bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Atlas of Postnatal Mouse Heart Development
Authors: Talman Virpi , Teppo Jaakko , Pöhö Päivi , Movahedi Parisa , Vaikkinen Anu , Karhu S. Tuuli , Trošt Kajetan , Suvitaival Tommi , Heikkonen Jukka , Pahikkala Tapio , Kotiaho Tapio , Kostiainen Risto , Varjosalo Markku , Ruskoaho Heikki
Published: October 2018

Background

The molecular mechanisms mediating postnatal loss of cardiac regeneration in mammals are not fully understood. We aimed to provide an integrated resource of
mRNA
, protein, and metabolite changes in the neonatal heart for identification of metabolism‐related mechanisms associated with cardiac regeneration.

Methods and Results

Mouse ventricular tissue samples taken on postnatal day 1 (P01), P04, P09, and P23 were analyzed with
RNA
sequencing and global proteomics and metabolomics. Gene ontology analysis,
KEGG
pathway analysis, and fuzzy c‐means clustering were used to identify up‐ or downregulated biological processes and metabolic pathways on all 3 levels, and Ingenuity pathway analysis (Qiagen) was used to identify upstream regulators. Differential expression was observed for 8547
mRNA
s and for 1199 of 2285 quantified proteins. Furthermore, 151 metabolites with significant changes were identified. Differentially regulated metabolic pathways include branched chain amino acid degradation (upregulated at P23), fatty acid metabolism (upregulated at P04 and P09; downregulated at P23) as well as the HMGCS (
HMG
‐CoA [hydroxymethylglutaryl‐coenzyme A] synthase)–mediated mevalonate pathway and ketogenesis (transiently activated). Pharmacological inhibition of
HMGCS
in primary neonatal cardiomyocytes reduced the percentage of BrdU‐positive cardiomyocytes, providing evidence that the mevalonate and ketogenesis routes may participate in regulating the cardiomyocyte cell cycle.

Conclusions

This study is the first systems‐level resource combining data from genomewide transcriptomics with global quantitative proteomics and untargeted metabolomics analyses in the mouse heart throughout the early postnatal period. These integrated data of molecular changes associated with the loss of cardiac regeneration may open up new possibilities for the development of regenerative therapies.
İKTİSAT İLE SİYASET BİLİMİNİ BİRLEŞTİREN İKİ FARKLI SİSTEMATİK YAKLAŞIM: KAMU TERCİHİ TEORİSİ VE BAĞIMLI GELİŞME TEORİSİ
Authors: Kul Gizem Esra , Yüksel Cihan
Published: October 2018

Disiplinler arası ilişkileri açıklamaya çalışan
birçok yaklaşım söz konusudur. İktisat ile siyaset bilimini ilişkilendirerek
analizlerini ortaya koyan Kamu Tercihi Teorisi ve Bağımlı Gelişme Teorisi de bu
yaklaşımlardandır. Her iki teori de siyaset bilimini iktisat araçlarıyla
açıklamaya çalışmasıyla yöntemsel bir benzerlik içerisindedir. Ancak dayandıkları
kuramsal gelenekler, toplumsal yapıyı sınıflandırma şekilleri, iktisadi ve
siyasi aktörlerin davranışlarına getirdikleri yorumlar, azgelişmişliği açıklama
biçimleri, devletin ekonomideki yerine verdikleri önem, kamu politikalarının
başarısı konusundaki tutumları gibi konularda söz konusu iki yaklaşım temelden
ayrılmaktadır. Bu nedenle çalışmanın amacı, Kamu Tercihi Teorisi ile Bağımlı
Gelişme Teorisi’nin karşılaştırmalı bir analizini yapmaktır.
A Prohibited History of Pentecostal Social Engagement
Authors: Florez Joseph
Published: October 2018

This article explores the dynamic intersection of community, conflict, and personal faith among a small group of Pentecostals during Chile’s military dictatorship (1973–1990). It argues that Pentecostal religious experience did not occur only within the framework of prescribed religious traditions and dogma. It seeped deep into the shadows of a powerful military state bent on a radical reordering of the economy and society; one that was willing to reach unthinkable levels of violence to do so. It concludes that we must examine less emblematic manifestations of pentecostal religiosity to fully understand the forms religion and religious practice took as they were folded into the limitations and complications of quotidian life, recognizing, moreover, that devotional and practical improvisations were not always understood as impious or immoral lapses. They were often necessary religious innovations used by believers to find meaning in the difficult circumstances of life under military rule.
‘By the Lips of Foreigners’: Disclosing the Church in 1 Corinthians 14:20–25
Authors: Robinson David S.
Published: October 2018

1 Corinthians 14:22 offers the contextually counter-intuitive statement that, in the liminal space of public worship, ‘tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers’. Commentators often contradict this allocation by stating that the ‘conversion’ in 14:24–25 shows the importance of offering intelligible signs to outsiders. This essay argues that such interpretation obscures the semiotics of prophecy ‘for believers’, which can only be understood through fuller exploration of the substrata of texts invoked both by the citation of Isaiah 28:11–12 in 14:21 and the clear allusion to Isaiah 45:14 in 14:25. From the latter text, an evocative relocation within the Isaianic corpus, I show that the disclosure of the church’s identity requires the recognition of the outsider. The essay concludes by contrasting the versatility of Pauline ecclesiology to ecclesial models of ‘diaspora’ and ‘host’.
Polycentricity of Linguistic Landscape and Nation-Building in Post-Soviet Kazakhstan
Authors: Kulbayeva Aisulu
Published: October 2018

