bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer during pregnancy – clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and prognosis for mothers and infants
Authors: Jeremic Katarina , Stefanovic Aleksandar , Dotlic Jelena , Kadija Sasa , Kontic Olivera , Gojnic Miroslava , Jeremic Jelena , Kesic Vesna
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To assess which obstetrical characteristics and treatment improved outcomes and prognosis of pregnant women with malignancy.

Methods:

A prospective study, undertaken between 2005 and 2014, involving 35 pregnant women who were diagnosed with malignant tumors during pregnancy. Patients were followed-up for 1 year after delivery. The pregnancy course and outcome and parameters that could influence the condition of mother and fetus were evaluated.

Results:

Most malignancies were hematological, diagnosed in the second trimester and treated with combined therapy (surgery/adjuvant) after pregnancy. Most fetuses were in good state throughout pregnancy, but were delivered by caesarean section (CS) before term. Adjuvant therapy during pregnancy mostly caused transitory deterioration of fetal conditions. The majority of both mothers and infants were in a good state 12 months postpartum, although numerous mothers were still ill and on therapy. Surviving pregnancy and preventing tumors progression during pregnancy were the best predictors of mothers’ future condition (P=0.022). High birthweight and term delivery were the most important factors for good outcome of the infants (P=0.001).

Conclusions:

If the tumor is not progressing, pregnancy should be continued as long as possible to obtain adequate birthweight of the infant. Second trimester surgery is safe, while other therapies should preferably be applied after delivery.
Evidence-based, ethically justified counseling for fetal bilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Thomas Alana N. , McCullough Laurence B. , Chervenak Frank A. , Placencia Frank X.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Not much data are available on the natural history of bilateral renal agenesis, as the medical community does not typically offer aggressive obstetric or neonatal care asbilateral renal agenesis has been accepted as a lethal condition.

Aim:

To provide an evidence-based, ethically justified approach to counseling pregnant women about the obstetric management of bilateral renal agenesis.

Study design:

A systematic literature search was performed using multiple databases. We deploy an ethical analysis of the results of the literature search on the basis of the professional responsibility model of obstetric ethics.

Results:

Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review. With the exception of a single case study using serial amnioinfusion, there has been no other case of survival following dialysis and transplantation documented. Liveborn babies die during the neonatal period. Counseling pregnant women about management of pregnancies complicated by bilateral renal agenesis should be guided by beneficence-based judgment informed by evidence about outcomes.

Conclusions:

Based on the ethical analysis of the results from this review, without experimental obstetric intervention, neonatal mortality rates will continue to be 100%. Serial amnioinfusion therefore should not be offered as treatment, but only as approved innovation or research.
Death in Metaphorical Language
Authors: Uberman Agnieszka
Published: February 2017

The article presents the analysis of the lexical phrases employing the selected elements of the cognitive frame of DEATH. A brief outline of the symbolism of death is also noted. The corpus for the present analysis has been collected from a number of lexicographic sources. The research results point to the negative meaning of most phrases where death, dead or to die are employed.
Comparative studies of underwater light regimes in lakes of the East-Suwałki Lakeland
Authors: Borowiak Dariusz , Borowiak Magdalena
Published: February 2017

Secchi disc transparency and optical properties of water, based on measurements for downward irradiance using an underwater radiometer PER-700, were studied in 23 lakes of the Suwałki Landscape Park (SLP) in 2013. Measurements of optically significant constituents of water were also performed (YSI EXO-2) and analysed. Data on water transparency from published studies were used to assess long-term changes in the optical conditions in the deepest water body in Poland – Lake Hańcza. In terms of the optical characteristics of the water, the analysed SLP lakes can essentially be divided into two distinct groups representing different optical lake types. These are optical categories of lakes most common in Poland, namely types II and IIIb. Regional equations describing the relationships between the attenuation coefficient for downward irradiance as well as optically significant constituents of water were developed. The optical properties of the SLP lakes are mainly affected by suspended solids, mostly phytoplankton. Interannual fluctuations in Sechi disc transparency, as well as the attenuation coefficient for downward irradiance and other apparent optical properties of mid-summer water calculated from it, are determined by the spring thermal conditions and intensity of phytoplankton blooms during this period. Application of the attenuation coefficient for downward irradiance as a criterion for the assessment of the trophic status of the SLP lakes indicates that these are generally eutrophic lakes. The largest and deepest lakes of the park, however, are mesotrophic. Lake Hańcza is currently in the stage of α-mesotrophy.
Diversity of rotifer communities in lakes of the Suwalki Landscape Park
Authors: Ejsmont-Karabin Jolanta , Górniak Andrzej , Karpowicz Maciej
Published: February 2017

