bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acid-fast bacterium detection and identification from paraffin-embedded tissues using a PCR-pyrosequencing method
Authors: Bao Jian R , Clark Richard B , Master Ronald N , Shier Kileen L , Eklund Lynn L
Published: September 2017

Aims

Acid-fast bacterium (AFB) identification from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues is challenging and may not be readily available to the clinical laboratory. A method to detect and identify AFB from FFPE tissues using PCR and pyrosequencing (PCR-Seq) was developed and evaluated.

Methods

The method was validated using spiked cell-clotted paraffin blocks before use with patients’ specimens. DNA was extracted from tissue sections, and a 16S rRNA gene fragment was amplified and a signature sequence was produced on a PyroMark ID system. Sequences were aligned to established databases for AFB identification. Additional tissue sections were stained and examined for AFB.

Results

Both sensitivity and specificity were 100% on spiked cell-clotted blocks without cross-reactivity with non-AFB. Of 302 FFPE tissues from patients, 116 (38%) were AFB-stain positive; 83 (72%) of these had AFB identified. The 21 AFB identified includedMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (14 cases),Mycobacterium leprae(3),Mycobacterium genavense(2),Mycobacterium marinum-ulceransgroup (3) and 17 other AFB (61). Thirteen cases were AFB-stain indeterminate and 4 were positive by the PCR-Seq method. Of the AFB stain-negative cases, 167 were negative and 6 were positive by PCR-Seq.

Conclusions

The PCR-Seq method provided specific identification of various AFB species or complexes from FFPE tissues.
Steroids administered after vacuum-assisted biopsy in the management of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis
Authors: Deng J Q , Yu L , Yang Y , Feng X J , Sun J , Liu J , Fan F S , Liao L Q
Published: September 2017

Aims

The aetiology and treatment options for idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) are controversial. The aim was to study the clinical and diagnostic features and discuss medical and surgical treatment for IGM in our patients.

Methods

Sixty-five patients who met the histological criteria for IGM were retrospectively studied. The diagnosis of IGM was confirmed using Mammotome (an ultrasound-guided, vacuum-assisted biopsy system), core needle biopsy, quadrantectomy or segmental resection. Forty-five patients were treated with prednisolone (69.2%). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for immune-related antigens (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD79a, IgG, and IgM) was performed.

Results

Ultrasonography (USG) was carried out in all patients. Among them, 61 were considered to have an inflammatory mass and 15 had accompanying liquefaction. In four patients, the findings mimicked breast carcinoma (6.2%). The IHC results showed CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD79a lymphocytes diffusely distributed in the lesion. Stains for IgG and IgM were negative. Prednisolone was administered to the patients diagnosed with IGM. The success rate was 53 (81.5%) and the whole recurrence was 12 (18.5%). The median follow-up period was 12 months (range 4–42 months).

Conclusions

The aetiology of IGM remains uncertain. The disease has no propensity for the right or left breast. It is a local autoimmune disease, involving humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Hyperprolactinaemia may play a role in some patients. Corticosteroids administered after complete removal of the IGM lesion using the Mammotome biopsy system is an effective treatment option.
Effect of faecal calprotectin assay variability on the management of inflammatory bowel disease and potential role of faecal S100A12
Authors: Whitehead Simon John , Ford Clare , Gama Rousseau Mariano , Ali Ala , McKaig Brian , Waldron Jenna Louise , Steed Helen , Brookes Matthew James
Published: September 2017

Aims

To prospectively evaluate whether between-assay variability of different faecal calprotectin (f-Cp) assays influences diagnostic accuracy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a cohort of patients with confirmed IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). To also evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of faecal S100A12 (f-S100A12) against f-Cp in the same patient cohort and assess whether f-S100A12 offers additional diagnostic value.

Methods

F-Cp using four commercially available f-Cp assays, f-S100A12 and blood biomarkers were measured in patients, recruited from the local IBD clinic, who had established IBS or active ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Diagnostic sensitivities and specificities for each assay and biomarker were calculated and compared.

Results

Median f-Cp levels in all assays were significantly higher in UC (347–884 µg/g; n=28) and CD (377–838 µg/g; n=15) compared with IBS (6–27 µg/g; n=17). Sensitivities and specificities at 50 µg/g were 94%–100% and 82%–100%, respectively. Median f-S100A12 levels were significantly higher in UC (81.0 µg/g; IQR 38.3–159.8) and CD (47.2 µg/g; IQR 5.3–108.9) compared with IBS (0.7 µg/g; IQR 0.5–0.8). At 2.8 µg/g, f-S100A12 had a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 94%. The blood biomarkers demonstrated sensitivities and specificities of 44%–63% and 80%–92%, respectively.