This study illustrates a key existing challenge to realizing trilingualism as a major nation-building language ideology: the ideological polycentricity of multilingual signs—that is, the simultaneous orientation of multilingual signs to several authority centers. Combining diverse linguistic landscape (LL) methodologies such as code preferences (language choices and placement on a sign), indexical orders (patterns that index meta-messages), and polycentricity (a simultaneous orientation toward multiple centers), I examine how three state-approved languages (Kazakh, Russian, and English) are positioned on 346 state and private signs in a small town in northern Kazakhstan. The analysis reveals a range of indexical orders at the level of sign type: monolingual, bilingual, and trilingual sign types of horizontal, vertical, and centralized code combinations. At the level of signage group, bilingual Kazakh-Russian and trilingual Kazakh-Russian-English signs dominate in the top-down group, while monolingual Russian and bilingual Kazakh-Russian signs with centralized Russian dominate in the bottom-up group. The identified indexical orders indicate ideological polycentricity in town public signage, which presents a challenge for the nation-building process.
Five new taxa and a new record of Euastrum (Desmidiaceae) from the Chapada Diamantina region, Bahia State, Brazil
Authors: COSTA FABIANA DE MATOS , RAMOS GERALDO JOSÉ PEIXOTO , OLIVEIRA IVANIA BATISTA , BICUDO CARLOS EDUARDO DE MATTOS , MOURA CARLOS WALLACE DO NASCIMENTO
Published: October 2018

We describe five new taxa of Euastrum (E. abruptum var. chapadae, E. fissum var. nordestinum, E. marimbusense, E. ornatiscrobiculatum and E. praemorsum var. foersteri), and report a new record for the Northeastern Region of Brazil (E. groenbladii) from periphyton samples collected in the Pantanal dos Marimbus in the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia State, Brazil. Taxonomic notes and ecological characteristics of the taxa are provided.
Odontidium andinum spec. nov. (Bacillariophyta) from Mendoza, Argentina
Authors: SALA SILVIA E. , VOUILLOUD AMELIA A.
Published: October 2018

The genus Odontidium is characterized by the presence of robust internal transapical ribs, a wide sternum and a complex cingulum composed by several open bands with ligulae, differentiated in copulae and pleurae. Only two species of Odontidium have been recorded from Argentina. In samples collected in the upper basin of the Diamante River, Mendoza Province the dominant specimens were of this genus but differed from those species already known. Examination of the valve morphology of these specimens, and comparison with other species of the genus, showed it is a new species Odontidium andinum. O. andinum has valves broadly lanceolate to linear with rounded to subcapitate ends. It is similar to O. hyemale, O. mesodon and O. rostratum. Although smaller specimens of all these species are similar when using the light microscope, with a complete size series it is possible to see marked differences in the valves’ outline. These differences correspond with others found in the fine structure of the valves and girdles. These specimens also match those previously named as Diatoma hyemalis (Roth) Heiberg sensu lato, collected in the Chilean Andes and with others recently found in a high altitude river in Argentinean Patagonia, showing the Andean distribution of the species.
How I Learned to Love Normal-Mode Rossby–Haurwitz Waves
Authors: Madden Roland A.
Published: October 2018

Several important developments in the 1960s showed the way to using spectral analysis to identify and describe atmospheric waves predicted by theory. Among these waves were normal-mode Rossby–Haurwitz waves (NMRHWs). What follows is, first, a brief outline of how the influence of these developments on analyses of data collected during the Line Islands Experiment led to work on NMRHWs. Next, theoretical expectations of free NMRHWs as described by Kasahara and Kasahara and Puri in the early 1980s are discussed. Finally, spectral analyses of observed vorticity fields are presented for easy comparison with those expectations. The similarity between these relatively simple model predictions and observations is unique in meteorology, where complexity is the general rule. Readily available routines coded in NCAR Command Language (NCL) were used to isolate NMRHWs. It should be noted that, while these routines provide approximations to the theoretical predictions, open-access software for exact solutions has become available.
Annual and Interannual Variability in the California Current System: Comparison of an Ocean State Estimate with a Network of Underwater Gliders
Authors: Zaba Katherine D. , Rudnick Daniel L. , Cornuelle Bruce D. , Gopalakrishnan Ganesh , Mazloff Matthew R.
Published: October 2018

A data-constrained state estimate of the southern California Current System (CCS) is presented and compared with withheld California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) data and assimilated glider data over 2007–17. The objective of this comparison is to assess the ability of the California State Estimate (CASE) to reproduce the key physical features of the CCS mean state, annual cycles, and interannual variability along the three sections of the California Underwater Glider Network (CUGN). The assessment focuses on several oceanic metrics deemed most important for characterizing physical variability in the CCS: 50-m potential temperature, 80-m salinity, and 26 kg m−3 isopycnal depth and salinity. In the time mean, the CASE reproduces large-scale thermohaline and circulation structures, including observed temperature gradients, shoaling isopycnals, and the locations and magnitudes of the equatorward California Current and poleward California Undercurrent. With respect to the annual cycle, the CASE captures the phase and, to a lesser extent, the magnitude of upper-ocean warming and stratification from late summer to early fall and of isopycnal heave during springtime upwelling. The CASE also realistically captures near-surface diapycnal mixing during upwelling season and the semiannual cycle of the California Undercurrent. In terms of interannual variability, the most pronounced signals are the persistent warming and downwelling anomalies of 2014–16 and a positive isopycnal salinity anomaly that peaked with the 2015–16 El Niño.
High-Resolution Rapid Refresh Model Data Analytics Derived on the Open Science Grid to Assist Wildland Fire Weather Assessment
Authors: Blaylock Brian K. , Horel John D. , Galli Chris
Published: October 2018

