bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Changes and Brain Volume Reduction in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Filipović Branka , Marković Olivera , Đurić Vesna , Filipović Branislav
Published: February 2018

Studies of psychological condition of patients suffering from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are rather equivocal about the results: while some claim that NAFLD patients suffer from anxiety and depression more than non-NAFLD controls, others do not withstand those findings. Lower cognitive potentials have also been reported, both in patient related and in animal model-based investigations, and correlated with assessed brain tissue changes. We hypothesized that NAFLD, as a condition, affects the brain tissue and, subsequently, the cognitive state. So we compared findings in 40 NAFLD positive and 36 NAFLD negative patients and correlated their brain tissue volumes with the results of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Binomial logistic regression verified the influence of NAFLD state leading to lower cognitive potentials: odds ratio 0.096; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.032–0.289;p<0.001. Patients with NAFLD had a greater risk to suffer from the cognitive impairment and depression: RR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.815–8.381;p=0.0005and RR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.16–2.36;p=0.006. NAFLD significantly influenced the cognitive deficit and tissue volume reduction and patients suffering from NAFLD had about four times higher risk of having a cognitive impairment.
Upregulated EBI3 Correlates with Poor Outcome and Tumor Progression in Breast Cancer
Authors: Jiang Jinyan , Liu Xiangyong
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim: So far, the understanding of the role of Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) in breast cancer has been limited. This study uncovers the functional role and clinical significance of EBI3 in breast cancer patients. Patients and Methods: The expression levels of EBI3, IL-27p28, and IL-12p35 were measured by quantitative real-time reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Correlations of EBI3 expression with IL-27p28 and IL-12p35 expression were analyzed using Pearson's correlation assay. The prognostic performance of EBI3 was assessed via Kaplan-Meier survival assay and Cox regression analysis. Results:EBI3 expression was increased in cancerous tissues compared with the controls (P < 0.05). This overexpression of EBI3 was correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage (both P < 0.05). Besides, elevated expression of EBI3 was usually found in patients with positive lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), and similar results were obtained in advanced clinical-stage breast cancer cases (P < 0.05). Increases in both IL-27p28 and IL-12p35 expression were identified in breast cancer tissues (all P < 0.05), and IL-12p35 expression was found to be associated with EBI3 expression (R = 0.888, P < 0.001). Survival curves revealed that high EBI3 expression was correlated with poor overall survival (log-rank P < 0.05). The Cox analysis indicated that EBI3 was an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer. Conclusion: Taken together, overexpression of EBI3 was associated with poor prognosis and might be involved in the progression of breast cancer.
Shifting from Oral Contraceptives to Norethisterone Acetate, or Vice Versa, because of Drug Intolerance: Does the Change Benefit Women with Endometriosis?
Authors: Vercellini Paolo , Ottolini Federica , Frattaruolo Maria Pina , Buggio Laura , Roberto Anna , Somigliana Edgardo
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Oral contraceptives (OC) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) are among first-line medical therapies for symptomatic endometriosis, but their use is sometimes associated with intolerable side effects. We investigated whether shifting from low-dose OC to NETA (2.5 mg/day), or vice versa, improved tolerability. Methods: Sixty-seven women willing to discontinue their treatment because of intolerable side effects despite good pain relief, were enrolled in a self-controlled study, and shifted from OC to NETA (n = 35) or from NETA to OC (n = 32). The main study outcome was satisfaction with treatment 12 months after the change. Tolerability, pain symptoms, health-related quality of life, psychological status, and sexual functioning were also evaluated. Results: After treatment change, good tolerability was reported by 37% of participants who shifted to NETA, and by 52% of those who shifted to OC. At 12-month assessment, 51% of women intolerant to OC were satisfied with NETA, and 65% of those intolerant to NETA were satisfied with OC (intention-to-treat analysis). Other study variables did not vary substantially. Conclusions: In selected endometriosis patients, shifting from OC to NETA, or vice versa, because of side effects, improved tolerability. Better results were observed when substituting NETA with OC rather than the other way round.
Cognitive Blackouts in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Dementia
Authors: Adler Georg , Marczak Agnies , Binder Jana
Published: February 2018

Background: Cognitive blackouts, e.g. moments of amnesia, disorientation, or perplexity may be an early sign of incipient Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). A short questionnaire, the checklist for cognitive blackouts (CCB), was evaluated cross-sectionally in users of a memory clinic. Methods: The CCB was performed in 130 subjects, who further underwent a neuropsychological and clinical examination. Subjective memory impairment and depressive symptoms were assessed. Differences in the CCB score between diagnostic groups and relationships with cognitive performance, depression, and subjective memory impairment were analyzed. Results: The CCB score was increased in mild cognitive impairment of the amnestic type or mild AD and correctly predicted 69.2% of the respective subjects. It was negatively correlated with cognitive performance, positively correlated with depressive symptoms, and substantially increased in subjects who estimated their memory poorer than that of other persons of their age. Discussion: The CCB may be a helpful screening tool for the early recognition of AD.
Atypia of Undetermined Significance in Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspirations: Follow-Up and Outcome Experience in Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Erivwo Polycarp , Ghosh Chandrani
Published: February 2018

