bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fundamental Step in IPM on Grapevine: Evaluating the Side Effects of Pesticides on Predatory Mites
Authors: Pozzebon Alberto , Tirello Paola , Moret Renzo , Pederiva Marco , Duso Carlo
Published: October 2015

Knowledge on side effects of pesticides on non-target beneficial arthropods is a key point in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Here we present the results of four experiments conducted in vineyards where the effects of chlorpyrifos, thiamethoxam, indoxacarb, flufenoxuron, and tebufenozide were evaluated on the generalist predatory mites Typhlodromus pyri Scheuten and Amblyseius andersoni (Chant), key biocontrol agents of herbivorous mites on grapevines. Results show that indoxacarb and tebufenozide had a low impact on the predatory mites considered here, while a significant impact was observed for chlorpyrifos, flufenoxuron, and thiamethoxam. The information obtained here should be considered in the design of IPM strategies on grapevine.
Integrating Microtissues in Nanofiber Scaffolds for Regenerative Nanomedicine
Authors: Keller Laetitia , Wagner Quentin , Offner Damien , Eap Sandy , Musset Anne-Marie , Arruebo Manuel , Kelm Jens , Schwinté Pascale , Benkirane-Jessel Nadia
Published: October 2015

A new generation of biomaterials focus on smart materials incorporating cells. Here, we describe a novel generation of synthetic nanofibrous implant functionalized with living microtissues for regenerative nanomedicine. The strategy designed here enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic implants compared to current approaches used in the clinic today based on single cells added to the implant.
Contribution of Bacillus Isolates to the Flavor Profiles of Vanilla Beans Assessed through Aroma Analysis and Chemometrics
Authors: Gu Fenglin , Chen Yonggan , Fang Yiming , Wu Guiping , Tan Lehe
Published: October 2015

Colonizing Bacillus in vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) beans is involved in glucovanillin hydrolysis and vanillin formation during conventional curing. The flavor profiles of vanilla beans under Bacillus-assisted curing were analyzed through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, electronic nose, and quantitative sensory analysis. The flavor profiles were analytically compared among the vanilla beans under Bacillus-assisted curing, conventional curing, and non-microorganism-assisted curing. Vanilla beans added with Bacillus vanillea XY18 and Bacillus subtilis XY20 contained higher vanillin (3.58% ± 0.05% and 3.48% ± 0.10%, respectively) than vanilla beans that underwent non-microorganism-assisted curing and conventional curing (3.09% ± 0.14% and 3.21% ± 0.15%, respectively). Forty-two volatiles were identified from endogenous vanilla metabolism. Five other compounds were identified from exogenous Bacillus metabolism. Electronic nose data confirmed that vanilla flavors produced through the different curing processes were easily distinguished. Quantitative sensory analysis confirmed that Bacillus-assisted curing increased vanillin production without generating any unpleasant sensory attribute. Partial least squares regression further provided a correlation model of different measurements. Overall, we comparatively analyzed the flavor profiles of vanilla beans under Bacillus-assisted curing, indirectly demonstrated the mechanism of vanilla flavor formation by microbes.
Cladribine Analogues via O6-(Benzotriazolyl) Derivatives of Guanine Nucleosides
Authors: Satishkumar Sakilam , Vuram Prasanna , Relangi Siva , Gurram Venkateshwarlu , Zhou Hong , Kreitman Robert , Montemayor Michelle , Yang Lijia , Kaliyaperumal Muralidharan , Sharma Somesh , Pottabathini Narender , Lakshman Mahesh
Published: October 2015

Cladribine, 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine, is a highly efficacious, clinically used nucleoside for the treatment of hairy cell leukemia. It is also being evaluated against other lymphoid malignancies and has been a molecule of interest for well over half a century. In continuation of our interest in the amide bond-activation in purine nucleosides via the use of (benzotriazol-1yl-oxy)tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate, we have evaluated the use of O6-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-2′-deoxyguanosine as a potential precursor to cladribine and its analogues. These compounds, after appropriate deprotection, were assessed for their biological activities, and the data are presented herein. Against hairy cell leukemia (HCL), T-cell lymphoma (TCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), cladribine was the most active against all. The bromo analogue of cladribine showed comparable activity to the ribose analogue of cladribine against HCL, but was more active against TCL and CLL. The bromo ribose analogue of cladribine showed activity, but was the least active among the C6-NH2-containing compounds. Substitution with alkyl groups at the exocyclic amino group appears detrimental to activity, and only the C6 piperidinyl cladribine analogue demonstrated any activity. Against adenocarcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells, cladribine and its ribose analogue were most active.
HGT-Finder: A New Tool for Horizontal Gene Transfer Finding and Application to Aspergillus genomes
Authors: Nguyen Marcus , Ekstrom Alex , Li Xueqiong , Yin Yanbin
Published: October 2015