Studies of summer rotifer fauna of 11 shallow and 6 deep lakes of the Suwałki Landscape Park were conducted in an aim to assess the role of lake depth and biotic and abiotic factors in determining the diversity of rotifer communities in lakes undergoing a natural rate of eutrophication not accelerated by anthropopression. Some differences were observed when the group of shallow lakes was compared with that of deep lakes. The former were more differentiated as regards a list of rotifer species, partly due to the high proportion of species with low frequency. Consequently, their faunal originality was markedly higher and values of the percentage similarity of rotifer communities were much lower than in deep lakes. Species richness of rotifer fauna was also dependent on the trophic state of the studied lakes, the character of a nutrient limiting primary production, as well as biomass of diatoms and green algae.
Export of nutrients from the catchment of the upper Szeszupa River (drainage basin of the Neman River) and its seasonality
Authors: Górniak Andrzej
Published: February 2017

The article presents the dynamics of concentrations and export of nitrogen, phosphorus, TOC in the upper Szeszupa River (tributary of the River Neman) in the period from 2000 to 2014 (15 years) based on monthly analyses performed in Poland in the scope of the National Environmental Monitoring. The lakeland river with a mean discharge of 1.6 m3 s−1 and catchment dominated by agricultural land exports approximately 20 kg ha−1 of organic carbon compounds per year. The export of nitrogen is insignificant (3.8 kg ha−1) with 55% accounting for the element in the form of organic compounds and 31% for nitrates. Phosphorus export is also relatively low (0.12 kg ha−1), with 30% of the load of TP constituted by orthophosphates. During four months (February–May), 40–60% of annual export of nutrients was discharged, whereas the load of nitrates and organic nitrogen was higher than the contribution of outflowing water. From 2010, an increasing tendency has been observed in organic nitrogen export. This may be related to the intensification of animal production in NE Poland and an increase in livestock density.
Preliminary characteristics of laminations in recent sediments from lakes Kamenduł and Perty in the Suwałki Landscape Park, northeastern Poland
Authors: Tylmann Wojciech , Kinder Małgorzata , Żarczyński Maurycy , Poraj-Górska Anna
Published: February 2017

Varved lake sediments are well known archives used for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. They provide continuous, high-resolution and calendar-year chronologies of past environmental changes. From lakes Kamenduł and Perty, located in the Suwałki Landscape Park, short cores of laminated sediments were collected and investigated using microfacies analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning. Sediments of Lake Kamenduł form biogenic (calcite) varves with pale lamina containing precipitated calcite and dark lamina composed of mixed organic and clastic material. There is a visible difference between varves in the lower and the topmost part of the core. The varve thickness and clastic material content decrease upcore. Analysed sediments of Lake Perty also show laminated structures which are biogenic varves composed of calcite laminas interbedded with layers of mixed material and dark laminas containing mostly organic material with some clastic particles. Our study shows that further analysis of sediments from these lakes may provide valuable information about past land use changes in their catchments as well as changes in the water column, i.e. mixing regimes and redox conditions.
Cartographic visualization of Jewish heritage in cross-border tourist project Shtetl Routes (Poland, Belarus, Ukraine)
Authors: Kuna Jakub
Published: February 2017

The aim of the author of this article is to present cartographic visualizations designed for an international tourist project Shtetl Routes. The methodology consists of the study of early topographic maps, field studies, GIS analyses and 3D modelling. 63 town maps, 15 virtual mock-ups and a large thematic map have been developed as results. Multiple methodological problems are discussed. Cartographic products designed for the project have already been published or will be published in the near future.
Image of the World on polyhedral maps and globes
Authors: Pędzich Paweł
Published: February 2017

Application of polyhedrons as image surface in cartographic projections has a tradition of more than 200 years. The first maps relying on polyhedrons appeared in the 19th century. One of the first maps which based on an original polyhedral projection using a regular octahedron was constructed by the Californian architect Bernard Cahill in 1909. Other well known polyhedral projections and maps included Buckminster Fuller’s projection and map into icosahedron from 1954 and S. Waterman’s projection into truncated octahedron from 1996, which resulted in the “butterfly” map. Polyhedrons as image surface have the advantage of allowing a continuous image of continents of the Earth with low projection distortion. Such maps can be used for many purposes, such as presentation of tectonic plates or geographic discoveries.

The article presents most well known polyhedral maps, describes cartographic projections applied in their preparation, as well as contemporary examples of polyhedral maps. The method of preparation of a polyhedral map and a virtual polyhedral globe is also presented.
Preferred physical activity in the second and third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Skorupińska Agata , Bojarska-Hurnik Sylwia , Tyl Katarzyna
Published: February 2017

A necessary step for a woman prior to a planned conception is introducing vital changes into her lifestyle. First of all, if she spends the day mostly in the sitting position, she should try to change her way of life into a more active one. Inevitably, a low physical activity leads mostly to overweight, even obesity. Therefore, taking part in sports activities would help keep the right body mass level or lose weight. Overweight and obesity show a very negative impact on the menstrual cycle and ovulation, which might make conceiving a child rather difficult. Furthermore, the above mentioned points may also stand out as possible factors responsible for antenatal complications, including miscarriage. Staying active on a regular basis supports restoring the right ovulation timing, lowers the complications’ level and soothes possible ailments experienced by a woman.
Classification and elements of distal radius fractures treatment
Authors: Skorupińska Agata , Tora Magdalena , Bojarska-Hurnik Sylwia
Published: February 2017