Introduction: The rates of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and malignant outcomes have been estimated at < 7% and 5–15%, respectively. Initial AUS diagnosis is followed up clinically with serial ultrasounds, repeat FNA, molecular testing, or direct surgery. We investigated the incidence, follow-up modalities, and final outcomes of AUS in Newfoundland. Methods: All cases of AUS diagnosed at the Eastern Health Cytology Laboratory between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2013 were identified. Electronic medical records were examined for follow-up modalities and final histologic diagnosis. The final outcomes were reported as benign, malignant, or undetermined. Results: Out of 3,285 thyroid FNAs, 181 (5.5%) were AUS. Fifty-seven (31.5%) had repeat FNA diagnosed as benign (38.6%), AUS (29.8%), or suspicious/malignant (8.8%). Eighty-four (46.4%) had surgery after the first AUS diagnosis, 39 (46.4%) of which were malignant. Twenty-four patients (13.3%) were followed up by serial ultrasound only, 2 (1.1%) by molecular testing, and 1 (0.6%) died of unrelated disease. Thirteen (7.2%) had no follow-up record. Our malignancy rate (MR) was 29.8%. Conclusion: The MR in our population was higher than the rate proposed by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Repeat FNA can reduce the rate of unnecessary surgeries, but practice guidelines should consider individual and institutional circumstances. The ratio MR:ADR (AUS diagnostic rate) may be a better indicator of performance.
Chronic Prenatal Hypoxia Down-Regulated BK Channel Β1 Subunits in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells of the Offspring
Authors: Liu Bailin , Liu Yanping , Shi Ruixiu , Feng Xueqin , Li Xiang , Zhang Wenna , Wu Jue , Li Na , Zhou Xiuwen , Sun Miao , Xu Zhice
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Chronic hypoxia in utero could impair vascular functions in the offspring, underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study investigated functional alteration in large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels in offspring mesenteric arteries following prenatal hypoxia. Methods: Pregnant rats were exposed to normoxic control (21% O2, Con) or hypoxic (10.5% O2, Hy) conditions from gestational day 5 to 21, their 7-month-old adult male offspring were tested for blood pressure, vascular BK channel functions and expression using patch clamp and wire myograh technique, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. Results: Prenatal hypoxia increased pressor responses and vasoconstrictions to phenylephrine in the offspring. Whole-cell currents density of BK channels and amplitude of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), not the frequency, were significantly reduced in Hy vascular myocytes. The sensitivity of BK channels to voltage, Ca2+, and tamoxifen were reduced in Hy myocytes, whereas the number of channels per patch and the single-channel conductance were unchanged. Prenatal hypoxia impaired NS1102- and tamoxifen-mediated relaxation in mesenteric arteries precontracted with phenylephrine in the presence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. The mRNA and protein expression of BK channel β1, not the α-subunit, was decreased in Hy mesenteric arteries. Conclusions: Impaired BK channel β1-subunits in vascular smooth muscle cells contributed to vascular dysfunction in the offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia.
Intervention Program With Games: Theory And Practice
Authors: Souza Maria Thereza C. de , Petty Ana Lucia
Published: February 2018

O objetivo deste estudo teórico foi contextualizar o programa de intervenção do LEDA (Laboratório de Estudos sobre Desenvolvimento e Aprendizagem do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo) em termos de fundamentação teórica e atividades práticas com jogos para crianças com dificuldades escolares. A primeira é pautada na teoria de Piaget e em pesquisas contemporâneas sobre o uso de jogos e suas implicações para o desenvolvimento humano. A análise da prática se refere ao trabalho desenvolvido nos últimos 25 anos em que o laboratório ofereceu atividades para crianças do Ensino Fundamental 1, atendidas uma vez por semana, durante três semestres. Para isso, são utilizados protocolos que registram procedimentos manifestados em diferentes momentos do jogar, bem como registros de atitudes e informações fornecidas pelas famílias e professores dos participantes. Tais dados resultaram na construção de um quadro que representa uma síntese da amplitude do programa de intervenção. Pesquisas recentes realizadas no contexto das atividades sugerem que intervir com jogos favorece o interesse, a autonomia e o aprimoramento das funções executivas. Concluiu-se que este programa confere aos participantes a possibilidade de construir atitudes favoráveis ao desenvolvimento e à aprendizagem, atuando como protagonistas no ambiente escolar e em suas atividades cotidianas.
Taking Care of the Caregiver: Student's Perceptions on Extension Project
Authors: Sousa José Henrique Dias de , Oliveira Stefanie Griebeler , Porto Adrize Rutz , Tristão Fernanda Sant’ana , Sartor Silvia Francine
Published: February 2018

