bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Alterations in Oral Carcinogenesis: Significant Risk Predictors in Malignant Transformation and Tumor Progression
Authors: Shah N.G. , Trivedi T.I. , Tankshali R.A. , Goswami J.A. , Shah J.S. , Jetly D.H. , Kobawala T.P. , Patel K.C. , Shukla S.N. , Shah P.M. , Verma R.J.
Published: January 2018

In this study an attempt was made to establish the significance of a battery of molecular alterations and thereby identify risk predictors in oral carcinogenesis. For this purpose, EGFR, Stat3, H-ras, c-myc, p53, cyclin D1, p16, Rb, Ki-67 and Bcl-2 were localized immunohistochemically in normal mucosa (n=12), hyperplasia (n=35), dysplasia (n=25), early stage carcinoma (n=65) and advanced stage carcinoma (n=70). Deregulation occurred at an early stage and the number of alterations increased with disease progression. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the significant risk predictor for hyperplasia from normal mucosa was Ki-67 (OR=5.75, p=0.021); the significant risk predictors for dysplasia from hyperplasia were EGFR (OR=12.96, p=0.002), Stat3 (OR=17.16, p=0.0001), p16 (OR=5.50, p=0.039) and c-myc (OR=5.99, p=0.052); the significant risk predictors for early stage carcinoma from dysplasia were p53 (OR=6.63, p=0.0001) and Rb (OR=3.81, p=0.056); and the significant risk predictors for further progression were EGFR (OR=5.50, p=0.0001), Stat3 (OR=4.49, p=0.0001), H-ras (OR=4.05, p=0.001) and c-myc (OR=2.99, p=0.015). Cyclin D1 holds a key position linking upstream signaling pathways to cell cycle regulation. Gene products of the mitogenic signaling pathway play an equally significant role as cell cycle regulatory proteins in the hyperplasia-dysplasia-early-advanced-carcinoma sequence and together may provide a reference panel of markers for use in defining premalignant lesions and predicting the risk of malignant transformation and tumor progression.
Peritoneal Fluid Cytokines and the Differential Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Ovarian Tumors and Residual/Recurrent Disease Examination
Authors: Chechlinska M. , Kaminska J. , Markowska J. , Kramar A. , Steffen J.
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to assess the potential value of peritoneal fluid cytokine examination for the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors and for evaluating residual or recurrent disease after treatment. The cytokines that are commonly elevated in ovarian cancer, VEGF, IL-6, bFGF, IL-8 and M-CSF, and a reference ovarian tumor marker, CA 125, were measured in peritoneal fluids of 53 previously untreated patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, 18 ovarian cancer patients after surgical treatment and chemotherapy, and 17 patients with benign epithelial ovarian tumors. Non-parametric statistical analysis of data was performed. Ovarian cancer peritoneal fluids, as compared to peritoneal fluids of patients with benign ovarian tumors, contained significantly higher concentrations of IL-6, VEGF and CA 125, and significantly lower concentrations of bFGF and M-CSF, but only the levels of IL-6 and VEGF were significantly higher in peritoneal fluids of stage I and II ovarian cancer patients than of patients with benign ovarian conditions. IL-6 at the cutoff level of 400 pg/mL discriminated benign and malignant ovarian tumors with 92% sensitivity and 60% specificity, while VEGF at the cutoff of 400 pg/mL had 90% sensitivity and 80% specificity. At the cutoff level of 1200 pg/mL, IL-6 had 84% sensitivity and 87% specificity. A radical decrease in local cytokine and CA 125 levels in patients after treatment was independent of therapy outcome.

IL-6 and VEGF measurements in peritoneal fluids might be useful for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign ovarian conditions, but not for residual or recurrent disease examination.
Prevalence of BK Virus and Human Papillomavirus in Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Balis V. , Sourvinos G. , Soulitzis N. , Giannikaki E. , Sofras F. , Spandidos D.A.
Published: January 2018

Polyomaviruses such as the BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV) and SV40, as well as the human papillomaviruses (HPV) are frequently detected throughout human populations, causing subclinical persistent infections and inducing oncogenesis in human and other cell lines. To test the involvement of these viruses in prostate tumorigenesis, we investigated the prevalence of BKV, JCV and HPV in a series of human prostatic malignancies. Forty-two samples of diagnosed prostatic malignancies were tested using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols. Differentiation between BKV and JCV among the polyomavirus-positive samples was achieved after sequencing analysis of the PCR products. Reconstitution of BKV in vitro was performed and indirect immunofluorescence for the large T-antigen of the virus was applied to confirm the production of progeny virus. Detection and typing of HPV was carried out by PCR. The overall prevalence of polyomaviruses was 19% in the prostate cancer cases. Sequencing analysis of the polyomavirus-positive specimens revealed the presence of BKV in all samples. Reconstitution of the BKV from the BKV-positive prostate samples was successfully achieved in cell culture and progeny viral particles were obtained, confirming the presence of the virus in the human biopsies. HPV was detected in 4.8% of the samples, however, no HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18 or HPV-33 types were identified. BKV was frequently detected and could play a relevant role in the development and progression of human prostate cancer, whereas HPV does not seem to be implicated in this type of human neoplasia.
MUC-1 (CA 15–3 Antigen) as a Highly Reliable Predictor of Response to EGFR Inhibitors in Patients with Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma: An Experience on 26 Patients
Authors: Bearz A. , Talamini R. , Vaccher E. , Spina M. , Simonelli C. , Steffan A. , Berretta M. , Chimienti E. , Tirelli U.
Published: January 2018

