bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Approaches to the Cryopreservation of Human Spermatozoa: History and Development of the Spermatozoa Vitrification Technology
Authors: Isachenko Evgenia , Rahimi Gohar , Mallmann Peter , Sanchez Raul , Isachenko Vladimir
Published: August 2015

Cryobiology is very intensively applied in reproductive and veterinary medicine for preservation of gametes, embryos and reproductive tissues. Sub-zero temperatures combined with appropriate cryoprotective agents preserve the physiological and reproductive functions of the cells making long-term storage possible without loss of viability. With the use of cryoprotective agents it has become possible to develop cryopreservation techniques, such as the slow conventional freezing and vitrification that are in use in the present times. In slow controlled-rate conventional freezing extracellular ice crystals are formed whereas in vitrification no ice crystals are formed. Glass formation is compatible with the survival of the cell and the preservation of its intracellular structures provided the type(s) and concentrations of cryoprotectant used are not chemo- or osmotoxic. However, irrespective of the type of cooling method employed the cryosurvival of cells and tissues is influenced by the size and maturity of cells, amounts of intracellular water, quality and quantity of intracellular lipids, type of cells, their function and morphology. The intracellular milieu of cryopreserved cells and tissues remain less understood. The application of nanotechnology may help reveal and help advance our knowledge of the cryobiological principles involved in cryosurvival. At this moment the methods of cryopreservation that merit further investigation are vitrification and lyophilization. Vitrification is cheap if reagents are prepared in-house and the procedure can be performed rapidly. It has been successfully applied for gametes and embryos (of different stages of development), and reproductive cells/tissues, somatic cells and stem cells. However, vitrification is more demanding technically and requires operation and storage at sub-zero temperatures. On the other hand lyophilization deserves further investigation because it is a cheaper form of cryopreservation that may enable cryostorage at less demanding temperatures of 4°C and may even allow transport at ambient temperature. These possibilities are explored in this review.
Morphopathology of Sperm: It's Impact on Fertilization
Authors: Franken DR , Henkel R
Published: August 2015

Terato-, astheno- and necrozoospermia negatively influence fertility prognosis in spontaneous conditions or with the use of various assisted reproductive techniques including conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The correct identification of sperm pathologies will indicate different fertility potentials and outcomes in assisted reproduction technology. Anomalies of only the spermatozoa flagella bear a promising prognosis, but those affecting the sperm chromatin and the neck region entail an increasing chance of failure, which highlights the differential roles played by specific sperm components in fertilization, implantation and early embryonic development. Sperm pathology therefore allows an understanding of abnormal function that goes beyond that provided by classical sperm morphology classifications that are mainly based on descriptions of abnormal sperm shapes with no insight into the mechanisms or the pathological details.
The Effect of Light on Embryos and Embryo Culture
Authors: Pomeroy Kimball O , Reed Michael L.
Published: August 2015

In oviparous animals, the egg hatches outside of the body and is exposed to light; in some cases throughout the development of the fetus. In mammals, fertilization and the growth of embryos in vivo occurs in the dark but in human IVF, these embryos are exposed to variable light sources and intensities. Light can affect embryonic development in some species via either a direct toxic effect on the embryo, or indirectly via photo-oxidation of components in the media or oil. Although data regarding the effect of light on human embryos is lacking, it is prudent to take appropriate steps to minimize the potential harmful effects of both ambient and microscopic light on embryos.
Improving Patient Safety: Integrating Data Visualization and Communication Into Icu Workflow to Reduce Cognitive Load
Authors: Faiola Anthony , Srinivas Preethi , Hillier Simon
Published: August 2015

A decade of emerging bedside information-visualization devices and clinical decision-support systems has provided intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians with a range of tools that display and intelligently filter data in ways that support patient diagnosis. There is an absence, however, of research that adequately addresses the need for visualization tools (related to context-sensitive information) that can reduce cognitive strain during decision-making. In response to this issue, Medical Information Visualization Assistant (MIVA) was designed to contextually organize patient longitudinal data with visual-enhancing tools for easy, rapid and more accurate analysis/interpretation of real-time patient data. MIVA was envisioned as an electronic medical record (EMR) visualization dashboard to reduce cognitive load and related diagnostic error. The current design phase will include communication tools to enhance MIVA's capacity to support ICU team collaboration. In this paper we describe two studies of MIVA that provide insight into its potential as an effective support for clinical work. Quantitative findings show a significant difference in speed and accuracy of MIVA when compared to paper medical charts. Similarly, qualitative outcomes show that participants acknowledge MIVA's potential to reduce cognitive load, while contributing to a rich social matrix of ICU clinical activity that combines work and information flow.
Electronic Health Records and Interruptions: The Need for New Interruption Management Strategies
Authors: Benda Natalie C. , Meadors Margaret L. , Hettinger A. Zachary , Fong Allan , Ratwani Raj M.
Published: August 2015

Background:

Interruptions have been widely studied in the health care domain, yet the nature of work in healthcare is changing with the pervasive use of electronic health records (EHRs). It is unclear how interruptions are changing with the introduction of new technology.

