angiotensin peptides have been shown to be involved in hepatic steatosis, we aimed to evaluate the hepatic lipid profile in ACE2‐deficient (ACE2−/y) mice. Methods. Male C57BL/6 and ACE2−/y mice were analyzed at the age of 3 and 6 months for alterations in the lipid profiles of plasma, faeces, and liver and for hepatic steatosis. Results. ACE2−/y mice showed lower body weight and white adipose tissue at all ages investigated. Moreover, these mice had lower levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and nonesterified fatty acids in plasma. Strikingly, ACE2−/y mice showed high deposition of lipids in the liver. Expression of CD36, a protein involved in the uptake of triglycerides in liver, was increased in ACE2−/y mice. Concurrently, these mice exhibited an increase in hepatic oxidative stress, evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and expression of uncoupling protein 2, and downregulation of sirtuin 1. ACE2−/y mice also showed impairments in glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in the liver. Conclusions. Deletion of ACE2 causes CD36/sirtuin 1 axis impairment and thereby interferes with lipid homeostasis, leading to lipodystrophy and steatosis.
Comparison of Human Papillomavirus Detection in Urine and Cervical Samples Using High-Risk HPV DNA Testing in Northern Thailand
Authors: Khunamornpong Surapan , Settakorn Jongkolnee , Sukpan Kornkanok , Lekawanvijit Suree , Katruang Narisara , Siriaunkgul Sumalee
Published: December 2016

Objective. To evaluate the performance of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing in urine samples compared to that of cervical sample testing in Northern Thailand. Methods. Paired urine and cervical samples were collected during the follow-up of women with a previous positive HPV test. HPV testing was performed using the Cobas 4800 HPV Test. Linear Array assay was used for genotyping in selected cases. Results. Paired urine and cervical samples were obtained from 168 women. Of 123 paired samples with valid results, agreement in the detection of high-risk HPV DNA was present in 106 cases (86.2%), with a kappa statistic of 0.65 (substantial agreement). Using the cervical HPV results as a reference, the sensitivity of urine HPV testing was 68.6% (24/35) and the specificity 93.2% (82/88). For the detection of histologic high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse (HSIL+), the sensitivity of urine HPV testing was 80.0% (4/5) and the specificity 78.0% (92/118). Conclusion. Although urine HPV testing had a rather low sensitivity for HPV detection, its sensitivity for histologic HSIL+ detection was high. For clinical use of urine HPV testing, standardization of specimen collection and processing techniques or application of a more sensitive test, especially in the detection of HPV52 and HPV58, is necessary.
Dietary Habits of Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Variety and Frequency of Food Intake
Authors: Anuruddhika Subhashinie Senadheera Senadheera Pathirannehelage , Ekanayake Sagarika , Wanigatunge Chandanie
Published: December 2016

The objective of the present study was to observe the dietary patterns and food frequencies of type 2 diabetes patients attending the clinics of the Family Practice Center of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, located in a highly urbanized area in Sri Lanka. An interviewer administered questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 100 type 2 diabetes patients [age 35–70 years; mean age55±9(males = 44; females = 56)]. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 18.0 software. Vegetables, fatty foods, and poultry consumption were in accordance with the national guidelines. A significant percentage (45.5%) consumed rice mixed meals for all three meals and only 67% consumed fruits at least once a day. Majority (71%) consumed full-cream milk and sugar intake (77%) was in accordance with the guidelines. Noncaloric sweetener usage was nonexistent. Daily green leafy vegetable intake and the quantity consumed were inadequate to obtain beneficial effects. From the study population, 44% [females 50%; males 36%] of the patients were either overweight or obese. However, only 60% of those patients accepted that they were either overweight or obese. Only 14% exercised daily while 69% never exercised. Study revealed the importance of educating patients with type 2 diabetes on dietary changes and more importantly the involvement in regular physical exercises.
Association of Estrogen Metabolism with Breast Cancer Risk in Different Cohorts of Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Sampson Joshua N. , Falk Roni T. , Schairer Catherine , Moore Steven C. , Fuhrman Barbara J. , Dallal Cher M. , Bauer Douglas C. , Dorgan Joanne F. , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei , Brinton Louise A. , Gail Mitchell H. , Ziegler Regina G. , Xu Xia , Hoover Robert N. , Gierach Gretchen L.
Published: December 2016