Background

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a histological subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly of adenocarcinoma. Given its multifocality and the poor activity of chemotherapy, there is no established treatment for BAC, although promising results have been achieved with inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). No tumor marker has been validated in the diagnosis and follow-up of lung cancer, in particular to predict the outcome of treatment with EGFR inhibitors.

Purpose

As CA 15–3 antigen serum levels are reported to be pathologically abnormal in adenocarcinoma of the lung, we chose this tumor marker to monitor treatment with EGFR inhibitors of patients affected by adenocarcinoma with BAC features or pure BAC.

Patients and methods

We collected data from 26 consecutive Caucasian patients with BAC, mostly women and never smokers, who received EGFR inhibitors.

Results

We noticed that all patients with normal CA 15–3 serum levels at baseline (15/26, 57.7%) showed a response to EGFR inhibitors, whereas all patients with abnormal CA 15–3 serum levels (11/26, 42.3%) did not.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that CA 15–3 levels might be a predictive factor for the response to EGFR inhibitors in patients with BAC.
Relationship between Genetic Polymorphism of CYP1A1 at Codon 462 (Ile462Val) in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Serafim P.V. Pereira , da Silva I.D. Cotrim Guerreiro , Forones N. Manoukian
Published: January 2018

Aims and background

The enzyme cytochrome P450 plays an important role in the metabolization and detoxification of various compounds. CYP1A1 is a polymorphic enzyme and some of its alleles have been correlated with an increased risk of developing various types of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of the polymorphism A→G (Ile462Val, exon 7) in colorectal cancer patients and the correlation of this polymorphism with others risk factors.

Patients and methods

114 Brazilian patients with colorectal cancer were matched by age and sex to 114 healthy individuals. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the genotypes of the polymorphisms were assessed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

In the case group 64 subjects were male, 53 were alcohol users and 68 were smokers. In the control group 61 were male, 67 were alcohol users and 53 smokers. There were 14 subjects with wild-type homozygous A/A, 97 with heterozygous A/G, and 3 with homozygous mutated G/G in the cancer group versus 81 subjects with wild-type homozygous A/A and 33 with heterozygous A/G in the control group. The presence of the G allele (OR 5.14, 95%CI 3.15–10.80) was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (p=0.001). The prevalence of smokers was higher in the cancer group (p=0.047, OR 1.71, 95%CI 1.03–3.11).

Conclusion

These results suggest a positive association between the A→G polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer. In addition, smoking was also a colorectal cancer risk. We did not find any correlation between this polymorphism and sex, grade of differentiation, stage, or evolution of the disease.
Reduced Clinicopathological Influence of Hormone-Dependence on Breast Carcinomas in Women Older than 70 Years
Authors: Ruibal A. , Arias J.I. , Salmón A. Sánchez
Published: January 2018

In order to evaluate the influence of hormone dependence on the features of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast we have assayed the cytosolic levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), pS2 and cathepsin D in 53 women aged over 70 years and in 95 women aged between 55 and 70 years. Tumor size, axillary involvement, distant metastasis, histological grade, ploidy and S-phase were taken into account. Carcinomas of women aged over 70 did not show higher concentrations or higher positive results for ER and PR than those of women in the 55–70-year age group. In older patients, negativity for ER was associated only with higher S-phase fraction, while negativity for PR was not associated with any of the parameters analyzed. In the younger subgroup, negativity for ER was associated with larger tumor size, higher S-phase fraction, lymph node involvement, histological grade 3 and lower pS2 values. Negativity for PR was associated with the same parameters, as well as with a higher frequency of recurrence. Our results suggest a reduced influence of hormone dependence on the clinicopathological features of breast carcinomas in patients older than 70 years compared with women aged between 55 and 70 years.
Baseline Urinary Phytoestrogen Levels and the Natural History of Untreated, Localised Prostate Cancer in a British Population
Authors: Venkitaraman R. , Thomas K. , Grace P. , Dearnaley D. , Horwich A. , Huddart R. , Parker C.C.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To determine whether urinary concentrations of phytoestrogens are associated with the rate of disease progression in men with untreated, localised prostate cancer.