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a fast-track mechanism that allows genetically unrelated organisms to exchange genes for rapid environmental adaptation. We developed a new phyletic distribution-based software, HGT-Finder, which implements a novel bioinformatics algorithm to calculate a horizontal transfer index and a probability value for each query gene. Applying this new tool to the Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus nidulans genomes, we found 273, 542, and 715 transferred genes (HTGs), respectively. HTGs have shorter length, higher guanine-cytosine (GC) content, and relaxed selection pressure. Metabolic process and secondary metabolism functions are significantly enriched in HTGs. Gene clustering analysis showed that 61%, 41% and 74% of HTGs in the three genomes form physically linked gene clusters (HTGCs). Overlapping manually curated, secondary metabolite gene clusters (SMGCs) with HTGCs found that 9 of the 33 A. fumigatus SMGCs and 31 of the 65 A. nidulans SMGCs share genes with HTGCs, and that HTGs are significantly enriched in SMGCs. Our genome-wide analysis thus presented very strong evidence to support the hypothesis that HGT has played a very critical role in the evolution of SMGCs. The program is freely available at http://cys.bios.niu.edu/HGTFinder/ HGTFinder.tar.gz.
The Effects of Shiga Toxin 1, 2 and Their Subunits on Cytokine and Chemokine Expression by Human Macrophage-Like THP-1 Cells
Authors: Brandelli Jeremy , Griener Thomas , Laing Austin , Mulvey George , Armstrong Glen
Published: October 2015

Infection by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) results in severe diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and, occasionally, hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, many of which are produced by macrophages in the kidneys, indicating that localized host innate immunity likely plays a role in renal pathogenesis. EHEC serotypes may express one or two classes of serologically defined but structurally and functionally-related Shiga toxins called Stx1 and Stx2. Of these, Stx2 appears to be linked to higher rates of HUS than Stx1. To investigate a possible reason for this, we exposed human macrophage-like THP-1 cells to Stx1 or Stx2 and then used the Luminex multiplex system to assess cytokine/chemokine concentrations in culture supernatant solutions. This analysis revealed that, relative to Stx1, Stx2 significantly caused increased expression of GRO, G-CSF, IL-1β, IL-8 and TNFα in macrophage-like THP-1 cells. This was determined to not be due to a difference in cytotoxicity since both Stx1 and Stx2 displayed similar cytotoxic activities on macrophage-like THP-1 cells. These observations indicate that, in vitro, Stx2 can provoke a greater pro-inflammatory response than Stx1 in macrophages and provides a possible partial explanation for higher rates of HUS in patients infected with EHEC strains expressing Stx2. To begin to determine a mechanism for Shiga toxin-mediated cytokine production, we exposed macrophage-like THP-1 cells to Stx1 or Stx2 A and B subunits. Luminex analysis of cytokines in cell culture supernatant solutions demonstrated that neither subunit alone induced a cytokine response in THP-1 cells.
High energy focused shock wave therapy accelerates bone healing
Authors: Kieves N. R. , MacKay C. S. , Adducci K. , Rao S. , Goh C. , Palmer R. H. , Duerr F. M.
Published: October 2015

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of shock wave therapy (SWT) on radiographic evidence of bone healing after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

Methods: Healthy dogs between two to nine years of age that underwent TPLO were randomly assigned to receive either electro- hydraulic SWT (1,000 shocks) or sham treatment (SHAM). Treatment or SHAM was administered to the osteotomy site immediately postoperatively and two weeks postoperatively. Three blinded radiologists evaluated orthogonal radiographs performed eight weeks postoperatively with both a 5-point and a 10-point bone healing scale. Linear regression analysis was used to compare median healing scores between groups.

Results: Forty-two dogs (50 stifles) were included in the statistical analysis. No major complications were observed and all osteo -tomies healed uneventfully. The median healing scores were significantly higher at eight weeks postoperatively for the SWT group compared to the SHAM group for the 10-point (p <0.0002) and 5-point scoring systems (p <0.0001).

Clinical significance: Shock wave therapy applied immediately and two weeks post -operatively led to more advanced bone healing at the eight week time point in this study population. The results of this study support the use of electro-hydraulic SWT as a means of accelerating acute bone healing of canine osteotomies. Additional studies are needed to evaluate its use for acceleration of bone healing following fracture, or with delayed union.
Evolutionary drivers of mast‐seeding in a long‐lived desert shrub
Authors: Meyer Susan E. , Pendleton Burton K.
Published: October 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

The evolutionary drivers and proximal regulators of mast‐seeding are well understood for species of mesic environments, but how these regulators interact with high spatial and interannual variability in growing‐season precipitation for a masting species in a desert environment has never been examined.

METHOD:

We followed flowering and seed production in 16 populations of the North American desert shrub blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) from contrasting environments across its range over an 11‐year period to determine patterns of interannual reproductive output variation.