Objetivamos conhecer a percepção de acadêmicos de enfermagem e terapia ocupacional em relação aos sentimentos despertados durante a atuação no Projeto de Extensão “Um olhar sobre o cuidador familiar: quem cuida merece ser cuidado”. Trata-se de um relato de experiência, produzido a partir do projeto desenvolvido no período de junho de 2015 a dezembro de 2016, o qual realizou quatro encontros com cuidadores familiares de pacientes vinculados ao Programa Melhor em Casa ou ao Programa de Internação Domiciliar Interdisciplinar. Os dados foram extraídos dos registros realizados nas fichas dos cuidadores em janeiro de 2017 e aproximados de forma temática. Surgiram quatro categorias que compreendem as percepções dos acadêmicos que apresentaram sentimentos ou situações semelhantes entre si: percepções de vínculo com os cuidadores familiares; sentimentos vivenciados pelos acadêmicos ao cuidar de cuidadores; o olhar acadêmico sobre o cuidador familiar e saberes além da graduação. É comum o aparecimento de diversos sentimentos nos relatos dos acadêmicos, sobretudo os que se compadecem ou preocupam-se com a situação vivida pelo cuidador. Concluímos que o vínculo produzido com os cuidadores através da prestação do cuidado mostra a relevância do projeto de extensão na formação acadê- mica, permitindo a manutenção de questões já vistas na graduação.
First report of rust fungi Puccinia duthiae on Dichanthium foveolatum from India
Authors: Pawar S. D. , Thite S. V. , Kadam A. S. , Kore B. A.
Published: February 2018

Uredinial and telial stages of rust pathogen Puccinia duthiae are described on a new host grass species, Dichanthium foveolatum, for the first time from a range of the Western Ghats in Satara District, Maharashtra, India.
Addition to the Documentation of Lepidoptera Fauna of Himalaya - A Book review of “Butterflies of Uttarakhand”
Authors: Subramanian K. A.
Published: February 2018

Butterflies of Uttarakhand - A Field Guide-- Sanjay Sondhi & Krushnamegh Kunte Date of publication: 2018Published: M/s Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh (Dehradun), Titli Trust (Dehradun), National Centre for Biological Sciences (Bengaluru) & Indian Foundation for Butterflies (Bengaluru). Pages: x+310pp
Sticherus holttumii (Gleicheniaceae, Polypodiopsida), a new species from Brazil, and the first Brazilian record of Sticherus brevitomentosus
Authors: LIMA LUCAS VIEIRA , SALINO ALEXANDRE
Published: February 2018

Sticherus holttumii, a new species from Brazil, is here described, illustrated, and compared to its most similar species. Additionally, S. brevitomentosus is recorded for the first time in Brazil, based on a recent collection from Pico da Neblina National Park. We also provide an identification key to all species of Sticherus from the Brazilian Amazon.
Hieracium jurassicum subsp. serrapretense (Asteraceae), a new hawkweed taxon from the Pollino National Park (southern Italy)
Authors: DI GRISTINA EMILIO , GOTTSCHLICH GÜNTER , SCAFIDI FILIPPO
Published: February 2018

A new hawkweed taxon endemic to the Pollino National Park (southern Italy), Hieracium jurassicum subsp. serrapretense, is described and illustrated. Information on its morphology, distribution, ecology and taxonomic relationship is provided.
A new freshwater alga, Ulvella shanxiensis (Chlorophyta) described from China
Authors: SU HANG , NAN FANG-RU , LV JUN-PING , LIU QI , XIE SHU-LIAN , FENG JIA
Published: February 2018

A new freshwater alga species of Ulvella shanxiensis, is found in the circulating neutral water spring in China (Shanxi Province), growing epilithic and epiphytic on other substrates. This new species is characterized by olive-green, disc-shaped hollow thallus with irregularly vesicular morphology, which composed of 2–3 layers cells. Most characteristics were in agreement with Ulvella, but distinguished from the other freshwater members by thalli dimensions and cell diameter. In addition to describing the morphological structures of U. shanxiensis in detail, phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of the rbcL and 18S rDNA gene placed the algae in single clade with two samples, and demonstrated the separation between U. shanxiensis and other Ulvella species with a considerable sequence distance. Comparing with U. bullata, the internal transcribed spacer secondary structure of the new species has some compensatory base changes in 1 Helix and hemi-CBCs in 2–3 Helix, differed in several ways from that of other Ulvella algae. Consequently, these results of morphological observation and phylogenetic analysis suggest this alga as a new species, and bring a new record in the total number of recognized freshwater Ulvella species in China.
Molecular phylogenetics and taxonomy of dwarf hamsters Cricetulus Milne-Edwards, 1867 (Cricetidae, Rodentia): description of a new genus and reinstatement of another
Authors: LEBEDEV V.S. , BANNIKOVA A.A. , NEUMANN K. , USHAKOVA M.V. , IVANOVA N.V. , SUROV A.V.
Published: February 2018

