bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase 2 study of dovitinib in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma with or without t(4;14) translocation
Authors: Scheid Christof , Reece Donna , Beksac Meral , Spencer Andrew , Callander Natalie , Sonneveld Pieter , Kalimi Ghulam , Cai Can , Shi Michael , Scott Jeffrey W. , Stewart A. Keith
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Approximately 15% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) exhibit a t(4;14) translocation, which often results in constitutive activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dovitinib, an RTK inhibitor with in vitro inhibitory activity against FGFR, in patients with relapsed or refractory MM with or without t(4;14) translocation.

Methods

Adult patients with relapsed or refractory MM who had received ≥2 prior regimens were enrolled in this multicenter, 2‐stage, phase 2 trial. Patients were grouped based on their t(4;14) status. Dovitinib (500 mg/day orally) was administered on a 5‐days‐on/2‐days‐off schedule. The primary endpoint was overall response rate by local investigator review (per International Myeloma Working Group criteria). In non‐responding patients, treatment could continue with the addition of low‐dose dexamethasone.

Results

In total, 43 patients (median age, 63 years) were enrolled (13 t(4;14) positive, 26 t(4;14) negative, and 4 t(4;14) status non‐interpretable). Patients had received a median of 5 prior regimens. Median duration of treatment was 8.7 weeks in the t(4;14)‐positive group and 3.7 weeks in the t(4;14)‐negative group. None of the patients on dovitinib had objective responses. The stable disease rate was 61.5% in the t(4;14)‐positive group and 34.6% in the t(4;14)‐negative group. Overall, 39 patients (90.7%) had adverse events suspected to be related to study drug, most commonly diarrhea (60.5%), nausea (58.1%), vomiting (46.5%), and fatigue (32.6%).

Conclusion

Dovitinib showed no single‐agent activity in relapsed or refractory MM but may stabilize disease in some t(4;14)‐positive patients.
Clinical characteristics of metabolic syndrome in Korea, and its comparison with other Asian countries
Authors: Hong A Ram , Lim Soo
Published: November 2014

Metabolic syndrome is referred to as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome, and is primarily composed of abdominal obesity, diabetes, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure. Asians have a lower frequency of obesity than Caucasians, but have an increasing tendency toward metabolic syndrome. Thus, metabolic syndrome poses a major challenge for public health professionals, and is set to become a social and economic problem in Asian populations. Most data on metabolic syndrome are based on studies from Western countries with only limited information derived from Asian populations. Recently, several studies were carried out on a large scale that represents the general Korean population. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults has varied depending on the study designs and different criteria, but shows a distinct increasing trend of metabolic syndrome driven by an increase in abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia. Given the rapid economic progression of Korea over the past 30 years along with a rise of the aged population, it is expected that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome will further increase. Therefore, a proactive strategy at the governmental level for metabolic syndrome prevention should be implemented, reducing abdominal obesity and dyslipidemia. Healthy dietary habits and regular exercise should be emphasized as a part of such a strategy.
Natural selection on quantitative immune defence traits: a comparison between theory and data
Authors: Seppälä O.
Published: November 2014

Parasites present a threat for free‐living species and affect several ecological and evolutionary processes. Immune defence is the main physiological barrier against infections, and understanding its evolution is central for predicting disease dynamics. I review theoretical predictions and empirical data on natural selection on quantitative immune defence traits in the wild. Evolutionary theory predicts immune traits to be under stabilizing selection owing to trade‐offs between immune function and life‐history traits. Empirical data, however, support mainly positive directional selection, but also show variation in the form of selection among study systems, immune traits and fitness components. I argue that the differences between theory and empirical data may at least partly arise from methodological difficulties in testing stabilizing selection as well as measuring fitness. I also argue that the commonness of positive directional selection and the variation in selection may be caused by several biological factors. First, selection on immune function may show spatial and temporal variation as epidemics are often local/seasonal. Second, factors affecting the range of phenotypic variation in immune traits could alter potential for selection. Third, different parasites may impose different selective pressures depending on their characteristics. Fourth, condition dependence of immune defence can obscure trade‐offs related to it, thus possibly modifying observed selection gradients. Fifth, nonimmunological defences could affect the form of selection by reducing the benefits of strong immune function. To comprehensively understand the evolution of immune defence, the role of above factors should be considered in future studies.
Host behaviour manipulation as an evolutionary route towards attenuation of parasitoid virulence
Authors: Maure F. , Doyon J. , Thomas F. , Brodeur J.
Published: November 2014

By definition, insect parasitoids kill their host during their development. Data are presented showing that ladybirds not only can survive parasitism by Dinocampus coccinellae, but also can retain their capacity to reproduce following parasitoid emergence. We hypothesize that host behaviour manipulation constitutes a preadaptation leading to the attenuation of parasitoid virulence. Following larval development, the parasitoid egresses from the host and spins a cocoon between the ladybird's legs. Throughout parasitoid pupation, the manipulated host acts as a bodyguard to protect the parasitoid cocoon from predation. The parasitoid has evolved mechanisms to avoid killing the host prematurely so that its own survival is not compromised. Bodyguard manipulation may thus constitute a selective trait for the evolution of true parasitism in some host–parasitoid associations.
Polyacrylamide gel 10 years experience: with particular reference to complications from filling of the body of the lip
Authors: Rish Adam
Published: November 2014

Background

A review of 242 facial treatments, in 86 different patients, with polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) was carried out by the author between 2003 and 2013.