Conclusions

The diagnostic sensitivity of the calprotectin assays was similar despite inter-kit variability in absolute values. There is a need for f-Cp assay standardisation, but in its absence assay-specific cut-off values may optimise their diagnostic performance. F-S100A12 demonstrated comparable sensitivity and specificity to f-Cp and although a research tool at present, may have a future role to play in the diagnosis and management of these patients.
Serotonin transporter binding and anxiety symptoms in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Joling Merijn , van den Heuvel Odile A , Berendse Henk W , Booij Jan , Vriend Chris
Published: September 2017

Background

Anxiety is a common neuropsychiatric symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet the neural mechanisms have been scarcely investigated. Disturbances in dopaminergic and serotonergic signalling may play a role in its pathophysiology. 123I-N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane (123I-FP-CIT) is a single-photon emission CT radiotracer, and its binding in striatal and extrastriatal subcortical brain areas represents predominant binding to the presynaptic dopamine transporter (DAT) and the serotonin transporter (SERT), respectively. Availability of DAT and SERT may thus provide an in vivo measure for the integrity of both dopamine and serotonin neurons.

Methods

We studied the association between anxiety symptoms, measured with an affective subscale of the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and (extra)striatal 123I-FP-CIT binding in 127 non-demented patients with PD with a median disease duration of 2.55 (IQR 2.90) years. We conducted the analyses on patients currently on or not on dopamine replacement therapy (DRT).

Results

Severity of anxiety symptoms showed a significant negative association with 123I-FP-CIT binding ratios in the right thalamus (β=−0.203, p=0.019; ΔR2=0.040) (multiple testing pcorr <0.020). In the subgroup of patients not on DRT (n=81), we found a significant negative association between anxiety and thalamic 123I-FP-CIT binding ratios bilaterally (right: β=−0.349, p=0.001, ΔR2=0.119; left: β=−0.269, p=0.017, ΔR2=0.071) (pcorr <0.020).

Conclusion

This study shows that higher levels of anxiety in patients with PD are associated with lower thalamic 123I-FP-CIT binding, pointing towards a contribution of serotonergic degeneration to anxiety symptoms in PD.
Analysis of passive earth pressure modification due to seepage flow effects
Authors: Hu Z. , Yang Z.X. , Wilkinson S.P.
Published: September 2017

Using an assumed vertical retaining wall with a drainage system along the soil–structure interface, this paper analyses the effect of anisotropic seepage flow on the development of passive earth pressure. Extremely unfavourable seepage flow inside the backfill, perhaps due to heavy rainfall, will dramatically increase active earth pressure while reducing passive earth pressure, thus increasing the probability of instability of the retaining structure. A trial and error analysis based on limit equilibrium is applied to identify the optimum failure surface. The flow field is computed using Fourier series expansion, and the effective reaction force along the curved failure surface is obtained by solving a modified Kötter equation considering the effect of seepage flow. This approach correlates well with other existing results. For small values of both the internal friction angle and interface friction angle, the failure surface can be appropriately simplified with a planar approximation. A parametric study indicates that the degree of anisotropic seepage flow affects the resulting passive earth pressure. In addition, incremental increases in the effective friction angle and interface friction angle both lead to an increase in passive earth pressure.
Correlation of pheromone-binding protein–ligand equilibrium dissociation constants with electroantennogram response patterns
Authors: Terrado Mailyn , Yu Yang , Plettner Erika
Published: September 2017

Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are water-soluble proteins found at high concentration in the lymph fluid of pheromone-sensing hairs on insect antennae. PBPs could function as pheromone transporters, ferrying the hydrophobic odorants to their cognate odorant receptors. However, it is also possible for these proteins to bind the odorants near the dendritic membrane of pheromone-sensing neurons and, therefore, function as scavengers. The two functions are not mutually exclusive. In this paper, the transporter and (or) scavenger roles of PBPs in pheromone perception were investigated using the pheromone of the gypsy moth (7R, 8S)-epoxy-2-methyloctadecane and analogues with heteroatom (O or S) substitutions in the hydrocarbon chain. PBP–ligand equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) were correlated with electroantennogram (EAG) response patterns of male gypsy moth antennae to the pheromone, its enantiomer, and their respective analogues. EAG measures the potential drop across the antenna due to odorant receptor activation and subsequent ion channel opening. Three quantifiable properties of the EAG responses were used: lag times from stimulus to response onset, depolarization rates (rate of receptor activation), and repolarization rates (rate of receptor deactivation). Negative correlations were observed between Kd and lag times and between Kd and repolarization rates. Positive correlations were seen with Kd against depolarization rates. The inverse relationship of Kd constants with lag times and the direct relationship with depolarization rates strongly supports transporter function of PBPs. Interestingly, the inverse correlation of Kd constants with repolarization rates suggests a scavenger effect. These results indicate that PBP affects odorant receptor activity through both odorant transport and scavenger functions. Through differences in ligand binding affinities, PBPs influence pheromone availability for receptor activation.
LOW FERTILITY RATE AND CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOR OF HOUSEHOLDS IN TAIWAN
Authors: HUANG JR-TSUNG , PAN JIUN-NAN , CHANG MING-LEI , YOU SHIH-YI
Published: September 2017

