bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The functional asymmetry of ON and OFF channels in the perception of contrast
Authors: Jiang Yaoguang , Purushothaman Gopathy , Casagrande Vivien A.
Published: September 2015

To fully understand the relationship between perception and single neural responses, one should take into consideration the early stages of sensory processing. Few studies, however, have directly examined the neural underpinning of visual perception in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), only one synapse away from the retina. In this study we recorded from LGN parvocellular (P) ON-center and OFF-center neurons while monkeys either passively viewed or actively detected a full range of contrasts. We found that OFF neurons were more sensitive in detecting negative contrasts than ON neurons were in detecting positive contrasts. Also, OFF neurons had higher spontaneous activities, higher peak response amplitudes, and were more sustained than ON neurons in their contrast responses. Puzzlingly, OFF neurons failed to show any significant correlations with the monkeys' perceptual choices, despite their greater contrast sensitivities. If, however, choice probabilities were calculated from interspike intervals instead of spike counts (thus taking into account the higher firing rates of OFF neurons), OFF neurons but not ON neurons were significantly correlated with behavioral choices. Taken together, these results demonstrate in awake, behaving animals that: 1) the ON and OFF pathways do not simply mirror each other in their functionality but instead carry qualitatively different types of information, and 2) the responses of ON and OFF neurons can be correlated with perceptual choices even in the absence of physical stimuli and interneuronal correlations.
A computational framework for temporal sharpening of stimulus input in the olfactory system
Authors: Zak Joseph D.
Published: September 2015

The olfactory bulb glomerulus is a dense amalgamation of many unique and interconnected cell types. The mechanisms by which these neurons transform incoming information from the sensory periphery have been extensively studied but often with conflicting findings. A recent study by Carey et al. ( J Neurophysiol 113: 3112–3129, 2015) details the computational framework for parallel modes of temporal refinement of stimulus input to the olfactory system mediated by local neurons within individual glomeruli.
The neural bases of different levels of action understanding
Authors: Marneweck Michelle , Vallence Ann-Maree
Published: September 2015

Many have recently questioned whether all levels of actions understanding, from lower kinematic levels to the higher goal or intention levels of action understanding, are processed in the action observation network (a network of neurons that are active during action execution and observation). A recent study by Wurm and Lingnau ( J Neurosci 35: 7727–7735, 2015) gave evidence to the contrary, by showing that higher levels of action understanding are processed in the lateral occipitotemporal cortex. An important next step is to differentiate between the role of the lateral occipitotemporal cortex in processing the visual form of an observed action and the goal of an observed action.
Investigating the Fabrication Imperfections of Plasmonic Nanohole Arrays and Its Effect on the Optical Transmission Spectra
Authors: Mahros Amr M. , Tharwat Marwa M.
Published: September 2015

We investigate the extraordinary optical transmission spectra of thin gold films perforated with imperfect nanohole arrays using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Exponential shapes for the nanohole sidewalls are used. To the best of our knowledge, such investigation of transmission spectra of imperfect nanohole arrays has not previously been demonstrated. It was found that the asymmetry between the two openings of the circular nanoholes or bending to their sidewalls strongly modifies both the intensity and resonance positions of the transmission spectra. Furthermore, the results of this study assist in explaining the technicality of extraordinary optical transmission phenomenon and why some experimental results on transmission differ from those expected.
Green Space and Child Weight Status: Does Outcome Measurement Matter? Evidence from an Australian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Sanders Taren , Feng Xiaoqi , Fahey Paul P. , Lonsdale Chris , Astell-Burt Thomas
Published: September 2015

Objective. To examine whether neighbourhood green space is beneficially associated with (i) waist circumference (WC) and (ii) waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) across childhood. Methods. Gender-stratified multilevel linear regressions were used to examine associations between green space and objective measures of weight status in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, a nationally representative source of data on 4,423 children aged 6 y to 13 y. WC and WtHR were measured objectively. Percentage green space within the local area of residence was calculated. Effect modification by age was explored, adjusting for socioeconomic confounding. Results. Compared to peers with 0–5% green space locally, boys and girls with >40% green space tended to have lower WC (βboys  −1.15, 95% CI −2.44, 0.14; βgirls  −0.21, 95% CI −1.47, 1.05) and WtHR (βboys  −0.82, 95% CI −1.65, 0.01; βgirls  −0.32, 95% CI −1.13, 0.49). Associations among boys were contingent upon age (p  valuesage∗green  space<0.001) and robust to adjustment for socioeconomic variables. The benefits of greener neighbourhoods appeared from age 7, with mean WC and WtHR for boys aged 13 y with >40% green space at 73.85 cm and 45.75% compared to those with 0–5% green space at 75.18 cm and 46.62%, respectively. Conclusions. Greener neighbourhoods appear beneficial to alternative child weight status measures, particularly among boys.
MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy for Moderate-to-Severe Tremor in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Schlesinger Ilana , Eran Ayelet , Sinai Alon , Erikh Ilana , Nassar Maria , Goldsher Dorith , Zaaroor Menashe
Published: September 2015

