bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transurethral Resection of Prostate Abscess: Is It Different from Conventional Transurethral Resection for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Authors: Goyal Neeraj Kumar , Goel Apul , Sankhwar Satyanarayan , Dalela Divakar
Published: June 2013

Purpose. To present our experience of prostate abscess management by modified transurethral resection (TUR) technique. Methods. Seventeen men with prostate abscess undergoing TUR between 2003 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Details of demography, surgical procedures, complications, and followup were noted. Results. With a mean age of 61.53 ± 8.58 years, all patients had multifocal abscess cavities. Initially, 6 men underwent classical TUR similar to the technique used for benign prostatic enlargement (group 1). Next, 11 men underwent modified TUR (group 2) in which bladder neck and anterior zone were not resected. The abscess cavities resolved completely, and no patient required a second intervention. One patient in group 1 and three in group 2 had postoperative fever requiring parenteral antibiotics . Three patients in group 1 had transient urinary incontinence, whereas none of the patients in group 2 had this complication (). Four and five men in group 1 and 2 reported retrograde ejaculation, respectively . Conclusion. The modified technique of prostate resection edges over conventional TURP in the form of reduced morbidity but maintains its high success rate for complete abscess drainage. It alleviates the need for secondary procedures, having an apparent advantage over limited drainage techniques. Use of this technique is emphasized in cases associated with BPH and lack of proper preoperative imaging.
Biophysical Insights into Cancer Transformation and Treatment
Authors: Pokorný Jiří , Foletti Alberto , Kobilková Jitka , Jandová Anna , Vrba Jan , Vrba Jan , Nedbalová Martina , Čoček Aleš , Danani Andrea , Tuszyński Jack A.
Published: June 2013

Biological systems are hierarchically self‐organized complex structures characterized by nonlinear interactions. Biochemical energy is transformed into work of physical forces required for various biological functions. We postulate that energy transduction depends on endogenous electrodynamic fields generated by microtubules. Microtubules and mitochondria colocalize in cells with microtubules providing tracks for mitochondrial movement. Besides energy transformation, mitochondria form a spatially distributed proton charge layer and a resultant strong static electric field, which causes water ordering in the surrounding cytosol. These effects create conditions for generation of coherent electrodynamic field. The metabolic energy transduction pathways are strongly affected in cancers. Mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells (Warburg effect) or in fibroblasts associated with cancer cells (reverse Warburg effect) results in decreased or increased power of the generated electromagnetic field, respectively, and shifted and rebuilt frequency spectra. Disturbed electrodynamic interaction forces between cancer and healthy cells may favor local invasion and metastasis. A therapeutic strategy of targeting dysfunctional mitochondria for restoration of their physiological functions makes it possible to switch on the natural apoptotic pathway blocked in cancer transformed cells. Experience with dichloroacetate in cancer treatment and reestablishment of the healthy state may help in the development of novel effective drugs aimed at the mitochondrial function.
Boundedness of Solutions for a Class of Sublinear Reversible Oscillators with Periodic Forcing
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Si Jianguo
Published: June 2013

We study the boundedness of all solutions for the following differential equationx′′+f(x)x′+(B+εe(t))|x|α-1x=p(t),wheref(x),  p(t)are odd functions,e(t)is an even function,e(t),  p(t)are smooth1-periodic functions,Bis a nonzero constant, andεis a small parameter. A sufficient and necessary condition for the boundedness of all solutions of the above equation is established. Moreover, the existence of Aubry-Mather sets is obtained as well.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on Structural Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of Ceria Nanoparticles Synthesized Employing Chitosan as Template
Authors: Sifontes Angela B. , Rosales Maibelin , Méndez Franklin J. , Oviedo Olycen , Zoltan Tamara
Published: June 2013

Ceria nanoparticles were synthesized employing chitosan as template and thermal treatment at different temperatures (350, 650, and 960°C). The effect of calcination temperature on structural properties and photocatalytic activity of ceria nanopowder was also tested. Degradation of an azo dye, Congo Red (CR) as a model aqueous pollutant, was investigated by means of photocatalysis of ceria nanoparticles under visible light irradiation. The influence of catalyst amount, initial CR concentrations, and degradation reaction kinetics were studied. The results were compared with commercial CeO2 at the same degradation conditions.
A Global Optimization Algorithm for Sum of Linear Ratios Problem
Authors: Gao Yuelin , Jin Siqiao
Published: June 2013

We equivalently transform the sum of linear ratios programming problem into bilinear programming problem, then by using the linear characteristics of convex envelope and concave envelope of double variables product function, linear relaxation programming of the bilinear programming problem is given, which can determine the lower bound of the optimal value of original problem. Therefore, a branch and bound algorithm for solving sum of linear ratios programming problem is put forward, and the convergence of the algorithm is proved. Numerical experiments are reported to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Numerical Simulation on Flow Field of Oilfield Three-Phase Separator
Authors: Liang Yong-tu , Zhao Sheng-qiu , Jiang Xia-xue , Jia Xian-qi , Li Wang
Published: June 2013