Since the economic consequences of a low fertility rate, such as a change in consumption patterns, might affect the path of economic growth, this study investigates how the relationship between the low fertility rate and consumption behavior in Taiwan has changed over time. Using county-level panel data from 1995 to 2014 to examine the impact of the low fertility rate on the consumption behavior of households in Taiwan, the major finding of this study is that a low fertility rate will change the behavior and the composition of consumption. A low fertility rate will increase the share of the total consumption expenditure in a household’s disposable income, in particular, in relation to the consumption categories of food, health care, education, and transportation and communication, but will decrease the share of expenditure on clothing in the household’s disposable income.
Radiopure tungstate and molybdate crystal scintillators for double beta decay experiments
Authors: Danevich F. A.
Published: September 2017

Crystal scintillators are very promising detectors to investigate double beta decay of atomic nuclei. Recent achievements in development and application of tungstate and molybdate crystal scintillators, as well as prospects for the next generation double beta decay experiments are discussed.
Enhancement in specific heat by nanocrystallization: Softening of phonon frequencies mechanism
Authors: Choudhary K. K. , Mishra Dron , Sharma Uttam , Kaurav N.
Published: September 2017

The temperature-dependent specific heat C[Formula: see text](T) of nanocrystalline (NC) Cu (8 nm) and Pd (6 nm) is theoretically analyzed and compared with the specific heat of their corresponding bulk materials in the temperature range from 150 K to 300 K. It is revealed that the C[Formula: see text] values of NC Cu (Pd) are about 10% (40%) higher as compared to that of their corresponding bulk form, the softening of phonon frequencies at interfaces in NC materials is argumented as the main mechanism responsible for enhancement in C[Formula: see text] in the present work. Lattice (phonon) specific heat is obtained following an overlap repulsive potential using Debye model. In NC materials having large interface volume ratio, the phonon frequencies and Debye temperature are comparatively less at the interfaces than at the core of nanocrystal. The contributions to specific heat due to atoms present at interfaces (C[Formula: see text]) and those present at the core of nanocrystal (C[Formula: see text]) are estimated separately by estimating the characteristic Debye temperature ([Formula: see text]) from elastic force constant ([Formula: see text]). The temperature derivative of the internal energy yields the electronic contribution to specific heat (C[Formula: see text]). The present investigation based on the softening of phonon frequencies mechanism is successful to explain the enhancement in specific heat by nanocrystallization.
EVALUATING THE IMPACTS OF STARTING UP UNREGISTERED ON FIRM PERFORMANCE IN AFRICA
Authors: WILLIAMS COLIN C. , KEDIR ABBI M.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of the entrepreneurship process in Africa by evaluating the link between starting up unregistered and future firm performance. The widespread assumption has been that firms starting up unregistered in the informal economy suffer from poor performance compared to those starting up registered and in the formal economy. To test this poorer performance thesis, World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) data is evaluated from across 41 African countries covering the period from 2006 to 2013. Controlling for a comprehensive set of other determinants of firm performance, the finding is that formal enterprises with five or more employees that started up unregistered have significantly higher annual sales, employment and productivity growth rates compared with those firms that registered their operations at startup. The paper concludes by discussing the theoretical and policy implications of this finding.
UMCR
Authors: Yin Hao , Wang Wei , Zhang Xu , Lyu Yongqiang , Min Geyong , Guo Dongchao
Published: September 2017

Although mobile application ecosystems have experienced tremendous growth in recent years, retrieving content of mobile applications that serves a key to mobile content search engines still faces grand challenges. Compared to web content retrieval, it is much more difficult to capture content in mobile applications due to the diversity of applications and the lack of Uniform Resource Locator indices. In this study, we propose and implement a user interaction-driven mobile content retrieval (UMCR) system to address such issues, which is the first mobile content crawler in the current literature. UMCR is a distributed system that contains many measurement nodes, each of which combines the user interaction path traversing (UIPT) and Deep Package Inspection (DPI) together to obtain mobile content. UIPT determines the events of user interactions in various applications to capture the static content such as text and images, in which a traversal depth termination scheme and an optional cut-off component are adopted to balance the content coverage and traversing efficiency. Meanwhile, the analysis based on DPI is responsible for extracting the videos as well as digging the infrastructural information and performance metrics. In addition, a distributed traversal scheduling method is designed for UIPT tasks to improve the throughput and scalability in large-scale content retrieval. Experiments on retrieving content of 64 real mobile applications demonstrate that UMCR can handle diverse mobile applications efficiently. The scheduler can improve throughput by 3 times compared to the legacy arbitrary task assignment strategy.
Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Buprenorphine versus Oral Tramadol/Acetaminophen in Patients with Persistent Postoperative Pain after Spinal Surgery
Authors: Lee Jae Hyup , Kim Jin-Hyok , Kim Jin-Hwan , Kim Hak-Sun , Min Woo-Kie , Park Ye-Soo , Lee Kyu-Yeol , Lee Jung-Hee
Published: September 2017