The distal radius bone fracture most often affects elderly people, who trying to avoid injury, protect themselves by falling on the outstretched hand. The main risk factors are here: age, sex, osteoporotic changes as well as diet impoverished in calcium and vitamin D. In order to provide the patient with an appropriate treatment, one must concentrate on the fracture location. Such ailments like pain, parenthesis, decreased joint mobility, weakening of the muscle strength are experienced by patients even after having completed the treatment process. Very often these patients shall have significant problems with performing many everyday tasks, which in effect will make them victims dependent on the other. Unfortunately, despite the enormous medical progress, these fractures are still a vast socioeconomic problem. In addition, the patients are frequently afraid of a potential next fall which should be classified as a separate psychosocial problem, leading to isolation and a huge limitation of the social roles available to these patients.
Classification of athletes in light of the results of swimmers with locomotor disability obtained during the Paralympic Games in 2000-2012
Authors: Bednarczuk Grzegorz , Rutkowska Izabela , Skowroński Waldemar
Published: February 2017

Classification of athletes in disability sports aims to give athletes equal opportunities in competition. In most sport disciplines, athlete’s functional capabilities are taken into consideration and on this basis the athlete is classified into the appropriate sport class. The issue is relevant and it is an important direction of research undertaken in the field of disability sport. Assuming that sport results are resultants of athlete’s functional capabilities and level of training, the analysis of sports results obtained by athletes with disabilities, especially those obtained during major events, becomes the focus of research.

The aim of the analysis was to enable an assessment of the classification system in relation to the results obtained by swimmers in each sport class. For the analysis we used the official results in swimming in all styles at all distances, obtained during Paralympics Games in 2000-2012 by women and menwith locomotor disability. To assess the significance of differences in results between particular sport classes, the Mann–Whitney U test was used. The adopted level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

The results of the analysis indicate that the classification system for swimming differentiates competitors in terms of the results obtained. This refers mainly to men in particular sport classes, which may be an indicator of a high performance level in this sports discipline. In the case of women, no differences (in some cases) have been observed between the results obtained by athletes, especially between classes where swimmers with smaller functional deficits compete. This can serve as a reason for combining these classes, which could lead to the increase in sports performance level in women’s swimming.
The specificity of diving of the disabled
Authors: Patkiewicz Józef
Published: February 2017

The author describes the advantages of diving and its types. He specifies conditions affecting the extremity of diving. Moreover, he indicates additional problems, barriers, obstacles and limitations of diving for the disabled that result from a particular type of disability and the methods used to overcome them. Finally, he describes diving training systems that include persons with disabilities. The conclusion of the study is to determine the possibility and practice of diving by the disabled with various disabilities, even the most serious ones, and at various age.
Para-badminton – sport for people with disabilities
Authors: Janiaczyk Małgorzata
Published: February 2017

The article presents the fundamental information about para-badminton. It contains mostly information based on observations and experiences of the author and on few elaborations on this topic. Information also comes from elaborations regarding sport for disabled people doing similar sports games with racquets - tennis, table tennis and others. Classes and categories in para-badminton, rules, competitions, conditions and equipment necessary for the game as well as prostheses and sports wheelchairs used by players were presented. Moreover, the basis of parabadminton sports training was discussed. In order to facilitate understanding of the specificity of para-badminton, it was compared with regular badminton.
The most common causes of sudden cardiac death in athletes
Authors: Świerkosz Szymon , Nowak Zbigniew , Pacyna Anna
Published: February 2017

Competitive sport causes physiological changes called athlete’s heart. In most cases echocardiographic parameters return to normal after cessation of career. Sudden cardiac death may occur in persons with previously diagnosed or undiagnosed heart disease. Mortality is 1-3 people/100,000. The main reasons for death is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and commotio cordis. In cardiomyopathy coronary vasculature does not increase proportionately to heart mass. In the case of extreme physical effort areas of poor blood supply can cause dangerous arrhythmias. Commotio cordis is caused by by blunt trauma to the thorax, which induces ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest without structural damage.
Applying the Health Belief Model in Explaining the Stages of Exercise Change in Older Adults
Authors: Sas-Nowosielski Krzysztof , Hadzik Andrzej , Górna Joanna , Grabara Małgorzata
Published: February 2017