Patients and methods

Patients with untreated, localised prostatic adenocarcinoma on a prospective clinical study of active surveillance had urine samples collected at baseline. Patients underwent monitoring with serial PSA levels and repeat octant prostate biopsies. Disease progression was defined as either adverse histology on repeat biopsy (primary Gleason grade ≥4, or >50% positive cores) or radical treatment for PSA velocity >1 ng/mL/year. Time to disease progression was analysed with respect to baseline urinary levels of genistein, enterolactone, daidzein and equol, assayed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

191 patients were evaluable, with a median follow-up of 2.5 years. 71 patients experienced disease progression. No significant association was seen between time to disease progression and baseline urinary levels of daidzein (p=0.85), genistein (p=0.81), enterolactone (p=0.085) or equol (p=0.33). No significant association was seen between adverse histology on repeat biopsy and urinary levels of either daidzein (p=0.85), genistein (p=0.58), enterolactone (p=0.88) or equol (p=0.71). There was no significant correlation between PSA velocity and urinary levels of daidzein (p=0.90), genistein (p=0.98), enterolactone (p=0.10) or equol (p=0.60).

Conclusion

These data do not support the hypothesis that phytoestrogens prevent disease progression in men with localised prostate cancer.
An Improved Prognostic Parameter for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Based on the Combination of Three Serum Tumor Markers
Authors: Gui W. , Wang T. , Wang J. , Wang L. , He J. , Yang B. , Zhao Z. , Zhang H. , Zhang Q.
Published: January 2018

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the combination of three serum tumor markers (LDH, β2-M and CA 125) in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Clinical and pathological variables including the levels of these markers were measured in 415 NHL patients. Statistical analysis showed that increased levels of all three markers were associated with stage, B symptoms, effusions, bone marrow involvement, and International Prognostic Index (IPI) in NHL patients (p<0.05). Overall survival and event-free survival rates were associated not only with LDH but also with β2-M and CA125 (p<0.001). Response to treatment and overall survival rates were different in three groups with elevated LDH; in particular, the combination of three or two elevated markers seemed to identify a group of patients at higher risk of treatment failure and/or relapse than the group with a high LDH level only. Furthermore, multiple Cox regression analysis showed that IPI score complemented by the additional serum markers β2-M and CA125 was a better prognosticator of overall and event-free survival than LDH alone. This result suggests that if the combination of three elevated serum tumor markers is included as a parameter in the IPI instead of LDH alone, the prognostic value of IPI can be improved.
Clinical Significance of 14-3-3 Zeta in Human Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Bajpai U. , Sharma R. , Kausar T. , Dattagupta S. , Chattopadhayay T.K. , Ralhan R.
Published: January 2018

We recently found 14-3-3 zeta to be overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) by differential display. In the present study we determined the clinical significance of 14-3-3 zeta in esophageal tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out in 61 ESCCs, 33 dysplasia samples, 14 hyperplasia samples and 7 matched histologically normal esophageal tissues and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Cytoplasmic expression of 14-3-3 zeta protein was observed in 95% of ESCCs; 63% of tumors also showed nuclear localization. All hyperplastic and dysplastic tissues distant from ESCCs as well as dysplastic endoscopic biopsies showed cytoplasmic immunopositivity for 14-3-3 zeta, while nuclear localization was observed in 58% of dysplasia and 36% of hyperplasia samples. Matched distant histologically normal epithelia either showed basal cytoplasmic expression of 14-3-3 zeta or no detectable nuclear expression of the protein. Interestingly, immunopositivity observed in normal esophageal tissues and early hyperplasia was confined to cytoplasm only, though significant nuclear expression was detected in dysplasia and ESCC. Immunoblotting and RT-PCR analyses further confirmed 14-3-3 zeta expression in dysplasia and ESCC. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating overexpression of 14-3-3 zeta in esophageal hyperplasia, dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma, suggesting that alteration in its expression occurs in early stages and is associated with esophageal tumorigenesis.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Monitoring of Response to Cetuximab plus FOLFIRI or FOLFOX-4 in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Tsai H.L. , Chang Y.T. , Chu K.S. , Chen C.F. , Yeh Y.S. , Ma C.J. , Wu D.C. , Kuo C.H. , Chan H.M. , Sheen M.C. , Wang J.Y.
Published: January 2018

First-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with combinations of cetuximab and irinotecan-based or oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy has shown promising efficacy. The clinical response to such treatment is generally assessed by tumor measurement through imaging. This study was performed to evaluate the correlation between serial changes in imaging results and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. In 64 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab plus FOLFIRI or FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy we retrospectively analyzed the relationship between changes in serum CEA and changes in imaging results throughout the treatment course. Response in terms of serum CEA change was defined as a ≥50% drop in CEA level for more than 4 weeks. The sensitivity and specificity of serum CEA changes after targeted chemotherapy in relation to imaging results were 80.5% (33/41) and 73.9% (17/23), respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 78.1% (50/64). The progression-free survival time of responders assessed by serum CEA change was significantly longer than that of nonresponders (p=0.0091). Our results highlight the importance of serum CEA monitoring in assessing the response to targeted chemotherapy and in predicting the prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Bladder Tumor Markers: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Volpe A. , Racioppi M. , D'Agostino D. , Cappa E. , Gardi M. , Totaro A. , Pinto F. , Sacco E. , Marangi F. , Palermo G. , Bassi P.F.
Published: January 2018