Objectives

To evaluate by retrospective study the long‐term outcomes of PAAG filling for facial contouring. To quantify adverse events and patient comfort in prior mixing 0.3 mL of 2% lidocaine/1 mL PAAG and decanting into a smaller volume syringe.

Method

Review of clinical records combined with a patient survey.

Results

Complications: 11 of 166 (6.6%) lip body infections; 1 of 202 (0.5%) in other sites. Addition of 2% lidocaine (55 treatments/28 patients) reduced lip body infections (8.7% to 5.7%, P < 0.05%) and mean pain score (8/10 to 2/10). No patients sustained any long‐term side effects and all (even those infected) were eventually satisfied. Seven lip asymmetries, after infected PAAG drainage, were corrected with further PAAG, showing adverse events to be contamination rather than immune reaction.

Conclusion

Facial usage of PAAG with lidocaine results in high levels of patient satisfaction and low incidence of side effects (0.5%) except in the lip body (6.6%). Potential users, fearful of complications, may more readily use this cost‐effective and long‐lasting dermal filler if they avoid injection of the lip body.
Oral prevalence and clearance of oncogenic human papilloma virus in a rehabilitation community for substance abusers in Italy: a case of behavioral correction?
Authors: Pugliese Davide B. , Bruzzesi Giacomo , Montaldo Caterina , Porcu Luca , Landi Marco , Mastinu Andrea , Torri Valter , Licitra Lisa , Locati Laura D.
Published: November 2014

Background

Human papilloma virus oral infection can be related to several factors including HIV infection, cigarette smoking, marijuana consumption and number of sexual partners. We conducted a study on oral HPV prevalence and clearance among the hosts of the San Patrignano community, a population considered at “high‐risk” for HPV due to their previous habits.

Methods

From March 2007 to September 2010 all subjects were submitted to oropharyngeal brushing and saliva collection at baseline, after 6, 12 and 48 months (for subjects HPV positive at baseline). Samples were analyzed to detect HPV DNA and virus genotypes. The correlation between HPV prevalence and demographic, behavioral or immunological characteristics was assessed.

Results

Among 194 subjects, 30 (15%) were HPV positive with 25 (13%) high‐risk (HR)‐HPV at baseline brushing. At 12 months HPV infection was cleared in all cases. However at 48 months HPV was newly detected in 33% of subjects. A correlation between time spent in the community and increase in the ratio of “low‐risk” (LR) HPV and HR‐HPV was observed. HPV infection was not associated with age, gender, HIV status, HCV, alcohol and/or drug exposure, number of years spent in community, sex with drug‐addicts and condom use. Only AIDS under antiretroviral treatment was inversely correlated with the risk of infection.

Conclusions

At 1 year a complete HPV clearance was observed which could be related to adoption of healthier lifestyles of participants. New HPV infections were detected even in the absence of the recognized and declared risky behavioral factors, suggesting a re‐expression from a latent infection.
Sexual Quality of Life in Gender-Dysphoric Adults Before Genital Sex Reassignment Surgery
Authors: Bartolucci Constanza , Gómez-Gil Esther , Salamero Manel , Esteva Isabel , Guillamón Antonio , Zubiaurre Leire , Molero Francisca , Montejo Angel L.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Although there is literature on sexuality in gender dysphoria, few studies have been done prior to genital sex reassignment surgery (SRS).

Aims

To evaluate the perception of sexual QoL in gender-dysphoric patients before genital SRS and the possible factors associated to this perception.

Methods

The final sample consisted of 67 male-to-female and 36 female-to-male gender-dysphoric adults consecutively attended in a gender unit who had not undergone genital SRS; 39.8% was receiving cross-sex hormonal treatment, and 30.1% had undergone breast augmentation or reduction. Sexual QoL was assessed using the sexual activity facet of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-100. Sociodemographic (age, gender, partner relationship) and clinical data (being on hormonal treatment and having undergone any breast surgery) were recorded from the clinical records. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the negative feelings facet of the WHOQOL-100. Personality was assessed using the Revised NEO-Five Factor Inventory.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual QoL, negative feelings, hormonal treatment, partner relationship, personality.

Results

The mean score of the sexual facet was 10.01 (standard deviation = 4.09). More than 50% of patients rated their sexual life as “poor/dissatisfied” or “very poor/very dissatisfied,” around a quarter rated it as “good/satisfied” or “very good/very satisfied,” and the rest had a neutral perception. Three variables were significantly associated with a better sexual QoL: less negative feelings (β = −0.356; P < 0.001), being on hormonal treatment (β = 0.216; P = 0.018), and having a partner (β = 0.206; P = 0.022). Age, sex, having undergone some breast surgery, and personality factors were not associated with their perception.