Purpose. Control of persistent pain following spinal surgery is an unmet clinical need. This study compared the efficacy and safety of buprenorphine transdermal system (BTDS) to oral tramadol/acetaminophen (TA) in Korean patients with persistent, moderate pain following spinal surgery.Methods. Open-label, interventional, randomized multicenter study. Adults with persistent postoperative pain (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS] ≥ 4 at 14–90 days postsurgery) were enrolled. Patients received once-weekly BTDS (n=47; 5 μg/h titrated to 20 μg/h) or twice-daily TA (n=40; tramadol 37.5 mg/acetaminophen 325 mg, one tablet titrated to 4 tablets) for 6 weeks. The study compared pain reduction with BTDS versus TA at week 6. Quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction, medication compliance, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed.Findings. At week 6, both groups reported significant pain reduction (mean NRS change: BTDS −2.02; TA −2.76, bothP<0.0001) and improved QoL (mean EQ-5D index change: BTDS 0.10; TA 0.19, bothP<0.05). The BTDS group achieved better medication compliance (97.8% versus 91.0%). Incidence of AEs (26.1% versus 20.0%) and adverse drug reactions (20.3% versus 16.9%) were comparable between groups.Implications. For patients with persistent pain following spinal surgery, BTDS is an alternative to TA for reducing pain and supports medication compliance. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov:NCT01983111.
A New Modified Three-Term Conjugate Gradient Method with Sufficient Descent Property and Its Global Convergence
Authors: Baluch Bakhtawar , Salleh Zabidin , Alhawarat Ahmad , Roslan U. A. M.
Published: September 2017

A new modified three-term conjugate gradient (CG) method is shown for solving the large scale optimization problems. The idea relates to the famous Polak-Ribière-Polyak (PRP) formula. As the numerator of PRP plays a vital role in numerical result and not having the jamming issue, PRP method is not globally convergent. So, for the new three-term CG method, the idea is to use the PRP numerator and combine it with any good CG formula’s denominator that performs well. The new modification of three-term CG method possesses the sufficient descent condition independent of any line search. The novelty is that by using the Wolfe Powell line search the new modification possesses global convergence properties with convex and nonconvex functions. Numerical computation with the Wolfe Powell line search by using the standard test function of optimization shows the efficiency and robustness of the new modification.
The Breaking Span of Thick and Hard Roof Based on the Thick Plate Theory and Strain Energy Distribution Characteristics of Coal Seam and Its Application
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Liu Changwu , Liu Yang , Xie Hui
Published: September 2017

In mining engineering, the thick and hard roof threatens the safe production. Based on Reissner plate theory and combined with weighted residual method, with four edges clamped as the boundary conditions, this paper deduces the theoretical formula of the first breaking span of thick and hard roof. Based on Vlasov plate theory, with four edges simply supported as the boundary conditions, this paper deduces the theoretical formula of the periodic breaking span of thick and hard roof. The two formulas are used to verify the breaking span of thick and hard roof of Tashan Coal Mine, proving that its accuracy is higher than that of traditional beam theory. This paper studies the distribution characteristics of strain energy density in front of the coal seam during the mining process by numerical simulation, which is compared with the results of field microseismic experiments. It is found that the strain energy density of the coal seam has a good correlation with the probability of microseismic events. This paper provides theoretical support for more precise calculation of breaking span of the thick and hard roof and technical support for the practical stability analysis of the surrounding rock under the thick and hard roof.
Multiclinic Observations on the Simplified Diet in PKU
Authors: Bernstein Laurie , Burns Casey , Sailer-Hammons Melissa , Kurtz Angela , Rohr Frances
Published: September 2017

Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of metabolism that historically has been treated with a strict phenylalanine-restricted diet where all foods are weighed and measured. This is cumbersome and difficult for patients and caregivers, especially patients with high phenylalanine blood concentrations who often have neurocognitive deficits. The Simplified Diet is an alternative approach that allows for increased flexibility, promotes healthy food choices, and is easier to manage than a traditional diet for PKU. This paper describes the implementation of the Simplified Diet and outlines education, counseling strategies, and challenges encountered by three metabolic clinics in the United States.
Seismic Characterization of Hypogenic Karst Systems Associated with Deep Hydrothermal Fluids in the Middle-Lower Ordovician Yingshan Formation of the Shunnan Area, Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Zhu Hongtao , Zhu Xiu , Chen Honghan
Published: September 2017

Two fundamental forms of hypogenic karst systems (lateral stratiform hypogenic and cross-formational fault-vein hypogenic karst system) are distinguished mainly by differential effects of preexisting faults. In seismic cross sections, hypogenic karst systems are expressed as complex string-beads-like seismic reflections associated with faults. In this study, a new seismic characterization workflow was developed including seismic amplitude thresholding, fault interpretation, pickup, and merge display to enhance the description of the spatial distribution and coupling of hypogenic karst system and faults. The results suggest that the lateral stratiform hypogenic karst systems are predominantly developed at the top of the secondary faults, presenting an overall of “layered distribution and finger-like interaction” features. The cross-formational fault-vein hypogenic karst systems are developed around faults and characterized by dendritic distribution. Furthermore, we infer that the development pattern of hypogenic karst systems has been produced by the interplay of the faults, preexisting epigenic karst systems, and lateral carrier-beds, which together combine the complex hydrothermal migration pathways of fluids with the characteristics of vertical and horizontal combined pathways. In addition, some possible controlling factors (e.g., sequence stratigraphic boundaries, paleogeomorphology, and sedimentary facies) that can influence the development of these hypogenic karst systems have been discussed in detail.
Mandibular Canines with Two Roots and Two Root Canals: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Plascencia Hugo , Cruz Álvaro , Gascón Gerardo , Ramírez Beatriz , Díaz Mariana
Published: September 2017