Bladder cancer is among the top eight most frequent cancers. Its natural history is related to a combination of factors that impact on its aggressiveness. Cystoscopy and urine cytology are the currently used techniques for the diagnosis and surveillance of non-invasive bladder tumors. The sensitivity of urine cytology for diagnosis is not high, particularly in low-grade tumors. The combination of voided urine cytology and new diagnostic urine tests would be ideal for the diagnosis and follow-up of bladder cancer. However, in order to have some clinical utility, new diagnostic and/or prognostic markers should achieve better predictive capacity that the currently used diagnostic tools. None of the markers evaluated over the last years showed remarkable sensitivity or specificity for the identification of any of the diverse types of bladder cancer in clinical practice. The limitations of the known prognostic markers have led to the research of new molecular markers for early detection of bladder cancer. This research focused in particular on the discovery of biomarkers capable of reducing the need for periodic cystoscopies or, ideally, offering a non-invasive examination instead. In this review, we will examine various new markers of bladder cancer and their value in the diagnosis and follow-up of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. When compared with urine cytology, which showed the highest specificity, most of these markers demonstrated an increased sensitivity.
Levels of Cathepsins S and H in Pleural Fluids of Inflammatory and Neoplastic Origin
Authors: Buňatová Karin , Obermajer Nataša , Kotyza Jaromír , Pešek Miloš , Kos Janko
Published: January 2018

Cathepsins S and H are present in immune cells and tissues and may play a role in the activation of an adoptive immune response. Our goal was to assess their protein levels in pleural fluids from 82 patients who underwent thoracentesis or thoracoscopy for therapeutic or diagnostic reasons and to relate them to an inflammatory, neoplastic or hemodynamic origin. Pleural effusions were also analyzed for a panel of 13 inflammatory or proliferative markers to test possible links to a nonspecific host reaction. Increased levels of cathepsin S were found in parainflammatory and cancer-related effusions compared to transudates. Cathepsin H levels were elevated only in parainflammatory effusions, whereas the levels in cancer-related effusions were comparable to transudates. Cathepsin S values significantly correlated with LDH, alpha-1-AT, VEGF, sICAM, sVCAM, MPO, uPA, MMP-9/TIMP-1, IL-8 and MCP-1, but not with CRP, IL-10 or cathepsin H. In contrast to cathepsin S, cathepsin H values did not correlate with markers of inflammation, indicating a specific role for cathepsin H in the pleural host response. In conclusion, the estimation of cathepsin S and cathepsin H may help to distinguish between effusions of different etiology.
No Association between EGF +61 A/G Polymorphism and Increased Risk of Glioma
Authors: Liu Xiaoqian , Li Li , Chen Xiangmei , Wang Xuefeng , Mu Luyan , Li Yajuan , Xu Qiang , Xie Qing , Lu Fengmin
Published: January 2018

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the epidermal growth factor ( EGF) gene +61 A/G in the 5′-untranslated region has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to glioma. A case-control study (168 glioma patients and 194 normal controls) was conducted to elucidate its possible association with the risk of glioma in the Chinese population. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay was used to analyze the EGF genotypes. The genotyping results were further confirmed by direct sequencing. The EGF +61A and +61G allele frequencies in the glioma group were 32.1% and 67.9%, respectively, while they were 30.4% and 69.6% in the healthy controls. Furthermore, the frequency of the A/A, A/G and G/G genotypes in glioma patients was 8.9%, 46.4%, and 44.7%, respectively, and 8.3%, 44.3%, and 47.4% in controls. There was no significant difference between patients and healthy controls. The EGF +61 A/G and +61 G/G genotypes were not significantly associated with risk of glioma compared with the A/A genotype. In addition, no significant association was observed between EGF polymorphism and different histological grades of glioma. These results indicate that the EGF +61 A/G polymorphism is not associated with susceptibility to glioma in the Chinese population. In addition, a literature review revealed a significantly higher rate of the A/A genotype in Caucasian compared with East Asian subjects. Such differences in genotype distribution between Caucasian and Asian people should be taken into account in future studies.
Effect of Polymorphisms in XRCC1, CCND1 and GSTM1 and Tobacco Exposure as Risk Modifier for Oral Leukoplakia
Authors: Yadav Binod Kumar , Kaur Jatinder , Srivastava Anurag , Ralhan Ranju
Published: January 2018

Analysis of gene-environment interactions may help to define the risk of oral leukoplakia. We hypothesized that an individual's susceptibility to leukoplakia is dependent on interactions between polymorphic genotypes at susceptible loci and tobacco exposure. To test this hypothesis, the relationship between tobacco use and polymorphisms in 3 genes that might contribute to variance in individuals′ susceptibility to the risk of leukoplakia was determined. In this case-control study, polymorphic genotypes in XRCC1 (399Gln), a DNA repair gene involved in removing DNA adducts, CCND1 (G870A), a key component of cell cycle regulation, and GSTM1 (null genotype), a xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme involved in the metabolism of tobacco carcinogens, were analyzed in 100 oral leukoplakia patients and age- and gender-matched controls by PCR using genomic DNA isolated from blood. The GSTM1 null genotype was associated with a 1.6-fold increased risk of developing leukoplakia. The risk conferred by the CCND1 GA+AA variant was 2.4-fold that of the GG genotype. Importantly, among non-users of tobacco, the XRCC1 (GA+AA) variant emerged as the most significant determinant of an individual's susceptibility to leukoplakia (OR=3.5). In GSTM1 null individuals, tobacco consumption increased the risk of leukoplakia 21.3 fold. Similarly, XRCC1 A allele carriers and CCND1 A allele carriers who consumed tobacco were at a significantly high risk of developing leukoplakia (OR=11.8 and 14.9, respectively). Our study provides evidence that tobacco use in individuals harboring these polymorphic genotypes elevates the risk of oral leukoplakia and warrants further studies on gene-environment interactions to define the risk of malignant transformation of leukoplakia.
Underactuated tracking control of underwater vehicles using control moment gyros
Authors: Xu Ruikun , Tang Guoyuan , Xie De , Huang Daomin , Han Lijun
Published: January 2018