Method:

This study examines the nature of interruptions experienced by emergency medicine physicians before and after the transition from a home grown EHR to a commercially available system with electronic nursing documentation and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) capabilities. A minute-by-minute paper-based observation template was utilized to record the type of tasks interrupted (patient room, computer, verbal communication or paper charts/labs) as well as who initiated the interruption.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the type of tasks performed between the preimplementation and post-implementation (go-live) phase. Physicians spent less time on paper-related tasks (p < 0.01) and more time on computer-related tasks (p < 0.01) in the go-live phase. With the shift in task composition, physicians experienced a significantly higher rate of interruptions of computer tasks (p = 0.05), and a significantly lower rate of interruptions to of paper-based tasks (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the source of the interruption between the two phases.

Discussion:

Given the shifts in the types of tasks interrupted after the implementation of a commercially available system with CPOE, it is important to develop new interruption coping strategies. These strategies might include interface design principles to facilitate interruption recovery, less disruptive tactics for the person initiating the interruption, and providing the physicians with training on test systems with realistic data prior to using the new system to care for patients.

Conclusion:

It was demonstrated that EHRs change the nature of interruptions experienced during the immediate go-live period. Going forward, exploring methods for mitigating harm associated with this change will be critical in preserving patient safety.
Exploring the Context of Chronic Illness Self-Care Using Geospatial Analyses
Authors: Ye Nan , Holden Richard J.
Published: August 2015

Chronic illnesses are managed across clinical settings as well as in homes and communities. Chronic illness self-care is also pervasive because it often involves diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications. Patients' context (i.e., the environments where their self-care occurs and those environments' properties) is related to the success of patients' self-care for chronic illness. Applying geographic sciences can extend the scope and value of human factors investigations and interventions in the domain of health and healthcare. This study used qualitative content analyses and geospatial analyses to examine where elderly, chronically ill patients report performing self-care and ways in which “place matters” for their health and self-care. We identified fifteen common places such as home, clinic, community meeting place, and place of work. In those we identified three key geographic dimensions—physical-spatial, social-cultural, and organizational—and five major themes of how place effected health and self-care. We also created two geographic information system techniques to plot patients' addresses, local fast food restaurants, and air pollution in 95 Tennessee counties. We urge further geospatial analyses as part of the human factors toolkit in research on health and healthcare.
Pleural Effusion Size as Prognostic Marker in Patients With Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Montero-Arias Felicia , Cartin-Ceba Rodrigo , Rojas-Solano Jose , Ugalde-Gamboa Luis , Ramos-Esquivel Allan
Published: August 2015

Background:

Inconsistent results have been reported regarding mortality predictors of malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

Objective:

We aim to describe prognostic features of MPE in patients evaluated over 5 years in a referral center.

Methods:

All consecutive MPEs (confirmed by pleural cytology or biopsy) from January 2009 to July 2014 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Clinical data were collected from medical registries. Overall survival (OS) rate was calculated with Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated by the Cox proportional regression model.

Results:

A total of 110 patients were identified. Mean OS was 8.3 months (range: 25-426 days). No difference in OS was noted based on tumor type. Patients with MPE <50% had a significant better survival than those with malignant pleural effusion ≥50% (median OS: 15.7 vs 5.7 months; HR: 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.78; P = .0026). After adjusting for confounding variables, MPE size was independently associated with mortality (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.11-2.91; P < .001). No association between glucose or pH in pleural fluid and OS was noted.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that MPE size, as determined by chest X-ray, is significantly associated with mortality.
Enamel Surface Roughness of Preferred Debonding and Polishing Protocols
Authors: Webb Brian J. , Koch Jacob , Hagan Joseph L. , Ballard Richard W. , Armbruster Paul C.
Published: August 2015

Objective

This study investigated the surface roughness of enamel after debonding and instrumentation with commonly used methods.