The taxonomy of the genus Cricetulus has been controversial. The phylogenetic relationships both within the genus and among Cricetulus lineages and other genera were examined using a set of five nuclear and two mitochondrial genes. The results demonstrate that Cricetulus in its current treatment is a polyphyletic assemblage because the subgenus Urocricetus is phylogenetically unrelated to all other Cricetulus and is a distant sister group to Phodopus. The grey hamster (C. migratorius) proved to be closer to Cricetus and Allocricetulus than to Cricetulus proper, which includes C. barabensis C. sokolovi and C. longicaudatus. Based on these results Urocricetus is elevated to the rank of a full genus and a new genus Nothocricetulus gen.nov. is described for the grey hamster.
Maternal Experiences of Transitioning Their Emerging Adult With Type 1 Diabetes to College
Authors: Ness Michelle M. , Saylor Jennifer , Selekman Janice
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding about mothers’ experiences of transitioning their emerging adult with type 1 diabetes mellitus to college.

Methods

A descriptive, qualitative study was conducted with 9 mothers of high school seniors with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) using semi-structured questions via recorded telephone interviews.

Results

Among the 9 participants, 8 had daughters, and 1 had a son. The thematic analysis resulted in 4 themes: (1) concern for health and safety at college, (2) evolving roles of the parent and emerging adult dyad, (3) communication dynamics, and (4) social support systems.

Conclusions

Results indicate that mothers of emerging adults with T1DM experience heightened levels of concern during the college transition. These concerns are above and beyond those that are experienced by mothers of emerging adults without T1DM. Findings indicated that increasing levels of support for both parents as well as emerging adults with T1DM during the college transition may serve to decrease maternal stress and enhance the development of preparedness for diabetes self-management. Recommendations for diabetes educators in clinical practice include a family-centered approach focusing on the transition before the late adolescent period, interventions from colleges to promote a smooth transition, and interventions that address concerns of both the emerging adult with T1DM and the parent. Further research is necessary to identify barriers and facilitators to support parent/emerging adult dyads during the college transition period.
Can political liberalism help us rescue “the people” from populism?
Authors: Ferrara Alessandro
Published: February 2018

Within the author’s long-term project of updating John Rawls’s paradigm of “political liberalism” to a historical context different from the original one, this paper focuses on how political liberalism can help us understand populism and help liberal democracy survive the populist upsurge. In the first section, political liberalism is argued to be of help in directing our attention to three constitutive aspects of all sorts of populism: the conflation of “the people” with the electorate and the electorate with the nation, the attribution of constituent power to the electorate, and a penchant for so-called “justified intolerance.” In the second section, enfeebled democracies and postliberal democracies are discussed as two distinctly dangerous outcomes of populist contagion. Finally, in the third section the containment of populism is argued to require targeting the socioeconomic factors undergirding the populist upsurge (the rise of inequality and the absolute power of financial markets) and the jettisoning of two dogmas, shared within progressive circles: the stigma on consumption and the mistrust of the law.
miR-124 antagonizes the antidepressant-like effects of standardized gypenosides in mice
Authors: Yi Li-Tao , Mu Rong-Hao , Dong Shu-Qi , Wang Shuang-Shuang , Li Cheng-Fu , Geng Di , Liu Qing
Published: February 2018

Our previous study demonstrated that gypenosides produced antidepressant-like effects in mice exposed to chronic mild stress in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor-dependent manner. However, whether other mechanisms are involved in the antidepressant-like effects of gypenosides is not clear. miR-124 is one of the most abundant microRNAs in the hippocampus, and its dysregulation is related to the pathophysiology of depression. The glucocorticoid receptor is dysfunctional in depression, and it is a direct target of miR-124. Therefore, the present study used corticosterone-induced mice as a model to evaluate the role of miR-124 on the antidepressant-like effects of gypenosides. miR-124 agomir was intracerebrally injected prior to administration of gypenosides and corticosterone injection. Sucrose preference and forced swimming tests were performed 21 days later. Proteins related to glucocorticoid receptors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tyrosine receptor kinase B signaling in the hippocampus were evaluated. Our results demonstrated that gypenosides reversed the chronic corticosterone injection-induced decreased sucrose preference and increased immobility time. In contrast, this effect was antagonized by miR-124 injection. In addition, gypenosides increased glucocorticoid receptor and tyrosine receptor kinase B expression in the hippocampus, which activated brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. miR-124 also blocked these effects. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a reduction in miR-124 was required for the antidepressant-like effects of gypenosides induced by chronic corticosterone injection in mice.
Delayed clearance of cerebrospinal fluid tracer from entorhinal cortex in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: A glymphatic magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Eide Per K , Ringstad Geir
Published: February 2018