Terabytes of weather data are generated every day by gridded model simulations and in situ and remotely sensed observations. With this accelerating accumulation of weather data, efficient computational solutions are needed to process, archive, and analyze the massive datasets. The Open Science Grid (OSG) is a consortium of computer resources around the United States that makes idle computer resources available for use by researchers in diverse scientific disciplines. The OSG is appropriate for high-throughput computing, that is, many parallel computational tasks. This work demonstrates how the OSG has been used to compute a large set of empirical cumulative distributions from hourly gridded analyses of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model run operationally by the Environmental Modeling Center of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. These cumulative distributions derived from a 3-yr HRRR archive are computed for seven variables, over 1.9 million grid points, and each hour of the calendar year. The HRRR cumulative distributions are used to evaluate near-surface wind, temperature, and humidity conditions during two wildland fire episodes—the North Bay fires, a wildfire complex in Northern California during October 2017 that was the deadliest and costliest in California history, and the western Oklahoma wildfires during April 2018. The approach used here illustrates ways to discriminate between typical and atypical atmospheric conditions forecasted by the HRRR model. Such information may be useful for model developers and operational forecasters assigned to provide weather support for fire management personnel.
Relationships among the chemical, mechanical and geometrical properties of basalt fibers
Authors: Ralph Calvin , Lemoine Patrick , Summerscales John , Archer Edward , McIlhagger Alistair
Published: October 2018

We investigated the chemical, mechanical and geometrical properties of basalt fibers from three different commercial manufacturers and compared the results with those from an industry standard glass fiber. The chemical composition of the fibers was investigated by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, which showed that basalt and glass fibers have a similar elemental composition, with the main difference being variations in the concentrations of primary elements. A significant correlation between the ceramic content of basalt and its tensile properties was demonstrated, with a primary dependence on the Al2O3 content. Single fiber tensile tests at various lengths and two-way ANOVA revealed that the tensile strength and modulus were highly dependent on fiber length, with a minor dependence on the manufacturer. The results showed that basalt has a higher tensile strength, but a comparable modulus, to E-Glass. Considerable improvements in the quality of manufacturing basalt fibers over a three-year period were demonstrated through geometrical analysis, showing a reduction in the standard deviation of the fiber diameter from 1.33 to 0.61, comparable with that of glass fibers at 0.67. Testing of single basalt fibers with diameters of 13 and 17 µm indicated that the tensile strength and modulus were independent of diameter after an improvement in the consistency of fiber diameter, in line with that of glass fibers.
Media ownership and market structures: banes of news media sustainability in Nigeria?
Authors: Ojo Tokunbo
Published: October 2018

With the mixture of government-owned media outlets and private media establishments, Nigerian news media industry is deemed as one of the leading media industries in Africa. But, in spite of its leading status on the continent, the industry is plagued with a series of multi-faceted challenges of sustainability that is rooted in the socio-economic and political contexts. Consequently, privately owned media outlets have short-life span in Nigeria. This article assesses the challenges of news media sustainability in Nigeria. The article underscores the adverse effects of structural deficit in the democratic norms and institutional capabilities on the news media sustainability in Nigeria.
Traumatic versus Idiopathic Benign Positional Vertigo: Analysis of Disease, Treatment, and Outcome Characteristics
Authors: Luryi Alexander L. , LaRouere Michael , Babu Seilesh , Bojrab Dennis I. , Zappia John , Sargent Eric W. , Schutt Christopher A.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To compare characteristics between traumatic and idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) focusing on outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

High‐volume tertiary otology center.

Subjects and Methods

Records of patients with BPPV treated at a single institution from 2007 to 2017 were analyzed. Traumatic BPPV was defined as BPPV symptoms beginning within 30 days following head trauma. Patient, disease, treatment, and outcome characteristics were compared between traumatic and idiopathic BPPV groups.

Results

A total of 1378 patients with BPPV were identified, 110 (8%) of which had traumatic BPPV. The overall resolution rate was 76%, and the recurrence rate was 38%. Patients with traumatic BPPV were younger (mean age: 61 vs 65 years, P =. 007) and more likely to be male (40% vs 27%, P =. 004) than patients with idiopathic BPPV. Traumatic BPPV was more likely to affect both ears (32% vs 19%, P =. 009). No significant association was detected between trauma history and resolution rate, recurrence rate, number of treatment visits, or affected semicircular canals.