Introduction. The benefits of physical activity (PA) have been so well documented that there is no doubt about the significance of PA for personal and social health. Several theoretical models have been proposed with a view to understanding the phenomenon of PA and other health behaviours. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if and how the variables suggested in the Health Belief Model (HBM) determine physical activity stages of change in older adults. Material and methods. A total of 172 students of Universities of the Third Age aged 54 to 75 (mean = 62.89 ± 4.83) years agreed to participate in the study, filling out an anonymous survey measuring their stage of exercise change and determinants of health behaviours proposed by the HBM, including: perceived benefits of physical activity, perceived barriers to physical activity, perceived severity of diseases associated with sedentary lifestyle, perceived susceptibility to these diseases, and self-efficacy. Results. The results only partially support the hypothesis that the HBM predicts intentions and behaviours related to the physical activity of older adults. Only two variables were moderately-to-strongly related to stages of exercise change, namely perceived barriers and self-efficacy. Conclusion. Interventions aimed at informing older adults about the benefits of physical activity and the threats associated with sedentary lifestyle can be expected to have rather a weak influence on their readiness for physical activity.
Investigating Meaning in Experimental Semiotics
Authors: Roberts Gareth , Galantucci Bruno
Published: February 2017

Experimental semiotics is a new discipline developed over the last decade to study human communication. Studies within this discipline typically involve people creating novel signs by associating signals with meanings. Here we suggest ways this discipline can be used to shed light on how people create and communicate meaning. First we present observations drawn from studies in which participants not only construct novel signals, but also have considerable freedom over what these signals refer to. These studies offer intriguing insight on non-saussurian signs (where a single unit of meaning is associated with different signals), communicative egocentricity, private and public meaning, and the distinction between meaningful and meaningless units in linguistic structure, that is between morphemes and phonemes (or analogous entities). We then present a novel quantitative approach to determining the extent to which a signal unit is meaningful, and illustrate its use with data from a study in which participants construct signals to refer to predetermined meanings. Aside from these specific contributions, we show more generally how challenging investigating meaning in Experimental Semiotics is, but we argue that this reflects the difficulties we must face when studying meaning, outside the lab as well as in it.
Testing the Endowment Effect for Default Rules
Authors: Marcin Isabel , Nicklisch Andreas
Published: February 2017

This paper explores potential endowment effects of contractual default rules. For this purpose, we analyze the Hadley liability default clause in a model of bilateral bargaining of lotteries against safe options. The liability default clause determines the right for the safe payoff option. We test the model in series of laboratory experiments. The results reveal a substantial willingness-to-accept to willingness-to-pay gap for the right to change lotteries against safe options. Even if we apply the incentive compatible Becker-DeGroot-Marschak value elicitation mechanism, there is a significant gap indicating a robust endowment effect caused by default rules. Differences of expected values of the lotteries and the safe options consistently decrease the gaps. Implications for applications of default rules in the law are discussed.
IL-6 gene polymorphisms and sepsis in icu adult romanian patients: a prospective study
Authors: Georgescu Anca Meda , Bănescu Claudia , Badea Iudita , Moldovan Valeriu , Huțanu Adina , Voidăzan Septimiu , Dobreanu Minodora , Azamfirei Leonard
Published: February 2017

Objectives: The goal of the study was to investigate the correlations between the interleukin-6 IL-6 -174 G/C and IL-6 -572 G/C gene polymorphisms and sepsis risk and severity in adult ICU patients.

Materials and Methods: We prospectively assessed 107 septic patients and divided them into two subgroups: organ dysfunction-free sepsis subgroup S (n=60) and septic shock subgroup SS (n=47). A control group of 96 healthy individuals was included. Both patients and controls underwent IL-6 -174 G/C and -572 G/C genotyping and circulating IL-6 in the study group which were measured from samples taken in the first day of sepsis diagnosis.

Results: No differences in the genotype frequencies of the two polymorphisms between study and control groups were identified. The GC genotype and C allele of IL-6 -572 G/C gene polymorphism was statistically significant more frequent in the organ dysfunction-free subgroup (p=0.01, p=0.004 respectively). No statistically significant differences for the IL-6 -174 G/C gene polymorphism were found between the two sepsis subgroups. Circulating IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the septic shock subgroup and among patients with GG genotypes of both studied polymorphisms.

Conclusion: We underline the possible role of IL-6 -572 G/C as a marker of severe evolution. There is no evidence of a direct role of IL-6 -174 G/C gene polymorphism in sepsis risk and outcome. Il-6 levels are correlated with sepsis severity but not with variant genotype of investigated IL-6 gene polymorphisms.
Evaluation of c677t and a1298c polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene as a maternal risk factor for trisomy 21 (a monocentric study)
Authors: Bucerzan Simona , Popp Radu Anghel , Vlad Raluca Maria , Lazea Cecilia , Nicolaescu Radu , Grigorescu-Sido Paula
Published: February 2017

Aim: To assess the risk for trisomy 21 in children, depending on the polymorphisms C677T and A1298C of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in mothers.

Methods: For 93 mothers who have children with trisomy 21 and 202 mothers of healthy children (control group), genotyping of MTHFR polymorphisms C677T and A1298C was performed.