Conclusion

This study indicates that before genital SRS, about half of gender-dysphoric subjects perceived their sexual life as “poor/dissatisfied” or “very poor/very dissatisfied.” Moreover, receiving hormonal treatment, low negative feelings, and having a partner are related to a better subjective perception of sexual QoL.
Sleep quality and duration are related to microvascular function: the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study
Authors: Bonsen Thomas , Wijnstok Nienke J. , Hoekstra Trynke , Eringa Etto C. , Serné Erik H. , Smulders Yvo M. , Twisk Jos W. R.
Published: November 2014

Sleep and sleep disorders are related to cardiovascular disease, and microvascular function is an early cardiovascular disease marker. Therefore, the relationship of sleep (measured in sleep quality and duration) with microvascular function was examined in healthy adults. Sleep quality was assessed with the validated Sleep Wake Experience List (SWEL) questionnaire. Duration of sleep was self‐reported in an additional question. Microvascular function was measured using nailfold capillaroscopy. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between sleep and microvascular function. Potential confounders included physical activity, smoking, blood pressure, body mass index and several biochemical parameters. Analyses were performed in 259 participants (116 men). For women reporting insufficient (<7 h) sleep duration, microvascular function (post‐ischaemic capillary recruitment) was significantly lower (b = −11.17; P = 0.04) compared to women reporting sufficient sleep duration. There was no relationship between sleep quality and microvascular function in females. In males, a trend towards lower capillary recruitment was found in those reporting a combination of poor sleep quality and insufficient duration (b = −7.54; P = 0.09), compared to those reporting good sleep quality as well as sufficient duration. This study suggests an association between sleep and microvascular function. Which aspects of sleep exactly affect microvascular function, and if indeed the association is different between males and females in other samples, needs further research.
Association between chronic hepatitis C virus infection and low muscle mass in US adults
Authors: Gowda C. , Compher C. , Amorosa V. K. , Lo Re V.
Published: November 2014

Given that low muscle mass can lead to worse health outcomes in patients with chronic infections, we assessed whether chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was associated with low muscle mass among US adults. We performed a cross‐sectional study of the National Health Examination and Nutrition Study (1999–2010). Chronic HCV‐infected patients had detectable HCV RNA. Low muscle mass was defined as <10th percentile for mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of low muscle mass associated with chronic HCV. Among 18 513 adults, chronic HCV‐infected patients (n = 303) had a higher prevalence of low muscle mass than uninfected persons (13.8% vs 6.7%; aOR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.39–3.56), and this association remained when analyses were repeated among persons without significant liver fibrosis (aOR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.30–3.47). This study demonstrates that chronic HCV infection is associated with low muscle mass, as assessed by MUAC measurements, even in the absence of advanced liver disease.
Do ketogenic diets really suppress appetite? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gibson A. A. , Seimon R. V. , Lee C. M. Y. , Ayre J. , Franklin J. , Markovic T. P. , Caterson I. D. , Sainsbury A.
Published: November 2014

Very‐low‐energy diets (VLEDs) and ketogenic low‐carbohydrate diets (KLCDs) are two dietary strategies that have been associated with a suppression of appetite. However, the results of clinical trials investigating the effect of ketogenic diets on appetite are inconsistent. To evaluate quantitatively the effect of ketogenic diets on subjective appetite ratings, we conducted a systematic literature search and meta‐analysis of studies that assessed appetite with visual analogue scales before (in energy balance) and during (while in ketosis) adherence to VLED or KLCD. Individuals were less hungry and exhibited greater fullness/satiety while adhering to VLED, and individuals adhering to KLCD were less hungry and had a reduced desire to eat. Although these absolute changes in appetite were small, they occurred within the context of energy restriction, which is known to increase appetite in obese people. Thus, the clinical benefit of a ketogenic diet is in preventing an increase in appetite, despite weight loss, although individuals may indeed feel slightly less hungry (or more full or satisfied). Ketosis appears to provide a plausible explanation for this suppression of appetite. Future studies should investigate the minimum level of ketosis required to achieve appetite suppression during ketogenic weight loss diets, as this could enable inclusion of a greater variety of healthy carbohydrate‐containing foods into the diet.
Nivalenol‐producing Fusarium cerealis associated with fusarium head blight in winter wheat in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Amarasinghe C. C. , Tittlemier S. A. , Fernando W. G. D.
Published: November 2014