KEY RESULT:

Patterns of reproductive output in blackbrush did not track current growing season precipitation, but instead were regulated by prior‐year weather cues. The strength of the response to the masting cue depended on habitat quality, with higher mean reproductive output, shorter intervals between years of high seed production, and lower CVp at more favorable sites. Wind pollination efficiency was demonstrated to be an important evolutionary driver of masting in blackbrush, and satiation of heteromyid seed predator‐dispersers was supported as an evolutionary driver based on earlier studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both the evolutionary drivers and proximal regulators of masting in blackbrush are similar to those demonstrated for masting species of mesic environments. Relatively low synchrony across populations in response to regional masting cues occurs at least partly because prior‐year environmental cues can trigger masting efforts in years with resource limitation due to suboptimal precipitation, especially in more xeric low‐elevation habitats.
The Role of Tyrosine Kinase Receptors in Peritoneal Fibrosis
Authors: Wang Li , Zhuang Shougang
Published: October 2015

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a modality for treatment of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) that depends on the structural and functional integrity of the peritoneal membrane. However, long-term PD can lead to morphological and functional changes in the peritoneum; in particular, peritoneal fibrosis has become one of the most common complications that ultimately results in ultrafiltration failure (UFF) and discontinuation of PD. Several factors and mechanisms such as inflammation and overproduction of transforming growth factor-β1 have been implicated in the development of peritoneal fibrosis, but there is no effective therapy to prevent or delay this process. Recent studies have shown that activation of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is associated with the development and progression of tissue fibrosis in various organs, and there are also reports indicating the involvement of some RTKs in peritoneal fibrosis. This review will describe the role and mechanisms of RTKs in peritoneal fibrosis and discuss the possibility of using them as therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment of this complication.
Distribution of Pd clusters on ultrathin, epitaxial TiOx films on Pt3Ti(111)
Authors: Breinlich Christian , Buchholz Maria , Moors Marco , Pertram Tobias , Becker Conrad , Wandelt Klaus
Published: October 2015

Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) was used to investigate the nucleation and growth of palladium clusters on two different, ultrathin, epitaxial, titania films grown on a Pt3Ti(111) surface. The first oxide phase, z'-TiOx, is anisotropic and consists of parallel stripes separated by trenches. Defects (i.e., oxygen vacancies) in this structure are confined to these trenches and act as nucleation sites. Therefore, the Pd clusters are mostly arranged in unidirectional rows along the trenches, creating a template effect. The second phase, w'-TiOx, exhibits a hexagonal, long range, (7 × 7)R21.8°, Moiré-type superstructure with fewer and shallower defects, making the template effect less discernible.
Studying Contact without Detailed Studies of the Languages Involved: A Non-Philological Approach to Language Contact
Authors: Donohue Mark
Published: October 2015

Studies of contact have revealed that all kinds of language material can, in the right circumstances, be borrowed from one language to another. Detecting, describing, and analyzing such situations typically involve the detailed study of at least two languages. An alternative involves detecting contact situations through database analysis. This cannot supplant the detailed work that requires detailed descriptive work in particular fields, but can allow us to examine large enough samples of languages that we can start to better understand, through calibration against known histories and other non-linguistic data types, likelihoods of different ‘social contact’ scenarios resulting in different kinds of linguistic traces, and also allow for the more targeted investigation of specific areas and language-to-language interactions. I shall describe the method, and illustrate its application in a number of case studies in regions for which we have good samples of language data.
Constructional Paradigm in Constraint-based Morphosyntax: A Case of Japanese Verb Inflection
Authors: Otoguro Ryo
Published: October 2015

This paper aims to give an account of controversial behaviours of complex interaction of verb inection, auxiliary/copula constructions in Japanese in a constraint-based lexicalist formalism, Lexical-Functional Grammar (LFG; Kaplan and Bresnan 1982, Bresnan 2001, Dalrymple 2001, Falk 2001). Building on the insight from a construction-based approach to morphosyntax, the present study proposes that multiple lexical items interact with each other to realise a set of TAM features, while maintaining their phrase-structural autonomy. Crucially, the proposal enables us to capture `constructional' exponents realising a certain combination of morphosyntactic features in the inectional paradigm as well as the internal structure of the construction, so that we can observe the emergent properties of the construction in the grammar.
Perceiving pitch accent in the absence of F0
Authors: Sugiyama Yukiko
Published: October 2015

The present sudy investigates secondary cues to pitch accent by using speech stimuli whose F0 had been articially removed from words produced normally and replaced by white noise.
Epistemicity and Deixis: Perspectives from Central Alaskan Yup’ik
Authors: Tamura Yuki-Shige
Published: October 2015

This article suggests that the property of angular specification that works well for typological descriptions of spatial expressions is still crucial for Eskimo spatial expressions, but the property makes a difference in Eskimo languages when it is applied as demonstrating gradience rather than dichotomy as shown in Levinson (1996, 2003). We argue that when the angular specification as a gradient concept is extended to the description of CAY demonstratives, it would illuminate a unique character of Eskimo demonstratives: the functions of Eskimo demonstratives are semantically stratified in terms of the degree of angular specification between degenerate cases like English this or that that do not constitute a frame of reference and highly specified cases that are close to typologically prototypical coordinate spatial expressions like north of or inside of. The gradience observed is theoretically characterized (i) with a semantic map (Croft 2001) that shows well how the demonstratives are stratified, and (ii) with subjectification (Langacker 1990), which motivates the continuation between spatial expressions prototypically described in the coordinate system and those in the non-coordinate system.
The Cluster-internal Ordering of Clitics in Kavalan (East Formosan, Austronesian)
Authors: Yen Doris Ching-jung , Billings Loren
Published: October 2015