Background. Thalamotomy is effective in alleviating tremor in Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods. Seven PD patients, mean age 59.4 ± 9.8 years (range, 46–74) with a mean disease duration of 5.4 ± 2.8 years (range, 2–10) suffering from severe refractory tremor, underwent ventral intermediate nucleus thalamotomy using MRI guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), an innovative technology that enables noninvasive surgery.Results. Tremor stopped in the contralateral upper extremity in all patients immediately following treatment. Total UPDRS decreased from 37.4 ± 12.2 to 18.8 ± 11.1(p=0.007)and PDQ-39 decreased from 42.3 ± 16.4 to 21.6 ± 10.8(p=0.008)following MRgFUS. These effects were sustained (mean follow-up 7.3 months). Adverse events during MRgFUS included headache(n=3), dizziness(n=2), vertigo(n=4), and lip paresthesia(n=1)and following MRgFUS were hypogeusia(n=1), unsteady feeling when walking (n=1, resolved), and disturbance when walking tandem (n=1, resolved).Conclusions. Thalamotomy using MRgFUS is safe and effective in PD patients. Large randomized studies are needed to assess prolonged efficacy and safety.
The Dynamics of a Cubic Nonlinear System with No Equilibrium Point
Authors: Maaita J. O. , Volos Ch. K. , Kyprianidis I. M. , Stouboulos I. N.
Published: September 2015

We study the dynamics of a three-dimensional nonlinear system with cubic nonlinearity and no equilibrium points with the use of Poincaré maps, Lyapunov Exponents, and bifurcations diagrams. The system has rich dynamics: chaotic behavior, regular orbits, and 3-tori periodicity. Finally, the proposed system is also reported to verify electronic circuit modeling feasibility.
Phylogenetic Group Determination of Escherichia coli Isolated from Animals Samples
Authors: Morcatti Coura Fernanda , Diniz Soraia de Araújo , Silva Marcos Xavier , Mussi Jamili Maria Suhet , Barbosa Silvia Minharro , Lage Andrey Pereira , Heinemann Marcos Bryan
Published: September 2015

This study analyzes the occurrence and distribution of phylogenetic groups of 391 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry, cattle, and water buffalo. The frequency of the phylogroups was A = 19%, B1 = 57%, B2 = 2.3%, C = 4.6%, D = 2.8%, E = 11%, and F = 3.3%. Phylogroups A (P < 0.001) and F (P = 0.018) were associated with E. coli strains isolated from poultry, phylogroups B1 (P < 0.001) and E (P = 0.002) were associated with E. coli isolated from cattle, and phylogroups B2 (P = 0.003) and D (P = 0.017) were associated with E. coli isolated from water buffalo. This report demonstrated that some phylogroups are associated with the host analyzed and the results provide knowledge of the phylogenetic composition of E. coli from domestic animals.
Elicitor Mixtures Significantly Increase Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Quality Parameters in Sweet Bell Pepper
Authors: Garcia-Mier Lina , Jimenez-Garcia Sandra Neli , Guevara-González Ramon Gerardo , Feregrino-Perez Ana Angelica , Contreras-Medina Luis Miguel , Torres-Pacheco Irineo
Published: September 2015

Sweet bell peppers are greatly appreciated for their taste, color, pungency, and aroma. Additionally, they are good sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity, which can be improved by the use of elicitors. Elicitors act as metabolite-inducing factors (MIF) by mimic stress conditions. Since plants rarely experience a single stress condition one by one but are more likely to be exposed to simultaneous stresses, it is important to evaluate the effect of elicitors on plant secondary metabolism as mixtures. Jasmonic acid (JA), hydrogen peroxide (HP), and chitosan (CH) were applied to fruits and plants of bell pepper as mixtures. Bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and quality parameters were evaluated. The assessed elicitor cocktail leads to an increase in the variables evaluated (P≤ 0.05) when applied to mature fruits after harvest, whereas the lowest values were observed in the treatment applied to immature fruits. Therefore, the application of the elicitor cocktail to harvested mature fruits is recommended in order to improve bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of sweet bell peppers.
Myocardial Dysfunction and Shock after Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Jentzer Jacob C. , Chonde Meshe D. , Dezfulian Cameron
Published: September 2015

Postarrest myocardial dysfunction includes the development of low cardiac output or ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction after cardiac arrest. Impaired left ventricular systolic function is reported in nearly two-thirds of patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest. Hypotension and shock requiring vasopressor support are similarly common after cardiac arrest. Whereas shock requiring vasopressor support is consistently associated with an adverse outcome after cardiac arrest, the association between myocardial dysfunction and outcomes is less clear. Myocardial dysfunction and shock after cardiac arrest develop as the result of preexisting cardiac pathology with multiple superimposed insults from resuscitation. The pathophysiology involves cardiovascular ischemia/reperfusion injury and cardiovascular toxicity from excessive levels of inflammatory cytokine activation and catecholamines, among other contributing factors. Similar mechanisms occur in myocardial dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass, in sepsis, and in stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Hemodynamic stabilization after resuscitation from cardiac arrest involves restoration of preload, vasopressors to support arterial pressure, and inotropic support if needed to reverse the effects of myocardial dysfunction and improve systemic perfusion. Further research is needed to define the role of postarrest myocardial dysfunction on cardiac arrest outcomes and identify therapeutic strategies.
Activated Complement Factors as Disease Markers for Sepsis
Authors: Charchaflieh Jean , Rushbrook Julie , Worah Samrat , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2015