The glymphatic system plays a key role for clearance of waste solutes from the rodent brain. We recently found evidence of glymphatic circulation in the human brain when using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tracer in conjunction with multiple MRI acquisitions (gMRI). The present study explored the hypothesis that reduced glymphatic clearance in entorhinal cortex (ERC) may be instrumental in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) dementia. gMRI acquisitions were obtained over a 24–48 h time span in cognitively affected iNPH patients and non-cognitively affected patients with suspected CSF leaks. The CSF tracer enrichment was determined as changes in normalized MRI T1 signal units. The study included 30 patients with iNPH and 8 individuals with suspected CSF leaks (i.e. reference individuals). Compared to reference individuals, iNPH patients presented with higher medial temporal lobe atrophy score and Evan's index and inferior ERC thickness. We found delayed clearance of the intrathecal CSF tracer gadobutrol from CSF, the ERC and adjacent white matter, suggesting impaired glymphatic circulation. Reduced clearance and accumulation of toxic waste product such as amyloid-β may be a mechanism behind dementia in iNPH. Glymphatic MRI (gMRI) may become a tool for assessment of early dementia.
Diabetes and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Scotti Lorenza , Tavani Alessandra , Bosetti Cristina , Maso Luigino Dal , Talamini Renato , Montella Maurizio , Franceschi Silvia , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

We investigated the relation between diabetes and the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as epidemiological results are controversial and diabetes has been related to the risk of several neoplasms.

Patients and methods

We analyzed the combined dataset of two Italian case-control studies conducted in 1985-1997 and 1999-2002. Cases were 671 patients, aged <85 years, with incident, histologically confirmed non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and controls were 1799 patients admitted to hospitals for acute non-neoplastic conditions. Odds ratios were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression models including terms for age, center, sex, residence and educational level.

Results

No material association between diabetes and non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk was observed, with an odds ratio of 1.12 (95% confidence intervals, 0.70-1.77). No association was found in relation to age at first diagnosis of diabetes, years since diagnosis, or in younger and older subjects at diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusions

The results of the study allow to exclude a strong association between diabetes and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, although the small number of cases with diabetes leaves open the possibility of a moderate direct relation.
Ultrasonographyand Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Liver
Authors: Obuz Funda , Secil Mustafa , Sagol Ozgul , Karademir Sedat , Topalak Omer
Published: February 2018

Solitary fibrous tumor of the liver is a rare neoplasm which has been reported in only 27 patients in the English literature. A limited number of reports have described the radiological findings of this tumor. We report the radiological and pathological findings in a patient with solitary fibrous tumor located in the liver.
PSA Use and Incidence of Prostate Biopsy in the Tuscany Region: Is Opportunistic Screening Discounting Biopsy in Subjects with PSA Elevation?
Authors: Ciatto Stefano , Houssami Nehmat , Martinelli Francesca , Giusti Francesco , Zappa Marco
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background

To assess PSA use in the general population and estimate biopsy rate subsequent to opportunistic screening.

Methods and Study Design

We report on PSA testing and related prostate biopsy frequency in the Tuscany Region during 2004–2005 to establish current patterns of care. We used population data sources to survey PSA testing and biopsy and estimated expected PSA values and expected recommended biopsies (≥PSA 4 ng/ml) from the ongoing Florence arm of the European Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC).

Results

PSA testing was common for both years and across age groups, increasing with age and peaking at 70–74 years (37.6% in 2004, 41.9% in 2005) and increasing over the 2 years. PSA use in the 55–69 years cohort (screening age in ERSPC) was 28.3% in 2004 and 30.4% in 2005. Repeat PSA testing was also common and repeat PSA probability increased with age, peaking at age 70–74 (60.9%); repeat PSA testing at age 55–69 was 53.7%. Overall, 1.3% and 1.2% of men had a biopsy following PSA testing in 2004 and 2005. Observed/expected biopsy incidence was 14.3% in 2004 and 13.2% in 2005. ERSPC compliance to recommended biopsy was 77% or 60% at first or repeat screening.

Conclusions

A discordance was identified between high PSA testing prevalence and low prostate biopsy rate. Based on projections from the ERSPC, this indicates a much lower observed biopsy rate than expected in organized screening. Although the implications of this are difficult to quantify in the absence of evidence on screening efficacy, it suggests inefficient practice.
Feasibility Study of Biweekly Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, and Irinotecan in Patients with Untreated Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Bajetta Emilio , Verzoni Elena , Ferrario Erminia , Dotti Katia , Gevorgyan Arpine , Celio Luigi
Published: February 2018

Background

Capecitabine in combination with oxaliplatin and irinotecan (COI regimen) is active and well tolerated in metastatic colorectal cancer. Since there is no internationally adopted standard regimen, we have conducted a pilot study of COI in untreated advanced gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients received irinotecan, 180 mg/m2 infused over 90 min on day 1, followed by oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m2 in a 3-hr infusion on day 2, and capecitabine, 1000 mg/m2/day orally twice daily from days 2 to 6 of a biweekly schedule. Treatment was continued up to 8 cycles or until progression of disease occurred. Response (RECIST criteria) was assessed after the first three cycles and was to be confirmed at least 4 weeks following the first response.