Usually, the mandibular canine only has one root and one root canal. However, there has been a noticeable increment in evidence showing variations in its morphology, such as the presence of two roots and two root canals. The aim of this article was to present a case of a mandibular canine with two roots and two root canals and to review the available literature on this anatomic variation. Root canal treatment of tooth #43 with such morphology was performed in a 47-year-old woman. Careful inspection of the preoperative radiograph indicated the presence of more than one canal. The 12-month follow-up showed normal periapical tissues, with no pain or tenderness. Literature review revealed that the overall prevalence of such root canal configuration is 5.7%, with a strong preference for female sex (87.5%). Although mandibular canines with two roots and two root canals are not common, clinicians should always anticipate the presence of possible variations. Therefore, timely diagnosis and meticulous exploration of such mandibular canines allow for planning of an individualized treatment protocol, tailored to their peculiar morphology, focused on avoiding excessive weakening or even perforation of the roots.
An Evaluation of Formative “In-Class” versus “E-Learning” Activities to Benefit Student Learning Outcomes in Biomedical Sciences
Authors: Donkin Rebecca , Askew Elizabeth
Published: September 2017

In conventional teaching, curriculum design that incorporates formative activities with prompt feedback is proven to have a positive effect on learning outcomes. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence that activities involving e-learning also have this positive effect and this is particularly the case within the discipline of hematopathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of e-learning formative activities in hematopathology and to assess if, by using this resource, learning is enhanced. To address the research question, an e-learning module for anemia was developed to determine if it significantly increased knowledge, expressed by improved grades. Seventy-three students from health science programs that were enrolled in first-year hematology participated in the study. Students were encouraged to participate in two formative activities: one held in class and the other developed online as an e-learning module. Results showed a statistically significant increase in mean summative assessment score (P=0.03) and final grade (P=0.02) for students who completed the formative e-learning module. Interactive e-learning modules not only assist with engagement but also significantly improve grade outcomes. From this study, e-learning resources are an option for all educators but, in particular, those who have reduced face-to-face contact hours to teach the basic sciences.
On Singular Solutions to PDEs with Turning Point Involving a Quadratic Nonlinearity
Authors: Malek Stéphane
Published: September 2017

We study a singularly perturbed PDE with quadratic nonlinearity depending on a complex perturbation parameter ϵ. The problem involves an irregular singularity in time, as in a recent work of the author and A. Lastra, but possesses also, as a new feature, a turning point at the origin in C. We construct a family of sectorial meromorphic solutions obtained as a small perturbation in ϵ of a slow curve of the equation in some time scale. We show that the nonsingular parts of these solutions share common formal power series (that generally diverge) in ϵ as Gevrey asymptotic expansion of some order depending on data arising both from the turning point and from the irregular singular point of the main problem.
Early Detection of Molecular Residual Disease in Localized Lung Cancer by Circulating Tumor DNA Profiling
Authors: Chaudhuri Aadel A. , Chabon Jacob J. , Lovejoy Alexander F. , Newman Aaron M. , Stehr Henning , Azad Tej D. , Khodadoust Michael S. , Esfahani Mohammad Shahrokh , Liu Chih Long , Zhou Li , Scherer Florian , Kurtz David M. , Say Carmen , Carter Justin N. , Merriott David J. , Dudley Jonathan C. , Binkley Michael S. , Modlin Leslie , Padda Sukhmani K. , Gensheimer Michael F. , West Robert B. , Shrager Joseph B. , Neal Joel W. , Wakelee Heather A. , Loo Billy W. , Alizadeh Ash A. , Diehn Maximilian
Published: September 2017

Identifying molecular residual disease (MRD) after treatment of localized lung cancer could facilitate early intervention and personalization of adjuvant therapies. Here, we apply cancer personalized profiling by deep sequencing (CAPP-seq) circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to 255 samples from 40 patients treated with curative intent for stage I–III lung cancer and 54 healthy adults. In 94% of evaluable patients experiencing recurrence, ctDNA was detectable in the first posttreatment blood sample, indicating reliable identification of MRD. Posttreatment ctDNA detection preceded radiographic progression in 72% of patients by a median of 5.2 months, and 53% of patients harbored ctDNA mutation profiles associated with favorable responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint blockade. Collectively, these results indicate that ctDNA MRD in patients with lung cancer can be accurately detected using CAPP-seq and may allow personalized adjuvant treatment while disease burden is lowest.

Significance: This study shows that ctDNA analysis can robustly identify posttreatment MRD in patients with localized lung cancer, identifying residual/recurrent disease earlier than standard-of-care radiologic imaging, and thus could facilitate personalized adjuvant treatment at early time points when disease burden is lowest. Cancer Discov; 7(12); 1394–403. ©2017 AACR.