We investigate one part of Kavalan grammar: the relative order of adverbial and pronominal clitics. Of typological and theoretical import is the order within certain clusters of clitics. Transitive ordering has been defined, for a sequence of three morphemes—call them X, Y, and Z—as XY, YZ, XZ, and XYZ (Ryan 2010:785). By contrast, nontransitive ordering, involving the same three items, would be a situation where “(a) morpheme X must precede Y, (b) Y must precede Z, but (c) X must follow (or optionally follows) Z” (Ryan 2010:780). Whereas Kavalan does not attest the aforementioned kind of nontransitivity, this language does show another kind: XY, YZ, and XZ, but either XYZ or XZY. The transitive order XYZ is apparently in free variation with the nontransitive order XZY.
Discipliner par le chiffre : l’hôpital financiarisé au risque de la réification ?
Authors: Angelé-Halgand Nathalie , Garrot Thierry
Published: October 2015

Cet article analyse de manière critique le processus de financiarisation de l’hôpital et ses conséquences sur l’humain. Au plan théorique, il s’appuie sur les travaux de Michel Foucault, notamment sur les plus récents d’entre eux, relatifs au biopouvoir, et sur ceux d’Axel Honneth sur la réification. Il montre comment le chiffre constitue la clé de voûte de l’édifice disciplinaire garantissant une surveillance permanente, principalement des médecins et de leurs équipes. Après avoir exposé la manière dont le prisme néolibéral conduit à la financiarisation de la santé, il présente l’édification du panoptisme hospitalier puis les signes émergents de réification de l’humain, induits par le gouvernement à distance ainsi mis en place.
Réflexions pour une sociologie de la quantification statistique et comptable
Authors: Eyraud Corine
Published: October 2015

La sociologie utilise, depuis ses débuts, les données chiffrées pour analyser et comprendre la société ou un phénomène social particulier. Jusqu’à récemment très peu de ses travaux interrogeaient les chiffres utilisés, considérant que ces chiffres mesuraient effectivement une réalité préexistante. Ce n’est qu’à partir des années 1980 que des sociologues ont engagé une analyse socio-historique des catégories sociales à la base de ces chiffrages. Alain desrosières a beaucoup œuvré au développement de ce qu’il proposait d’appeler « une sociologie de la quantification », la quantification étant considérée comme une construction historique et sociale. Les dispositifs de quantification, qu’ils soient statistiques ou comptables, sont des objets pertinents pour les sciences sociales, et en particulier pour la sociologie. En conséquence l’entrée par ces dispositifs est une voie intéressante et productive pour le chercheur qui souhaite analyser le fonctionnement et les transformations d’un champ ou d’une organisation particuliers. Notre propos s’appuie sur deux recherches, la première porte sur un dispositif de quantification comptable : la réforme comptable des entreprises d’État chinoises durant les années 1990. La seconde étudie un dispositif de quantification statistique : la mise en place au début des années 2000 d’indicateurs de performance pour l’enseignement supérieur et la recherche français. Un cadre à la fois analytique et méthodologique pour l’étude de tels dispositifs est proposé en conclusion.
L’armée turque en politique
Authors: Dorronsoro Gilles , Gourisse Benjamin
Published: October 2015

L’implication de l’armée dans la vie politique est une constante de la république de Turquie jusqu’aux années 2000. Pour expliquer cette particularité, on met en évidence que les interventions militaires, loin d’être des réponses à des crises du secteur politique, sont le résultat des dynamiques internes de l’armée et de la formation de coalition dont l’armée est le pivot. Cette double dynamique d’autonomisation de l’institution militaire et d’intervention dans le champ politique via la formation de coalition éclaire plus largement les mécanismes qui permettent à un acteur institutionnel de créer des situations de crise et, par ce biais, de s’installer au c œur du jeu politique.
Social Media for Public Involvement and Sustainability in International Planning and Development
Authors: Willems Laura G. , Alizadeh Tooran
Published: October 2015

This paper explores social media's potential to improve public involvement and sustainable practices on an international scale across planning and development projects. Using a case-study approach, the international institutions of the World Bank, UN-Habitat, Unilever, and World Business Council for Sustainable Development are investigated. The relationships between public versus the institutions' demands for sustainability are examined through an analysis of their Facebook pages, official websites, and questionnaire data from the institutions' digital media administrators. Findings identify strong public demands for increased sustainability in international development, and great support for online efforts of public involvement. This paper offers a promising application to the planning profession via e-planning. This application could result in an alternative form of public engagement through social media that goes beyond the limiting borders of each local community, and assess planning and development projects for their broader environmental impacts on an international platform.
Application of Nanotechnology in Biomedicine: A Major Focus on Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zare-Zardini Hadi , Ferdowsian Farzad , Soltaninejad Hossein , Ghorani Azam Adel , Soleymani Safoura , Zare-Shehneh Masoud , Mofidi Mahtab , Rafati Roya , Ebrahimi Leila
Published: October 2015