Results: For each polymorphism, three genotypes were identified (normal homozygous, heterozygous and mutant homozygous). For the polymorphism C677T, the frequencies of the three genotypes (CC, CT and TT) were 50.5%, 40.8% and 8.6% in mothers of children with trisomy 21, versus 42.6%, 46% and 11.4% in mothers of healthy children, with no statistically significant differences. The frequency of the polymorphism A1298C was not statistically significant between the two groups for the genotype (AA) (48.4% vs 56.4%) or the genotype (AC) (39.8% vs 38.6%), but the genotype TT was more frequent in mothers of children with trisomy 21 (11.8% vs 4.9%; p = 0.033; OR = 2.57).

Conclusion: Women with genotype CC for the polymorphism A1298C of the MTHFR gene have a 2.57 times higher risk of offspring with trisomy 21.
Taxonomic Structure of Nematode Communities of Epiphytic Mosses in Green Plantations of Chernihiv, Ukraine
Authors: Shevchenko V. L. , Zhylina T. M.
Published: February 2017

In the city of Chernihiv, nematodes of epiphytic mosses were studied for the fi rst time. 40 nematode species belonging to 30 genera, 20 families and 8 orders were revealed. Most of the identifi ed species belonged to the order Rhabditida: 12 species or 30 % of total number. Nematodes of the order Plectida were the most abundant in the studied communities, they composed 61.21 % of total specimens collected. Nine species: Plectus parietinus (Bastian, 1865) Paramonov, 1964, Mesodorylaimus bastiani (Butschli, 1873), Geomonhystera villosa Butschli, 1837, Tylocephalus auriculatus (Butschli, 1873) Anderson, 1966, Aphelenchoides composticola Franklin, 1957, Panagrolaimus rigidus (Schneider, 1866) Thorne, 1937, Eudorylaimus circulifera Loof 1961, Plectus parvus (Bastian, 1865) Paramonov, 1964, Laimaphelenchus penardi (Steiner, 1914) Filipjev et Sch. Stek., 1941 constituted the core of nematode communities in epiphytic mosses.
Review of Metanotal Sculpture of Aphidiine Wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae)
Authors: Kaliuzhna M. O.
Published: February 2017

Morphological data on metanotal sculpture of aphidiine wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae), are reviewed based on the specimens collected in Ukraine. Specimens of 20 species of 13 genera were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. Differences in menatonal morphology appear diagnostic for some genera or generic groups, such as tribes and subtribes. Seven general types of metanotal sculpture were distinguished. The proposed diagnostic characters are: the relative proportions of the metanotum and its parts (metascutellum, metascutellar arms), the shape and setation of the metascutellum, the number and form of the carinae arising from the base of metascutellum toward the mesoscutellum. To facilitate describing the structure of the metanotum in Aphidiinae, following measurements were established: the length and width of the metanotum and the metascutellum, the length of the metascutellar arms. The discovered characters could be used as additional diagnostic tools for aphidiine identification, and perhaps also in studies on their evolution and phylogeny.
Pecular Features of Hematopoiesis in the Liver of Mature and Immature Green Frogs (Pelophylax Esculentus Complex)
Authors: Akulenko N. M.
Published: February 2017

The article describes characteristic features of the hematopoiesis in mature and immature green frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex). Quantitative differences in liver myelograms were insignificant. However, in a sample of mature animals numerous significant correlations between the number of pigment inclusions in the liver and indicators of erythropoiesis and myelopoiesis were observed. Those correlations were absent in the immature frogs. We concluded that aft er the frogs’ breeding a lack of plastic resources, in particular, hemosiderin remains up to the hibernation.
Neural Representation and Causal Models in Motor Cortex
Authors: Chaisanguanthum Kris S. , Shen Helen H. , Sabes Philip N.
Published: February 2017

Dorsal premotor (PMd) and primary motor (M1) cortices play a central role in mapping sensation to movement. Many studies of these areas have focused on correlation-based tuning curves relating neural activity to task or movement parameters, but the link between tuning and movement generation is unclear. We recorded motor preparatory activity from populations of neurons in PMd/M1 as macaque monkeys performed a visually guided reaching task and show that tuning curves for sensory inputs (reach target direction) and motor outputs (initial movement direction) are not typically aligned. We then used a simple, causal model to determine the expected relationship between sensory and motor tuning. The model shows that movement variability is minimized when output neurons (those that directly drive movement) have target and movement tuning that are linearly related across targets and cells. In contrast, for neurons that only affect movement via projections to output neurons, the relationship between target and movement tuning is determined by the pattern of projections to output neurons and may even be uncorrelated, as was observed for the PMd/M1 population as a whole. We therefore determined the relationship between target and movement tuning for subpopulations of cells defined by the temporal duration of their spike waveforms, which may distinguish cell types. We found a strong correlation between target and movement tuning for only a subpopulation of neurons with intermediate spike durations (trough-to-peak ∼350 μs after high-pass filtering), suggesting that these cells have the most direct role in driving motor output.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThis study focuses on how macaque premotor and primary motor cortices transform sensory inputs into motor outputs. We develop empirical and theoretical links between causal models of this transformation and more traditional, correlation-based “tuning curve” analyses. Contrary to common assumptions, we show that sensory and motor tuning curves for premovement preparatory activity do not generally align. Using a simple causal model, we show that tuning-curve alignment is only expected for output neurons that drive movement. Finally, we identify a physiologically defined subpopulation of neurons with strong tuning-curve alignment, suggesting that it contains a high concentration of output cells. This study demonstrates how analysis of movement variability, combined with simple causal models, can uncover the circuit structure of sensorimotor transformations.
Enhanced Sensitivity to Hyperpolarizing Inhibition in Mesoaccumbal Relative to Nigrostriatal Dopamine Neuron Subpopulations
Authors: Tarfa Rahilla A. , Evans Rebekah C. , Khaliq Zayd M.
Published: February 2017