Results

A total of 12 patients (5 men and 7 women) with a median age of 54 years (range, 42–65) was prospectively enrolled. Most of the patients (83%) had metastatic disease. Three complete responses, four partial responses and two disease stabilizations occurred in the intention-to-treat cohort, with an overall response rate of 58% (95% confidence interval, 28–85%). Median time to progressive disease and overall survival were 6.4 and 12 months, respectively. A total of 68 cycles was administered, with a median of 6 cycles per patient (range, 1–8). Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in two patients. The most common non-hematologic grade 3 toxicities were nausea (3 patients) and diarrhea (2 patients).

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest that biweekly COI is a feasible and promising triplet for the first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer. A large multi-institutional phase II study of the combination has already been planned in this setting.
The Effects of Ultrasound and Arsenic Trioxide on Neurogliocytoma Cells and Secondary Activation of Macrophages
Authors: Xu Yonggang , Zhang Yafang , Liu Xiaoqian , Wang Zhi , Ma Jing , Wang Jie , Yue Wu
Published: February 2018

Aims and Background

As a new technique for clinical therapeutics, ultrasound has synergistic effects on traditional chemotherapy. Arsenic trioxide (AS2O3), an apoptosis-inducing drug, has successfully been used in the treatment of some tumor types in recent years. Macrophages have both positive and negative effects on the occurrence and development of tumors. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of ultrasound and AS2O3 on a glioma cell line and the secondary activation of macrophages by cell death, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of AS2O3 and ultrasound in glioma treatment.

Methods

Different AS2O3 concentrations were used solely or combined with ultrasound in rat glioma C6 cells to induce cell death. The degree of C6 cell death was determined by AnnexinV-FITC and PI double staining. The intracellular arsenium concentration and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from C6 cells were also measured. The supernatant of C6 cells was then used to stimulate macrophages. Finally the activation of NF-κB and the secretion of TNF-α and TGF-β1 by macrophages were determined.

Results

The cell death increase in the group where ultrasound was used together with AS2O3 was significantly higher than that obtained by either ultrasound or AS2O3. The increase was also significantly higher than the sum of the increases in the ultrasound and the AS2O3 only groups. At the same AS2O3 concentration, additional treatment with ultrasound can significantly increase the intracellular arsenium concentration. The release of LDH from C6 cells showed a close, direct correlation with late apoptosis and necrosis, but did not exhibit an obvious correlation with early apoptosis. The activation of NF-κB and the secretion of TNF-α and TGF-β1 in macrophages also showed a close direct correlation with late apoptosis and necrosis.

Conclusions

This in vitro study demonstrates that ultrasound may synergistically enhance the cell-killing effect by promoting AS2O3 to enter the C6 cells. Macrophages may be activated by killed C6 cells, especially by necrotic C6 cells.
Pilot Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Huge Hepatocellular Carcinoma Unsuitable for Other Therapies
Authors: Shin Young-Joo , Kim Mi-Sook , Yoo Seong Yul , Cho Chul Koo , Seo Young Seok , Kang Jin-kyu , Park Su Cheol , Han Chul Ju , Kim Sang Beom , Lee Byong Hee , Lee Dong Han
Published: February 2018

Aims

To determine the feasibility and efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for huge hepatocellular carcinoma unsuitable for other therapies.

Methods

Six patients with very large hepatocellular carcinomas (>10 cm) unsuitable for surgical resection or that failed to respond to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) were treated by SBRT. Doses ranged from 32 Gy to 40 Gy in four fractions. Survival, response, and toxicities were evaluated.

Results

After a median follow-up of 25.9 months (range 8.1-56 months), three patients had died and three were alive. Overall, treatment was well tolerated and no dose-limiting toxicity or radiation-induced liver disease was observed. The median survival was 10 months (range 3–56 months) and the median progression-free duration was 6 months (range, 2–21 months). Partial response was achieved by four patients, stable disease by one, and one patient had disease progression. One patient with a partial response who underwent lobectomy after SBRT was alive 56 months post-SBRT.

Conclusion

This study suggests that SBRT can be delivered safely at 32–40 Gy in four fractions to huge hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, combinations of SBRT with other modalities such as surgery or TACE might prolong survival.
Acute Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia Due to Oxaliplatin Administration: A Case Report
Authors: Pietrantonio Filippo , Di Bartolomeo Maria , Buzzoni Roberto , Bajetta Emilio
Published: February 2018

Drug-induced acute thrombocytopenia is an extremely rare side effect that may occur immediately after oxaliplatin infusion. This potentially fatal reaction is immune mediated and can be anticipated by mild hemorrhagic signs during previous administrations. This is the first report of acute thrombocytopenia occurring during adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer with oxaliplatin. Clinicians should be aware of this adverse event in order to prevent possible serious consequences and stop further oxaliplatin administration.
Feasibility of tomotherapy to reduce cochlea radiation dose in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Nguyen Nam P , Ceizyk Misty , Vinh-Hung Vincent , Sroka Thomas , Jang Siyoung , Khan Rihan , Locke Angela , Albala Gabby , Truong Christina , Godinez Juan , Vo Richard , Smith-Raymond Lexie
Published: February 2018

Aims and background

To evaluate the effectiveness of tomotherapy-based image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) on the radiation dose to the cochlea in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer.