Most of mortality worldwide occurs because of cancer diseases. Nanostructures are the new compounds that have become one of the most important technologies for using in different fields over the past two years especially in medicine. In between, nanotechnology has the potential to cancer detection and therapy. This study is a review of prospects in applications of nano-materials for cancer detection and treatment. We have summarized the nano-materials (metal nanospheres, nanorods, nanoshells and nanotubes) in medical applications targeting cancer. We also discuss advances in established nanoparticle technologies such as liposomes, polymer micelles, and functionalization about tumor targeting, controlled release and drug delivery. This paper will discuss the therapeutic applications of different nano-materials with a major focus on their applications for the treatment of cancer. Briefly, the toxicity of conventional nanostructures was also mentioned in this paper.
Stone size and quality of life: A critical evaluation after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Authors: Sahin Cahit , Cetinel A. Cihangir , Eryildirim Bilal , Tuncer Murat , Faydaci Gokhan , Sarica Kemal
Published: October 2015

Objectives: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of the patients after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) on a treated stone size related basis. Methods: 90 patients undergoing ESWL for kidney stones were divided into three groups; Group 1 (n: 30, ≤ 10mm), Group 2 (n: 28, 11 mm- ≤ 20 mm) and Group 3 (n: 32, 20- 25 mm). During 3- months follow-up, outcome of the procedure, number of cases with emergency department visits, analgesic required, re-tretatment rates, additional procedures and the changes in the QoL were evaluated. Results: the number of emergency department visits and mean analgesic need; re-treatment rates and additional procedures were significantly higher in Group 3. Evaluation of the QoL scores in three groups showed that cases with larger stone still had lower scores during 3-month evaluation. Conclusions: Stone size could help us to predict the possible impact of ESWL on the QoL and depending on the size of the stone treated, a well planned indication and effective management possibly by an experienced urologist could limit the changes in the QoL of the patients.
Urinary incontinence: Clinical observation on 30 patients undergoing treatment with F.R.E.M.S (Frequency Rhythmic Electrical Modulation System)
Authors: Massari Massimo , Desideri Patrizia , Menchinelli Paolo , Cerrito Lucia , De Giovanni Luciano
Published: October 2015

Aim of the study: Urge incontinence is considered to be a dysfunctional pathology of social interest due to the psychological and relational implications of such disability, the elevated number of affected patients and the consequent treatment costs. We propose an innovative non-pharmacological and non-invasive care methodology: Frequency rhythmic electrical modulation system (F.R.E.M.S.) therapy (FT), based on the administration of electric fields of monophasic pulsed, negative, asymmetric current, generated by a neurostimulator with the characteristics of low variable frequency, high voltage and very low impulse duration. Material and Methods: 30 patients were studied with urodynamic evaluation and radiological diagnostic techniques, and underwent 2 cycles of 15 days therapy, with a 12 months follow-up. Results: In 93% of cases, we obtained a positive result, with either disappearance or improvement of symptoms. Conclusion: Although the Authors believe that clinical results deserve further neurohistological and immunohistochemical studies, in order to define the anathomophysiological and biochemical changes induced by FT, they propose it as a possible alternative to traditional pharmacological therapy and electrical stimulation.
Late-onset secondary nocturnal enuresis in adolescents associated with post-traumatic stress disorder developed after a traffic accident
Authors: Akan Serkan , Ürkmez Ahmet , Yildirim Caglar , Sahin Aytac , Yüksel Özgür Haki , Verit Ayhan
Published: October 2015

Secondary nocturnal enuresis is generally seen between 5 and 7 years of age and it is rarely encountered when compared with the primary incontinence. Patients with suggested diagnosis of secondary nocturnal enuresis should be examined for neurological and spinal anomalies and diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, renal failure and urinary tract infection should be ruled out in differential diagnosis (1-3). Herein, we are presenting case reports of adolescent patients with secondary nocturnal enuresis refractory to medical therapy and developed after in-vehicle and extravehicular accidents.
Aristea rufobracteata (Iridaceae: Aristeoideae), a new species from the southern Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Goldblatt Peter , Manning John
Published: October 2015

Background: Collections of a tall species of Aristea from the southern coastal mountains of South Africa, with hairless, reddish brown bracts, have been variously identified as Aristea bakeri Klatt or Aristea capitata (L.) Ker Gawl., but do not accord with either of these two or any other known species.Objectives: To describe a new species in Aristea to accommodate material from the southern coastal mountains that cannot be included in any known species.Method: Existing herbarium collections were studied and the relevant published literature consulted.Results: The new species Aristea rufobracteata is described for collections of tall plants from the Langeberg, Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma and Baviaanskloof mountains. It has a mostly condensed inflorescence, reddish brown bracts and small capsules.Conclusion: The new species increases our understanding of the diversity in Aristea in southern Africa.
Unusual presentation of immature teratoma of the neck
Authors: Shetty K. Jayaprakash , Prasad H. L. Kishan , Rai Sandeep , Kumar Y. Sunil , Bhat Shubha , Sajjan Netra , Rao Chandrika
Published: October 2015