The conventional measurement method can no longer guarantee the accuracy requirement after the oilfield development entering high water cut stage, due to the water content and gas phase in the flow. In order to overcome the impact of measurement deviation the oilfield production management, the flow field of three-phase separator is studied numerically in this paper using Fluent 6.3.26. Taking into consideration the production situation of PetroChina Huabei Oilfield and the characteristics of three-phase separator, the effect of internal flow status as well as other factors such as varying flow rate, gas fraction, and water content on the separation efficiency is analyzed. The results show that the separation efficiencies under all operation conditions are larger than 95%, which satisfy the accuracy requirement and also provide the theoretical foundation for the application of three-phase separators at oilfields.
The Use of Humanized Monoclonal Antibodies for the Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Lanari Marcello , Vandini Silvia , Arcuri Santo , Galletti Silvia , Faldella Giacomo
Published: June 2013

Monoclonal antibodies are widely used both in infants and in adults for several indications. Humanized monoclonal antibodies (palivizumab) have been used for many years for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection in pediatric populations (preterm infants, infants with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease) at high risk of severe and potentially lethal course of the infection. This drug was reported to be safe, well tolerated and effective to decrease the hospitalization rate and mortality in these groups of infants by several clinical trials. In the present paper we report the development and the current use of monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus.
Cytokines and Angiogenesis in the Corpus Luteum
Authors: Galvão António M. , Ferreira-Dias Graça , Skarzynski Dariusz J.
Published: June 2013

In adults, physiological angiogenesis is a rare event, with few exceptions as the vasculogenesis needed for tissue growth and function in female reproductive organs. Particularly in the corpus luteum (CL), regulation of angiogenic process seems to be tightly controlled by opposite actions resultant from the balance between pro- and antiangiogenic factors. It is the extremely rapid sequence of events that determines the dramatic changes on vascular and nonvascular structures, qualifying the CL as a great model for angiogenesis studies. Using the mare CL as a model, reports on locally produced cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factorα(TNF), interferon gamma (IFNG), or Fas ligand (FASL), pointed out their role on angiogenic activity modulation throughout the luteal phase. Thus, the main purpose of this review is to highlight the interaction between immune, endothelial, and luteal steroidogenic cells, regarding vascular dynamics/changes during establishment and regression of the equine CL.
Stability for the Kirchhoff Plates Equations with Viscoelastic Boundary Conditions in Noncylindrical Domains
Authors: Kang Jum-Ran
Published: June 2013

We study Kirchhoff plates equations with viscoelastic boundary conditions in a noncylindrical domain. This work is devoted to proving the global existence, uniqueness of solutions, and decay of the energy of solutions for Kirchhoff plates equations in a non-cylindrical domain.
A Study on Course of Infection and Haematological Changes in falciparum-Infected in Comparison with Artemisinin(s)-Treated Mice
Authors: Kuthala Kalyan Kumar , Meka Sowjanya , Kanikaram Sunita
Published: June 2013

To find out the efficacy and effect of artemisinin derivatives on haematological indices, C57BL/6J mice were challenged with Plasmodium falciparum and treated with therapeutic doses of AS, AE, and AL. Course of infection was studied in the infected and treated groups up to day 42. Peak level of parasitaemia (38%) was observed on day 11 in infected group. Haematological indices indicated significant (P<0.05) decrease in RBC, WBC, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean cell volume, and platelet counts in infected mice. But all the parameters were restored to normal values, and significant (P<0.05) changes were observed in all drug-treated groups. Insignificant changes were observed for MCHC (P>0.05) in all drug-treated groups. Percent of peak parasitaemia was much reduced in AL- (3.2% on day 3) treated group in comparison with AE- (2.4% on day 4) and AS- (4% on day 2) treated groups. Parasites were completely cleared on day 6 in AS group, day 5 in AE group, and day 4 in AL group. Hence, our results strongly support that combination therapy has high efficacy rates than monotherapy. No adverse effects were observed on haematological parameters when animals were treated with therapeutic dosages.
Investigation of Attenuation Correction for Small-Animal Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Authors: Lee Hsin-Hui , Chen Jyh-Cheng
Published: June 2013

The quantitative accuracy of SPECT is limited by photon attenuation and scatter effect when photons interact with atoms. In this study, we developed a new attenuation correction (AC) method, CT-based mean attenuation correction (CTMAC) method, and compared it with various methods that were often used currently to assess the AC phenomenon by using the small-animal SPECT/CT data that were acquired from various physical phantoms and a rat. The physical phantoms and an SD rat, which were injected with99mTc, were scanned by a parallel-hole small-animal SPECT, and then they were imaged by the 80 kVp micro-CT. Scatter was estimated and corrected by the triple-energy window (TEW) method. Absolute quantification was derived from a known activity point source scan. In the physical-phantom studies, we compared the images with original, scatter correction (SC) only, and the scatter-corrected images with AC performed by using Chang’s method, CT-based attenuation correction (CTAC), CT-based iterative attenuation compensation during reconstruction (CTIACR), and the CTMAC. From the correction results, we find out that the errors of the previous six configurations are mostly quite similar. The CTMAC needs the shortest correction time while obtaining good AC results.
Mixed Platoon Flow Dispersion Model Based on Speed-Truncated Gaussian Mixture Distribution
Authors: Wu Weitiao , Jin Wenzhou , Shen Luou
Published: June 2013