Methods

Part I: a survey was sent to active members of the American Association of Orthodontists to determine popular bonding, debonding, and polishing protocols. Part II: brackets were bonded to the buccal surface of 30 extracted human premolar teeth. After debonding, residual adhesive was removed with 12-, 16-, and 20-fluted titanium carbide burs as based upon the survey results. The teeth were scanned with a surface profilometer for surface roughness. Part III: the teeth were further polished using a Reliance Renew polishing point or a prophy cup with pumice and rescanned for surface roughness.

Results

Part I: the majority of respondents used a generic bracket-removing plier to remove fixed appliances (53%) and a high-speed handpiece for adhesive removal (85%). The most popular bur was a 12-fluted carbide bur without water spray. The majority of respondents used pumice paste and/or Reliance Renew points after adhesive removal. Part II: there was a significant difference in enamel surface roughness when 12-, 16-, and 20-fluted carbide burs were compared via surface profilometry. Part III: further polishing with a Reliance Renew point or a prophy cup and pumice did not provide a significantly smoother surface.

Conclusions

The results show large variation in debonding and polishing techniques. Creating a smooth enamel surface is equally possible with 12- or 20-fluted carbide burs. Further polishing with pumice and prophy cup or Renew point does not provide an enamel smoother surface.
Retinal imaging with en face and cross-sectional optical coherence tomography delineates outer retinal changes in cancer-associated retinopathy secondary to Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Mesiwala Nisreen K , Shemonski Nathan , Sandrian Michelle G , Shelton Ryan , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Tawbi Hussein A , Schuman Joel S , Boppart Stephen A , Labriola Leanne T
Published: August 2015

Background

The study aims to correlate Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) with Goldmann visual field (GVF) to show the photoreceptor (PR) structure and function relationship in the first described case of cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) from Merkel cell carcinoma.

Findings

A case study of a patient with CAR who was imaged with serial GVF and FD-OCT over a 2-year period was carried out. En face images were created using a custom algorithm from the volumetric Fourier-domain OCT scans at the PR level. The areas of decreased PR reflectivity on the en face images were compared with GVF obtained at the same time point. Regions of reduced signal on en face scans corresponded with the position and shape of the GVF scotomas. Initially, the vision improved without PR changes. Cross-sectional OCTs showed early recovery of the outer nuclear layer and later improvement in the nerve fiber layer. Worsening vision corresponded with recurrence of the underlying cancer. Progressive global retinal atrophy was seen over time.

Conclusions

Merkle cell carcinoma can cause CAR. Retinal function recovered without structural PR recovery. Transient vision improvements in treated CAR patients may be due to layers other than the PRs, but eventual vision decline results from significant progressive retinal atrophy.
IL‐17 cytokines in bone healing of diabetic Charcot arthropathy patients: a prospective 2 year follow‐up study
Authors: Folestad Agnetha , Ålund Martin , Asteberg Susanne , Fowelin Jesper , Aurell Ylva , Göthlin Jan , Cassuto Jean
Published: August 2015

Background

Little is currently known of the pathophysiological mechanisms triggering Charcot arthropathy and regulating its recovery although foot trauma has been proposed as a major initiating factor by activation of proinflammatory cytokines leading to increased osteoclastogenic activity and progressive bone destruction. Several members of the IL‐17 family of proinflammatory cytokines have been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory conditions affecting bone and joints but none has previously been studied in Charcot foot patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL‐17A, IL‐17E and IL‐17F in patients presenting with Charcot foot.

Methods

Twenty‐six consecutive Charcot patients were monitored during 2 years by repeated foot radiographs, MRI and circulating levels of IL‐17A, IL‐17E and IL‐17F. Analysis of cytokines was done by ultra‐sensitive chemiluminescence technique and data were analyzed by one‐way repeated measures ANOVA. Neuropathic diabetic patients (n = 20) and healthy subjects (n = 20) served as controls.

Results

Plasma IL‐17A and IL‐17E in weight‐bearing Charcot patients at diagnosis were at the level of diabetic controls, whereas IL‐17F was significantly lower than diabetic controls. A significant increase in IL‐17A and IL‐17E reaching a peak 2–4 months after inclusion and start of offloading treatment in Charcot patients was followed by a gradual decrease to the level of diabetic controls at 2 years postinclusion. In contrast, IL‐17F increased gradually from inclusion to a level not significantly different from diabetic controls after 2 years.