Cervical region teratoma is a rare disease, accounting for 3-5% of all teratomas in the children. Teratomas of the head and neck due to their obscure origin, unpredictable behavior, and often manifest as a clinical surprise. Airway obstruction is the most serious postnatal complication of cervical teratoma. Prenatal diagnosis is crucial for early recognition of the neck masses that could obstruct the airway. We present a case of 4-month-old female child at age of 4th month with right submandibular region swelling. Computed tomography neck showed ill-defined, multiloculated cystic lesion with enhancing thick septations in the right side of the neck. Excision biopsy revealed Grade I - immature teratoma - cervical region. On 1-year of close follow-up, no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis was seen. Unlike adults, teratomas in children are often congenital and very rarely turn malignant. The treating consultant should be aware of their natural history, clinical features, pathology, and principles of management.
Primary spinal glioblastoma treated with adjuvant radiation and temozolomide
Authors: Mallick Supriya , Madan Renu , Julka P. K.
Published: October 2015

Primary spinal glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare entity, which is invariably associated with poor outcome. Standard treatment is surgery followed by post-operative radiotherapy. Due to paucity of cases role of chemotherapy is investigational. We intend to report two cases of primary spinal GBM treated with radiation and adjuvant temozolomide.
5-Fluorouracil-induced vasculitic injury manifesting as a multiorgan dysfunction in a patient with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Zahid Mohammad Faizan , Masood Nehal , Shabbir-Moosajee Munira
Published: October 2015

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an active chemoetheraputic agent in many malignancies, used both in the curative and metastatic setting. Therefore, the side effect profile of 5-FU is well-described and recognized. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old male, who received 5-FU and carboplatin concurrently, with radiation, for esophageal carcinoma. On Day 3 of his 5-FU infusion, he developed simultaneous cardiac arrhythmias, renal dysfunction, and aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of his brain revealed acute demyelination of the white matter corresponding to diffusion restriction, pointing toward a small vessel injury. The 5-FU infusion was promptly discontinued and stress dose steroids were administered. The patient′s symptoms resolved rapidly with no residual effects. We believe this is the first case of multisystem, small-vessel, vasculopathy secondary to 5-FU. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending drug is essential for resolution of symptoms. Steroids, with their anti-inflammatory effects can aid in rapid recovery.
Metastatic carcinoma of breast or a chordoma? A case report and clinical perspectives
Authors: Trivedi Sachin , Odrazka Karel
Published: October 2015

We present a case of chordoma in a patient who had been previously treated for ductal carcinoma of the breast. The initial clinical findings and radiological studies suggested a possibility of metastases. However, the findings also adhered to the classical presentations and findings of the chordoma of the base of skull. It was only after the surgical resection and immunohistochemical confirmation that the diagnosis of chordoma could be established. Here, we discuss chordoma with the analysis of our clinical intrigue.
Chondrosarcoma of chest wall metastasising to the larynx
Authors: Singhal Ashish , Mahajan Charu , Hadi Rahat , Awasthi Namrata P.
Published: October 2015

Chondrosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of the chest wall. Most patients present with painful progressive swelling in the anterior chest wall arising from the costochondrosternal junction. CT scan with intravenous contrast is the investigation of choice. Wide excision with adequate margins is the standard treatment for localized disease after image guided biopsy. The role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is limited. Lung is the most common site for metastasis. Metastasis to the larynx from chondrosarcoma has not been reported in the literature though primary chondrosarcoma can occur in the larynx. We hereby report a case of laryngeal metastasis from chondrosarcoma of the chest wall as a part of disease failure.
CD20 negative primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma of breast
Authors: Shukla Saumya , Awasthi Namrata Punit , Singh Pradyumn , Husain Nuzhat
Published: October 2015

Pax-5 is a B cell marker, the expression of which is detectable in as early as the pro B stage, and subsequently, in all further stages of B cell development except the plasma cells. Malignant lymphomas of breast are uncommon and occur as either primary or secondary lesions. Primary lymphoma is a rare disorder of breast and constitutes less than 0.6% of all breast malignancies and 2.2% of extranodal lymphomas. We report an unusual case of CD20 negative Pax-5 positive primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of breast. The case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by extranodal CD20 negative DLBCL. Pax-5 immunohistochemistry has diagnostic benefit as a B-cell marker in the work-up of undifferentiated malignant neoplasms. Although it is available for nearly a decade now, it is not widely used. Pax-5 is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of markers currently available for lymphoma subtyping.
Therapeutic vitrectomy for vitreal recurrence of intraocular lymphoma resistant to intravitreal methotrexate post systemic chemotherapy
Authors: Venkatesh Pradeep , Gogia Varun , Khanduja Sumeet , Gupta Shikha , Kumar Lalit , Garg Satpal
Published: October 2015