See related commentary by Comino-Mendez and Turner, p. 1368.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1355
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors and Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kim Young-Gun , Yoon Dukyong , Park Sooyoung , Han Seung Jin , Kim Dae Jung , Lee Kwan-Woo , Park Rae Woong , Kim Hae Jin
Published: September 2017

Background:

The association between dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP-4i) and heart failure (HF) remains unclear. In 1 randomized controlled trial and some observational studies, DPP-4i reportedly increased the risk of HF, but 2 other randomized controlled trials and observational studies have shown no such risk. Here, we evaluated the risk of HF and cardiovascular outcomes of DPP-4i compared with sulfonylureas.

Methods and Results:

A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2015. Incident users of sulfonylurea and DPP-4i who were not prescribed the comparator drug in the year before treatment initiation were included. DPP-4i–treated and sulfonylurea-treated patients were matched on propensity score, calculated with >40 variables. The risk of hospitalization for HF was evaluated with a Cox proportional hazards model in 255 691 matched pairs. Analyses were conducted in the total patient population and in both strata divided by the presence of cardiovascular disease during the baseline period. The hazard ratios (HRs) of hospitalization for HF for DPP-4i–treated patients were 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–0.86) in all of the patients, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.68–0.79) in patients with baseline cardiovascular disease, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.56–0.90) in patients without baseline cardiovascular disease compared with HRs for sulfonylurea-treated patients. Sitagliptin and linagliptin showed statistically lower risk for hospitalization for HF (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.86 for sitagliptin-prescribed patients; HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59–0.92 for linagliptin-prescribed patients) than for sulfonylurea. The HRs for hospitalization for myocardial infarction and stroke with the use of a DPP-4i versus sulfonylurea were HR, 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67–0.87) and HR, 0.63 (95% CI, 0.60–0.67), respectively.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that DPP-4i use did not increase the risk of HF compared with sulfonylurea. In addition, the risks for cardiovascular outcomes were not elevated in DPP-4i–treated patients compared with sulfonylurea-treated patients.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Left Ventricular Noncompaction in Patients Referred for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ivanov Alexander , Dabiesingh Devindra S. , Bhumireddy Geetha P. , Mohamed Ambreen , Asfour Ahmed , Briggs William M. , Ho Jean , Khan Saadat A. , Grossman Alexandra , Klem Igor , Sacchi Terrence J. , Heitner John F.
Published: September 2017

Background—

Presence of prominent left ventricular trabeculation satisfying criteria for left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) on routine cardiac magnetic resonance examination is frequently encountered; however, the clinical and prognostic significance of these findings remain elusive. This registry aimed to assess LVNC prevalence by 4 current criteria and to prospectively evaluate an association between diagnosis of LVNC by these criteria and adverse events.

Methods and Results—

There were 700 patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance: 42% were women, median age was 70 years (range, 45–71 years), mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 51% (±17%), and 32% had late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance. The cohort underwent diagnostic assessment for LVNC by 4 separate imaging criteria—referenced by their authors as Petersen, Stacey, Jacquier, and Captur, with LVNC prevalence of 39%, 23%, 25% and 3%, respectively. Primary clinical outcome was combined end point of time to death, ischemic stroke, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, and heart failure hospitalization. Secondary clinical outcomes were (1) all-cause mortality and (2) time to the first occurrence of any of the following events: cardiac death, ischemic stroke, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, or heart failure hospitalization. During a median follow-up of 7 years, there were no statistically significant differences in assessed outcomes noted between patients with and without LVNC irrespective of the applied criteria.

Conclusions—

Current criteria for the diagnosis of LVNC leads to highly variable disease prevalence in patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance. The diagnosis of LVNC, by any current criteria, was not associated with adverse clinical events on nearly 7 years of follow-up. Limited conclusions can be made for Captur criteria due to low observed prevalence.
Transfusion of Polynitroxylated Pegylated Hemoglobin Stabilizes Pial Arterial Dilation and Decreases Infarct Volume After Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Cao Suyi , Zhang Jian , Ma Li , Hsia Carleton J. C. , Koehler Raymond C.
Published: September 2017

Background

Polynitroxylation of hemoglobin confers superoxide dismutase–mimetic and peroxidase activity and may protect from reperfusion injury in addition to facilitating oxygen transport. We determined whether transfusion of polynitroxylated PEGylated hemoglobin (PNPH) is protective in the rat filament model of 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).

Methods and Results

Transfusion of 10 mL/kg of PNPH at 20 minutes of MCAO reduced infarct volume by over 70% (n=10). To determine whether PNPH might act by promoting vasodilation, pial arteriolar diameter in the distal MCA border region was measured in closed cranial windows. With no transfusion, MCAO induced an initial dilation (36±2% ±SE) that subsided by 2 hours (5±4%; n=8). With PNPH transfusion at 20 minutes of MCAO, the initial dilation (31±3%) was better maintained at 2 hours (21±4%; n=7;
P
<0.02). Delaying PNPH transfusion until 90 minutes of MCAO increased perfusion in the border region from 48±6% of the preischemic baseline to 67±8% (n=8;
P
<0.005). The effect of PNPH transfusion after reperfusion was also tested. Compared with the control median hemispheric infarct volume of 22% (13% to 34% interquartiles; n=15), infarct volume was reduced to 7% (3% to 13%; n=14
P
<0.05) when PNPH was transfused at 4 hours after MCAO (2 hours of reperfusion) but not significantly when transfused at 6 hours (8%; 3% to 35%; n=14) or at 8 hours (12%; 10% to 25%; n=14) after MCAO.