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Early recognition and effective management are essential for improved outcome. However, early recognition is impeded by lack of clinically utilized biomarkers. Complement factors play important roles in the mechanisms leading to sepsis and can potentially serve as early markers of sepsis and of sepsis severity and outcome. This review provides a synopsis of recent animal and clinical studies of the role of complement factors in sepsis development, together with their potential as disease markers. In addition, new results from our laboratory are presented regarding the involvement of the complement factor, mannose-binding lectin, in septic shock patients. Future clinical studies are needed to obtain the complete profiles of complement factors/their activated products during the course of sepsis development. We anticipate that the results of these studies will lead to a multipanel set of sepsis biomarkers which, along with currently used laboratory tests, will facilitate earlier diagnosis, timely treatment, and improved outcome.
Development of Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit in Patients after Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Retrospective Evaluation of the Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Kawatani Yohei , Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Hayashi Yujiro , Taneichi Tetsuyoshi , Ito Yujiro , Kurobe Hirotsugu , Suda Yuji , Hori Takaki
Published: September 2015

Delirium is an acute form of nervous system dysfunction often observed in patients in the intensive care unit. Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is considered a minimally invasive surgical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Although the operation method is widely used, there are few investigations of the rate and risk factors of delirium development after the operation. In this study, we retrospectively examined the rate of delirium development in the intensive care unit (ICU) after EVAR, as well as the associated preoperative risk factors and effects on the lengths of ICU and hospital stays. We examined the 81 consecutive patients who underwent elective EVAR between November 2013 and August 2014. The Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist was used to diagnose delirium. Twenty patients (24.7%) were diagnosed with delirium in this study. The ICU and hospital length of stays of patients with delirium were 3.3 ± 2.4 days and 14.5 ± 11.9 days, respectively, the latter of which was significantly longer than that of patients without delirium (p= 0.019). Additionally, renal dysfunction, preoperative benzodiazepine use, and intraoperative transfusion were found to be risk factors for the development of delirium after elective EVAR.
Recurrent Pleural Effusions Occurring in Association with Primary Pulmonary Amyloidosis
Authors: Tada Lauren , Anjum Humayun , Linville W. Kenneth , Surani Salim
Published: September 2015

Recurrent pleural effusions occurring in association with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis and not associated with amyloid cardiomyopathy are rare. These portend an overall poor prognosis with mean survival time of approximately 1.8 months. We hereby report a case of a 59-year-old Caucasian female with recurrent pleural effusions and an ultimate diagnosis of pulmonary amyloidosis in association with plasma cell myeloma. The optimal treatment for recurrent pleural effusions in amyloidosis has not been determined; however, our patient responded to therapy with Cyclophosphamide-Bortezomib- (Velcade-) Dexamethasone (CyBorD) and had no repeat hospitalizations or recurrence of pleural effusion at four-month follow-up after initiation of therapy.
Bent and Permutational Properties of Budaghyan-Carlet Hexanomials
Authors: Xie Tao
Published: September 2015

The set related to the existence of Budaghyan-Carlet hexanomials is characterized. By investigating the component functions, it is also proved that none of Budaghyan-Carlet hexanomials cannot be turned into a permutation by adding any linearized polynomial. As a byproduct, a class of quadratic bent functions is obtained.
Molecular Epidemiology of Human Norovirus in Korea in 2013
Authors: Kim Jae-Seok , Kim Hyun Soo , Hyun Jungwon , Kim Han-Sung , Song Wonkeun
Published: September 2015

Norovirus is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis. The molecular epidemiology of norovirus exhibits temporal and geographical fluctuations, and new variants of the GII.4 genotype emerge every 2-3 years to cause global epidemics of acute gastroenteritis. We investigated GI and GII genotypes of human norovirus strains isolated from patients with acute gastroenteritis in Korea in 2013. Norovirus antigen test was performed on 2,980 fecal specimens from January to December 2013. RNA was extracted from norovirus antigen-positive fecal suspensions, and the norovirus capsid (VP1) and polymerase (RdRp) genes were characterized by RT-PCR and sequencing. Of the 230 genotyped strains, GII.4 (77.3%) was the most frequently observed capsid genotype, followed by GII.3 (6.1%) and GII.13 (3.9%). A norovirus GII.4 variant, GII.Pe/GII.4 Sydney 2012, was the most frequently found polymerase/capsid genotype (65.7%), followed by GII.P17/GII.17 (2.1%) and GII.P21/GII.3 (2.1%). Phylogenetic, similarity, and capsid epitope analyses of GII.Pe/GII.4 Sydney 2012 strains were performed. We concluded that the norovirus GII.4 variant, GII.Pe/GII.4 Sydney 2012, was the main cause of norovirus-related gastroenteritis in Korea in 2013.
Predict Defibrillation Outcome Using Stepping Increment of Poincare Plot for Out-of-Hospital Ventricular Fibrillation Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Gong Yushun , Lu Yubao , Zhang Lei , Zhang Hehua , Li Yongqin
Published: September 2015

Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation together with early defibrillation is a key point in the chain of survival for cardiac arrest. Optimizing the timing of defibrillation by predicting the possibility of successful electric shock can guide treatments between defibrillation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and improve the rate of restoration of spontaneous circulation. Numerous methods have been proposed for predicting defibrillation success based on quantification of the ventricular fibrillation waveform during past decades. To date, however, no analytical technique has been widely accepted for clinical application. In the present study, we investigate whether median stepping increment that is calculated from the Euclidean distance of consecutive points in Poincare plot could be used to predict the likelihood of successful defibrillation. Electrocardiographic recordings of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients were obtained from the external defibrillators. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and compared with the results of other established features. The results indicated that median stepping increment has comparable performance to the established methods in predicting the likelihood of successful defibrillation.
Calibration of Smartphone‐Based Weather Measurements Using Pairwise Gossip
Authors: Zamora Jane Louie Fresco , Kashihara Shigeru , Yamaguchi Suguru
Published: September 2015

Accurate and reliable daily global weather reports are necessary for weather forecasting and climate analysis. However, the availability of these reports continues to decline due to the lack of economic support and policies in maintaining ground weather measurement systems from where these reports are obtained. Thus, to mitigate data scarcity, it is required to utilize weather information from existing sensors and built‐in smartphone sensors. However, as smartphone usage often varies according to human activity, it is difficult to obtain accurate measurement data. In this paper, we present a heuristic‐based pairwise gossip algorithm that will calibrate smartphone‐based pressure sensors with respect to fixed weather stations as our referential ground truth. Based on actual measurements, we have verified that smartphone‐based readings are unstable when observed during movement. Using our calibration algorithm on actual smartphone‐based pressure readings, the updated values were significantly closer to the ground truth values.
An Additive Effect of Oral N-Acetyl Cysteine on Eradication ofHelicobacter pylori
Authors: Hamidian Seyed Mohammad-Taghi , Aletaha Najmeh-sadat , Taslimi Reza , Montazeri Mohammad
Published: September 2015

Background. Helicobacter pyloriis highly adapted to the gastric environment where it lives within or beneath the gastric mucous layer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of N-acetyl cysteine to the treatment regimen ofH. pyloriinfection would affect eradication rates of the disease.Methods.A total of 79H. pyloripositive patients were randomized to two therapeutic groups. Both groups received a 14-day course of three-drug regimen including amoxicillin/clarithromycin/omeprazole. Experimental group (38 subjects) received NAC, and control group (41 subjects) received placebo, besides three-drug regimen.H. pylorieradication was evaluated by urea breath test at least 4 weeks after the cessation of therapy.Results.The rate ofH. pylorieradication was 72.9% and 60.9% in experimental and control groups, respectively (P=0.005). By logistic regression modeling, female gender (OR 3.68, 95% CI: 1.06–5.79;P=0.040) and treatment including NAC (OR 1.88, 95% CI: 0.68–3.15;P=0.021) were independent factors associated withH. pylorieradication.Conclusion.The results of the present study show that NAC has an additive effect on the eradication rates ofH. pyloriobtained with three-drug regimen and appears to be a promising means of eradicatingH. pyloriinfection.
Age-Specific Gene Expression Profiles of Rhesus Monkey Ovaries Detected by Microarray Analysis
Authors: Wei Hengxi , Liu Xiangjie , Yuan Jihong , Li Li , Zhang Dongdong , Guo Xinzheng , Liu Lin , Zhang Shouquan
Published: September 2015

The biological function of human ovaries declines with age. To identify the potential molecular changes in ovarian aging, we performed genome-wide gene expression analysis by microarray of ovaries from young, middle-aged, and old rhesus monkeys. Microarray data was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that a total of 503 (60 upregulated, 443 downregulated) and 84 (downregulated) genes were differentially expressed in old ovaries compared to young and middle-aged groups, respectively. No difference in gene expression was found between middle-aged and young groups. Differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in cell and organelle, cellular and physiological process, binding, and catalytic activity. These genes were primarily associated with KEGG pathways of cell cycle, DNA replication and repair, oocyte meiosis and maturation, MAPK, TGF-beta, and p53 signaling pathway. Genes upregulated were involved in aging, defense response, oxidation reduction, and negative regulation of cellular process; genes downregulated have functions in reproduction, cell cycle, DNA and RNA process, macromolecular complex assembly, and positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process. These findings show that monkey ovary undergoes substantial change in global transcription with age. Gene expression profiles are useful in understanding the mechanisms underlying ovarian aging and age-associated infertility in primates.
Hypoxia Strongly Affects Mitochondrial Ribosomal Proteins and Translocases, as Shown by Quantitative Proteomics of HeLa Cells
Authors: Bousquet Paula A. , Sandvik Joe Alexander , Arntzen Magnus Ø. , Jeppesen Edin Nina F. , Christoffersen Stine , Krengel Ute , Pettersen Erik O. , Thiede Bernd
Published: September 2015