A 49-year-old female with biopsy proven primary vitreoretinal lymphoma and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) presented with asymmetric involvement of both eyes. Right eye had primarily retinal and optic nerve involvement with no light perception while the left eye had purely vitreal form of the disease with visual acuity of 6/18. She was treated with recommended DeAngelis protocol for PCNSL and achieved complete remission of CNS disease and in the right eye and responded only partially to the systemic chemotherapy in the left eye. She received multiple intravitreal methotrexate injections (400 ∝g/0.1 ml) for persisting disease in the left eye. However, she developed resistance to the same after repeated injections for which therapeutic vitrectomy was performed. She achieved final visual acuity of 6/12 in the right eye and 6/18 in the left eye and did not relapse until last follow-up of 2 years.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of esophagus combined with squamous carcinoma of lung
Authors: Liu Chaoxing , Zhao Yahong , Chu Weiwei , Zhang Futong , Zhang Zhenping
Published: October 2015

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is typically located in the salivary, lacrimal, and tracheobronchial glands and rarely presents in the esophagus. MEC is commonly characterized by squamous cells, mucus-secreting cells, and intermediate cells. This report presents the case of a 57-years-old male with a three months history of cough and shortness of breath. Computer tomography (CT) scans revealed a tumor locating in the left hilar. The histological report was squamous carcinoma. After three circles of chemotherapy, the patient complained of dysphagia. The electronic gastroscope showed a protrusion which 30-34 cm from the incisors. The tumor was histopathologically determined to be MEC of esophagus. The patient refused to surgery and concurrent chemoradiotheray; so, radiotherapy and sequential chemotherapy were performed, and after one year of follow up, the disease of esophagus recurrence; the patient was died of hemorrhage of esophagus for tumor progression. The literatures of MEC are also reviewed in this study.
Buccal cancer in a female patient with human immunodeficiency virus-2 infection
Authors: Phatak Uday A. , Badakh Dinesh K.
Published: October 2015

This is the first-case report of isolated human immunodeficiency virus-2 (HIV-2) infection that developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa. She was treated with radiotherapy 66 Gy in 30 fractions. HIV-2 infection was diagnosed with Tridot test, and quantitative estimation was done with polymerase chain reaction. Viral load is usually low in HIV-2 patients; similarly tempo of disease progression is also slow. Treatment of SCC of buccal mucosa with or without HIV infection is not different. Protease inhibitor-based anti-retroviral therapy is an appropriate treatment for HIV-2 infection.
Synchronous carcinosarcoma of the lower ureter and renal pelvis with heterologous chondrosarcomatous elements
Authors: Parikh Pinki , Menon Santosh , Desai Sangeeta B.
Published: October 2015

Carcinosarcoma of the ureter is a rare biphasic neoplasm, with distinct malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. The mesenchymal component may show heterologous chondrosarcomatous or osteosarcomatous elements. To the best of our knowledge, there have been only 13 cases reported in the literature. Synchronous malignancy in the renal pelvis is even rarer and this is the first case of synchronous carcinosarcoma of the ureter and renal pelvis to be reported in English literature, which revealed heterologous chondrosarcomatous areas at both sites.
Eczema as the first manifestation of a lung cancer
Authors: Meng Xiangjiao , Wang Renben , Huang Zhaoqin , Yu Jinming
Published: October 2015

Lung cancer combined with eczema is a rare disease. We report a case of 58-year-old man with eczema as the first manifestation of a lung cancer. Skin examination revealed diffuse erythema, dander, itchy rash, and scratch. Chest contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a heterogeneously enhanced irregular mass in the right lung. Punch biopsy of the tumor confirms squamous cell lung cancer. Eczema vanished nearly completely after one cycle of chemotherapy.
Clinicopathological analysis of two cases with pelvis villous adenoma and review of relevant literature
Authors: Dong Chunge , Yang Youping , Wu Siying , Chen Guorong
Published: October 2015

Villous adenoma is a rare primary tumor of the urinary system, especially the bladder and kidneys. This study presents two cases of right pelvis villous adenoma, including that of a 61-year-old patient who had experienced hematuria for more than 1 year and was diagnosed with bladder and ureteral stones via B-ultrasound examination, and the other one involving a 65-year-old patient who was hospitalized for 6 days due to a right upper quadrant mass and diagnosed with right renal pelvis stones and hydrops via B-ultrasound examination. Both patients underwent nephrectomy, and their histological analysis demonstrated papillary projections covered by columnar cells and goblet cells. The first patient had a large amount of renal pelvis mucus accumulation with obvious microscopic intestinal metaplasia and mild-moderate nuclear atypia. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positive carcinoembryonic antigen and the caudal type homeobox 2 staining with varying degrees of cytokeratin (CK)-7 and CK20 expression in both patients. Recurrences or metastasis was not observed during the follow-up period of 3-4 years.
Technical considerations in brachytherapy boost for a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal based on our case
Authors: Ilangovan Bhargavi , Stumpf Janos , Murali V. , Sasikumar Neetu , Devi Rathna
Published: October 2015

Squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal is a rare entity. The patients present with ear discharge and otalgia. They are treated with radiotherapy and surgery. Surgery with oncological priorities is quite complex with substantial consequences. We are reporting a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal, who was treated with limited surgery followed by radiotherapy. Radiotherapy was a combination of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. High dose rate brachytherapy was given using an ear speculum fixed with wax and a suction catheter. This article is to highlight the technique and dosimetry of the brachytherapy procedure.
Ovarian serous borderline tumors with noninvasive and invasive peritoneal implants
Authors: Srinivasamurthy Banushree C. , Velu Ambedkar Raj Kulandai , Krishnan Nagarajan , Patil Anand Shankar Rao
Published: October 2015