Conclusions

PNPH transfusion has a significant therapeutic window for protection during and after transient MCAO and may act, in part, by stabilizing vascular function and improving collateral blood flow.
The New Relationship of Mutual Indwelling (John 15.1–17)
Authors: Lyle Story J.
Published: September 2017

The Johannine mashal of the vine and branches portrays the new relationship for the people of God in the post-resurrection period: the Pentecostal day of the Paraclete will be the occasion when Jesus is ‘in them’, expressed in the ‘abiding’ language. Jesus affirms one vital aspect of the Paraclete – to effect a mutual indwelling. Through the vine-symbolism, Jesus announces the privileges of the new relationship of abiding and natural fruit-bearing; it will be shown that lasting fruit designates new converts who will continue in their newfound faith, thereby leading to the advance of God’s fame.
The Nature of Pentecostal Theology: A Response to Velli-Matti Kärkkäinen and Amos Yong
Authors: Menzies Robert P.
Published: September 2017

The author offers a response to Velli-Matti Kärkkäinen’s essay, ‘Pentecostal Pneumatology of Religions: The Contribution of Pentecostalism to Our Understanding of the Work of God’s Spirit in the World’, which appeared in The Spirit in the World (2009) and often cites the work of Amos Yong. The author, who also draws from their wider writings, argues that while Kärkkäinen and Yong hail from Pentecostal backgrounds, their theological orientation is charismatic rather than Pentecostal; their approach is pneumatological rather than Pentecostal; and their methodology is ecumenical rather than Evangelical. More specifically, the author suggests that Kärkkäinen and Yong’s call for Pentecostals to embrace a more inclusive theology of religions is fraught with perils.
MARCELY VALOIS, FERNANDO Z. VAZ-DE-MELLO & FERNANDO A. B. SILVA (2015) A taxonomic review of the Neotropical genus Hansreia Halffter & Martínez, 1977 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae). Zootaxa, 4027: 205–226.
Authors: VALOIS MARCELY , VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z. , SILVA FERNANDO A. B.
Published: September 2017

In reviewing the taxonomy of the genus Hansreia Halffter & Martínez, 1977 three new species were described: H. krinskii, H. grossii and H. peugeoti. However, the collection where the holotype of H. peugeoti is deposited was not indicated (Valois, Vaz-de-Mello & Silva, 2015). According with ICZN (1999), this information is necessary to availability of a new specific and subspecific name published after 1999 (Article 16.4.2). Therefore, here we address the necessary information on the collection data of the holotype of H. peugeoti, currenty deposited in the CEMT (Seção de Entomologia da Coleção Zoológica, Departamento de Biologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Brazil):
A review of species recognition in the Phenacoccus aceris species-group (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) using molecular and morphological data
Authors: WANG XU-BO , WU SAN-AN
Published: September 2017

The maple mealybug, Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a widespread polyphagous pest. The taxonomy of P. aceris and some congeners is controversial. This study utilized molecular analysis of one mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I) and two nuclear (EF-1α and 28S D2D3) genes, and morphological data, to investigate the P. aceris species-group based on 120 individuals collected from 16 localities in China. Analyses of the nucleotide sequence data recovered four well-supported clades that enabled us to reassess the taxonomic utility of some morphological characters used for species recognition in the P. aceris species-group, such as the number, location and width of circuli, and the distribution pattern of oral-collar tubular ducts on the dorsum. Polymorphism in the number of circuli indicated that this character-state alone is unreliable for species separation, but a combination of the number, location and relative width of the circuli provides a significant taxonomic character. The distribution of oral-collar tubular ducts on dorsal segments of the cephalothorax can be used also for species separation. In addition, specimens that keyed morphologically to P. aceris contained three putative species that are not separated by host-plant preferences. These putative species are genetically and morphologically different from P. aceris in France (the type locality of P. aceris) and are thus probably new to science. A network analysis of the COI haplotypes showed that the hosts Fraxinus spp. (Oleaceae) and Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Rutaceae) in North China are attacked by both P. aceris and P. azaleae, so previous identifications of this group based on the identity of these host plants is misleading. The taxonomic confusion in the P. aceris species-group may be due to the co-occurrence of multiple putative species.
Parental emotional warmth and identity integration among Chinese migrant adolescents: The role of hope
Authors: Ni Shiguang , Chui Cheryl Hiu-Kwan , Ji Xiaowen , Li Hong , Chan Lai-Wan Cecilia
Published: September 2017