Methods and study design

A retrospective review of five patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation with tomotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer was performed.

Results

The mean dose to the right and left cochlea was 25 Gy and 35.3 Gy respectively, while the dose to the gross tumor ranged from 70 to 75 Gy. All patients had excellent clinical response to the treatment at a median follow-up of five months.

Conclusions

IGRT for head and neck cancer delivered by tomotherapy can significantly decrease the radiation dose to the cochlea without sacrificing target volume coverage.
The “State” of Nonprofit Lobbying Research: Data, Definitions, and Directions for Future Study
Authors: Prentice Christopher R.
Published: February 2018

This article seeks to facilitate future nonprofit lobbying research by providing a clear definition of lobbying, reviewing Form 990 lobbying data, detailing new state-level lobbying information, and offering several directions for future study. First, the article uses federal statutes, Internal Revenue Service regulations, and legal interpretations to define lobbying so that clearer boundaries exist for future research. Next, the components of Form 990 where public charities report lobbying activities and expenses are reviewed. Given the intricacies of Form 990 and the complexity associated with properly allocating expenses, various scholars question the validity of expense data obtained from Form 990. Hence, in the subsequent section, the article introduces publicly available lobbying information from the State of North Carolina. These data offer an information-rich supplement to Form 990 data and demonstrate the potential usefulness of state-level nonprofit information for scholarly inquiry. The article concludes with guidance and recommendations for future research.
Factors associated with repeat diagnosis of syphilis in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic attendees in the North East of England, 2002–2014
Authors: Dolan G , Chauhan M , Foster K , Basta M , Bushby S , White C , Verlander NQ , Gorton R
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to identify factors associated with repeat syphilis infection in North East England, in order to inform local prevention and control opportunities. We undertook a case–case study comparing individuals diagnosed with single or multiple episodes of syphilis infection within genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in NE England (12 clinics serving a population of 2.5 million). Study cases were verified as having had true re-infection by a GUM clinician (using serological and/or clinical parameters) and control cases (3 per case) frequency matched to cases by age and year of presentation. The odds of exposure to sexual behavioural and clinical factors were compared for cases and control cases using stepwise multivariable logistic regression. We included 66 cases and 235 control cases. The majority of cases (62/66) and control cases (165/235) were men who had sex with men (MSM). Data were missing for 0–64% of cases across different variables. Following multivariable analysis HIV seropositivity (OR 23.3, 95% CI 4.32–125.9), failure to attend follow-up (OR 4.63, 95% CI 1.11–19.31), stage of infection and deprivation were associated with re-infection ( p < 0.001). In this study, HIV seropositivity and failure to attend follow-up were associated with re-infection with syphilis. Actions targeted at these groups may help to reduce ongoing transmission.
Seeing What You Feel: Affect Drives Visual Perception of Structurally Neutral Faces
Authors: Siegel Erika H. , Wormwood Jolie B. , Quigley Karen S. , Barrett Lisa Feldman
Published: February 2018

Affective realism, the phenomenon whereby affect is integrated into an individual’s experience of the world, is a normal consequence of how the brain processes sensory information from the external world in the context of sensations from the body. In the present investigation, we provided compelling empirical evidence that affective realism involves changes in visual perception (i.e., affect changes how participants see neutral stimuli). In two studies, we used an interocular suppression technique, continuous flash suppression, to present affective images outside of participants’ conscious awareness. We demonstrated that seen neutral faces are perceived as more smiling when paired with unseen affectively positive stimuli. Study 2 also demonstrated that seen neutral faces are perceived as more scowling when paired with unseen affectively negative stimuli. These findings have implications for real-world situations and challenge beliefs that affect is a distinct psychological phenomenon that can be separated from cognition and perception.
Chemotherapy-Associated Endometrial Atypia: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Wales Cameron , Fadare Oluwole
Published: February 2018

Cytotoxic chemotherapy, typically as a component of a multimodal approach, is a standard of patient care for numerous malignancies. Chemotherapy-associated cytologic alterations in otherwise normal tissues have been reported at several anatomic sites. We describe in this article distinctive cytologic alterations of the endometrium, including severe severe cytologic atypia, that was attributed to chemotherapy.
Epigenome Interactions with Patterned Neuronal Activity
Authors: Belgrad Jillian , Fields R. Douglas
Published: February 2018