Conclusion

Patients with traumatic BPPV are more likely to be young and male than those with idiopathic disease. Although traumatic BPPV is often bilateral, outcomes for traumatic BPPV may be similar to those for idiopathic BPPV, contrary to prior reports.
Postoperative Opioid Use in Sinonasal Surgery
Authors: Locketz Garrett D. , Brant Jason D. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Goldberg Andrew N. , Loftus Patricia A. , Chandra Rakesh K. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Mueller Sarina K. , Orlandi Richard R. , Becker Madeleine , Dorminy Cindy A. , Becker Sophia D. , Blasetti Mariel , Becker Daniel G.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To survey patients following sinonasal surgery regarding postoperative pain and opioid use.

Study Design

Patients were surveyed for 4 days following sinus and/or nasal surgery regarding their pain level and use of prescribed opioids.

Setting

Four academic medical centers and 1 private practice institution.

Subjects

Consecutive adult patients undergoing sinonasal surgery.

Results

A total of 219 subjects met criteria and were included for analysis; 134 patients (61%) took 5 or fewer combination oxycodone (5‐mg) and acetaminophen (325‐mg) tablets in the first 3 postoperative days, and 196 patients (89.5%) took fewer than 15. Fifty‐one patients (23%) consumed no opioid pain medication. Opioid consumption was positively correlated with postoperative pain (R2 = 0.2, P <. 01) but was not correlated with the use of acetaminophen (R2 = 0.002, P =. 48). No significant difference in postoperative pain or opioid consumption was seen with respect to age, sex, specific procedures performed, postoperative steroids, or smoking history. Current smokers reported higher average pain than nonsmokers (P <. 001) and also required more postoperative opioids (P =. 02).

Conclusions

An evidence‐based approach to postoperative pain control following sinonasal surgery that reduces the number of unused and potentially diverted opioids is needed. The current study suggests that 15 combination oxycodone (5‐mg) and acetaminophen (325‐mg) tablets provide sufficient pain control for 90% of patients in the immediate postoperative period following sinonasal surgery, irrespective of the specific procedures performed, use of acetaminophen, or use of systemic steroids. Smoking status may help surgeons predict which patients will require larger opioid prescriptions.
Pathologic Fibroblasts in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis Amplify Local Inflammatory Signals
Authors: Morrison Robert J. , Katsantonis Nicolas‐George , Motz Kevin M. , Hillel Alexander T. , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Netterville James L. , Wootten Christopher T. , Majka Susan M. , Blackwell Timothy S. , Drake Wonder P. , Gelbard Alexander
Published: October 2018

Objective

To characterize the phenotype and function of fibroblasts derived from airway scar in idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) and to explore scar fibroblast response to interleukin 17A (IL‐17A).

Study Design

Basic science.

Setting

Laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Primary fibroblast cell lines from iSGS subjects, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis subjects, and normal control airways were utilized for analysis. Protein, molecular, and flow cytometric techniques were applied in vitro to assess the phenotype and functional response of disease fibroblasts to IL‐17A.

Results

Mechanistically, IL‐17A drives iSGS scar fibroblast proliferation (P <. 01), synergizes with transforming growth factor ß1 to promote extracellular matrix production (collagen and fibronectin; P =. 04), and directly stimulates scar fibroblasts to produce chemokines (chemokine ligand 2) and cytokines (IL‐6 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor) critical to the recruitment and differentiation of myeloid cells (P <. 01). Glucocorticoids abrogated IL‐17A‐dependent iSGS scar fibroblast production of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (P =. 02).

Conclusion

IL‐17A directly drives iSGS scar fibroblast proliferation, synergizes with transforming growth factor ß1 to promote extracellular matrix production, and amplifies local inflammatory signaling. Glucocorticoids appear to partially abrogate fibroblast‐dependent inflammatory signaling. These results offer mechanistic support for future translational study of clinical reagents for manipulation of the IL‐17A pathway in iSGS patients.
The Prevalence of Ultrarapid Metabolizers of Codeine in a Diverse Urban Population
Authors: Virbalas Jordan , Morrow Bernice E. , Reynolds David , Bent John P. , Ow Thomas J.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To examine the prevalence of ultrarapid metabolizers of codeine among children in an ethnically diverse urban community.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

A tertiary care academic children's hospital in the Bronx, New York.

Subjects and Methods

In total, 256 children with nonsyndromic congenital sensorineural hearing loss were analyzed. DNA was assessed for 63 previously described single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variants (CNVs) known to alter the function and expression of theCYP2D6gene primarily responsible for codeine metabolism. The rate of CYP2D6 metabolism was predicted based on participants’ haplotype.

Results

Ethnic distribution in the study subjects paralleled recent local census data, with the largest portion (115 children, 45.8%) identified as Hispanic or Latino. A total of 154 children (80.6%) had a haplotype that corresponds to extensive codeine metabolism, 18 children (9.42%) were identified as ultrarapid metabolizers (UMs), and 16 children (8.37%) were intermediate metabolizers. Only 3 children in our cohort (1.57%) were poor metabolizers. Patients identifying as Caucasian or Hispanic had an elevated incidence of UMs (11.3% and 11.2%, respectively) with extensive variability within subpopulations.