This article studies the trajectory tracking control of underactuated underwater vehicles using control moment gyros through a biologically inspired approach based on homeomorphism transformation and Lyapunov functions in the horizontal plane. First, a series of assumptions and simplifications need to be made to build the kinematic and dynamic equations of the underwater vehicle under a single-frame pyramid configuration structured with four control moment gyros. Second, the error dynamics analysis of the submarine based on the control moment gyros is derived from the equations, and a tracking control algorithm is proposed to demonstrate the feasibility and stabilization of this tracking control scheme from theoretical analysis. Finally, the numerical simulation results are given for verifying the effectiveness and feasibility of the rendered control law.
Aberrant interactions of peripheral measures and neurometabolites with lipids in complex regional pain syndrome using magnetic resonance spectroscopy: A pilot study
Authors: Jung Ye-Ha , Kim Hyeonjin , Jeon So Yeon , Kwon Jeong Min , Lee Dasom , Choi Soo-Hee , Kang Do-Hyung
Published: January 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to assess peripheral measures and central metabolites associated with lipids using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

Twelve patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and 11 healthy controls participated. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we measured the levels of lipid 13a (Lip13a) and lipid 09 (Lip09) relative to total creatine (tCr) levels in the right and left thalamus. We found negative correlations of Lip13a/tCr in the right thalamus with red blood cells or neutrophils, but a positive correlation between Lip13a/tCr and lymphocytes in the controls. We found negative correlations between Lip09/tCr and peripheral pH or platelets in the controls. There were positive correlations between Lip09a/tCr and myo-inositol/tCr, between Lip13a/tCr and N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/tCr, and between Lip09/tCr and NAA/tCr in healthy controls. On the other hand, there were positive correlations between Lip13a/tCr and Lip09/tCr and urine pH in CRPS patients. There were significant correlations between Lip13a/tCr or Lip09/tCr and different peripheral measures depending on the side of the thalamus (right or left) in CRPS patients.

Conclusion

This is the first report indicating that abnormal interactions of Lip13a and Lip09 in the thalamus with peripheral measures and central metabolites may mediate the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CRPS.
Deafness
Authors: O’Brien Vicky , Leverton Ted
Published: January 2018

Hearing loss is common. Over 10 000 000 people in the UK have a level of loss in their better ear of 25 dB or more; one-in-six of the population. Of these, 3 700 000 are of working age (16–64 years) and 6 300 000 million are 65 years or older. Although the average GP will see at least four patients with some form of hearing loss every day, many GPs feel under-equipped to manage patients with hearing loss, and many patients with hearing loss report a reduced quality of consultation.
Comparison of graphene impregnated with/without nanosilver prepared by submerged arc discharge method
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Hsiung , Chou Chih-Ju , Shih Sheng-Hao , Tien Der-Chi , Ku Hsueh-Chien , Stobinski Leszek
Published: January 2018

In this study, submerged arc discharge method (SADM) was used to prepare graphene-nanosilver composites (graphene impregnated with nanosilver) and verified whether it can be prepared under different methods. The optical properties, zeta potentials, and particle sizes of the composites were analyzed through ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and Zetasizer. The suspensibility of composites were much better than that of noncomposites. Then, we compared the components of composites and noncomposites through transmission electron microscopy. The results confirmed that even when fabricated from similar materials, the composites and noncomposites yielded by SADM featured significantly different properties.
Trait Associations for Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in News Media
Authors: Bhatia Sudeep , Goodwin Geoffrey P. , Walasek Lukasz
Published: January 2018

We study media representations of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In particular, we train models of semantic memory on a large number of news media outlets that published online articles during the course of the election. Based on the structure of word co-occurrence in these media outlets, our models learn semantic representations for the two presidential candidates as well as for widely studied personality traits. We find that models trained on media outlets most read by Clinton voters and media outlets most read by Trump voters differ in the strength of association between the two candidates’ names and trait words pertaining to morality. We observe some differences for trait words pertaining to warmth, but none for trait words pertaining to competence.
Relaying Rio Through an Australian Gaze: Australian Nationalistic Broadcast Focus in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games
Authors: Scott Olan , Billings Andrew , Xu Qingru , Sharpe Stirling , Lewis Melvin
Published: January 2018