A mixed traffic flow feature is presented on urban arterials in China due to a large amount of buses. Based on field data, a macroscopic mixed platoon flow dispersion model (MPFDM) was proposed to simulate the platoon dispersion process along the road section between two adjacent intersections from the flow view. More close to field observation, truncated Gaussian mixture distribution was adopted as the speed density distribution for mixed platoon. Expectation maximum (EM) algorithm was used for parameters estimation. The relationship between the arriving flow distribution at downstream intersection and the departing flow distribution at upstream intersection was investigated using the proposed model. Comparison analysis using virtual flow data was performed between the Robertson model and the MPFDM. The results confirmed the validity of the proposed model.
Sociocultural Context of Suicidal Behaviour in the Sundarban Region of India
Authors: Chowdhury A. N. , Banerjee S. , Brahma A. , Hazra A. , Weiss M. G.
Published: June 2013

The role of mental illness in nonfatal deliberate self-harm (DSH) is controversial, especially in Asian countries. This prospective study examined the role of psychiatric disorders, underlying social and situational problems, and triggers of DSH in a sample of 89 patients hospitalised in primary care hospitals of the Sundarban Delta, India. Data were collected by using a specially designed DSH register, Explanatory Model Interview Catalogue (EMIC), and clinical interview. Psychiatric diagnosis was made following the DSM-IV guidelines. The majority of subjects were young females (74.2%) and married (65.2%). Most of them (69.7%) were uncertain about their “intention to die, and pesticide poisoning was the commonest method (95.5%). Significant male-female differences were found with respect to education level, occupation, and venue of the DSH attempt. Typical stressors were conflict with spouse, guardians, or in-laws, extramarital affairs, chronic physical illness, and failed love affairs. The major depressive disorder (14.6%) was the commonest psychiatric diagnosis followed by adjustment disorder (6.7%); however 60.7% of the cases had no psychiatric illness. Stressful life situations coupled with easy access to lethal pesticides stood as the risk factor. The sociocultural dynamics behind suicidal behaviour and community-specific social stressors merit detailed assessment and timely psychosocial intervention. These findings will be helpful to design community-based mental health clinical services and community action in the region.
Investigation of Self‐Assembly of Two‐Component Organogel System Based on Trigonal Acids and Aminobenzothiazole Derivatives
Authors: Di Youbo , Hong Wei , Dai Jinming
Published: June 2013

We reported here the gelation behaviors of two‐component organogel system based on different acids and aminobenzothiazole derivatives in various organic solvents. Their gelation behaviors in 20 solvents were tested as new organic gelators. It was shown that the molecular skeletons and substituted groups in these compounds played a crucial role in the gelation behavior of the mixtures. Only the binary mixture of 2‐aminobenzothiazole and trigonal 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid with aromatic core could form organogels in ethanol and acetone. Morphological observations reveal that the microstructures of both xerogels showed similar wrinkle‐shaped domains composed of sheet‐like aggregates with many holes. Spectral studies reveal the hydrogen bonding interaction between the amide of the gelator and lamellar‐like structure of the aggregates in both gels. The present investigation is a perspective to provide new clues for the design of new nanomaterials and functional textile materials with special microstructures.
Fault Identification in Industrial Processes Using an Integrated Approach of Neural Network and Analysis of Variance
Authors: Shao Yuehjen E. , Hou Chia-Ding
Published: June 2013

Due to its importance in process improvement, the issue of determining exactly when faults occur has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Most related studies have focused on the use of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) method to determine the fault in univariate processes, in which the underlying process distribution should be known in advance. In addition, most studies have been devoted to identifying the faults of process mean shifts. Different from most of the current research, the present study proposes an effective approach to identify the faults of variance shifts in a multivariate process. The proposed mechanism comprises the analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach, a neural network (NN) classifier, and an identification strategy. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, a series of simulated experiments is conducted, and the best results from our proposed approach are addressed.
Aequalis Humeral Head Resurfacing in Glenohumeral Arthritis at a Minimum Followup of 2 Years
Authors: Raghavan Roshan , Dwyer Amitabh J. , Chambler Andrew F. W.
Published: June 2013