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in small grain cereals is primarily caused by the members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex. These produce mycotoxins in infected grains, primarily deoxynivalenol (DON); acetylated derivatives of DON, 3‐acetyl‐DON (3‐ADON) and 15‐acetyl‐DON (15‐ADON); and nivalenol (NIV). This study reports the isolation of Fusarium cerealis in infected winter wheat heads for the first time in Canada. A phylogenetic analysis based on the TRI101 gene and F. graminearum species‐specific primers revealed two species of Fusarium: F. graminearum sensu stricto (127 isolates) and F. cerealis (five isolates). Chemotype determination based on the TRI3 gene revealed that 65% of the isolates were 3‐ADON, 31% were 15‐ADON and 4% were NIV producers. All the F. cerealis isolates were of NIV chemotype. Fusarium cerealis isolates can often be misidentified as F. graminearum as the morphological characteristics are similar. Although the cultural and macroconidial characteristics of F. graminearum and F. cerealis isolates were similar, the aggressiveness of these isolates on susceptible wheat cultivar Roblin and moderately resistant cultivar Carberry differed significantly. The F. graminearum 3‐ADON isolates were most aggressive, followed by F. graminearum 15‐ADON and F. cerealis NIV isolates. The findings from this study confirm the continuous shift of chemotypes from 15‐ADON to 3‐ADON in North America. In Canada, the presence of NIV is limited to barley samples and the discovery of NIV‐producing F. cerealis species in Canadian wheat fields may pose a serious concern to the Canadian wheat industry in the future.
Bioethics in Islamic Thought
Authors: Shabana Ayman
Published: November 2014

This article gives an overview of Islamic ethical thought and its relationship to bioethical issues. It argues that Islamic bioethics can be viewed both as a cumulative tradition building on the Islamic ethical resources and as an ongoing discourse that captures the effort to understand and implement Islamic moral precepts pertaining to a wide range of issues including the beginning and end of human life, treatment of the human body, and proper attitudes towards the environment. After a brief introduction on the term ‘bioethics’ and its history, the article is divided into three main sections exploring the foundations of Islamic (bio)ethics, the evolution and development of medical ethics in the Islamic tradition, and the main challenges confronting contemporary Islamic bioethical discourses.
Harmful effects of particulate air pollution: Identifying the culprits
Authors: Loxham Matthew
Published: November 2014

See article, page 73
Parametric Consideration of a Thermal Water Pump and Application for Agriculture
Authors: Sitranon Jirawat , Lertsatitthanakorn Charoenporn , Namprakai Pichai , Prathinthong Naris , Suparos Taveewat , Roonprasang Natthaphon
Published: November 2014

This research studied the effects of suction heads on the efficiency of a thermal water pump with steam. In order to save energy, the authors also studied the appropriate amount of air added to a steam working fluid. Cooling time was attempted to be shorten, direct contact cooling was employed. The system comprised feed water tank (FT), liquid piston tank (LT), heat tank (HT), storage tank (ST), well tank (WT), and check valve (CV). It was directly cooled by cooling water. Thermal energy input was supplied by an electric heater as a substitute of heat sources such as firewood. An operation of the pump consisted of five stages: heating, pumping, vapor-flow, cooling, and suction. In conclusion, increasing the suction head raised the pumping efficiency until the maximum was achieved. Using air in conjunction with the steam working fluid could lower the working temperature suitable for solar application. In addition, the simulation of a thermal pump with steam was merely presented. A good agreement between the test and the model was found. The larger pump size was selected to be constructed and tested in order to increase the pump efficiency. Agricultural application of the larger pump could obtain energy source from waste of firewood at no cost.
Trophic specialization at the individual level in a terrestrial generalist salamander
Authors: Salvidio Sebastiano , Oneto Fabrizio , Ottonello Dario , Costa Andrea , Romano Antonio
Published: November 2014

Information on individual trophic specialization may be relevant to better understand the ecological adaptation of populations to their environment and the evolution of their realized trophic niche. In this study, we analysed the trophic specialization at the individual level in a population of the plethodontid Northwest Italian Cave Salamander (Speleomantes strinatii (Aellen, 1958)), a terrestrial generalist predator. Salamanders were sampled in northwestern Italy on the forest floor in autumn (n = 49) and spring (n = 47) along with their available prey. In autumn, when trophic resources showed a twofold reduction in abundance, the population trophic niche width (TNW = 2.58) was significantly broader than during spring (TNW = 2.25), and in both seasons, individual specialization (IS) was significantly higher than expected by chance (P = 0.001). There were no sexual or ontogenetic differences in IS within each season, but IS in autumn was significantly higher than in spring (IS = 0.34 and IS = 0.41, respectively; P = 0.01). These findings are in accordance with the niche variation hypothesis, which predicts a positive relationship between TNW and IS. Therefore, while the population became more generalist, individual salamanders shifted towards a more specialized diet by adapting their feeding behaviour to changes in prey availability.
EFFECTS OF HEAT TREATMENTS ON ALUMINUM OXIDE COATINGS DEPOSITED ON Ni-BASED ALLOY
Authors: TANG XIUFENG , LUO FA , HSEIH CHUNHAN , LI XIANGYU
Published: November 2014