Hypoxia is an important and common characteristic of many human tumors. It is a challenge clinically due to the correlation with poor prognosis and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. Understanding the biochemical response to hypoxia would facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for cancer treatment. Here, we investigate alterations in gene expression in response to hypoxia by quantitative proteome analysis using stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) in conjunction with LCMS/MS. Human HeLa cells were kept either in a hypoxic environment or under normoxic conditions. 125 proteins were found to be regulated, with maximum alteration of 18-fold. In particular, three clusters of differentially regulated proteins were identified, showing significant upregulation of glycolysis and downregulation of mitochondrial ribosomal proteins and translocases. This interaction is likely orchestrated by HIF-1. We also investigated the effect of hypoxia on the cell cycle, which shows accumulation in G1 and a prolonged S phase under these conditions.Implications. This work not only improves our understanding of the response to hypoxia, but also reveals proteins important for malignant progression, which may be targeted in future therapies.
Alternative Living Kidney Donation Programs Boost Genetically Unrelated Donation
Authors: Poldervaart Rosalie A. , Laging Mirjam , Royaards Tessa , Kal-van Gestel Judith A. , van Agteren Madelon , de Klerk Marry , Zuidema Willij , Betjes Michiel G. H. , Roodnat Joke I.
Published: September 2015

Donor-recipient ABO and/or HLA incompatibility used to lead to donor decline. Development of alternative transplantation programs enabled transplantation of incompatible couples. How did that influence couple characteristics? Between 2000 and 2014, 1232 living donor transplantations have been performed. In conventional and ABO-incompatible transplantation the willing donor becomes an actual donor for the intended recipient. In kidney-exchange and domino-donation the donor donates indirectly to the intended recipient. The relationship between the donor and intended recipient was studied. There were 935 conventional and 297 alternative program transplantations. There were 66 ABO-incompatible, 68 domino-paired, 62 kidney-exchange, and 104 altruistic donor transplantations. Waiting list recipients (n=101) were excluded as they did not bring a living donor. 1131 couples remained of whom 196 participated in alternative programs.Genetically unrelateddonors (486) were primarily partners.Genetically relateddonors (645) were siblings, parents, children, and others. Compared to genetically related couples, almost three times as many genetically unrelated couples were incompatible and participated in alternative programs (P<0.001). 62% of couples were genetically related in the conventional donation program versus 32% in alternative programs (P<0.001). Patient and graft survival were not significantly different between recipient programs. Alternative donation programs increase the number of transplantations by enabling genetically unrelated donors to donate.
Soft Tissue Masses of Hand: A Radio-Pathological Correlation
Authors: Agarwal Aditi , Prakash Mahesh , Gupta Pankaj , Tripathy Satyaswarup , Kakkar Nandita , Srinivasan Radhika , Khandelwal Niranjan
Published: September 2015

Aim. To evaluate soft tissue masses of the hand with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (USG) and to correlate imaging findings with pathological findings.Material and Methods. Thirty-five patients with soft tissue masses of the hand were evaluated with high resolution USG and contrast enhanced MRI of the hand, prospectively over a period of 2.5 years. The radiological diagnosis was then compared with cytology/histopathology.Results. There were a total of 19 (55%) females. The mean age was 27.45 ± 14.7 years. Majority (45%) of cases were heteroechoic. Four cases were predominantly hyperechoic. These were later diagnosed as lipomas. Four cases were anechoic (diagnosed as ganglions). Only four lesions showed hyperintense signal on T1-weighted images. Out of these, 3 were lipomas and one was cavernous haemangioma. Three lesions were hypointense on T2-weighted images. All these lesions were diagnosed as giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath. A correct diagnosis was possible on MRI in 80% of casesn=28.Conclusion. MRI provides specific findings for diagnosis of certain soft tissue lesions of the hand. Ultrasonography allows accurate diagnosis of hemangioma/vascular malformations. However, in most conditions, imaging findings are nonspecific and diagnosis rests on pathologic evaluation.
Predicting the Response of Breast Cancer to Neoadjuvant Therapy Using a Mechanically Coupled Reaction–Diffusion Model
Authors: Weis Jared A. , Miga Michael I. , Arlinghaus Lori R. , Li Xia , Abramson Vandana , Chakravarthy A. Bapsi , Pendyala Praveen , Yankeelov Thomas E.
Published: September 2015

Although there are considerable data on the use of mathematical modeling to describe tumor growth and response to therapy, previous approaches are often not of the form that can be easily applied to clinical data to generate testable predictions in individual patients. Thus, there is a clear need to develop and apply clinically relevant oncologic models that are amenable to available patient data and yet retain the most salient features of response prediction. In this study we show how a biomechanical model of tumor growth can be initialized and constrained by serial patient-specific magnetic resonance imaging data, obtained at two time points early in the course of therapy (before initiation and following one cycle of therapy), to predict the response for individual patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. Using our mechanics coupled modeling approach, we are able to predict, after the first cycle of therapy, breast cancer patients that would eventually achieve a complete pathologic response and those who would not, with receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 84%. Our approach significantly outperformed the AUCs achieved by standard (i.e., not mechanically coupled) reaction–diffusion predictive modeling (0.75), simple analysis of the tumor cellularity estimated from imaging data (0.73), and the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (0.71). Thus, we show the potential for mathematical model prediction for use as a prognostic indicator of response to therapy. The work indicates the considerable promise of image-driven biophysical modeling for predictive frameworks within therapeutic applications. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4697–707. ©2015 AACR.
Cell-of-Origin of Cancer versus Cancer Stem Cells: Assays and Interpretations
Authors: Rycaj Kiera , Tang Dean G.
Published: September 2015