Aim. To evaluate results of Aequalis humeral head resurfacing in patients with end-stage glenohumeral arthritis at a minimum followup of two years. Patients and Methods. Twenty-one consecutive patients underwent humeral head resurfacing hemiarthroplasty between 2007 and 2009. Three patients did not fulfill the inclusion criteria. 18 patients with mean age of 75.1 years (range 58–91 years) and a mean duration of preoperative symptoms of 33.6 months (range 6–120 months) were analyzed. Patients’ self-reported Oxford shoulder score (OSS) was collected prospectively and was used as an assessment tool to measure final outcome. Results. The mean initial OSS was 15 (range 3–29). The score improved by an average of 19.5 points at a mean followup of 36.3 months (range 24–54 months) to reach a mean final OSS of 34.5 (range 6–47). The improvement of OSS was highly significant with a two-tailed P value less than 0.0001. The overall patient satisfaction was 94%. Conclusion. This study demonstrates Aequalis shoulder resurfacing hemiarthroplasty as a reliable procedure, away from its originating center, for improvement of shoulder function as shown by the patients’ self-reported outcome score (OSS) in end-stage glenohumeral arthritis at a minimum followup of 2 years.
Two Efficient Generalized Laguerre Spectral Algorithms for Fractional Initial Value Problems
Authors: Baleanu D. , Bhrawy A. H. , Taha T. M.
Published: June 2013

We present a direct solution technique for approximating linear multiterm fractional differential equations (FDEs) on semi-infinite interval, using generalized Laguerre polynomials. We derive the operational matrix of Caputo fractional derivative of the generalized Laguerre polynomials which is applied together with generalized Laguerre tau approximation for implementing a spectral solution of linear multiterm FDEs on semi-infinite interval subject to initial conditions. The generalized Laguerre pseudo-spectral approximation based on the generalized Laguerre operational matrix is investigated to reduce the nonlinear multiterm FDEs and its initial conditions to nonlinear algebraic system, thus greatly simplifying the problem. Through several numerical examples, we confirm the accuracy and performance of the proposed spectral algorithms. Indeed, the methods yield accurate results, and the exact solutions are achieved for some tested problems.
The Static Stress Intensity Factor around the Antiplane Crack in an Infinite FGM Strip
Authors: Zhao Wen-bin , Hu Zhi-xin , Zhang Xue-xia , Xie Hai-ling
Published: June 2013

The problem of the static stress intensity factor around antiplane crack in an infinite strip functionally graded material was studied by using the method of integral transform-dual integral equations in this paper. The shear modulus in the two principal directions of the functionally graded material was assumed to vary proportionately as gradient model of double parameters index function. The partial differential equation was first reduced to Euler equation with Fourier cosine transform. By solving dual integral equations that were derived by applying the solution of Euler equation with the method of Copson, stress intensity factor around the crack tip was derived. And the variation curves of the dimensionless stress intensity factor with the strip height, crack length, gradient parameter, and inhomogeneous coefficient are obtained by using the numerical calculation.
The Dormancy MarkerDRM1/ARPAssociated with Dormancy but a Broader RoleIn Planta
Authors: Rae Georgina M. , David Karine , Wood Marion
Published: June 2013

Plants must carefully regulate their development in order to survive a wide range of conditions. Of particular importance to this is dormancy release, deciding when to grow and when not to, given these varying conditions. In order to better understand the growth release mechanism of dormant tissue at the molecular and physiological levels, molecular markers can be used. One gene family that has a long association with dormancy, which is routinely used as a marker for dormancy release, isDRM1/ARP(dormancy-associated gene-1/auxin-repressed protein). This plant-specific gene family has high sequence identity at the protein level throughout several plant species, but its functionin plantaremains undetermined. This review brings together and critically analyzes findings on theDRM1/ARPfamily from a number of species. We focus on the relevance of this gene as a molecular marker for dormancy, raising questions of what its role might actually be in the plant.
In VivoCaprine Model for Osteomyelitis and Evaluation of Biofilm-Resistant Intramedullary Nails
Authors: Tran Nhiem , Tran Phong A. , Jarrell John D. , Engiles Julie B. , Thomas Nathan P. , Young Matthew D. , Hayda Roman A. , Born Christopher T.
Published: June 2013

Bone infection remains a formidable challenge to the medical field. The goal of the current study is to evaluate antibacterial coatingsin vitroand to develop a large animal model to assess coated bone implants. A novel coating consisting of titanium oxide and siloxane polymer doped with silver was created by metal-organic methods. The coating was testedin vitrousing rapid screening techniques to determine compositions which inhibitedStaphylococcus aureusgrowth, while not affecting osteoblast viability. The coating was then applied to intramedullary nails and evaluatedin vivoin a caprine model. In this pilot study, a fracture was created in the tibia of the goat, andStaphylococcus aureuswas inoculated directly into the bone canal. The fractures were fixed by either coated (treated) or non-coated intramedullary nails (control) for 5 weeks. Clinical observations as well as microbiology, mechanical, radiology, and histology testing were used to compare the animals. The treated goat was able to walk using all four limbs after 5 weeks, while the control was unwilling to bear weight on the fixed leg. These results suggest the antimicrobial potential of the hybrid coating and the feasibility of the goat model for antimicrobial coated intramedullary implant evaluation.
Numerical Solution of Duffing Equation by Using an Improved Taylor Matrix Method
Authors: Bülbül Berna , Sezer Mehmet
Published: June 2013