Midbrain dopamine neurons recordedin vivopause their firing in response to reward omission and aversive stimuli. While the initiation of pauses typically involves synaptic or modulatory input, intrinsic membrane properties may also enhance or limit hyperpolarization, raising the question of how intrinsic conductances shape pauses in dopamine neurons. Using retrograde labeling and electrophysiological techniques combined with computational modeling, we examined the intrinsic conductances that shape pauses evoked by current injections and synaptic stimulation in subpopulations of dopamine neurons grouped according to their axonal projections to the nucleus accumbens or dorsal striatum in mice. Testing across a range of conditions and pulse durations, we found that mesoaccumbal and nigrostriatal neurons differ substantially in rebound properties with mesoaccumbal neurons displaying significantly longer delays to spiking following hyperpolarization. The underlying mechanism involves an inactivating potassium (IA) current with decay time constants of up to 225 ms, and small-amplitude hyperpolarization-activated currents (IH), characteristics that were most often observed in mesoaccumbal neurons. Pharmacological block of IAcompletely abolished rebound delays and, importantly, shortened synaptically evoked inhibitory pauses, thereby demonstrating the involvement of A-type potassium channels in prolonging pauses evoked by GABAergic inhibition. Therefore, these results show that mesoaccumbal and nigrostriatal neurons display differential responses to hyperpolarizing inhibitory stimuli that favors a higher sensitivity to inhibition in mesoaccumbal neurons. These findings may explain, in part, observations fromin vivoexperiments that ventral tegmental area neurons tend to exhibit longer aversive pauses relative to SNc neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur study examines rebound, postburst, and synaptically evoked inhibitory pauses in subpopulations of midbrain dopamine neurons. We show that pauses in dopamine neuron firing, evoked by either stimulation of GABAergic inputs or hyperpolarizing current injections, are enhanced by a subclass of potassium conductances that are recruited at voltages below spike threshold. Importantly, A-type potassium currents recorded in mesoaccumbal neurons displayed substantially slower inactivation kinetics, which, combined with weaker expression of hyperpolarization-activated currents, lengthened hyperpolarization-induced delays in spiking relative to nigrostriatal neurons. These results suggest that input integration differs among dopamine neurons favoring higher sensitivity to inhibition in mesoaccumbal neurons and may partially explainin vivoobservations that ventral tegmental area neurons exhibit longer aversive pauses relative to SNc neurons.
Activity-Induced Synaptic Structural Modifications by an Activator of Integrin Signaling at theDrosophilaNeuromuscular Junction
Authors: Lee Joo Yeun , Geng Junhua , Lee Juhyun , Wang Andrew R. , Chang Karen T.
Published: February 2017

Activity-induced synaptic structural modification is crucial for neural development and synaptic plasticity, but the molecular players involved in this process are not well defined. Here, we report that a protein named Shriveled (Shv) regulates synaptic growth and activity-dependent synaptic remodeling at theDrosophilaneuromuscular junction. Depletion of Shv causes synaptic overgrowth and an accumulation of immature boutons. We find that Shv physically and genetically interacts with βPS integrin. Furthermore, Shv is secreted during intense, but not mild, neuronal activity to acutely activate integrin signaling, induce synaptic bouton enlargement, and increase postsynaptic glutamate receptor abundance. Consequently, loss of Shv prevents activity-induced synapse maturation and abolishes post-tetanic potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity. Our data identify Shv as a novel trans-synaptic signal secreted upon intense neuronal activity to promote synapse remodeling through integrin receptor signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe ability of neurons to rapidly modify synaptic structure in response to neuronal activity, a process called activity-induced structural remodeling, is crucial for neuronal development and complex brain functions. The molecular players that are important for this fundamental biological process are not well understood. Here we show that the Shriveled (Shv) protein is required during development to maintain normal synaptic growth. We further demonstrate that Shv is selectively released during intense neuronal activity, but not mild neuronal activity, to acutely activate integrin signaling and trigger structural modifications at theDrosophilaneuromuscular junction. This work identifies Shv as a key modulator of activity-induced structural remodeling and suggests that neurons use distinct molecular cues to differentially modulate synaptic growth and remodeling to meet synaptic demand.
A meta-analysis of prognostic roles of molecular markers in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Vuong Huy Gia , Duong Uyen N P , Altibi Ahmed M A , Ngo Hanh T T , Pham Thong Quang , Tran Hung Minh , Gandolfi Greta , Hassell Lewis
Published: February 2017