Conclusions

Charcot patients display a significant elevation of all three IL‐17 cytokines during the follow‐up period relative values at diagnosis and values in control patients supporting a role in the bone repair and remodeling activity during the recovery phase. The rapid increase of IL‐17A and IL‐17E shortly after initiating off‐loading treatment could suggest this to be a response to immobilization and stabilization of the diseased foot.
Hidden genes in birds
Authors: Hron Tomáš , Pajer Petr , Pačes Jan , Bartůněk Petr , Elleder Daniel
Published: August 2015

We report that a subset of avian genes is characterized by very high GC content and long G/C stretches. These sequence characteristics correlate with the frequent absence of these genes from genomic databases. We provide several examples where genes in this subset are mistakenly reported as missing in birds.

www.dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13059-015-0725-y
Immune phenotypes of microglia in human neurodegenerative disease: challenges to detecting microglial polarization in human brains
Authors: Walker Douglas G. , Lue Lih-Fen
Published: August 2015

Inflammatory responses in the brain, which can be demonstrated by changes in properties of microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, are a common feature of human neurodegenerative diseases. Different monocyte/macrophage phenotypes have been defined by changes in expression of cytokines, receptors and other markers as a response to different classes of stimuli. Monocytes, macrophages and microglia can have a range of phenotypes with associated properties depending on their microenvironment. Macrophage/microglia polarization states have been defined as classical activation (M1), alternative activation (M2a), type II alternative activation (M2b) or acquired deactivation (M2c). Available markers for identifying microglial phenotypes in human brains are still limited; those available provide incomplete information on the functions or polarization states of microglia observed in tissues from diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. The most widely used marker to describe activated microglia in human brains, particularly diseased brains, has been HLA-DR, the major histocompatibility complex II protein. HLA-DR-positive microglia can have a wide range of activation morphologies that are affected not only by disease pathology, but also by their differentiation states and brain regions. Two other widely used markers to identify microglia in human brains are ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 and CD68. Although their expression changes in diseased brains, these markers do not show specificity for different phenotypes. Over the years there have been studies with additional markers that attempt to further define microglial properties, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease brains. Most studies have employed immunohistochemical techniques to identify microglia in tissue sections, but recent advances in this field have allowed gene expression profiling of microglia upon immediate isolation from brains. We will review which markers might better define different activation phenotypes of microglia in human brains and whether they fit into current microglial polarization schemes.
Where is the common ground between bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells from different donors and species?
Authors: Jones Elena , Schäfer Richard
Published: August 2015

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) feature promising potential for cellular therapies, yet significant progress in development of MSC therapeutics and assays is hampered because of remarkable MSC heterogeneity in vivo and in vitro. This heterogeneity poses challenges for standardization of MSC characterization and potency assays as well as for MSC study comparability and manufacturing. This review discusses promising marker combinations for prospective MSC subpopulation enrichment and expansion, and reflects MSC phenotype changes due to environment and age. In order to address animal modelling in MSC biology, comparison of mouse and human MSC markers highlights current common ground of MSCs between species.
Mutational Spectrum, Copy Number Changes, and Outcome: Results of a Sequencing Study of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Myeloma
Authors: Walker Brian A. , Boyle Eileen M. , Wardell Christopher P. , Murison Alex , Begum Dil B. , Dahir Nasrin M. , Proszek Paula Z. , Johnson David C. , Kaiser Martin F. , Melchor Lorenzo , Aronson Lauren I. , Scales Matthew , Pawlyn Charlotte , Mirabella Fabio , Jones John R. , Brioli Annamaria , Mikulasova Aneta , Cairns David A. , Gregory Walter M. , Quartilho Ana , Drayson Mark T. , Russell Nigel , Cook Gordon , Jackson Graham H. , Leleu Xavier , Davies Faith E. , Morgan Gareth J.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

At the molecular level, myeloma is characterized by copy number abnormalities and recurrent translocations into the immunoglobulin heavy chain locus. Novel methods, such as massively parallel sequencing, have begun to describe the pattern of tumor-acquired mutations, but their clinical relevance has yet to be established.

Methods

We performed whole-exome sequencing for 463 patients who presented with myeloma and were enrolled onto the National Cancer Research Institute Myeloma XI trial, for whom complete molecular cytogenetic and clinical outcome data were available.

Results

We identified 15 significantly mutated genes: IRF4, KRAS, NRAS, MAX, HIST1H1E, RB1, EGR1, TP53, TRAF3, FAM46C, DIS3, BRAF, LTB, CYLD, and FGFR3. The mutational spectrum is dominated by mutations in the RAS (43%) and nuclear factor-κB (17%) pathways, but although they are prognostically neutral, they could be targeted therapeutically. Mutations in CCND1 and DNA repair pathway alterations (TP53, ATM, ATR, and ZNFHX4 mutations) are associated with a negative impact on survival. In contrast, those in IRF4 and EGR1 are associated with a favorable overall survival. We combined these novel mutation risk factors with the recurrent molecular adverse features and international staging system to generate an international staging system mutation score that can identify a high-risk population of patients who experience relapse and die prematurely.