We have suggested a numerical approach, which is based on an improved Taylor matrix method, for solving Duffing differential equations. The method is based on the approximation by the truncated Taylor series about center zero. Duffing equation and conditions are transformed into the matrix equations, which corresponds to a system of nonlinear algebraic equations with the unknown coefficients, via collocation points. Combining these matrix equations and then solving the system yield the unknown coefficients of the solution function. Numerical examples are included to demonstrate the validity and the applicability of the technique. The results show the efficiency and the accuracy of the present work. Also, the method can be easily applied to engineering and science problems.
On Solution of Fredholm Integrodifferential Equations Using Composite Chebyshev Finite Difference Method
Authors: Pashazadeh Atabakan Z. , Kazemi Nasab A. , Kılıçman A.
Published: June 2013

A new numerical method is introduced for solving linear Fredholm integrodifferential equations which is based on a hybrid of block-pulse functions and Chebyshev polynomials using the well-known Chebyshev-Gauss-Lobatto collocation points. Composite Chebyshev finite difference method is indeed an extension of the Chebyshev finite difference method and can be considered as a nonuniform finite difference scheme. The main advantage of the proposed method is reducing the given problem to a set of algebraic equations. Some examples are given to approve the efficiency and the accuracy of the proposed method.
Charge Radii and Quadrupole Moments of the Low-Lying Baryons in the Chiral Constituent Quark Model
Authors: Sharma Neetika , Dahiya Harleen
Published: June 2013

The chiral constituent quark model (χCQM) with general parameterization method (GPM) has been formulated to calculate the charge radii of the spin1/2+octet and3/2+decuplet baryons and quadrupole moments of the spin3/2+decuplet baryons and spin3/2+→1/2+transitions. The implications of such a model have been investigated in detail for the effects of symmetry breaking and GPM parameters pertaining to the one-, two-, and three-quark contributions. Our results are not only comparable with the latest experimental studies but also agree with other phenomenological models. It is found that theχCQM is successful in giving a quantitative and qualitative description of the charge radii and quadrupole moments.
Chloroquine Interference with Hemoglobin Endocytic Trafficking Suppresses Adaptive Heme and Iron Homeostasis in Macrophages: The Paradox of an Antimalarial Agent
Authors: Schaer Christian A. , Laczko Endre , Schoedon Gabriele , Schaer Dominik J. , Vallelian Florence
Published: June 2013

The CD163 scavenger receptor pathway for Hb:Hp complexes is an essential mechanism of protection against the toxicity of extracellular hemoglobin (Hb), which can accumulate in the vasculature and within tissues during hemolysis. Chloroquine is a lysosomotropic agent, which has been extensively used as an antimalarial drug in the past, before parasite resistance started to limit its efficacy in most parts of the world. More recent use of chloroquine is related to its immunomodulatory activity in patients with autoimmune diseases, which may also involve hemolytic disease components. In this study we examined the effects of chloroquine on the human Hb clearance pathway. For this purpose we developed a new mass-spectrometry-based method to specifically quantify intracellular Hb peptides within the endosomal-lysosomal compartment by single reaction monitoring (SRM). We found that chloroquine exposure impairs trafficking of Hb:Hp complexes through the endosomal-lysosomal compartment after internalization by CD163. Relative quantification of intracellular Hb peptides by SRM confirmed that chloroquine blocked cellular Hb:Hp catabolism. This effect suppressed the cellular heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) response and shifted macrophage iron homeostasis towards inappropriately high expression of the transferrin receptor with concurrent inhibition of ferroportin expression. A functional deficiency of Hb detoxification and heme-iron recycling may therefore be an adverse consequence of chloroquine treatment during hemolysis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Acrylic Acid-g-(-Carrageenan) Copolymer and Study of Its Application
Authors: Srivastava Arti , Kumar Rajesh
Published: June 2013

The effects of concentrations of peroxymonosulphate, mercaptosuccinic acid, hydrogen ion, acrylic acid, and carrageenan on grafting parameters were studied to find out the maximum grafting ratio. The corresponding values were found to be , , ,  mol dm−3, and  g dm−3, respectively. The optimal reaction time duration and reaction temperature were found to be 120 min and 40°C, respectively. The effect of hydrogen ion variation from 5.0 up to  mol dm−3shows prompt changes on grafting parameter. The grafted copolymer was found more thermally stable than the ungrafted substrate. Also the grafted copolymer absorbed more water, namely hazardous metal cations. Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cd2+, showed better flocculation behavior than carrageenan.
QuantitativeIn VivoCharacterization of Intracellular and Extracellular pH Profiles in Heterogeneous Tumors: A Novel Method Enabling Multiparametric pH Analysis
Authors: Lutz Norbert W. , Le Fur Yann , Chiche Johanna , Pouysségur Jacques , Cozzone Patrick J.
Published: June 2013