Endogenous estradiol and estrone are linked causally to increased risks of breast cancer. In this study, we evaluated multiple competing hypotheses for how metabolism of these parent estrogens may influence risk. Prediagnostic concentrations of estradiol, estrone, and 13 metabolites were measured in 1,298 postmenopausal cases of breast cancer and 1,524 matched controls in four separate patient cohorts. The median time between sample collection and diagnosis was 4.4 to 12.7 years across the cohorts. Estrogen analytes were measured in serum or urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Total estrogen levels (summing all 15 estrogens/estrogen metabolites) were associated strongly and positively with breast cancer risk. Normalizing total estrogen levels, we also found that a relative increase in levels of 2-hydroxylation pathway metabolites, or in the ratio of 2-hydroxylation:16-hydroxylation pathway metabolites, were associated inversely with breast cancer risk. These associations varied by total estrogen levels, with the largest risk reductions occurring in women in the highest tertile. With appropriate validation, these findings suggest opportunities for breast cancer prevention by modifying individual estrogen metabolism profiles through either lifestyle alterations or chemopreventive strategies. Cancer Res; 77(4); 918–25. ©2017 AACR.
Sunitinib Treatment Enhances Metastasis of Innately Drug-Resistant Breast Tumors
Authors: Wragg Joseph W. , Heath Victoria L. , Bicknell Roy
Published: December 2016

Antiangiogenic therapies have failed to confer survival benefits in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). However, to date, there has not been an inquiry into the roles for acquired versus innate drug resistance in this setting. In this study, we report roles for these distinct phenotypes in determining therapeutic response in a murine model of mBC resistance to the antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib. Using tumor measurement and vascular patterning approaches, we differentiated tumors displaying innate versus acquired resistance. Bioluminescent imaging of tumor metastases to the liver, lungs, and spleen revealed that sunitinib administration enhances metastasis, but only in tumors displaying innate resistance to therapy. Transcriptomic analysis of tumors displaying acquired versus innate resistance allowed the identification of specific biomarkers, many of which have a role in angiogenesis. In particular, aquaporin-1 upregulation occurred in acquired resistance, mTOR in innate resistance, and pleiotrophin in both settings, suggesting their utility as candidate diagnostics to predict drug response or to design tactics to circumvent resistance. Our results unravel specific features of antiangiogenic resistance, with potential therapeutic implications. Cancer Res; 77(4); 1008–20. ©2016 AACR.
Beating the Clock in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Carroll William L. , Aifantis Iannis , Raetz Elizabeth
Published: December 2016

CDK4/6 inhibition was synergistic with dexamethasone and everolimus but antagonistic with conventional chemotherapy in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) preclinical models. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibition in combination with glucocorticoids and mTOR inhibition offers a unique therapeutic opportunity in T-ALL. Clin Cancer Res; 23(4); 873–5. ©2016 AACR.

See related article by Pikman et al., p. 1012
LIN28B Activation by PRL-3 Promotes Leukemogenesis and a Stem Cell–like Transcriptional Program in AML
Authors: Zhou Jianbiao , Chan Zit-Liang , Bi Chonglei , Lu Xiao , Chong Phyllis S.Y. , Chooi Jing-Yuan , Cheong Lip-Lee , Liu Shaw-Cheng , Ching Ying Qing , Zhou Yafeng , Osato Motomi , Tan Tuan Zea , Ng Chin Hin , Ng Siok-Bian , Wang Shi , Zeng Qi , Chng Wee-Joo
Published: December 2016