Al x O y films coated on both Ni -based superalloy and silica substrates were prepared by DC reactive magnetron sputtering. Post-deposition annealing was carried out on those as-deposited films. And then 1 h heat treatments were done on the annealed films at constant temperatures ranging from 600–900°C to simulate the high-temperature application. The Al x O y film heated at 600°C exhibited good film property. Bonding strength between the 600°C-heated Al x O y film and the Ni -based substrate was about 11.6 MPa.
CHARACTERIZATION OF FLY ASH FROM COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT AND THEIR PROPERTIES OF MERCURY RETENTION
Authors: HE PING , JIANG XIUMIN , WU JIANG , PAN WEIGUO , REN JIANXING
Published: November 2014

Recent research has shown that fly ash may catalyze the oxidation of elemental mercury and facilitate its removal. However, the nature of mercury-fly ash interaction is still unknown, and the mechanism of mercury retention in fly ash needs to be investigated more thoroughly. In this work, a fly ash from a coal-fired power plant is used to characterize the inorganic and organic constituents and then evaluate its mercury retention capacities. The as-received fly ash sample is mechanically sieved to obtain five size fractions. Their characteristics are examined by loss on ignition (LOI), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray detector (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectra. The results show that the unburned carbon (UBC) content and UBC structural ordering decrease with a decreasing particle size for the five ashes. The morphologies of different size fractions of as-received fly ash change from the glass microspheres to irregular shapes as the particle size increases, but there is no correlation between particle size and mineralogical compositions in each size fraction. The adsorption experimental studies show that the mercury-retention capacity of fly ash depends on the particle size, UBC, and the type of inorganic constituents. Mercury retention of the types of sp2 carbon is similar to that of sp3 carbon.
The magnetism of BiFeO3 powders
Authors: Luo Xi , Tseng Li-Ting , Li Sean , Yi Jiabao
Published: November 2014

Conventional sintering and direct ball milling of Bi 2 O 3 + Fe 2 O 3 mixture were used for the fabrication of BiFeO 3 powders. The fabricated powders were performed annealing or high energy ball milling to vary the grain size from bottom-up or top-down. It was found that the magnetization of the powders synthesized by both methods plotted with the reciprocal of the grain size could be linearly fitted, indicating that the magnetism is from the finite size effect. Exchange bias phenomenon was observed after field cooling (FC) of the powders, confirming the magnetization is due to the uncompensated or canted surface spins. No spin glass behavior was found in these powders.
Improved thermoelectric efficiency in p-type ZnSb through Zn deficiency
Authors: Guo Qilong , Luo Sijun
Published: November 2014

We herein report a feasible approach to improve the thermoelectric performance of p-type ZnSb compound by Zn content regulation. It is found that Zn vacancies formed by Zn deficiency not only efficiently enhance the electrical conductivity due to the improved hole concentration but also markedly lower the lattice thermal conductivity on account of the reinforced point defect scattering of phonons. The ZnSb compound with a nominal 3 mol.% Zn deficiency shows a maximum thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of ~ 0.8 at 700 K which is a ~ 60% improvement over the pristine sample. The strategies of further enhancing the performance of ZnSb -based material have been discussed.
Curious Case of Bactericidal Action of ZnO
Authors: Ghosh Somnath , Gowri Sankar R. , Vandana V.
Published: November 2014

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are well known for their bactericidal properties. Various mechanisms are proposed for their bactericidal activity. An ambiguity still prevails to know which mechanism or property is mainly influencing the bactericidal activity of ZnO NPs. The antibacterial properties of ZnO NPs were investigated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Different ZnO samples with different degrees of surface oxygen vacancies were prepared from ZnO2. The surface oxygen vacancy and thereby reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in aqueous ZnO solution are quantified by photoluminescence (PL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping experiments, respectively. Systematic experiments have been performed to validate a precise antibacterial mechanism of ZnO particle.
Tissue Expression of Low and High Molecular Weight Cytokeratins in Lung Carcinoma Sections: Its Correlation with Some Clinic-Pathological Features
Authors: Rengifo Charles E. , Blanco Rancés , Cedeño Mercedes , Frómeta Milagros , Rengifo Enrique
Published: November 2014

The tissue expression of low (LMW) and high (HMW) molecular weight cytokeratins and Ber-EP4 antigen in both small (SCLC) and non-small (NSCLC) cell lung carcinomas, as well as its correlation with a variety of clinic-pathological features, was evaluated. In general, 43/52 (82.7%) of NSCLC sections showed the expression of at least one type of cytokeratin while only 7/16 (43.7%) of SCLC were stained with both LMW cytokeratin and pan-cytokeratins antibodies. Remarkably, 18/52 (34.6%) of NSCLC were positive to both types of cytokeratins. However, none of SCLC showed this pattern of expression. In NSCLC patients, the increasing levels of HMW cytokeratins expression, as shown by 34βE12 antibody, correlated with the occurrence of disease recurrence (P=0.0057; Fisher’s exact test). Consequently, the expression of HMW cytokeratins was found to be associated with a poor 4-year overall survival of NSCLC patients (P=0.0315; Log rank test), not taking into account the histopathological classification of tumors. Similar results were obtained when 8-year overall survival was assessed (P=0.0103; Log rank test). Our results could suggest the assessment of HMW cytokeratins in a larger series of NSCLC samples in order to confirm the potential prognostic value of them.
A Study of Correlations among Image Resolution, Reaction Time, and Extent of Motion in Remote Motor Interactions
Authors: Rusák Zoltán , Kooijman Adrie , Song Yu , Verlinden Jouke , Horváth Imre
Published: November 2014