Acid production and transport are currently being studied to identify new targets for efficient cancer treatment, as subpopulations of tumor cells frequently escape conventional therapy owing to their particularly acidic tumor microenvironment. Heterogeneity in intracellular and extracellular tumor pH (pHi, pHe) has been reported, but none of the methods currently available for measuring tissue pH provides quantitative parameters characterizing pH distribution profiles in tissues. To this intent, we present here a multiparametric, noninvasive approach based on in vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and its application to mouse tumor xenografts. First, localized 31P NMR spectrum signals of pHi and pHe reporter molecules [inorganic phosphate (Pi) and 3-aminopropylphosphonate (3-APP), respectively] were transformed into pH curves using established algorithms. Although Pi is an endogenous compound, 3-APP had to be injected intraperitoneally. Then, we developed algorithms for the calculation of six to eight quantitative pH parameters from the digital points of each pH curve obtained. For this purpose, each pH distribution profile was approximated as a histogram, and intensities were corrected for the nonlinearity between chemical-shift and pH. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4616–28. ©2013 AACR
Culturally Targeted Patient Navigation for Increasing African Americans' Adherence to Screening Colonoscopy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Jandorf Lina , Braschi Caitlyn , Ernstoff Elizabeth , Wong Carrie R. , Thelemaque Linda , Winkel Gary , Thompson Hayley S. , Redd William H. , Itzkowitz Steven H.
Published: June 2013

Background: Patient navigation has been an effective intervention to increase cancer screening rates. This study focuses on predicting outcomes of screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer among African Americans using different patient navigation formats.

Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, patients more than 50 years of age without significant comorbidities were randomized into three navigation groups: peer-patient navigation (n = 181), pro-patient navigation (n = 123), and standard (n = 46). Pro-patient navigations were health care professionals who conducted culturally targeted navigation, whereas peer-patient navigations were community members trained in patient navigation who also discussed their personal experiences with screening colonoscopy. Two assessments gathered sociodemographic, medical, and intrapersonal information.

Results: Screening colonoscopy completion rate was 75.7% across all groups with no significant differences in completion between the three study arms. Annual income more than $10,000 was an independent predictor of screening colonoscopy adherence. Unexpectedly, low social influence also predicted screening colonoscopy completion.

Conclusions: In an urban African American population, patient navigation was effective in increasing screening colonoscopy rates to 15% above the national average, regardless of patient navigation type or content.

Impact: Because patient navigation successfully increases colonoscopy adherence, cultural targeting may not be necessary in some populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(9); 1577–87. ©2013 AACR.
Dynamic Chemotherapy-Induced Upregulation of CXCR4 Expression: A Mechanism of Therapeutic Resistance in Pediatric AML
Authors: Sison Edward Allan R. , McIntyre Emily , Magoon Daniel , Brown Patrick
Published: June 2013

Cure rates in pediatric acute leukemias remain suboptimal. Overexpression of the cell-surface chemokine receptor CXCR4 is associated with poor outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Certain nonchemotherapeutic agents have been shown to modulate CXCR4 expression and alter leukemia interactions with stromal cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. Because chemotherapy is the mainstay of AML treatment, it was hypothesized that standard cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents induce dynamic changes in leukemia surface CXCR4 expression, and that chemotherapy-induced upregulation of CXCR4 represents a mechanism of acquired therapeutic resistance. Here, it was shown that cell lines variably upregulate CXCR4 with chemotherapy treatment. Those that showed upregulation were differentially protected from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis when cocultured with stroma. The functional effects of chemotherapy-induced CXCR4 upregulation in an AML cell line (MOLM-14, which harbors consistent upregulated CXCR4) and clinical specimens were explored. Importantly, enhanced stromal-cell derived factor-1α (SDF1A/CXCL12)-mediated chemotaxis and stromal protection from additional chemotherapy-induced apoptosis was found. Furthermore, treatment with plerixafor, a CXCR4 inhibitor, preferentially decreased stromal protection with higher chemotherapy-induced upregulation of surface CXCR4. Thus, increased chemokine receptor CXCR4 expression after treatment with conventional chemotherapy may represent a mechanism of therapeutic resistance in pediatric AML.

Implications: CXCR4 may be a biomarker for the stratification and optimal treatment of patients using CXCR4 inhibitors. Mol Cancer Res; 11(9); 1004–16. ©2013 AACR.
Immune Heterogeneity of Glioblastoma Subtypes: Extrapolation from the Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Doucette Tiffany , Rao Ganesh , Rao Arvind , Shen Li , Aldape Kenneth , Wei Jun , Dziurzynski Kristine , Gilbert Mark , Heimberger Amy B.
Published: June 2013

Purpose: The molecular heterogeneity of glioblastoma has been well recognized and has resulted in the generation of molecularly defined subtypes. These subtypes (classical, neural, mesenchymal, and proneural) are associated with particular signaling pathways and differential patient survival. Less understood is the correlation between these glioblastoma subtypes with immune system effector responses, immunosuppression, and tumor-associated and tumor-specific antigens. The role of the immune system is becoming increasingly relevant to treatment as new agents are being developed to target mediators of tumor-induced immunosuppression, which is well documented in glioblastoma.