Conclusions

The clinically significant rate of ultrarapid metabolizers reinforces safety concerns regarding the use of codeine and related opiates. A patient‐targeted approach using pharmacogenomics may mitigate adverse effects by individualizing the selection and dosing of these analgesics.
Cleft Palates and Occlusal Outcomes in Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Do Julie Bao Anh , Bellerive Audrey , Julien Anne‐Sophie , Leclerc Jacques E.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To assess the dental class occlusion and lateral cephalometry of children with conservatively treated Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) and to identify associations between these findings and prepalatoplasty cleft palate measurements.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects and Methods

Among 22 patients with PRS, the following data were prospectively collected: demographics and preoperative cleft palate measurements. After patients reached age 6 years, an orthodontist assessed dental occlusion class and performed a lateral cephalometric analysis. PRS cephalometric data were compared with reference population values. Bivariate logistic regression was used to test the association with malocclusion class. Results are presented as odds ratios with 95% profile likelihood confidence intervals. The association between cleft measurements and cephalometric parameters was tested with Spearman's correlation (rs).

Results

All 22 patients had bimaxillary hypoplasia and were prone to hyperdivergency, with a 41% rate of dental class III malocclusion. An increased anterior growth of the still retrusive mandible mostly accounts for the occurrence of the class III malocclusion in PRS (class II SNB = 74.3° vs class III SNB = 77.6°, P =. 04). A larger cleft at the time of the cleft repair (mean, 11 months) was associated with increased mandibular retrusion (smaller SNB angle, rs = −0.5, P =. 02).

Conclusions

The 41% rate of class III malocclusion among these conservatively treated patients needs to be considered in the choice of the initial airway approach. The future impact of early mandibular advancement will have to be determined.
Cannabidiol regulates the expression of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis-related genes in response to acute restraint stress
Authors: Viudez-Martínez Adrián , García-Gutiérrez María S , Manzanares Jorge
Published: October 2018

Background:

Research interest has grown around the potential therapeutic use of cannabidiol in mood-related disorders, due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. These have been partially attributed to its action as an allosteric modulator of 5-HTR1A. However, the exact mechanism supporting cannabidiol properties remains unclear.

Aims:

To assess the effects of cannabidiol on different targets of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis under baseline and stress conditions.

Methods:

We administered cannabidiol (5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or vehicle to male C57BL/6J mice 90 min before single restraint stress exposure (20 min). Using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, we measured alterations in the relative gene expression of corticotropin-releasing factor in the paraventricular nucleus, pro-opiomelanocortin in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, glucocorticoid receptor in the hippocampus, and serotonin 5-HTR1A receptor in the hippocampus and amygdala.

Results:

Under baseline conditions, cannabidiol did not modify any element of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. In contrast, all doses induced alterations in 5-HTR1A in the amygdala and hippocampus. Interestingly, cannabidiol at low (5 mg/kg) and intermediate doses (15 mg/kg) successfully blocked the effects induced by acute stress on corticotropin-releasing factor, pro-opiomelanocortin and glucocorticoid receptor gene expression. Also, restraint stress induced the opposite effects in 5-HTR1A gene expression in the hippocampus and amygdala, an effect not seen in mice treated with cannabidiol at low doses.

Conclusions:

Taken together, these data suggest the ability of cannabidiol to regulate acute stress hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation might be explained, at least in part, by its action on 5-HTR1A receptors.
Parotid Gland Tumors in Infants and Children
Authors: Catania Vinicio C. , Bozzetti Federico , Santangelo Agatino , Salvadori Bruno
Published: October 2018

Eleven cases of parotid tumors in children under 16 years of age are considered. The series accounts for 1.6 % of 657 cases of parotid tumor of all ages observed during the Period 1930–1975 and consists of 6 mixed tumors, 2 mucoepidermoid tumors, 2 angiomas, and 1 benign lymphoepithelial lesion. All the patients underwent surgical treatment, 6 radical and 5 limited. The results of treatment point out that mixed tumors require radical parotidectomy. The attitude towards pediatric parotid tumors is discussed.
The Diagnostic Usefulness of Electron Microscopy Investigation of Orbital Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcomas
Authors: Cori Giorgio , Faraggiana Tullio , Grandi Cesare , Nardi Francesco
Published: October 2018

The ultrastructural study of three malignant orbital tumors, only one of which was correctly diagnosed as embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma upon histologic examination, is reported. In all 3 cases electron microscopic investigation revealed the presence of rhabdomyoblasts. These were easily recognizable in one case in which the diagnosis was made on the basis of the optical microscopic study. The other two cases needed further tests to evince rhabdomyoblasts. The importance of an ultrastructural study for a histogenetic characterization of this kind of tumor is emphasized. As far as embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas are concerned, the electron microscopic study is possible, and it gives useful results even when material fixed with routine histologic methods (formalin, Bouin's solution) are used.
Lav/HTLV-III Neutralizing Antibodies in the Sera of Patients with Aids, Lymphadenopathy Syndrome and Asymptomatic Seropositive Individuals
Authors: Faulkner-Valle Georgine P. , De Rossi Anita , Gassa Oriella Dalla , Chieco-Bianchi Luigi
Published: October 2018

Serum samples which had previously been found positive for LAV/HTLV-III antibodies by the ELISA test and then confirmed by radioimmunoassay (Western blot) were tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies. No neutralizing activity was found in the sera of a group of patients with the clinical diagnosis of AIDS. However in patients with LAS and other related pathologic conditions the percentage of sera positive for neutralizing antibodies was 27 % and 55 % respectively. At least 50 % of the sera from seropositive asymptomatic individuals had neutralizing activity but with the exception of the haemophiliac group the mean titre was much lower than that of LAS patients. No relationship was found between the neutralizing titre and the antibody specificity detected by Western blot analysis for p41 and p120.
Motility of Splenic Cells from Normal and Fibrosarcoma-Bearing Mice in Agarose Assay
Authors: Aroskar Vimal Suhas , Chaubal Kamlakar Anant
Published: October 2018