The prognostic role of molecular markers in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a matter of ongoing debate. The aim of our study is to investigate the impact of RAS, BRAF, TERT promoter mutations and RET/PTC rearrangements on the prognosis of PTC patients. We performed a search in four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library (VHL). Data of hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for disease-specific survival (DSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were directly obtained from original papers or indirectly estimated from Kaplan–Meier curve (KMC). Pooled HRs were calculated using random-effect model weighted by inverse variance method. Publication bias was assessed by using Egger’s regression test and visual inspection of funnel plots. From 2630 studies, we finally included 35 studies with 17,732 patients for meta-analyses. TERT promoter mutation was significantly associated with unfavorable DSS (HR = 7.64; 95% CI = 4.00–14.61) and DFS (HR = 2.98; 95% CI = 2.27–3.92). BRAF mutations significantly increased the risk for recurrence (HR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.27–2.10) but not for cancer mortality (HR = 1.41; 95% CI = 0.90–2.23). In subgroup analyses, BRAF mutation only showed its prognostic value in short-/medium-term follow-up. Data regarding RAS mutations and RET/PTC fusions were insufficient for meta-analyses. TERT promoter mutation can be used as an independent and reliable marker for risk stratification and predicting patient’s outcomes. The use of BRAF mutation to assess patient prognosis should be carefully considered.
The EORTC module for quality of life in patients with thyroid cancer: phase III
Authors: Singer Susanne , Jordan Susan , Locati Laura D , Pinto Monica , Tomaszewska Iwona M , Araújo Cláudia , Hammerlid Eva , Vidhubala E , Husson Olga , Kiyota Naomi , Brannan Christine , Salem Dina , Gamper Eva M , Arraras Juan Ignacio , Ioannidis Georgios , Andry Guy , Inhestern Johanna , Grégoire Vincent , Licitra Lisa , _ _
Published: February 2017

The purpose of the study was to pilot-test a questionnaire measuring health-related quality of life (QoL) in thyroid cancer patients to be used with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30. A provisional questionnaire with 47 items was administered to patients treated for thyroid cancer within the last 2 years. Patients were interviewed about time and help needed to complete the questionnaire, and whether they found the items understandable, confusing or annoying. Items were kept in the questionnaire if they fulfilled pre-defined criteria: relevant to the patients, easy to understand, not confusing, few missing values, neither floor nor ceiling effects, and high variance. A total of 182 thyroid cancer patients in 15 countries participated (n = 115 with papillary, n = 31 with follicular, n = 22 with medullary, n = 6 with anaplastic, and n = 8 with other types of thyroid cancer). Sixty-six percent of the patients needed 15 min or less to complete the questionnaire. Of the 47 items, 31 fulfilled the predefined criteria and were kept unchanged, 14 were removed, and 2 were changed. Shoulder dysfunction was mentioned by 5 patients as missing and an item covering this issue was added. To conclude, the EORTC quality of life module for thyroid cancer (EORTC QLQ-THY34) is ready for the final validation phase IV.
The Determination Factors of Left-Right Asymmetry Disorders - a Short Review
Authors: Catana Andreea , Apostu Adina Patricia
Published: February 2017

Laterality defects in humans, situs inversus and heterotaxy, are rare disorders, with an incidence of 1:8000 to 1:10 000 in the general population, and a multifactorial etiology. It has been proved that 1.44/10 000 of all cardiac problems are associated with malformations of left-right asymmetry and heterotaxy accounts for 3% of all congenital heart defects. It is considered that defects of situs appear due to genetic and environmental factors. Also, there is evidence that the ciliopathies (defects of structure or function) are involved in development abnormalities. Over 100 genes have been reported to be involved in left-right patterning in model organisms, but only a few are likely to candidate for left-right asymmetry defects in humans. Left-right asymmetry disorders are genetically heterogeneous and have variable manifestations (from asymptomatic to serious clinical problems). The discovery of the right mechanism of left-right development will help explain the clinical complexity and may contribute to a therapy of these disorders.
Cutaneous nocardiosis manifesting as a frontal mass in a patient with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Briciu Violeta Tincuta , Flonta Mirela , Lupse Mihaela , Damian Laura
Published: February 2017