Experimental Design: To ascertain the association of antigen expression, immunosuppression, and effector response genes within glioblastoma subtypes, we analyzed the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioblastoma database.

Results: We found an enrichment of genes within the mesenchymal subtype that are reflective of antitumor proinflammatory responses, including both adaptive and innate immunity and immunosuppression.

Conclusions: These results indicate that distinct glioma antigens and immune genes show differential expression between glioblastoma subtypes and this may influence responses to immunotherapeutic strategies in patients depending on the subtype of glioblastoma they harbor. Cancer Immunol Res; 1(2); 112–22. ©2013 AACR.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Kinetics under Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Prostate Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Li-min , Jiang Hao-wen , Tong Shi-jun , Zhu Hui-qing , Liu Jun , Ding Qiang
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To compare the difference in characteristics of post-treatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics among respective patients and their influence on disease prognosis. Methods: A cohort of totally 332 eligible patients with histologically confirmed and hormonally naïve prostate cancer, identified from the patients' database of Huashan Hospital, all received combined androgen deprivation therapy including bilateral orchiectomy or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonists with the oral administration of flutamide 250 mg t.i.d. All patients had their serum PSA level tested at least every 3 months in the first 2 years and at least once a half year from the third year on. PSA nadir, time to PSA nadir (TTPN), PSA normalization (<4 ng/ml), undetectable PSA level (<0.2 ng/ml), biochemical failure, overall survival and cancer-specific survival were analyzed. Results: PSA normalization, TTPN, and reaching the undetectable PSA level perhaps were the independent risk factors for predicting the three types of prognosis. Probably the best cut-off of PSA nadir was 0.2 ng/ml (sensitivity 65.7%, specificity 80.6%) and the best cut-off of TTPN was 10 months (sensitivity 71.6%, specificity 63.9%). Conclusions: These results implied that a lower level of PSA nadir and longer TTPN can predict a better disease prognosis.
Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Surface Immunoglobulin Light Chain Expression in 2 Chinese Patients
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Zhai Yaping , Zhang Yin , Cheng Wei , Li Yulong
Published: June 2013

Background: Precursor B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) with surface immunoglobulin light chain expression is a rare disease entity. The differential diagnosis is difficult but critical for disease management. Aims: We report 2 cases (1 adult and 1 infant) of precursor B-cell ALL who presented at diagnosis with surface immunoglobulin light chain expression revealed by flow cytometric immunophenotyping and discuss its clinical significance. Case Report: The 2 patients presented with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, pallor, fatigue or lymphadenopathy. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping showed that both patients expressed CD34/CD19/CD10/CD22/CD9/HLA-DR/CD38/CD123/CD13 (partial) and had unexpected single λ light chain expression. Cytogenetic analysis revealed t(9;22)(q34;q11) in the adult patient and normal karyotype in the infant. Both cases were diagnosed and managed as precursor B-ALL, and the patients showed good response to treatment regimens. Conclusion: We describe 2 cases of precursor B-ALL with unexpected surface light chain expression. The exceedingly rare immunophenotypes have diagnostic implication for immunophenotyping of this malignancy. Treatment regimens for precursor B-cell ALL are suitable for such cases.
Luminex® and Its Applications for Solid Organ Transplantation, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, and Transfusion*
Authors: Lachmann Nils , Todorova Kremena , Schulze Harald , Schönemann Constanze
Published: June 2013

The detection of antibodies against the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex has become indispensable in every clinical practice. The development of solid-phase assays like the Luminex allows the standardized measurement of anti-HLA antibodies (HLAab) with high sensitivity, albeit the relevance for some clinical settings remains a matter of debate. In this review we aim to describe the principle of Luminex-based antibody detection, including two modifications that allow identifying solely complement-activating antibodies. We then describe three applications for Luminex: i) detection of HLAab preceding solid-organ transplantation and monitoring of donor-specific antibodies posttransplant as a risk factor for antibody-mediated rejection; ii) presence of HLAab in recipients as a risk for graft failure in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, especially in haploidentical or mismatched transplantations; iii) role of HLAab in blood transfusion including refractory thrombocytopenia and selection of suitable platelet donors, transfusion-related lung injury after plasma transfusion, and immunization against HLA after red blood cell transfusion despite leukodepletion. Although the Luminex platform constitutes a potent technology for HLA antibody detection, some drawbacks require the well-educated analysis and interpretation of data in critical cases. In addition, Luminex has become an important tool to identify clinically relevant antibodies.
Long-Term Effects of Alogliptin Benzoate in Hemodialysis Patients with Diabetes: A 2-year Study
Authors: Nakamura Yuya , Inagaki Masahiro , Shimizu Tatsuo , Fujita Kiichiro , Inoue Michiyasu , Gotoh Hiromichi , Oguchi Katsuji , Goto Yoshikazu
Published: June 2013