A tumor originates from a normal cell that has undergone tumorigenic transformation as a result of genetic mutations. This transformed cell is the cell-of-origin for the tumor. In contrast, an established clinical tumor is sustained by subpopulations of self-renewing cancer cells operationally called cancer stem cells (CSC) that can generate, intraclonally, both tumorigenic and nontumorigenic cells. Identifying and characterizing tumor cell-of-origin and CSCs should help elucidate tumor cell heterogeneity, which, in turn, should help understand tumor cell responses to clinical treatments, drug resistance, tumor relapse, and metastatic spread. Both tumor transplantation and lineage-tracing assays have been helpful in characterizing these cancer cell populations, although each system has its strengths and caveats. In this article, we briefly review and summarize advantages and limitations of both assays in support of a combinatorial approach to accurately define the roles of both cancer-initiating and cancer-propagating cells. As an aside, we also wish to clarify the definitions of cancer cell-of-origin and CSCs, which are often interchangeably used by mistake. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4003–11. ©2015 AACR.
Tetraspanin CD81 Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Modulating the Functions of T Regulatory and Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Vences-Catalán Felipe , Rajapaksa Ranjani , Srivastava Minu K. , Marabelle Aurelien , Kuo Chiung-Chi , Levy Ronald , Levy Shoshana
Published: September 2015

Tumor cells counteract innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses by recruiting regulatory T cells (Treg) and innate myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which facilitate immune escape and metastatic dissemination. Here we report a role in these recruitment processes for CD81, a member of the tetraspanin family of proteins that have been implicated previously in cancer progression. We found that genetic deficiency in CD81 reduced tumor growth and metastasis in two genetic mouse backgrounds and multiple tumor models. Mechanistic investigations revealed that CD81 was not required for normal development of Treg and MDSC but was essential for immunosuppressive functions. Notably, adoptive transfer of wild-type Treg into CD81-deficient mice was sufficient to promote tumor growth and metastasis. Our findings suggested that CD81 modulates adaptive and innate immune responses, warranting further investigation of CD81 in immunomodulation in cancer and its progression. Cancer Res; 75(21); 4517–26. ©2015 AACR.
New Strategies in Sarcoma: Linking Genomic and Immunotherapy Approaches to Molecular Subtype
Authors: Lim Jamie , Poulin Neal M. , Nielsen Torsten O.
Published: September 2015

There are more than 100 sarcoma subtypes, each uncommon and diagnostically challenging. Conventional chemotherapy has little benefit for most soft-tissue sarcomas; new treatment strategies are needed. Multiple recent genomic studies have provided detailed insights into sarcoma biology, including more accurate classification by molecular subtype, identification of recurrent mutations in oncogenic pathways, and evidence of epigenetic dysregulation. Advances in immunotherapy (adoptive immune cell transfer, tumor vaccine strategies, and immune checkpoint inhibition) have also provided a better understanding of how immuno-oncology might best be applied to sarcoma treatment, including connections to oncogenic pathways that may support combination strategies with conventional and targeted therapies. In this article, we review the latest sarcoma genomic studies and immuno-oncology developments and discuss how the findings suggest potential strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment across multiple sarcoma subtypes. Clin Cancer Res; 21(21); 4753–9. ©2015 AACR.
Tumor MET Expression and Gene Amplification in Chinese Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
Authors: Peng Zhi , Li Zhongwu , Gao Jing , Lu Ming , Gong Jifang , Tang En-Tzu , Oliner Kelly S. , Hei Yong-Jiang , Zhou Hui , Shen Lin
Published: September 2015

MET and its sole ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), are promising targets in gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. We evaluated whether MET protein expression or MET gene amplification is prognostic for overall survival (OS) in Chinese patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples from patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer enrolled in clinical trials at Peking University Cancer Hospital from 2008 to 2010 were assessed for MET and phospho-MET (p-MET) expression by immunohistochemistry and MET amplification by FISH. MET-positive expression was defined as membrane protein staining in ≥25% of tumor cells. MET amplification was defined as MET:centromere 7 ratio >2.0. We tested the association of MET status with clinical characteristics and OS, and also evaluated the association between expression and amplification. One hundred sixty-eight patients were eligible. Of the evaluable samples, 53 of 137 (39%) were MET positive, eight of 134 (6%) were p-MET positive, and eight of 113 (7%) were MET amplified. Neither MET expression nor MET amplification were associated with clinical characteristics, except Lauren classification (P = 0.04); MET amplification was associated with diffuse type. No significant OS difference was observed between MET-positive and MET-negative populations, regardless of first-line chemotherapy received. In 95 evaluable patients, MET expression was significantly associated with MET amplification (P < 0.001); all MET-amplified tumor samples showed some MET expression. In 96 evaluable patients, p-MET positivity was significantly associated with MET amplification (P < 0.001). Further evaluation in larger and independent sample sets is warranted to confirm our findings. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2634–41. ©2015 AACR.
A Novel Fully Humanized 3D Skin Equivalent to Model Early Melanoma Invasion
Authors: Hill David S. , Robinson Neil D.P. , Caley Matthew P. , Chen Mei , O'Toole Edel A. , Armstrong Jane L. , Przyborski Stefan , Lovat Penny E.
Published: September 2015