We report the case of a subcutaneous abscess due to Nocardia spp. mimicking a spontaneous hematoma or an aneurysm of the temporal artery branch, in a giant cell arteritis patient treated with methylprednisolone and azathioprine. Ultrasonography, incision and drainage with cultures helped in the diagnosis.This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens in immunosuppressed patients, besides the more frequent disease complications.
Discriminative Role of Brachial Artery Doppler Parameters in Correlation with Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Çildağ Burak Mehmet , Köseoğlu Kutsi Ömer Faruk
Published: February 2017

Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the flow volume and resistive index parameters of the brachial artery in the functioning and dysfunctioning radiocephalic and brachiocephalic hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula (AVF).Methods. 82 patients were distributed into three groups according to their hemodialysis function - as normal function, decreased pump flow and increased venous pressure. Flow volumes and resistive indexes (RI) of the brachial artery of radiocephalic and brachiocephalic AVFs were measured by Doppler ultrasound. Flow parameters of the groups were compared. Results. A statistically significant difference was found between the normal and decreased pump flow groups in terms of flow volume and resistive index values. 770 ml/min flow volume of the brachial artery has a 94% sensitivity and 84% specificity and 0.52 value of RI has an 89% sensitivity and 88% specificity in the the differentiation of normal and decreased pump flow groups.Conclusion. Doppler parameters of the brachial artery such as flow volume and RI can provide valuable information about AVF function.
Oil palm development and forced displacement in Colombia: causal or spurious?
Authors: Hurtado Lozano Monica , Pereira Villa Catherine María , Villa Pérez Edgar
Published: February 2017

This article analyses whether forced displacement in the Magdalena Department (Colombia) between 2000-2010 was caused not only by the intensity of the armed conflict but also by the growth of the palm agribusiness. We find that a seven percentage point increase in the area used to produce palm per municipality caused an increase of a third of a standard deviation in the rate of forced displacement. These calculations were made on average and after controlling for armed conflict. We rationalize this finding by the fact that the development of the palm oil agribusiness caused displacement due to its land-intensive technology, increasing international prices combined with government subsidies, and the process was aided by paramilitary activities in the region.
Pensar las infancias desde la fisioterapia en el contexto de las violencias en Colombia: una acción desde la reflexividad
Authors: Niño-Hernández César Augusto , Grimaldos-Pérez Lina Mercedes
Published: February 2017

La violencia en el mundo contemporáneo es un fenómeno ubicuo. Cada día los contextos sociales son permeados por la multiplicidad de expresiones de los actos violentos, llamando a los diferentes sectores de la sociedad, los agentes sociales y cada ciudadano a enfrentar las atrocidades que estos producen. Sin embargo, más que una tarea asistencialista para restituir los derechos de las víctimas y atender las secuelas y huellas que van dejando estas violencias, el desafío de los fisioterapeutas es pensar y actuar hacia la potencialización de las capacidades humanas y sociales, camino a una sociedad en paz. En ese sentido, este trabajo pretende despertar la sensibilidad social de los fisioterapeutas y considerar la deconstrucción de su objeto de estudio, como una posibilidad de resistencia que plantee cuestiones críticas y reinvente la fisioterapia de forma afirmativa y performativa. Para lograrlo, el escrito recorre algunas bases filosóficas que muestran elementos de análisis, a fin de estudiar la relación entre la profesión y las violencias que se ejercen sobre los niños y las niñas. Finalmente, se abren horizontes para la comprensión de la praxis profesional que pueden ampliar y complementar su perspectiva sobre el movimiento corporal humano, caracterizada por ser funcionalista, reduccionista, instrumental y objetivante.
Medidas de presión inspiratoria y espiratoria máxima en sujetos activos y sedentarios
Authors: Hernández-Álvarez Edgar Debray , Rodríguez-Medina Carmen Lilia , Guzmán-David Cristian Arvey , Ortiz-González Deisy Carolina , Rico-Barrera Angélica Viviana
Published: February 2017

Introducción. La actividad física regular se asocia con valores máximos de presión en los procesos de inspiración y espiración en personas activas, a diferencia de las sedentarias. Objetivo. Describir los valores de fuerza muscular respiratoria en sujetos activos y sedentarios de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal en estudiantes activos y sedentarios de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Se realizó una entrevista a los participantes relativa a la realización de actividad física, medidas antropométricas, presión inspiratoria y espiratoria máxima con medidor Dwyer Series 477. El análisis de las variables se llevó a cabo mediante el software IBM SPSS Statistics versión 20.0. Resultados. Los valores promedio de presión inspiratoria y espiratoria no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en estudiantes activos, en comparación con los sedentarios (p<0.005). Los valores promedio y desviación estándar para presión inspiratoria máxima fueron: activos 108.08±23.53, sedentarios 102.08±19.95, mientras que para espiratoria: activos 106.55±27.87 y sedentarios 107.34±23.38. Conclusión. El presente estudio reporta diferencias significativas entre los valores de presión inspiratoria y espiratoria máxima de acuerdo al género, siendo mayores en los hombres (p<0.001). No se observaron diferencias significativas en los valores de presión de estudiantes activos frente a los sedentarios.