When nonadherent splenic cells from normal and tumor-bearing (mouse fibrosarcoma, MFS) Swiss mice were added to wells made in agarose layers in plastic petri dishes, subpopulations of cells from tumor-bearing mice were seen to migrate out of the wells, whereas those from normal mice did not. The proportion of migratory cells among the lower density (< 1.057 to < 1.069 g/ml) cells was larger than that of higher density (<1.069 to < 1.087 g/ml) cells. When the plastic surface underneath the agarose layer was covered with a monolayer of MFS cells, the splenic cells from normal mice also migrated out of the wells. About 20 % dead MFS cells were observed in the zone of migration when the migratory cells were from normal mice, and about 30 % when the migratory cells were from tumor bearing mice. Apart from revealing the differences between the migratory behavior of splenic cells, the present work also suggests a novel application of agarose methodology in the study of interaction of cytotoxic cells with malignant cells.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors in Italian Women: A Multicentric Case-Control Study
Authors: Toti Antonio , Agugiaro Silvio , Amadori Dino , Buzzi Gianfranco , Bruzzi Paolo , Buiatti Eva , Capelli M. Carla , Ciatto Stefano , Delfino Eliano , Foti Egidio , Giommi Andrea , Grassini Laura , Morini Nori , Naldoni Carlo , Arslan Carla Pagnini , Palli Domenico , Pulchinotta Alfonso M. , Priolo Annalisa , Ravaioli Alberto , Del Turco Marco Rosselli , Sarteur Giuliana , Scaglianti Giorgio , Toma Salvatore , Toppan Sante , Piffanelli Adriano
Published: October 2018

To evaluate the importance of several risk factors for breast cancer in the Italian female population, a large multicentric case-control study was conducted in 10 breast clinics in Italy. The study included 1,556 women affected by breast cancer, histologically and/or cytologically confirmed. Controls were 1,505 women admitted to a hospital in the same town, matched with cases for residence and with the same age distribution of the Italian female population. The risk factors considered in this study were family history of breast cancer, reproductive history, height and weight, use of oral contraceptives, other hormonal therapies and smoking history. The results of this study confirm the significant role of a positive family history of breast cancer (RR = 2.37); the relative risk was even higher when a first-degree relative was affected or the breast cancer was bilateral. The analysis of the reproductive history showed a significant trend of increasing risk with increasing age at first birth and, although less evident, with increasing number of children. Quetelet's index (kg/m–2) was positively correlated with breast cancer risk, mostly in postmenopausal women. Among other studied factors, only late age at menopause confirmed an increased risk for breast cancer, whereas age at menarche, use of oral contraceptives and smoking histories did not show any significant correlation with breast cancer risk. These results are in substantial agreement with other international studies, but represent an interesting contribution to studies about the Italian female population.
Primary Tumor Site, Size, Patients Age and Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancers
Authors: Toma Salvatore , Bonassi Stefano , Puntoni Riccardo , Nicolò Guido
Published: October 2018

This study considers the correlations between some characteristics of the primary tumor and level of lymph node involvement in 185 primary breast cancers. The average number of lymph nodes was higher in N + women than in N— women. Primary tumors with a diameter of more than 4 cm yielded the highest mean number of lymph nodes (17.5). The risk of developing lymph node metastases was fourfold in tumors with a diameter greater than 2 cm when compared to those with a diameter less than or equal to 2 cm. The most commonly metastasized lymph node level, in both large and small tumors, was the first; however, one-fifth of the patients had simultaneous lymph node metastasis in all three axillary levels. Although the left breast was the most affected (58.9 %), there was no evidence of a different risk of metastasis between the two breasts; 34.1 % of the tumors were multifocal. Lymph node involvement was higher in women under 50 years of age with a primary tumor larger than 2 cm.
Diagnosis and First-Line Treatment of Breast Cancer in Italian General Hospitals
Authors:   G.I.V.I.O. (Interdisciplinary Group for Cancer Care Evaluation) - Italy, Liberati A. , Fossati R. , Parazzini F. , Marsoni S. , Talamini R. , Torri W. , Tognoni T. , Confalonieri C.
Published: October 2018

The quality of the diagnostic and therapeutic process of 1262 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients was evaluated in 63 Italian general hospitals over the period March 1983 - April 1984. Most of the patients (91 %) discovered their own lesion, which was a nodule in 83 % of the cases. Practice of breast self examination was reported by 418 (33 %) patients, only 28 % of whom did that on a regular monthly basis. A diagnostic delay > 3 months was present in 36 % of the patients. Among the preoperative work-up examinations, skeletal X-ray or bone scan was not performed in 20 % of patients, whereas other essential examinations were done in most. The Patey type of radical mastectomy was the most frequent surgical procedure; quadrantectomy was performed in only 26 % of eligible patients, more frequently in younger (34 %) than in older patients (21 %). Adjuvant chemotherapy was recommended for 11 % and 6 % of pre- and postmenopausal N— patients, and for 78 % and 47 % of pre- and postmenopausal N+ patients. Forty-three of the 63 participating hospitals reported they adhered to the guidelines defined by the Italian Breast Cancer Task Force (F.O.N.Ca.M.) but this was not associated with substantial evidence of better quality of care. Similarly, no associations emerged between several hospitals' organizational features and adherence to recommended treatment guidelines. The study is ongoing to assess the quality of postsurgical treatment and to measure its impact on patients' survival.
Histologic-Prognostic Correlations in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Major and Minor Salivary Glands of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Santucci Marco , Bondi Roberto
Published: October 2018