The temporal coding of action potential activity is fundamental to nervous system function. Here we consider how gene expression in neurons is regulated by specific patterns of action potential firing, with an emphasis on new information on epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Patterned action potential activity activates intracellular signaling networks selectively in accordance with the kinetics of activation and inactivation of second messengers, phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of protein kinases, and cytoplasmic and nuclear calcium dynamics, which differentially activate specific transcription factors. Increasing evidence also implicates activity-dependent regulation of epigenetic mechanisms to alter chromatin architecture. Changes in three-dimensional chromatin structure, including chromatin compaction, looping, double-stranded DNA breaks, histone and DNA modification, are altered by action potential activity to selectively inhibit or promote transcription of specific genes. These mechanisms of activity-dependent regulation of gene expression are important in neural development, plasticity, and in neurological and psychological disorders.
NP and PA Privileging in Acute Care Settings: Do Scope of Practice Laws Matter?
Authors: Pittman Patricia , Leach Brandi , Everett Chris , Han Xinxin , McElroy Debra
Published: February 2018

As hospitals’ interest in nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) grows, their leadership is eager to know how their medical staffing privileging policies for these professionals compare to peer hospitals. This study assesses the extent of variation of these policies in four clinical areas and examines whether the differences are associated with state scope of practice laws for NPs and PAs. We also examine the relationship of NP and PA privileging policies to each other. Our analysis finds no evidence that hospital privileging is associated with state scope of practice, and indeed within-state variation is more significant than cross-state variation. We also find a strong correlation between NP and PA privileging in all four clinical areas. These results suggest the need for additional research to understand the institutional-level variables and human dynamics at the level of medical staffing committees that may explain the dramatic variation in privileging policies and, ultimately, the effects of different privileging levels on costs and quality.
The changing face of responsibility: A cross-time comparison of French social democratic governments
Authors: Karremans Johannes , Damhuis Koen
Published: February 2018

This article investigates the changing face of governmental responsibility through a comparative content analysis of the yearly budgetary presentations of the French ministers of economy and finance. The cases analysed are the governments under the Hollande (2012–2017) and first Mitterrand (1981–1986) presidencies. In both cases, there were strong external pressures that hindered the pursuit of expansionary budgetary policies and that forced the executives to pursue more restrictive measures. The analysis consists in a comparison of how the ministers in the two different time periods justified this policy course, hypothesizing that international institutional constraints played a more prominent role during the Hollande than during the Mitterrand presidency. By distinguishing between responsive and responsible justifications, we find that institutional constraints are indeed more prominent in the justifications provided by more recent ministers. These findings have important repercussions for understanding how the national democratic cycle functions under the conditions of European integration. In particular, they indicate that the accountability stage has a significant impact as governments do no longer take full credit for their measures, but rather present themselves as spokespersons for a web of institutions. These findings, we argue, are likely not to be peculiar to France but rather relate to a general trend in European politics.
Influence of age on the anthropometric and performance characteristics of high-level youth female soccer players
Authors: Emmonds S , Till K , Redgrave J , Murray E , Turner L , Robinson C , Jones B
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric and performance characteristics of high-level youth female soccer players by annual-age category (Under 10 (U10)–U16). Data were collected from 157 female soccer players (U16, n = 46; U14, n = 43; U12, n = 38; U10, n = 30), recruited from three high-level female soccer academies in England. Players completed assessments of anthropometry (height and body mass), isometric mid-thigh pull strength, jump height, aerobic capacity, change of direction (505-left/right) and speed (10 and 30 m). Magnitude based-inferences were used to assess for practical significance between consecutive age groups. Height ( very likely–most likely), body mass ( very likely–most likely), absolute strength ( most likely), jump height ( likely–very likely) and distance on the YYIRL1 ( possibly–most likely) were greater in older players. Both speed and change of direction time were most likely to very likely lower in older players. However, only most likely trivial–possibly trivial differences were observed in relative strength between age groups. Findings suggest that physical characteristics except for relative strength differentiate by age categories. These findings provide comparative data and target reference data for such populations and can be used by coaches and practitioners for player development purposes. Practitioners should be aware that relative strength does not differ between age categories in high-level youth female soccer players.
Ecological dynamics of spin bowling in test match cricket: A longitudinal analysis of delivery speed between Australia and India
Authors: Crowther Rian H , Gorman Adam D , Spratford Wayne A , Sayers Mark G , Kountouris Alex
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to highlight the effects of the environment on spin bowling tactics in test match cricket. The speed differences employed by Indian and Australian spin bowlers in home and away test matches were examined over a nine-year period. Eleven test matches played in Australia and 10 test matches played in India from 2007 to 2015 were analysed (3413 spin overs). During this time, 12 spin bowlers represented Australia (mean age 28.0 ± 3.7 years) and 13 represented India (mean age 29.1 ± 4.1 years). In each environment, the home team’s spin bowlers were more successful than the away team’s bowlers. There was no difference in mean delivery speed between the teams when competing in either country’s conditions. However, success in Australia was associated with less variability of delivery speed. In contrast, success in India was associated with greater variability of delivery speed. This would suggest that neither team changed this aspect of their delivery tactics to suit the opposition’s home environment, demonstrating the difficulty that even elite spin bowlers experience in adapting to unfamiliar conditions. These findings highlight the need for diversity in practice conditions by creating representatively designed learning environments to help spin bowlers acquire the adaptive behaviours required in test match cricket.