Motor interaction in virtual sculpting, dance trainings, and physiological rehabilitation requires close virtual proximity of users, which may be hindered by low resolution of images and system latency. This paper reports on the results of our investigation aiming to explore the pros and cons of using ultrahigh 4K resolution displays (4096 × 2160 pixels) in remote motor interaction. 4K displays are able to overcome the problem of visible pixels and they are able to show more accurate image details on the level of textures, shadows, and reflections. It was our assumption that such image details can not only satisfy visual comfort of the users, but also provide detailed visual cues and improve the reaction time of users in motor interaction. To validate this hypothesis, we explored the relationships between the reaction time of subjects responding to a series of action-reaction type of games and resolution of the image used in an experiment. The results of our experiment showed that the subjects’ reaction time is significantly shorter in 4K images than in HD or VGA images in motor interaction with small motion envelope.
Analgesic Techniques in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: From the Daily Practice to Evidence-Based Medicine
Authors: Anastase Denisa Madalina , Cionac Florescu Simona , Munteanu Ana Maria , Ursu Traian , Stoica Cristian Ioan
Published: November 2014

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are major orthopedic surgery models, addressing mainly ageing populations with multiple comorbidities and treatments, ASA II–IV, which may complicate the perioperative period. Therefore effective management of postoperative pain should allow rapid mobilization of the patient with shortening of hospitalization and social reintegration. In our review we propose an evaluation of the main analgesics models used today in the postoperative period. Their comparative analysis shows the benefits and side effects of each of these methods and guides us to how to use evidence-based medicine in our daily practice.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of Maxilla: Report of a Case with Discussion
Authors: Rani G. Shirisha , Kumar T. Vinay , Kolasani Balaram , Begum Md Rezwana , Priya Srinivasan Anu
Published: November 2014

Primary oral malignant melanoma, very rare neoplasm of melanocytic origin, usually presents as a bluish black to tan-brown colored lesion Which is accounting for 0.2 to 8% of all melanomas, 1.6% of all head and neck malignancies, and 0.5% of all oral neoplasia. In general, the prognosis of oral melanoma is poor and worse than that of cutaneous melanoma. Here a case of oral malignant melanoma is presented, which was undetected during the first visit to a dental clinic. When a simple oral surgical treatment was carried out in that region, it resulted in the appearance of a massive pigmented lesion which was histopathologically diagnosed as malignant melanoma. This paper is presented to reemphasize the fact that any pigmented lesion in the oral cavity should be viewed with suspicion and proper investigation (biopsy) should be carried out to rule out any untoward experiences later.
Incidence and Clinical Predictors of Ocular Candidiasis in Patients withCandidaFungemia
Authors: Khalid Ayesha , Clough Lisa A. , Symons R. C. Andrew , Mahnken Jonathan D. , Dong Lei , Eid Albert J.
Published: November 2014

Purpose. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and the predictors of ocular candidiasis among patient withCandidafungemia.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients diagnosed with candidemia at the University of Kansas Medical Center during February 2000–March 2010. Data regarding patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and ophthalmology examination findings were collected.Results. A total of 283 patients with candidemia were enrolled. The mean age (± standard deviation) was 55 ± 18 years; 66% were male. The most commonly isolatedCandidaspecies wereC. albicans(54%),C. parapsilosis(20%),C. glabrata(13%), andC. tropicalis(8%). Only 144 (51%) patients were evaluated by ophthalmology; however, the proportion of patients who were formally evaluated by an ophthalmologist increased during the study period (9%in 2000 up to 73%in 2010;P<0.0001). Evidence of ocular candidiasis was present in 18 (12.5%) patients. Visual symptoms were reported by 5 of 18 (28%) patients. In multivariable analysis, no predictors of ocular candidiasis were identified.Conclusions. The incidence of ocular candidiasis among patients with fungemia remains elevated. Most patients are asymptomatic and therefore all patients with candidemia should undergo fundoscopic examination to rule out ocular involvement.
Carbon Monoxide Fumigation Improved the Quality, Nutrients, and Antioxidant Activities of Postharvest Peach
Authors: Zhang Shaoying , Li Ying , Pei Fei
Published: November 2014