Thirty-four cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the major and minor salivary glands of the oral cavity, treated by wide surgical excision, were studied. The relationship between prognosis of the neoplasm and various morphologic factors were evaluated. Among the morphologic parameters previously studied, which according to various authors may be linked to the evolution of this tumor, we confirmed correlations for both histologic patterns and perineural invasion. In addition, the authors propose neoplastic growth type as a new parameter prognostically significant in ACC. In fact, none of the patients with the pushing type growth pattern died during the study period (p = 0.007). These same patients presented disease-free periods (mean 56 months, median 58 months) significantly longer than those with the infiltrating type growth pattern (mean 28 months, median 24 months).
The Role of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (Filgrastim) in Maintaining Dose Intensity during Conventional-Dose Chemotherapy with Abvd in Hodgkin's Disease
Authors: Silvestri Federico , Fanin Renato , Velisig Marinella , Barillari Giovanni , Virgolini Luigi , Zaja Francesco , Russo Domenico , Baccarani Michele
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role and potential benefit of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, Filgrastim), administered following cytotoxic chemotherapy with the ABVD regimen in Hodgkin's disease, in maintaining cycle schedule and dose intensity and in decreasing neutropenia and number of infections.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-two patients affected by high-risk Hodgkin's disease (14 localized and 8 diffuse), aged 15 to 69 years (median, 34), were given ABVD chemotherapy for a total of 6 courses (for the purpose of this study, each single course of chemotherapy was considered as two 15-day periods). No patient was given G-CSF after the first cycle. After each cycle, G-CSF was administered only for: 1) absolute neutrophil count < 1 × 109/L between cycles; 2) delay in cycle schedule due to an absolute neutrophil count < 1 × 109/L on the planned day of treatment; or 3) fever or a documented infection, regardless the absolute neutrophil count. Once administered, G-CSF was maintained in the subsequent cycles.

Results

Seventeen of 22 patients (77%) required the administration of G-CSF (5 μg/kg b.w.; a median of 5 doses/cycle); most of them (13/17) before the 5th dose of chemotherapy. The main reason for introducing G-CSF into therapy was neutropenia during the interval between courses (n = 4) or on the planned day of treatment (n = 11). Comparing 112 courses where G-CSF was not administered with 124 where it was, in the latter group we observed: 1) a significantly lower (P = 0.0002) incidence of cycle delays (0 vs 13), with a median delay of 7 days (5 to 11). The main reason for cycle delay was neutropenia (n = 13); 2) a greater dose intensity delivered to the patients while on G-CSF (100% vs 95.2±8.8%; P = 0.0001); 3) an absolute neutrophil count significantly higher at day 8 (P<0.0001) and day 15 (P< 0.0001); 4) a significantly lower (P = 0.0003) incidence of neutropenia (2 vs. 17). No difference in the incidence of infections was observed between the two groups of cycles (P = 0.5889), but the duration and severity of the same were greater during chemotherapy without G-CSF, requiring antibiotic therapy and causing cycle delay.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our data suggest the use of Filgrastim in Hodgkin's disease also during conventional-dose chemotherapy with ABVD. It is not required from the first dose of therapy, but as soon as neutropenia appears between cycles or on the planned day of treatment. Then, its use allows maintenance of the chemotherapy schedule and dose intensity. It also decreases frequency, duration and severity of neutropenia and its sequelae.
Efficacy of Tropisetron (Navoban®) in Controlling Emesis Induced in Children by Anti-Cancer Therapy
Authors: Rosso Paolo , di Montezemolo Luca Cordero , Vivenza Claudia , Nasi Cristina , Tonello Mauro , Valle Paola , Madon Enrico
Published: October 2018

Aims and background

High doses of metoclopramide are contraindicated to prevent chemotherapy-induced emesis in pediatric patients, since the incidence of extrapyramidal reactions is increased in these patients. The aim of this small study was to evaluate the antiemetic activity and the safety of tropisetron (a new selective antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors) in children who suffered nausea and vomiting during previous chemotherapy courses, despite the administration of an anxiolytic agent (hydroxyzine hydrochloride).

Methods

The children with a malignant neoplasm were treated for emesis with tropisetron (5 mg o.a.d. or b.i.d.) during a total of 20 cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin combined with other antitumor agents.

Results

In 14 cycles (70%), there was no vomiting. There were two or less episodes of vomiting in 2 cycles (10%), 3–4 episodes in 2 cycles (10%), and no inhibition of vomiting at all in 2 cycles (10%). In 8 cycles there were no episodes of nausea (40%), in 5 cycles (25%) there were episodes of moderate nausea, and in 4 (20%) there were episodes of severe nausea. One child had a mild headache during one cycle and moderate hypotension during another.