Conclusion

We have refined our understanding of genetic events in myeloma and identified clinically relevant mutations that may be used to better stratify patients at presentation.
Randomized Phase II Trial Comparing Obinutuzumab (GA101) With Rituximab in Patients With Relapsed CD20+ Indolent B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Final Analysis of the GAUSS Study
Authors: Sehn Laurie H. , Goy Andre , Offner Fritz C. , Martinelli Giovanni , Caballero M. Dolores , Gadeberg Ole , Baetz Tara , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Gaidano Gianluca , Fayad Luis E. , Buckstein Rena , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Crump Michael , Jaksic Branimir , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Padmanabhan Iyer Swaminathan , Sahin Deniz , Chai Akiko , Fingerle-Rowson Günter , Press Oliver W.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Obinutuzumab (GA101), a novel glycoengineered type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, demonstrated responses in single-arm studies of patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is the first prospective, randomized study comparing safety and efficacy of obinutuzumab with rituximab in relapsed indolent lymphoma. The primary end point of this study was the overall response rate (ORR) in patients with follicular lymphoma after induction and safety in patients with indolent lymphoma.

Patients and Methods

A total of 175 patients with relapsed CD20+ indolent lymphoma requiring therapy and with previous response to a rituximab-containing regimen were randomly assigned (1:1) to four once-per-week infusions of either obinutuzumab (1,000 mg) or rituximab (375 mg/m2). Patients without evidence of disease progression after induction therapy received obinutuzumab or rituximab maintenance therapy every 2 months for up to 2 years.

Results

Among patients with follicular lymphoma (n = 149), ORR seemed higher for obinutuzumab than rituximab (44.6% v 33.3%; P = .08). This observation was also demonstrated by a blinded independent review panel that measured a higher ORR for obinutuzumab (44.6% v 26.7%; P = .01). However, this difference did not translate into an improvement in progression-free survival. No new safety signals were observed for obinutuzumab, and the incidence of adverse events was balanced between arms, with the exception of infusion-related reactions and cough, which were higher in the obinutuzumab arm.

Conclusion

Obinutuzumab demonstrated a higher ORR without appreciable differences in safety compared with rituximab. However, the clinical benefit of obinutuzumab in this setting remains unclear and should be evaluated within phase III trials.
Identifying Social Distress: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Social Outcomes 12 to 36 Months After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Wright Penny , Downing Amy , Morris Eva J.A. , Corner Jessica L. , Richards Mike A. , Sebag-Montefiore David , Finan Paul , Glaser Adam W.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To establish the prevalence and determinants of poor social outcomes after a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Patients and Methods

All 12- to 36-month survivors of CRC (International Classification of Diseases [10th revision] codes C18 to C20) diagnosed in 2010 or 2011 and treated in the English National Health Service were identified and sent a questionnaire from their treating cancer hospital. This included the Social Difficulties Inventory, a 16-item scale of social distress (SD) comprising everyday living, money matters, and self and others subscales, plus five single items. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. Analyses using descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and logistic regression models were conducted.

Results

Response rate was 63.3% (21,802 of 34,467). Of the 21,802 participants, 17,830 (81.8%) completed all SD items; 2,688 (15.1%) of these 17,830 respondents were classified as experiencing SD (everyday living, 19.5%; money matters, 15.6%; self and others, 18.1%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated having ≥ three long-term conditions was the strongest predictor of SD (odds ratio [OR], 6.64; 95% CI, 5.67 to 7.77 compared with no long-term conditions), followed by unemployment (OR, 5.11; 95% CI, 4.21 to 6.20 compared with being employed), having recurrent or nontreatable disease (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.49 to 3.04 compared with being in remission), and having a stoma (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.86 to 2.36 compared with no stoma). Additional predictors of SD were young age (< 55 years), living in a more deprived area, nonwhite ethnicity, having advanced-stage disease, having undergone radiotherapy, and being a carer.