Peaches (Prunus persicacv. Yanhong) were fumigated with carbon monoxide (CO) at 0, 0.5, 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L for 2 hours. The result showed that low concentration CO (0.5–10 μmol/L) might delay the decrease of firmness and titrable acid content, restrain the increase of decay incidence, and postpone the variation of soluble solids content, but treating peaches with high concentration CO (20 μmol/L) demonstrated adverse effects. Further research exhibited that exogenous CO could induce the phenylalnine ammonialyase activity, maintain nutrient contents such as Vitamin C, total flavonoid, and polyphenol, and enhance antioxidant activity according to reducing power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl radical scavenging activity. Treating peaches with appropriate concentration CO was beneficial to the quality, nutrients, and antioxidant activity of postharvest peaches during storage time. Therefore, CO fumigation might probably become a novel method to preserve postharvest peach and other fruits in the future.
Maternal Thrombophilia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mazzucconi Maria Gabriella , De Sanctis Vitaliana , Alfò Marco , Amendolea Maria Antonietta , Conti Laura , Santoro Cristina , Baldacci Erminia , Peraino Monica , Masala Cesare
Published: November 2014

Objective: To assess the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with acquired and/or congenital thrombophilia factors. Patients and Methods: A cohort of 130 women with a history of pregnancy loss and no successful gestation were investigated for the presence of congenital and acquired thrombophilia factors, and then compared with a control group of 130 healthy women who had had at least one successful gestation and no pregnancy loss, and were screened for congenital and acquired thrombophilia factors. Results: Acquired and congenital thrombophilia factors were found in 30 (23%) patients and in 14 (10.8%) controls (p < 0.015). The presence of ≥1 congenital thrombophilia factor was associated with pregnancy loss with an odds ratio of 2.46 (p = 0.040). Moreover, women who had had >1 early fetal loss had a 2.85-fold risk of being carriers of congenital thrombophilia factors, compared to the controls. Conclusion: Our study showed the increased risk of miscarriage in patients with congenital thrombophilia factors and >1 early fetal loss. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Neuron Recycling for Learning the Alphabetic Principles
Authors: Scliar-Cabral Leonor
Published: November 2014

Aims: The main purpose of this paper is to discuss an approach to the phonic method of learning-teaching early literacy development, namely that the visual neurons must be recycled to recognize the small differences among pertinent letter features. In addition to the challenge of segmenting the speech chain and the syllable for learning the alphabetic principles, neuroscience has demonstrated another major challenge: neurons in mammals are programmed to process visual signals symmetrically. In order to develop early literacy, visual neurons must be recycled to overcome this initial programming together with phonological awareness, expanding it with the ability to delimit words, including clitics, as well as assigning stress to words. To achieve this goal, Scliar's Early Literacy Development System was proposed and tested. Method: Sixteen subjects (10 girls and 6 boys) comprised the experimental group (mean age 6.02 years), and 16 subjects (7 girls and 9 boys) formed the control group (mean age 6.10 years). The research instruments were a psychosociolinguistic questionnaire to reveal the subjects' profile and a post-test battery of tests. At the beginning of the experiment, the experimental group was submitted to an intervention program based on Scliar's Early Literacy Development System. One of the tests is discussed in this paper, the grapheme-phoneme test: subjects had to read aloud a pseudoword with 4 graphemes, signaled by the experimenter and designed to assess the subject's ability to convert a grapheme into its correspondent phoneme. Results: The average value for the test group was 25.0 correct answers (SD = 11.4); the control group had an average of 14.3 correct answers (SD = 10.6): The difference was significant. Discussion: The experimental results validate Scliar's Early Literacy Development System and indicate the need to redesign early literacy development methods.
A Descriptive Study Examining Phonological Awareness and Literacy Development in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: van Bysterveldt Anne , Gillon Gail
Published: November 2014

Objective and Method: This article describes the profiles of a cohort of 77 New Zealand children with Down syndrome (aged between 5 and 14 years) in areas of particular importance to reading development, namely phonological awareness, word level reading and letter knowledge. Assessment of reading accuracy and comprehension of connected text, as well as further phonological awareness knowledge, was measured in 25 of the more advanced readers in this cohort. Results: The findings showed the expected development with increasing age for letter knowledge, phoneme level awareness and reading tasks. Forty-two percent scored significantly above chance on a phoneme identity task, and most of the participants knew more letter names than letter sounds. Only 17% of the group scored above chance on a rhyme oddity task, and rhyme knowledge was not significantly correlated with age. The majority of the participants could read 1 or more words in isolation and 6.5% demonstrated word level reading at a 7- to 8-year level. Phoneme awareness and letter sound knowledge significantly contributed to word level reading performance. In-depth assessment for the more advanced readers suggested the participants had a comparative strength in reading accuracy compared to reading comprehension and found phonological awareness blending tasks easier than phonological segmentation tasks. Only 1 participant demonstrated strength on a rhyme generation task. Conclusion: Discussion focuses on the implications of better understanding the differing language profiles of children with Down syndrome for enhancement of their educational success.
Early Language Delay Phenotypes and Correlation with Later Linguistic Abilities
Authors: Petinou Kakia , Spanoudis George
Published: November 2014