Metastatic melanoma remains incurable, emphasizing the acute need for improved research models to investigate the underlying biologic mechanisms mediating tumor invasion and metastasis, and to develop more effective targeted therapies to improve clinical outcome. Available animal models of melanoma do not accurately reflect human disease and current in vitro human skin equivalent models incorporating melanoma cells are not fully representative of the human skin microenvironment. We have developed a robust and reproducible, fully humanized three-dimensional (3D) skin equivalent comprising a stratified, terminally differentiated epidermis and a dermal compartment consisting of fibroblast-generated extracellular matrix. Melanoma cells incorporated into the epidermis were able to invade through the basement membrane and into the dermis, mirroring early tumor invasion in vivo. Comparison of our novel 3D melanoma skin equivalent with melanoma in situ and metastatic melanoma indicates that this model accurately recreates features of disease pathology, making it a physiologically representative model of early radial and vertical growth-phase melanoma invasion. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(11); 2665–73. ©2015 AACR.
Cancer Metastasis: Perivascular Macrophages Under Watch
Authors: Kadioglu Ece , De Palma Michele
Published: September 2015

Summary: TIE2-expressing macrophages cluster around blood vessels and sustain tumor angiogenesis. Harney and colleagues now use live imaging of mouse mammary tumors to show that these perivascular macrophages also promote the transient opening of tumor blood vessels to facilitate hematogenous cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. Cancer Discov; 5(9); 906–8. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Harney et al., p. 932.
Are Ultrasonographic Findings Suggestive of Ovarian Stromal Edema Associated with Ischemic Adnexal Torsion?
Authors: Yaakov Odelia , Zohav Efraim , Kapustian Victoria , Gdalevich Michael , Volodarsky Michael , Anteby Eyal Y. , Gemer Ofer
Published: September 2015

Objective: To study whether sonographic findings suggestive of ovarian stromal edema are associated with tissue ischemia in patients with adnexal torsion. Methods: A study of 79 patients with adnexal torsion was performed. Patients were divided into an ischemic group, in which the twisted adnexa were seen as blue or black, and a non-ischemic group, in which the adnexa retained normal color and appeared viable. Clinical and ultrasonographic findings, specifically the presence of ultrasonographic signs suggestive of ovarian stromal edema, were compared between the two groups. Results: Of the 79 patients with torsion, in 44 (55.7%) the adnexa appeared ischemic at surgery. The presence of ischemia was not associated with age, pregnancy, duration of pain, vomiting or findings at physical examination. There was no significant difference between the ischemic and the non-ischemic group in the proportion of patients with signs of ovarian stromal edema (59 vs. 40%, p = 0.11), in the proportion of patients with absent/diminished stromal Doppler flow (36 vs. 28%, p = 0.12%) or in the proportion of patients with both signs of stroma edema and absent/diminished stromal Doppler flow (20 vs. 12%, p = 0.36). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic signs of ovarian stromal edema do not assist in differentiating between ischemic and non-ischemic adnexal torsion.
Foamy Macrophage Deposition in Lymph Nodes Mimicking Lung Cancer Recurrence Diagnosed via Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Authors: Zhou Qiaoling , West Douglas G. , Shelley-Fraser Golda , Medford Andrew R.L.
Published: September 2015

The radiological finding of mediastinal lymph node enlargement following surgery for lung cancer often signifies locoregional recurrence. The use of oxidised cellulose haemostatic agents (OCHAs) during staging mediastinoscopy is common. We report a case of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose-avid subcarinal lymphadenopathy in a patient in whom OCHAs had been used at mediastinoscopy 5 months earlier. Histopathological examination of suspected nodal recurrence is facilitated by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). The technique is particularly useful after previous mediastinoscopy, when repeat surgical exploration can be challenging. EBUS-TBNA samples showed extensive foamy macrophage deposition, with no evidence of malignancy. The association between the use of OCHAs and subsequent intranodal foamy macrophage deposition is new. Clinicians should consider this possibility in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy after surgical exploration, where OCHAs have been left in situ; it remains important to resample the lymph nodes before assuming disease recurrence to prevent unnecessary treatment.
Urinary Cell-Free DNA Quantification as Non-Invasive Biomarker in Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Brisuda Antonin , Pazourkova Eva , Soukup Viktor , Horinek Ales , Hrbáček Jan , Capoun Otakar , Svobodova Iveta , Pospisilova Sarka , Korabecna Marie , Mares Jaroslav , Hanuš Tomáš , Babjuk Marek
Published: September 2015