Serous borderline tumors (SBT) are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as serous neoplasms that show epithelial proliferation greater than that seen in serous cystadenomas, as evidenced by cellular stratification, cytologic atypicality, and epithelial tufting, but which exhibit no evidence of "destructive stromal" invasion and can show extra-ovarian implants. Characterization of invasive peritoneal implants from patients with noninvasive serous ovarian tumors has important prognostic and treatment implications. Peritoneal implants have been classified as either noninvasive or invasive based on their histopathologic appearance. Three criteria were applied for the diagnosis of "invasive" implants: Invasion of underlying normal tissue, micropapillary architecture, and solid epithelial nests surrounded by clefts. We encountered two cases of unilateral ovarian serous borderline tumors with non-invasive peritoneal implants in a 43-year-old female, and invasive peritoneal implants in 76-year-old female.
Safety of rituximab in a patient with chronic renal failure and low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Chebib Ralph , Ghorra Claude , Kattan Joseph
Published: October 2015

An 82-year-old man, with known chronic renal failure and a creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 18 mL/min, was diagnosed with low-grade marginal zone non-Hodgkinlymphoma (NHL) of his right orbit. He received rituximab as single treatment (375 mg/m2 every 3 weeks). After eight cycles, almost complete response was obtained, rituximab was extremely well-tolerated, and his creatinine levels remained stable throughout the whole treatment.
A correlative study of solitary thyroid nodules using the bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology
Authors: Arul P. , Masilamani Suresh
Published: October 2015

Background:

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a useful diagnostic modality in the evaluation of solitary thyroid nodules (STN). It can differentiate between benign and malignant lesions in most cases.

Aim:

This study was undertaken to determine the utility and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in the evaluation of STN.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective study, a total number of 483 thyroid FNACs were retrieved, out of which 209 cases of STN were chosen for this study. The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) was used for analysis. Their FNACs diagnoses were compared with histopathological diagnoses.

Results:

Among 209 FNACs, 88 (42.1%) had non-neoplastic lesions, 6 (2.9%) had atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS), 52 (24.9%) had follicular neoplasm/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN), 33 (15.8%) were suspicious for malignancy and 18 (8.6%) had malignant cytology. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of FNAC in STN cases were 94.4%, 97.6%, 95.8%, 98.1% and 93.2% respectively.

Conclusion:

Our study concluded that FNAC reporting using TBSRTC highly correlated with the histopathological diagnosis and our results were comparable with published data. The FNAC diagnosis helps in triaging patients with STN and identifies those who require surgical intervention. It is a simple, convenient, cost effective, sensitive, specific, safe and accurate initial diagnostic method for the preoperative evaluation of STN.
Anesthesia and cancer recurrences
Authors: Bajwa Sukhminder Jit Singh , Anand Smriti , Kaur Gurpreet
Published: October 2015

Surgical removal of solid tumors is of utmost importance as total resection can be curative. The surgical insult however itself may result in tumor micrometastasis coupled with depression of cell-mediated immunity culminating in tumor recurrence. Recent research suggests that few anesthetic agents or procedures can influence pathophysiology of metastasis in the postoperative period. Whereas opioids and volatile anesthetics have been implicated in angiogenesis and immunosuppression, evidences accumulated over the recent years have undoubtedly highlighted the attenuation of immunosuppression by regional anesthetic agents thereby making it superior over general anesthesia in preventing cancer recurrence. As anesthetic drugs are given at that time when patient is at the maximum risk of spread of metastasis, thus an understanding of the effect of anesthesia drugs and their impact on tumor metastasis is important so that appropriate anesthetic strategy can be made to improve long term survival in these patients. The purpose of the present review is therefore to emphasize the pivotal role of various anesthetic agents and anesthesia techniques in preventing tumor recurrence after surgery.
Role of mitochondrial DNA mutations in brain tumors
Authors: Yusoff Abdul Aziz Mohamed
Published: October 2015

Brain tumor is molecularly a heterogeneous group of diseases, and genetic factors seem to play a crucial role in its genesis. Even though multiple alterations in the nuclear-encoded genes such as tumor suppressor and oncogenes are believed to play a key role in brain tumorigenesis, the involvement of the mitochondrial genome to this event remains controversial to date. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been suspected to be associated with the carcinogenesis because of its high sensitivity to mutations and inefficient repair mechanisms in comparison to nuclear DNA. Thus, defects in mtDNA could also lead to the development of brain tumor. By virtue of their clonal nature and high copy number, mtDNA mutations may provide a new effective molecular biomarker for the cancer detection. It has been suggested that establishing mtDNA defective pattern might be useful in cancer diagnostics and detection, the prognosis of cancer outcome, and/or the response to certain treatments. This mini-review gives a brief overview on the several aspects of mtDNA, with a particular focus on its role in tumorigenesis and progression of brain tumor. Understanding the role of mitochondria and brain tumor development could potentially translate into therapeutic strategies for patients with these tumors.