PRL-3 (PTP4A3), a metastasis-associated phosphatase, is also upregulated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with poor prognosis, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. Here, constitutive expression of PRL-3 in human AML cells sustains leukemogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PRL-3 phosphatase activity dependently upregulates LIN28B, a stem cell reprogramming factor, which in turn represses the let-7 mRNA family, inducing a stem cell–like transcriptional program. Notably, elevated levels of LIN28B protein independently associate with worse survival in AML patients. Thus, these results establish a novel signaling axis involving PRL-3/LIN28B/let-7, which confers stem cell–like properties to leukemia cells that is important for leukemogenesis.

Implications: The current study offers a rationale for targeting PRL-3 as a therapeutic approach for a subset of AML patients with poor prognosis. Mol Cancer Res; 15(3); 294–303. ©2016 AACR.
Mycobacteria Manipulate G-Protein-Coupled Receptors to Increase Mucosal Rac1 Expression in the Lungs
Authors: Alaridah Nader , Lutay Nataliya , Tenland Erik , Rönnholm Anna , Hallgren Oskar , Puthia Manoj , Westergren-Thorsson Gunilla , Godaly Gabriela
Published: December 2016

Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is currently the only approved vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). BCG mimics M. tuberculosis (Mtb) in its persistence in the body and is used as a benchmark to compare new vaccine candidates. BCG was originally designed for mucosal vaccination, but comprehensive knowledge about its interaction with epithelium is currently lacking. We used primary airway epithelial cells (AECs) and a murine model to investigate the initial events of mucosal BCG interactions. Furthermore, we analysed the impact of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CXCR1 and CXCR2, in this process, as these receptors were previously shown to be important during TB infection. BCG infection of AECs induced GPCR-dependent Rac1 up-regulation, resulting in actin redistribution. The altered distribution of the actin cytoskeleton involved the MAPK signalling pathway. Blocking of the CXCR1 or CXCR2 prior to infection decreased Rac1 expression, and increased epithelial transcriptional activity and epithelial cytokine production. BCG infection did not result in epithelial cell death as measured by p53 phosphorylation and annexin. This study demonstrated that BCG infection of AECs manipulated the GPCRs to suppress epithelial signalling pathways. Future vaccine strategies could thus be improved by targeting GPCRs.
Retrato, pessoa e imagem: o universo fotográfico de Madalena Schwartz
Authors: Gonçalves Marco Antonio Teixeira
Published: December 2016

Este artigo empreende uma análise da obra de Madalena Schwartz, fotógrafa húngara radicada em São Paulo desde a década de 1960, responsável por constituir um acervo visual do Brasil no final do século xx por meio do retrato. A partir de sua obra, exploro o significado do retrato na construção do imaginário moderno e seus rebatimentos nas discussões conceituais sobre imagem, fisicalidade, pessoa, semelhança e indivíduo na antropologia. A reflexão que empreendo sobre os retratos de Madalena Schwartz segue conceitualmente a virada fenomenológica na formulação teórica sobre a fotografia nas ciências sociais, que privilegia mais o nível experiencial do que o semiótico. O retrato, assim, envolve engajamento e experiência, sendo constituído por meio de relações sociais. Nesse sentido, o retrato é tomado enquanto materialização da relação entre o fotógrafo e o fotografado.
Os memes e sua apropriação pelo marketing digital: a experiência da rede brasileira de fast-food Giraffas
Authors: Junqueira Antonio Hélio
Published: December 2016

Este artigo analisa experiências e abordagens de marketing digital feitas pela rede brasileira de fast-food Giraffas nas quais o uso de memes constituiu a base estratégica da comunicação mercadológica empresarial, buscando avançar no conhecimento científico dos usos, abrangências, potencialidades e limites dos memes para a efetividade e a eficácia da ação promocional de marcas, produtos e serviços no âmbito das novas mídias sociais digitais.