This study explored how potential national biases unfolded within the Australian broadcast of the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. Applying social identity theory and self-categorization theory, this study content analyzed a total of 45 prime time broadcast hours of Australia’s Seven Network’s coverage of the Rio Games. Although the majority of top 20 most-mentioned athletes were Australian, non-Australian athletes were mentioned more frequently regarding total name mentions. Moreover, Australian athletes and non-Australian athletes were described in significantly different manners when ascribing reasons for athletic success and failure. This study contributed to the literature by uncovering how in-group members were portrayed in the Australian sports context while also providing insight into how consumers’ media consumption could potentially affect how the network broadcast the Olympics from a nationally partisan perspective.
Elbow Dislocation and Subluxation Injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2009-2010 Through 2013-2014
Authors: Goodman Avi D. , Lemme Nicholas , DeFroda Steven F. , Gil Joseph A. , Owens Brett D.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Examination of the incidence of elbow dislocation and subluxation injuries in the collegiate athlete population is limited.

Purpose:

To determine the incidence of elbow dislocation and subluxation injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and investigate the risk factors involved.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

All elbow subluxation and dislocation injuries from the 2009-2010 through 2013-2014 academic years in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program database were extracted. The incidence was calculated for different injuries, sports, activity, time in game, competition status, and injury characteristics. Such differences were compared by use of risk ratios to determine risk factors for injury.

Results:

The overall incidence of elbow instability injuries was 0.04 per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AEs). Elbow dislocations were more common, with 553 injuries (82.2%, 0.03/10,000 AEs), while elbow subluxations were the minority, with 119 injuries (17.8%, 0.01/10,000 AEs). Men’s wrestling had the highest incidence of elbow instability (1.08/10,000 AEs), more than women’s gymnastics (0.74), men’s football (0.11), and women’s volleyball (0.06). All injuries occurred via a contact mechanism, and 99.2% were new injuries. Sixty-nine percent of injuries kept athletes sidelined for more than 2 weeks. Injuries were 3 times more likely to occur in competition (0.08/10,000 AEs) than practice (0.03/10,000 AEs). Injuries sustained during competition were 1.4 times more likely to occur early in the match than late.

Conclusion:

Elbow instability injuries are an infrequent but serious source of disability for select NCAA athletes, with a number of associated risk factors. Athletes sustaining these injuries, along with their coaches and medical providers, may benefit from these return-to-play data to best manage expectations and outcomes.
Microenvironment-induced CD44v6 promotes early disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Gutjahr Julia C. , Szenes Eva , Tschech Lisa , Asslaber Daniela , Schlederer Michaela , Roos Simone , Yu Xiaobing , Girbl Tamara , Sternberg Christina , Egle Alexander , Aberger Fritz , Alon Ronen , Kenner Lukas , Greil Richard , Orian-Rousseau Veronique , Hartmann Tanja N.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

The spleen but not bone marrow microenvironment induces CD44v6 variants in CLL, which promote early engraftment. CD44v6 expression is linked to NF-κB and MAPK signaling in murine and human B-cell leukemia and contributes to proliferation.
Dasatinib increases endothelial permeability leading to pleural effusion
Authors: Phan Carole , Jutant Etienne-Marie , Tu Ly , Thuillet Raphaël , Seferian Andrei , Montani David , Huertas Alice , Bezu Jan van , Breijer Fabian , Noordegraaf Anton Vonk , Humbert Marc , Aman Jurjan , Guignabert Christophe
Published: January 2018

Pleural effusion is a frequent side-effect of dasatinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukaemia. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesised that dasatinib alters endothelial integrity, resulting in increased pulmonary vascular endothelial permeability and pleural effusion.

To test this, we established the first animal model of dasatinib-related pleural effusion, by treating rats with a daily regimen of high doses of dasatinib (10 mg·kg−1·day−1for 8 weeks).

Pleural ultrasonography revealed that rats chronically treated with dasatinib developed pleural effusion after 5 weeks. Consistent with thesein vivoobservations, dasatinib led to a rapid and reversible increase in paracellular permeability of human pulmonary endothelial cell monolayers as reflected by increased macromolecule passage, loss of vascular endothelial cadherin and zonula occludens-1 from cell–cell junctions, and the development of actin stress fibres. These results were replicated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and confirmed by decreased endothelial resistance. Interestingly, we demonstrated that this increased endothelial permeability is a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanismin vitroandin vivousing a cotreatment with an antioxidant agent,N-acetylcysteine.