Introduction: Concentration of urinary cell-free DNA (ucfDNA) belongs to potential bladder cancer markers, but the reported results are inconsistent due to the use of various non-standardised methodologies. The aim of the study was to standardise the methodology for ucfDNA quantification as a potential non-invasive tumour biomarker. Material and Methods: In total, 66 patients and 34 controls were enrolled into the study. Volumes of each urine portion (V) were recorded and ucfDNA concentrations (c) were measured using real-time PCR. Total amounts (TA) of ucfDNA were calculated and compared between patients and controls. Diagnostic accuracy of the TA of ucfDNA was determined. Results: The calculation of TA of ucfDNA in the second urine portion was the most appropriate approach to ucfDNA quantification, as there was logarithmic dependence between the volume and the concentration of a urine portion (p = 0.0001). Using this methodology, we were able to discriminate between bladder cancer patients and subjects without bladder tumours (p = 0.0002) with area under the ROC curve of 0.725. Positive and negative predictive value of the test was 90 and 45%, respectively. Conclusion: Quantification of ucf DNA according to our modified method could provide a potential non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis of patients with bladder cancer.
La comprensión de la solidaridad. Análisis de estudios empíricos
Authors: Giraldo Yicel Nayrobis , Ruiz-Silva Alexander
Published: September 2015

(descriptivo): En este escrito analizamos una serie de estudios empíricos sobre la solidaridad realizados en distintos países de América Latina. Se trata de trabajos en los que convergen diversas disciplinas de las ciencias sociales, la educación y las humanidades, realizados en los últimos catorce años. La base del análisis es de carácter documental y el corpus estuvo integrado por 39 textos (artículos, libros, informes) de carácter investigativo. De ese modo, identifcamos tres tendencias en el abordaje investigativo de la solidaridad: 1. Como acción dirigida a quien es considerado vulnerable; 2. Como espacio de mediación experta; y 3. Como práctica social orientada a la superación de la injusticia y la desigualdad. Finalmente, el análisis de estos estudios empíricos permite derivar una serie de refexiones sobre la solidaridad en los tiempos actuales, y una propuesta general para la formulación de un programa de investigación en este campo
La Participación de docentes de Preescolar Público en el Movimiento Pedagógico Colombiano
Authors: Cárdenas-Forero Óscar Leonardo
Published: September 2015

(descriptivo) Desde una perspectiva cualitativa, las ideas aquí expresadas son una apuesta por rastrear las condiciones históricas que operaron articuladamente en cierto momento para determinar la actuación, participación e incursión de docentes de preescolar público en el Movimiento Pedagógico Nacional, ausentes de la realidad educativa del momento, de los discursos formulados, de las acciones efectuadas, de las publicaciones, eventos y congresos realizados, haciendo difusa y casi imperceptible su actuación e intervención en las dinámicas del movimiento mismo. Con esta exploración examino lugares recónditos de la historia de la educación colombiana, en la búsqueda de otorgarle a esta subjetividad recientemente creada en la escuela pública, un estatus distinto y un reconocimiento a su participación en dicha movilización política
La crianza de niños, niñas y adolescentes en contextos de pobreza urbana persistente
Authors: Ierullo Martín
Published: September 2015

(analítico): Con el presente artículo me propongo problematizar las tensiones y desafíos en relación con las prácticas de crianza y cuidado de niños, niñas y adolescentes en contextos de pobreza urbana persistente. Estas conclusiones surgen de un trabajo de campo realizado en distintas zonas del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires, en el marco del programa Piubamas. Dicho proyecto combinó distintas técnicas de recolección de datos -entrevistas, observación participante, grupos focales, etc.- a través de las cuales se facilitó la comprensión del objeto en su complejidad. En el artículo pongo en evidencia la consolidación de prácticas defensivas de cuidado en los barrios populares, así como también la extensión de las acciones hacia los individuos adolescentes. Igualmente doy cuenta del surgimiento de un conjunto de prácticas de crianza y cuidado que exceden la esfera doméstica
Nociones infantiles sobre desigualdad social: atravesamientos ideológicos y procesos de socialización política
Authors: Imhoff Débora , Brussino Silvina
Published: September 2015

(descriptivo): En este estudio nos propusimos, primeramente, conocer las nociones asociadas al origen de la desigualdad social en niños y niñas de Córdoba (Argentina) de 10 y 11 años de edad, con énfasis en la identificación de construcciones valorativas e ideológicas subyacentes y en los procesos atribucionales involucrados. A su vez, y considerando que la construcción de nociones sociales se produce en el marco de procesos de socialización política, apuntamos a determinar el impacto de una experiencia de socialización política alternativa sobre las nociones sociales mencionadas. Efectuamos un estudio cuasi-experimental con pre y post-test, y con un grupo cuasi- control. Realizamos entrevistas cualitativas para la indagación de la variable dependiente al inicio y al final del ciclo lectivo. En función de los resultados analizamos alcances y limitaciones de dicha experiencia.