Conclusion

Although it is reassuring a majority do not experience social difficulties, a minority reported significant SD 12 to 36 months after diagnosis of CRC. The identified clinical and social risk factors are easy to establish and should be used to target support.
Treatment of Brain Metastases
Authors: Lin Xuling , DeAngelis Lisa M.
Published: August 2015

Brain metastases (BMs) occur in 10% to 20% of adult patients with cancer, and with increased surveillance and improved systemic control, the incidence is likely to grow. Despite multimodal treatment, prognosis remains poor. Current evidence supports use of whole-brain radiation therapy when patients present with multiple BMs. However, its associated cognitive impairment is a major deterrent in patients likely to live longer than 6 months. In patients with oligometastases (one to three metastases) and even some with multiple lesions less than 3 to 4 cm, especially if the primary tumor is considered radiotherapy resistant, stereotactic radiosurgery is recommended; if the BMs are greater than 4 cm, surgical resection with or without postoperative whole-brain radiation therapy should be considered. There is increasing evidence that systemic therapy, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, is effective against BM and may be an early choice, especially in patients with sensitive primary tumors. In patients with progressive systemic disease, limited treatment options, and poor performance status, best supportive care may be appropriate. Regardless of treatment goals, use of corticosteroids or antiepileptic medications is helpful in symptomatic patients. In this review, we provide a summary of current therapy, as well as developments in the treatment of BM from solid tumors.
Coffee Intake, Recurrence, and Mortality in Stage III Colon Cancer: Results From CALGB 89803 (Alliance)
Authors: Guercio Brendan J. , Sato Kaori , Niedzwiecki Donna , Ye Xing , Saltz Leonard B. , Mayer Robert J. , Mowat Rex B. , Whittom Renaud , Hantel Alexander , Benson Al , Atienza Daniel , Messino Michael , Kindler Hedy , Venook Alan , Hu Frank B. , Ogino Shuji , Wu Kana , Willett Walter C. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Fuchs Charles S.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Observational studies have demonstrated increased colon cancer recurrence in states of relative hyperinsulinemia, including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and increased dietary glycemic load. Greater coffee consumption has been associated with decreased risk of type 2 diabetes and increased insulin sensitivity. The effect of coffee on colon cancer recurrence and survival is unknown.

Patients and Methods

During and 6 months after adjuvant chemotherapy, 953 patients with stage III colon cancer prospectively reported dietary intake of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and nonherbal tea, as well as 128 other items. We examined the influence of coffee, nonherbal tea, and caffeine on cancer recurrence and mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

Patients consuming 4 cups/d or more of total coffee experienced an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for colon cancer recurrence or mortality of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.34 to 0.99), compared with never drinkers (Ptrend= .002). Patients consuming 4 cups/d or more of caffeinated coffee experienced significantly reduced cancer recurrence or mortality risk compared with abstainers (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.91; Ptrend= .002), and increasing caffeine intake also conferred a significant reduction in cancer recurrence or mortality (HR, 0.66 across extreme quintiles; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.93; Ptrend= .006). Nonherbal tea and decaffeinated coffee were not associated with patient outcome. The association of total coffee intake with improved outcomes seemed consistent across other predictors of cancer recurrence and mortality.

Conclusion

Higher coffee intake may be associated with significantly reduced cancer recurrence and death in patients with stage III colon cancer.
The Hong Kong Dilemma and a Constellation Solution
Authors: Huang Heidi Yu
Published: August 2015

For more than three decades there have been calls for a “locally produced” history of Hong Kong literature by scholars born in Hong Kong or long resident there. Following an overview of the “Hong Kong dilemma” and of scholarly endeavors to meet the three challenges of information selection, historical contextualization, and epistemological configuration, this essay discusses the merits and limitations of the three analytic perspectives and proposes the paradigmatic image of the constellation to situate Hong Kong literary history more suitably in the multiple dimensions of world literary space. It recommends the same paradigm for an effective history that forges connections beyond binarisms like East-West, mainland China–Hong Kong, and center-periphery.
Timings, Canon, and Art History
Authors: Kempadoo Roshini
Published: August 2015

This essay is a contribution to the book discussion of Timed Out: Art and the Transnational Caribbean (2011) by Leon Wainwright. Kempadoo offers an exploration and commentary on the way Wainwright's publication has been structured and conceived, exploring the rationale for the range of artists as the subjects of the book. She discusses “timing” and temporality as the central narrative for Wainwright in researching Caribbean art as transnational and comments on the implications and limitations of the publication in addressing the complexity of contemporary Caribbean visual art within the context of global art practices and set against more radical postcolonial art critique.
Timed Out: Pathways and Pitfalls for Art History and Caribbean Studies
Authors: Wainwright Leon
Published: August 2015