This study shows that dasatinib alters pulmonary endothelial permeability in a ROS-dependent mannerin vitroandin vivoleading to pleural effusion.
Constrained multi-target tracking for team sports activities
Authors: Gade Rikke , Moeslund Thomas B.
Published: January 2018

In sports analysis, player tracking is essential to the extraction of statistics such as speed, distance and direction of motion. Simultaneous tracking of multiple people is still a very challenging computer vision problem to which there is no satisfactory solution. This is especially true for sports activities, for which people often wear similar uniforms, move quickly and erratically, and have close interactions with each other. In this paper, we introduce a multi-target tracking algorithm suitable for team sports activities. We extend an existing algorithm by including an automatic estimation of the occupancy of the observed field and the duration of stable periods without people entering or leaving the field. This information is included as a constraint to the existing offline tracking algorithm in order to construct more reliable trajectories. On data from two challenging sports scenarios—an indoor soccer game captured with thermal cameras and an outdoor soccer training session captured with RGB camera—we show that the tracking performance is improved on all sequences. Compared to the original offline tracking algorithm, we obtain improvements of 3–7% in accuracy. Furthermore, the method outperforms two state-of-the-art trackers.
Energy Connections and Misconnections across Chemistry and Biology
Authors: Kohn Kathryn P. , Underwood Sonia M. , Cooper Melanie M.
Published: January 2018

Despite the number of university students who take courses in multiple science disciplines, little is known about how they connect concepts between disciplines. Energy is a concept that underlies all scientific phenomena and, as such, provides an appropriate context in which to investigate student connections and misconnections across disciplines. In this study, university students concurrently enrolled in introductory chemistry and biology were interviewed to explore their perceptions of the integration of energy both within and across the disciplines, and how they attempted to accommodate and reconcile different disciplinary approaches to energy, to inform future, interdisciplinary course reform. Findings suggest that, while students believed energy to be important to the scientific world and to the disciplines of biology and chemistry, the extent to which it was seen as central to success in their courses varied. Differences were also apparent in students’ descriptions of the molecular-level mechanisms by which energy transfer occurs. These findings reveal a disconnect between how energy is understood and used in introductory science course work and uncovers opportunities to make stronger connections across the disciplines. We recommend that instructors engage in interdisciplinary conversations and consider the perspectives and goals of other disciplines when teaching introductory science courses.
Reflex Testing for GermlineBRCA1,BRCA2,PALB2, andATMMutations in Pancreatic Cancer: Mutation Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes From Two Canadian Research Registries
Authors: Smith Alyssa L. , Wong Cavin , Cuggia Adeline , Borgida Ayelet , Holter Spring , Hall Anita , Connor Ashton A. , Bascuñana Claire , Asselah Jamil , Bouganim Nathaniel , Poulin Véronique , Jolivet Jacques , Vafiadis Petro , Le Philippe , Martel Guillaume , Lemay Frédéric , Beaudoin Annie , Rafatzand Khashayar , Chaudhury Prosanto , Barkun Jeffrey , Metrakos Peter , Marcus Victoria , Omeroglu Atilla , Chong George , Akbari Mohammad R. , Foulkes William D. , Gallinger Steven , Zogopoulos George
Published: January 2018

Purpose

We investigated the translational value of reflex testing for germline mutations in four homology-directed DNA repair predisposition genes ( BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and ATM) in consecutive patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Methods

One hundred fifty patients with French-Canadian (FC) ancestry were evaluated for founder mutations, and 114 patients were subsequently assessed by full gene sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification for nonfounder mutations. Two hundred thirty-six patients unselected for ancestry were also assessed for mutations by full gene sequencing.

Results

The FC founder mutation prevalence among the 150 patients was 5.3% (95% CI, 2.6% to 10.3%), and the nonfounder mutation prevalence across the four genes among the 114 patients tested was 2.6% (95% CI, 0.6% to 7.8%). In the case series unselected for ancestry, 10.0% (95% CI, 2.7% to 26.4%) of patients reporting Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) ancestry carried an AJ founder mutation, with no nonfounder mutations identified. The mutation prevalence among patients without FC/AJ ancestry was 4.9% (95% CI, 2.6% to 8.8%). Mutations were more frequent in patients diagnosed at ≤ 50 years of age ( P = .03) and in patients with either two or more first- or second-degree relatives with pancreas, breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, or one such relative and a second primary of one of these cancer types ( P < .001). BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 carriers with late-stage (III or IV) disease had an overall survival advantage ( P = .049), particularly if treated with platinum-based chemotherapies ( P = .030).

Conclusion

Considering these results, we recommend reflex founder mutation testing of patients with FC/AJ ancestry and full gene sequencing of patients who are ≤ 50 years or meet the identified family history criteria. Reflex testing of all incident patients for these four genes may become justified as full gene sequencing costs decline.
Specificity of “Live High-Train Low” Altitude Training on Exercise Performance
Authors: Bejder Jacob , Nordsborg Nikolai Baastrup
Published: January 2018

The novel hypothesis that “Live High-Train Low” (LHTL) does not improve sport-specific exercise performance (e.g., time trial) is discussed. Indeed, many studies demonstrate improved performance after LHTL but, unfortunately, control groups are often lacking, leaving open the possibility of training camp effects. Importantly, when control groups, blinding procedures, and strict scientific evaluation criteria are applied, LHTL has no detectable effect on performance.
Physical Inactivity from Youth to Adulthood and Risk of Impaired Glucose Metabolism
Authors: KALLIO PETRI , PAHKALA KATJA , HEINONEN OLLI J. , TAMMELIN TUIJA , HIRVENSALO MIRJA , TELAMA RISTO , JUONALA MARKUS , MAGNUSSEN COSTAN G. , ROVIO SUVI , HELAJÄRVI HARRI , HUTRI-KÄHÖNEN NINA , VIIKARI JORMA , RAITAKARI OLLI T.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) is important in the prevention and treatment of impaired glucose metabolism. However, association of physical inactivity during the transition between childhood and adulthood with glucose metabolism is unknown. Therefore, we studied the association of persistent physical inactivity since childhood with glucose metabolism in adulthood.