Aim: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of monotherapy with the dipeptidase-4 inhibitor alogliptin benzoate in hemodialysis (HD) patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Sixteen diabetic HD patients with inadequate glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level >6.5% and glycated albumin (GA) level >20%) on diet and exercise participated in the study. No patients were taking other oral antidiabetic drugs or receiving insulin therapy. Alogliptin 6.25 mg was administered to patients once daily. HbA1c, GA levels were obtained before and after 2 years of treatment. Body weight and active glucagon-like peptide-1, blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide immunoreactivity, glucagon, albumin, hemoglobin, and total cholesterol levels were also examined before and after treatment. Results: Both HbA1c and GA levels decreased after starting alogliptin administration. As compared to the pretreatment levels, HbA1c and GA levels significantly decreased at 3 and 18 months, respectively, after starting alogliptin administration. HbA1c and GA levels decreased from 7.1 ± 0.2 to 5.8 ± 1.6% and from 22.5 ± 0.7 to 19.6 ± 0.6%, respectively, 24 months after beginning treatment. Glucagon-like peptide-1 levels (8.9 ± 5.7 pmol/l before treatment) doubled after treatment. Body weight and blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide immunoreactivity, glucagon, albumin, hemoglobin, and total cholesterol levels did not change with treatment. Only one significant adverse effect, a drug-related rash, was seen in 1 patient. Conclusion: Long-term (2-year) effects of alogliptin benzoate monotherapy suggest its efficacy as a new treatment strategy in diabetic HD patients.
Absent Adrenarche in Children with Hypopituitarism: A Study Based on Urinary Steroid Metabolomics
Authors: Boettcher Claudia , Hartmann Michaela F. , de Laffolie Jan , Zimmer Klaus-Peter , Wudy Stefan A.
Published: June 2013

Background: Up to now, the regulation of adrenarche remains a myth although ACTH may possibly play an important role. Methods: Urinary steroid profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to study non-invasively the adrenarchal steroid metabolome in 13 children aged 6-16 years with partial or complete hypopituitarism (HP) whose ACTH/cortisol axis was affected and compared it with 24 healthy age-matched controls. The sum of DHEA, 16α-hydroxy-DHEA and 3β,16α,17β-androstenetriol served as markers for adrenarche parameters (AP). The excretion rates of major urinary cortisol metabolites were also determined. Results: The excretion rates for AP were significantly lower for the HP subjects than for the controls (p < 0.001). After dividing the HP group into a subgroup treated with hydrocortisone (HC) and an HC-untreated subgroup, a significant difference for AP remained for each subgroup when compared to the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively). Treatment with HC had no influence on AP. Conclusion: The data imply indirectly a significant contribution of ACTH to the regulation of adrenarche. Our results also signify important diagnostic information: absent adrenarche can be indicative of ACTH deficiency.
Scleromyxedema: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Allam Mohamed , Ghozzi Mohamed
Published: June 2013

Scleromyxedema (SM) is a sclerotic variant of lichen or papular mucinosis in which lichenoid papules and scleroderma-like features are both present. It is a rare deposition disorder characterized by generalized papular and sclerodermoid eruptions, mucin deposition, increased fibroblast proliferation, fibrosis, and monoclonal gammopathy (also known as paraproteinemia) mainly of the immunoglobulin G-lambda type in the absence of thyroid disease. It usually affects middle-aged adults and shows no gender or racial predilection. In addition to the skin findings and paraproteinemia, patients with SM have variable multisystem affections that mimic systemic sclerosis; the systems which are commonly involved include the gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, and central nervous systems, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Prominent symptoms include dysphagia, proximal muscle weakness, and dyspnea on exertion; less common but important findings include central nervous system involvement in the form of encephalopathy, convulsions, coma, and psychosis.
Delayed Progression to Dialysis with Early and Intensive Management of Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Case-Based Approach
Authors: Thomsen Stephen
Published: June 2013

In addition to hypertension and diabetes, disorders in mineral metabolism and bone disease (e.g. affecting phosphorus, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D) are common complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contribute to morbidity and mortality. Consequently, CKD requires multifactorial treatment to slow CKD progression and avoid end-stage renal disease. CKD progression and treatment outcomes are monitored by measuring the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which decreases by 2-12 ml/min/1.73 m2 per year depending on the stage of CKD and comorbidities, such as diabetes. This paper presents representative case studies illustrating the delay and reversal of CKD progression with comprehensive, individualized treatment regimens, including non-calcium phosphate binders, antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs, calcimimetics, and other drugs as required, to treat each component of CKD including CKD-mineral and bone disorder. Four patients are included, with an average age of 70-81 years and CKD stage 3 or 4 accompanied by various comorbidities, most notably diabetes and hypertension. The range of treatment and follow-up durations was 6-7 years. In each case, there was evidence of slowing or prevention of CKD progression, according to eGFR and serum creatinine, regardless of the patient's age or CKD stage. Despite a baseline eGFR of <20 ml/min/1.73 m2 in 1 female patient, after 6 years of follow-up, her eGFR had stabilized and was maintained at >15 ml/min/1.73 m2. These observations reinforce the value of early nephrology referral and comprehensive management of CKD and underlying conditions (hypertension and diabetes) beginning at eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2.