This essay reflects on the contribution made by Timed Out: Art and the Transnational Caribbean (2011) to alternative futures for the Caribbean-focused study of art and its histories. Wainwright emphasizes the need for better attention to the complex “geopolitics of time” that is central to the formation of Caribbean creative experience, and outlines the discursive field, the art market, and the policy and funding landscape through which Caribbean and diaspora artists move. In response to the discussion of Timed Out in this issue of Small Axe, Wainwright explains the continuing need to explode the existing dominant art canons (while highlighting the problematic assimilation of counterdiscursive and plural positions) and proposes various pathways by which the Caribbean's role in changing powerful modes and priorities of art historical scholarship may be extended fruitfully to the wider humanities.
Forêts del Sur and the Pretexts of Glissant's Tout-Monde
Authors: Ikoku Alvan A.
Published: August 2015

This essay details the implications of focusing on the forest as a point of figuration and analysis for a world literature emanating from English-, French-, and Spanish-language work on the Caribbean. Of primary interest are two instances of meta- and paratextual comment on forests in the South: André Breton and André Masson's Martinique: Charmeuse de serpents and Alejo Carpentier's uses of José Martí and Wifredo Lam in his prologue to El reino de este mundo. Though Carpentier is known for his rejection of Breton and Masson's surreal forest for Lam's visual representation of the marvelous in the Caribbean selva, Ikoku suggests that Breton, Masson, and Carpentier were each committed to a territorialization of the Antilles, and as alternatives, he offers Lam's translation of Aimé Césaire and Edouard Glissant's explorations of William Faulkner—both attempts to deterritorialize an oeuvre known for its grounded, rooted character, and thus important approaches for landscaping a global South and, by extension, a contemporary world literature.
The thyroid hormone nuclear receptor TRα1 controls the Notch signaling pathway and cell fate in murine intestine
Authors: Sirakov Maria , Boussouar Amina , Kress Elsa , Frau Carla , Lone Imtiaz Nisar , Nadjar Julien , Angelov Dimitar , Plateroti Michelina
Published: August 2015

Thyroid hormones control various aspects of gut development and homeostasis. The best-known example is in gastrointestinal tract remodeling during amphibian metamorphosis. It is well documented that these hormones act via the TR nuclear receptors, which are hormone-modulated transcription factors. Several studies have shown that thyroid hormones regulate the expression of several genes in the Notch signaling pathway, indicating a possible means by which they participate in the control of gut physiology. However, the mechanisms and biological significance of this control have remained unexplored. Using multiple in vivo and in vitro approaches, we show that thyroid hormones positively regulate Notch activity through the TRα1 receptor. From a molecular point of view, TRα1 indirectly controls Notch1, Dll1, Dll4 and Hes1 expression but acts as a direct transcriptional regulator of the Jag1 gene by binding to a responsive element in the Jag1 promoter. Our findings show that the TRα1 nuclear receptor plays a key role in intestinal crypt progenitor/stem cell biology by controlling the Notch pathway and hence the balance between cell proliferation and cell differentiation.
Structure and dynamics of the membrane attaching nitric oxide transporter nitrophorin 7
Authors: Knipp Markus , Ogata Hideaki , Soavi Giancarlo , Cerullo Giulio , Allegri Alessandro , Abbruzzetti Stefania , Bruno Stefano , Viappiani Cristiano , Bidon-Chanal Axel , Luque F. Javier
Published: August 2015

Nitrophorins represent a unique class of heme proteins that are able to perform the delicate transportation and release of the free-radical gaseous messenger nitric oxide (NO) in a pH-triggered manner. Besides its ability to bind to phospholipid membranes, the N-terminus of NP7, a member of the NO transporter nitrophorin family, contains an additional Leu-Pro-Gly stretch, which is a unique sequence trait, and the heme cavity is significantly altered with respect to other nitrophorins. These distinctive features encouraged us to solve the X-ray crystallographic structures of NP7 at low and high pH and bound with different heme ligands (nitric oxide, histamine, imidazole). The overall fold of the lipocalin motif is well preserved in the different X-ray structures and resembles the fold of other nitrophorins. However, a chain-like arrangement in the crystal lattice due to a number of head-to-tail electrostatic stabilizing interactions is found in NP7. Furthermore, the X-ray structures also reveal ligand-dependent changes in the orientation of the heme, as well as in specific interactions between the A-B and G-H loops, which are considered to be relevant for the biological function of nitrophorins. Fast and ultrafast laser triggered ligand rebinding experiments demonstrate the pH-dependent ligand migration within the cavities and the exit route. Finally, the topological distribution of pockets located around the heme as well as from inner cavities present at the rear of the protein provides a distinctive feature in NP7, so that while a loop gated exit mechanism to the solvent has been proposed for most nitrophorins, a more complex mechanism that involves several interconnected gas hosting cavities is proposed for NP7.
Disentangling Isoetes setacea and removing threats to Isoetes echinospora
Authors: Greuter Werner , Troia Angelo
Published: August 2015