Methods

Data were drawn from the ongoing, Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study with repeated follow-ups between 1980 and 2011 (baseline age, 3–18 yr; n = 3596). Impaired glucose metabolism was defined as having impaired fasting glucose (6.1–6.9 mmol·L−1) or type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Leisure-time PA habits were repeatedly collected with a standardized questionnaire and expressed as a PA Index. Using PA Index, four groups were formed (n = 2000): 1) persistently low PA, 2) decreasingly active, 3) increasingly active, and 4) persistently active subjects. Poisson regression model was used to examine the association between PA groups and impaired glucose metabolism.

Results

The proportion of the sample with impaired glucose metabolism was 16.1% in individuals with persistently low PA, 14.5% in decreasingly active, 6.8% in increasingly active, and 11.1% in persistently active. Compared with individuals with persistently low PA, age and sex-adjusted risk for impaired glucose metabolism were lower in those who increased PA (relative risk [RR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–0.76) and in those who were persistently active (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51–0.97), but similar in those who decreased PA (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.66–1.36).

Conclusions

Persistently physically inactive lifestyle from youth to adulthood is associated with increased risk of impaired glucose metabolism in adulthood. Importantly, a moderate increase in PA lowered the risk. The results highlight the importance of avoiding physically inactive lifestyle at all stages of life.
How Fairy Tales Educate and Civilize Us: Ethical Literary Criticism on Fairy Tales
Authors: Xiaoyi Li
Published: January 2018

This article first discusses the history and ideology of fairy tales. As Walter Benjamin said in his essay “The Storyteller”, rumors and information were spread verbally, from person to person. So were fairy tales. Through storytelling, the history and experience is spread from generation to generation. So that audience, especially children, gather to listen to the folks and stories about things “long long ago”, sharing the memories and experience of the storytellers. Based on this idea, the article further analyses the utopian function of fairy tales, which depict the feasibility of utopian alternatives by means of fantastic images. Because in the name of fairy tales, anything is possible. Apart from hope and wish, there was dissatisfaction in fairy tales. Ernst Bloch placed special emphasis on dissatisfaction as a condition which ignites the utopian drive, so that it remains a powerful cultural force among the audience, urges them to resist, to change the unreasonable things in the world. At last, it comes to the ethical use of fairy tales with children. Many scholars, like Bruno Bettelheim and Julius E. Heuscher, have done some psychiatric and psychological research on the meaning and usefulness of fairy tales. Different from those, this article mainly talks about the literary education in fairy tales, how the words, characters and plots play a role in education.
Classics are cool
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: January 2018

Children's picture book author Julia Donaldson is the subject of this first article in a series exploring today's most popular writers and re-visiting their best-selling titles with new ideas to engage children.
‘Having a ball’
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: January 2018

This month's poem is full of interesting twists and turns and provides a perfect platform to build children's understanding of narrative and plot, as part of the Communication and Language ELGs.
Buergerâ€™s and fried fingertips: a case of progressive buergerâ€™s disease from secondhand smoke
Authors: Muna Aguon Paul , Samareh-Jahani Farmin , Kumar Abhishek , Hamant Laura , Franks Snedecor Ruth
Published: January 2018

We present a case of a 51-year-old Caucasian male with thromboangiitis obliterans who previously underwent multiple amputations and presented with poor wound healing post-amputation. Despite cessation of tobacco use, patientâ€™s condition and wounds continued to worsen. After extensive and repeated history taking, it was discovered that his wife continued to be a heavy tobacco user and patient consistently had secondhand smoke exposure. This report describes an atypical presentation of progressive thromboangiitis obliterans as a result of secondhand smoke.
Education Hybridization of Pesantren and its Challenges in Rural Industrialization
Authors: Hadi Syamsul , Soetarto Endriatmo , Sunito Satyawan , Pandjaitan Nurmala K.
Published: January 2018

This research aims to explain the existence, institutional environment and the sustainability of pesantren institutions in the village that experienced urbanization because of industrialization and the culture of modernity. The study used a constructivism paradigm for qualitative method. Data mining is done through in-depth interview techniques and field observations with the support of document studies. The results showed that, in responding to the instrumentation (the interests) of the state and the pragmatic market demands Pesantren Manbail Futuh pursuing a strategy of hybridization and the commodification of education. It is to adopt a policy of state education as well as to accommodate the community's preference based on the general education schools that is based in Pesantren. Hybridization of education is a diversification of education units (religious and general) in Pesantren. While commodification is intended as fundraising efforts to support the operational needs of the institution so that the implementation of formal education units shall meet national education standards (NES) in addition to meeting society's expectations (market). This strategy means a form of guarantee for the existence and sustainability of pesantren institutions in rural communities.