Objectives: The present study focused on examining the continuity and directionality of language skills in late talkers (LTs) and identifying factors which might contribute to language outcomes at the age of 3 years. Methods: Subjects were 23 Cypriot-Greek-speaking toddlers classified as LTs and 24 age-matched typically developing peers (TDs). Participants were assessed at 28, 32 and 36 months, using various linguistic measures such as size of receptive and expressive vocabulary, mean length of utterance (MLU) of words and number of consonants produced. Data on otitis media familial history were also analyzed. Results: The ANOVA results indicated parallel developmental profiles between the two groups, with a language lag characterizing LTs. Concurrent correlations between measures showed that poor phonetic inventories in the LT group at 28 months predicted poor MLU at the ages of 32 and 36 months. Significant cross-lagged correlations supported the finding that poor phonetic inventories at 28 months served as a good predictor for MLU and expressive vocabulary at the age of 32 and for MLU at 36 months. Conclusions: The results highlight the negative effect of early language delay on language skills up to the age of 3 years and lend support to the current literature regarding the universal linguistic picture of early and persistent language delay. Based on the current results, poor phonetic inventories at the age of intake might serve as a predictive factor for language outcomes at the age of 36 months. Finally, the findings are discussed in view of the need for further research with a focus on more language-sensitive tools in testing later language outcomes.
Impact of Parity on Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iranian Women
Authors: Hajiahmadi Mahmoud , Shafi Hamid , Delavar Mouloud Agajani
Published: November 2014

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze whether or not parity influenced the prevalence of obesity in both pre- and postmenopausal women. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on characteristics of urban women regarding parity. A total of 1,620 women aged 45-63 years were selected using cluster sampling. A face-to-face household interview was conducted by trained, skillful personnel. A risk factor questionnaire was used to obtain information on reproductive history and sociodemographic factors. Statistical associations between parity and obesity using logistic regression were then investigated. Results: The mean BMI was 29.1 ± 5.1, and 96.8% of the sample population were parous, with a median of 4 births. Of the total women enrolled, 216 (13.3%) had <3 parities, while 1,404 (86.7%) had ≥3 parities. The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥30) was 38.3%, diagnosed at a mean age of 51.4 ± 5.2 years. After adjustment for a range of potential confounders (age, marital status, employment, education, smoking status, abortion history, savings situation and menopausal status), women with ≥3 parities were at higher risk of being obese (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.24-2.45; p = 0.001). Conclusion: A positive association was observed between the number of parities and obesity. The findings of this study suggest that the BMI is associated with high parity in Babolian women. Health policymakers should work with health providers to develop appropriate postpartum weight loss interventions.
Serum Myeloperoxidase Level Is Associated with Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein but Not Troponin T in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Gedikli Omer , Kiris Abdulkadir , Hosoglu Yusuf , Karahan Caner , Kaplan Sahin
Published: November 2014

Objective: Our aim was to investigate the possible relationship between myeloperoxidase (MPO) and myocardial damage markers such as heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) and troponin T (TnT) in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Materials and Methods: Forty-two consecutive patients (age range: 27-80 years) with chronic HF were enrolled in the study. Serum H-FABP, TnT and MPO levels were measured. Routine biochemical and clinical parameters were recorded. Echocardiographic examinations were performed on all patients. A linear regression analysis was performed to determine the correlates of serum H-FABP. Results: The MPO, H-FABP and TnT levels were 255 ± 227, 60.6 ± 48.5 and 0.07 ± 0.15 ng/ml, respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, age (β = -0.36, p = 0.006), creatinine level (β = 0.3, p = 0.024) and serum MPO level (β = 0.41, p = 0.009) were significant determinants of H-FABP levels. Bivariate predictors were not significantly associated with TnT levels in linear regression analyses. Conclusions: The MPO was significantly associated with serum H-FABP levels but not with TnT.
Preserved Fertility in a Patient with Gynecomastia Associated with the p.Pro695Ser Mutation in the Androgen Receptor
Authors: Petroli Reginaldo J. , Hiort Olaf , Struve Dagmar , Maciel-Guerra Andréa T. , Guerra-Júnior Gil , Palandi de Mello Maricilda , Werner Ralf
Published: November 2014

The androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is described as a dysfunction of the androgen receptor (AR) in 46,XY individuals, which can be associated with mutations in the AR gene or can be due to unknown mechanisms. Different mutations in AIS generally cause variable phenotypes that range from a complete hormone resistance to a mild form usually associated with male infertility. The purpose of this study was to search for mutations in the AR gene in a fertile man with gynecomastia and to evaluate the influence of the mutation on the AR transactivation ability. Sequencing of the AR gene revealed the p.Pro695Ser mutation. It is located within the AR ligand-binding domain. Bioinformatics analysis indicated a deleterious role, which was verified after testing transactivation activity and N-/C-terminal (N/C) interaction by in vitro expression of a reporter gene and 2-hybrid assays. p.Pro695Ser showed low levels of both transactivation activity and N/C interaction at low dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conditions. As the ligand concentration increased, both transactivation activity and N/C interaction also increased and reached normal levels. Therefore, this study provides functional insights for the p.Pro695Ser mutation described here for the first time in a patient with mild AIS. The expression profile of p.Pro695Ser not only correlates to the patient's phenotype, but also suggests that a high-dose DHT therapy may overcome the functional deficit of the mutant AR.