Literature has established that migration processes have significant effects on the mental and psychological health of migrant children and adolescents. Yet, little is known of the effects of family dynamics and individual characteristics on rural-to-urban migrant adolescents’ psychological adjustment in the context of China. Using a cross-sectional questionnaire-based research design, this article examines the relationship between perceived parental emotional warmth, identity integration and hope among a group of Chinese migrant adolescents. Of a sample of 1,345 Chinese migrant adolescents, between 11 and 19 years old, we found that perceived parental emotional warmth was significantly associated with identity integration, and that hope partially mediated the relationship between parental emotional warmth and identity integration. The implications of the findings for migrant adolescents’ psychological adjustment in receiving communities are discussed.
Reduction of metal artifacts from unilateral hip arthroplasty on dual-energy CT with metal artifact reduction software
Authors: Yue Dong , Fan Rong Cheng , Ning Cai , Liang Hu , Ai Lian Liu , Ru Xin Wang , Ya Hong Luo
Published: September 2017

Background

The evaluation of hip arthroplasty is a challenge in computed tomography (CT). The virtual monochromatic spectral (VMS) images with metal artifact reduction software (MARs) in spectral CT can reduce the artifacts and improve the image quality.

Purpose

To evaluate the effects of VMS images and MARs for metal artifact reduction in patients with unilateral hip arthroplasty.

Material and Methods

Thirty-five patients underwent dual-energy CT. Four sets of VMS images without MARs and four sets of VMS images with MARs were obtained. Artifact index (AI), CT number, and SD value were assessed at the periprosthetic region and the pelvic organs. The scores of two observers for different images and the inter-observer agreement were evaluated.

Results

The AIs in 120 and 140 keV images were significantly lower than those in 80 and 100 keV images. The AIs of the periprosthetic region in VMS images with MARs were significantly lower than those in VMS images without MARs, while the AIs of pelvic organs were not significantly different. VMS images with MARs improved the accuracy of CT numbers for the periprosthetic region. The inter-observer agreements were good for all the images. VMS images with MARs at 120 and 140 keV had higher subjective scores and could improve the image quality, leading to reliable diagnosis of prosthesis-related problems.

Conclusion

VMS images with MARs at 120 and 140 keV could significantly reduce the artifacts from hip arthroplasty and improve the image quality at the periprosthetic region but had no obvious advantage for pelvic organs.
Impact of Preterm Birth on Glucocorticoid Variability in Human Milk
Authors: Pundir Shikha , Mitchell Cameron J. , Thorstensen Eric B. , Wall Clare R. , Perrella Sharon L. , Geddes Donna T. , Cameron-Smith David
Published: September 2017

Background:

Preterm birth is a stressful event for both the mother and infant. Whereas the initiation of breastfeeding is important for preterm infant health, little is known of the glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol and cortisone) in human milk following preterm birth.

Research aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between human milk glucocorticoid concentrations and preterm birth.

Methods:

Human milk was sampled weekly for up to 6 weeks from 22 women who delivered a preterm infant at 28 to 32 weeks’ gestation. Human milk was analyzed for total and free cortisol and cortisone concentrations using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:

Milk sampled from mothers of preterm infants had more cortisone than cortisol ( p < .001), with a strong correlation between both hormones ( p = .001, r = .85). The cortisone was significantly higher in the milk of mothers who delivered infants after 30 weeks compared with those who delivered before 30 weeks of gestation ( p = .02). Glucocorticoid concentrations did not change over the sampling time (weeks 1 to 6 postpartum) and did not differ by infant gender.

Conclusion:

Glucocorticoids were present in all milk samples following preterm birth. Cortisone concentration tended to be higher in those who delivered after 30 weeks’ gestation but did not increase further over the weeks following birth.
Intraoperative High-Frequency Jet Ventilation Is Equivalent to Conventional Ventilation During Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation
Authors: Noonan Mackenzie , Turek Joseph W. , Dagle John M. , McElroy Steven J.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treatment is typically pharmacologic, but if unsuccessful, surgical ligation is commonly performed. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is used at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital for extremely low birth weight infants. Historically, neonates requiring PDA ligation were temporarily transferred to conventional ventilation (CV) prior to surgery.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine whether conversion was necessary.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort analysis examined outcomes following PDA ligation from 2014 to 2016 at the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Infants who were transferred to CV prior to surgery and returned to HFJV postprocedure are referred to as the CV cohort. The HFJV cohort infants remained on HFJV throughout.

Results:

We found no significant increases in morbidity or mortality with the use of intraoperative HFJV and potentially show some benefit through greater reduction in serum CO2.

Conclusions:

Mode of ventilation during PDA ligation does not affect surgical morbidity or mortality or short-term clinical outcomes. Conversion to CV from HFJV is not necessary.
Identification of extant vertebrate Myxine glutinosa VWF: evolutionary conservation of primary hemostasis
Authors: Grant Marianne A. , Beeler David L. , Spokes Katherine C. , Chen Junmei , Dharaneeswaran Harita , Sciuto Tracey E. , Dvorak Ann M. , Interlandi Gianluca , Lopez José A. , Aird William C.
Published: September 2017

Key Points

The extant vertebrate hagfish, M glutinosa, has a single, functional vwf gene, structurally simpler than in higher vertebrates. VWF appeared in an ancestral vertebrate as a hemostatic protein lacking functional domains required for primary hemostasis under high flow.