Conclusions

The results suggest that tropisetron is both efficacious and safe for the treatment of pediatric patients.
Concealment and discovery: The role of information security in biomedical data re-use
Authors: Tempini Niccolò , Leonelli Sabina
Published: October 2018

This paper analyses the role of information security (IS) in shaping the dissemination and re-use of biomedical data, as well as the embedding of such data in material, social and regulatory landscapes of research. We consider data management practices adopted by two UK-based data linkage infrastructures: the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage, a Welsh databank that facilitates appropriate re-use of health data derived from research and routine medical practice in the region, and the Medical and Environmental Data Mash-up Infrastructure, a project bringing together researchers to link and analyse complex meteorological, environmental and epidemiological data. Through an in-depth analysis of how data are sourced, processed and analysed in these two cases, we show that IS takes two distinct forms: epistemic IS, focused on protecting the reliability and reusability of data as they move across platforms and research contexts, and infrastructural IS, concerned with protecting data from external attacks, mishandling and use disruption. These two dimensions are intertwined and mutually constitutive, and yet are often perceived by researchers as being in tension with each other. We discuss how such tensions emerge when the two dimensions of IS are operationalized in ways that put them at cross purpose with each other, thus exemplifying the vulnerability of data management strategies to broader governance and technological regimes. We also show that whenever biomedical researchers manage to overcome the conflict, the interplay between epistemic and infrastructural IS prompts critical questions concerning data sources, formats, metadata and potential uses, resulting in an improved understanding of the wider context of research and the development of relevant resources. This informs and significantly improves the reusability of biomedical data, while encouraging exploratory analyses of secondary data sources.
Randomized controlled trial of occupational performance coaching for mothers of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ahmadi Kahjoogh Mina , Kessler Dorothy , Hosseini Seyed Ali , Rassafiani Mehdi , Akbarfahimi Nazila , Khankeh Hamid Reza , Biglarian Akbar
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of occupational performance coaching in mothers of children with cerebral palsy.

Method

A randomized controlled trial was used. Thirty mothers of children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to an occupational performance coaching group or control group. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and Sherer General Self-efficacy Scale were measured before and after the study.

Results

Occupational performance coaching had significant effects on participants’ occupational performance and self-efficacy. In child-related goals, there was also a statistically significant difference between two groups ( p = 0.05).

Conclusion

The results indicated that occupational performance coaching could be an effective intervention to increase the self-efficacy of mothers and improve the occupational performance of children and mothers of children with cerebral palsy. This trial is registered at NCT02915926 at clinicaltrials.gov
Long-term Increase in Peritoneal Membrane Transport Rates following Incidental Intraperitoneal Sodium Hypochlorite Infusion
Authors: Dedhia N.M. , Schmidt L.M. , Twardowski Z.J. , Khanna R. , Nolph K.D.
Published: October 2018

A patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis using an “O” set connection system with sodium hypochlorite as a disinfectant incidentally infused the disinfectant intraperitoneally on two occasions. The product of peritoneal membrane permeability and peritoneal membrane surface area increased after both infusions as judged by peritoneal equilibration test results and/or serum chemistries. Elevated peritoneal solute transport rates and reduced ultrafiltration gradually subsided but did not return to preinfusion values. This observation suggests that intraperitoneal sodium hypochlorite infusion may cause significant long-term alteration in peritoneal membrane transport characteristics.
Late Results of Aortic Valve Replacement with Bjork Shiley Prostheses: A Comparison of Standard Aortic Valve Prosthesis with Reversed Mitral Valve Prosthesis Implanted in Aortic Position
Authors: Kaul T.K. , Mercer J.L.
Published: October 2018

Between 1976 and 1983, 435 patients underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) with Bjork Shiley prostheses. Standard aortic Bjork Shiley prostheses (ABP) were used in 150 patients (Group I) and a reversed mitral Bjork Shiley prostheses in 285 (MBP in 250 and MBC in 35) patients (Group II). There was no significant difference in the number of the patients with valve calcification or the size of aortic root in the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the early mortality in these two groups. The total follow up period in Group I was 912 years and 2130 years in Group II. The incidence of major aseptic prosthetic dehiscence and valve occlusion with tissue ingrowth were higher in Group I than in Group II. Reversed Bjork Shiley mitral valve prosthesis was successfully used in aortic position with reduced incidence of valve related complications.
Does Cadmium Contribute to the Development of Renal Parenchymal Hypertension?
Authors: Geiger H. , Bahner U. , Heidland A.
Published: October 2018

In our study we investigated 36 out-patients with renal disease, 22 of whom were hypertensive. In all patients proteinuria was present (4.30 ± 5.05 g protein/day) and kidney diseases were verified by renal biopsy. Blood cadmium in non-smokers was significantly (p< 0.05) lower than in smokers. We found a positive correlation between cadmium-concentration of blood and urine (p<0.01, R = 0.44) and between cadmium-concentration of blood and blood uric acid (p< 0.01, R = 0.44). Proteinuria was weakly correlated with cadmium concentration of urine (p<0.05, R = 0.35). Patients with renal hypertension showed a significantly higher (p< 0.05) urine cadmium excretion per day (1.60 ± 1.12 μg/day) compared to normotensives with a disease of the kidney (1.14 ± 1.47 μg/day). Our results indicate that cadmium may be involved in the development of hypertension in patients with renal disease.