The name Isoetes setacea has been applied to two different species, causing nomenclatural and taxonomic confusion. Some authors have rejected it on that account, yet it is currently used in a sense that is incompatible with its type. That type represents one of two similar species, I. echinospora and I. lacustris, which still today grow together at the type locality. An epitype is designated here, ensuring that I. setacea is sunk in synonymy under I. lacustris. A second name potentially threatening I. echinospora is I. tenella. It is currently regarded as a synonym of I. lacustris, but its type, a plate in Flora Danica, cannot be confidently identified, nor are there any specimens associated with it. Again, an epitype is designated to cement the current disposition of I. tenella and remove that second threat from I. echinospora. The correct name of the species generally misnamed I. setacea is I. delilei, here lectotypified.
Conditions Required to Encourage Russia’s Corporate Pension System
Authors: Belobabchenko Marina
Published: August 2015

This article examines the perquisites for the formation of the contemporary corporate pension provision through greater engagement of middle and small-size organizations and enterprises. Currently, corporate pension schemes can only be afforded by large and profitable enterprises and corporations engaged in fuel and energy, also in oil and transport industries of the Russian Federation. However, surveys of the all-Russian center for public opinion studies show that 22% of Russian citizens would like to pay some amount of money for future retirement, in addition to the pensions that will be paid by the state. The author believes that, in spite of the current sanctions against Russia and the deterioration of economic development, the adoption of the Federal law on corporate pension system is necessary. Of course, at the same time, the state should take measures to encourage employers to establish corporate pension programs by providing tax benefits and other preferential terms.
Concept of Legal Support for Financial Stability of the Russian Federation
Authors: Povetkina Natalya
Published: August 2015

The article is devoted to the development of the concept of financial and legal support of financial stability of the Russian Federation. Special emphasis is made on the need to define common approaches to system-wise financial stability of the Russian Federation. The article emphasizes that the study of the financial and legal tools required to facilitate financial sustainability from the stand point of the system approach allows to clearly reveal the internal structure, the way it functions and to formulate the main vectors for its perfection. Also attended to in this article are the elements of financial and legal tools for the financial sustainability of the Russian Federation. It is recognized that the term “financial stability” is an economic category, also emphasized is special role and importance of law as a regulator of economic relations. The article, inter alia, speaks of the impact of risks on financial stability.
Threats to International Information Security: the Development of a Conceptual Approaches
Authors: Kapustin Anatoliy
Published: August 2015

The article examines the main approaches to the formation and development of international legal regulation concerning threats to international information security. It examines the definition of information threats, as formulated in national (Russian) and international acts. Special attention is given to the reasonableness of the use of the term “information war” (Cyber warfare) from the point of view of international law. Also, the article attends to the special features of the concept of “computer network attack” in the international legal context. It analyses the issues relating to qualification of various acts which make the notion of “information threats” to international information security, and stresses for much needed search of new approaches to be applied to the given subject, also calls for departure from the existing methods of mechanical application of the existing norms, principles and institutions of international law to the regulation of information environment.
Restocking-Based Rollout Policies for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Stochastic Demand and Duration Limits
Authors: Goodson Justin C. , Thomas Barrett W. , Ohlmann Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2015

We develop restocking-based rollout policies to make real-time, dynamic routing decisions for the vehicle routing problem with stochastic demand and duration limits. Leveraging dominance results, we develop a computationally tractable method to estimate the value of an optimal restocking policy along a fixed route. Embedding our procedure in rollout algorithms, we show restocking-based rollout outperforms a priori-based rollout, demonstrating the value of explicitly considering preemptive capacity replenishment in a rollout approach for dynamic routing. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of basic local search versus more sophisticated mechanisms for the heuristic component of the rollout procedure.
When play is as clear as mud
Authors: Francis-Pester Dawn
Published: August 2015

Free and fun, for most children mud is just another one of nature's toys. Here we suggest a range of muddy activities for your childminding setting to suit different tolerance levels.
Promoting oral health care in the preschool child
Authors: Buahin Beverly
Published: August 2015

Tooth decay in children is prevalent. The most recent Children's Dental Health Survey ( Health and Social Care Information Centre, 2015 ) revealed that around one third of 5-year-old children in England suffer from this preventable disease. This article discusses the issues surrounding children's oral health, including the burden of disease, the causes and consequences of dental decay and evidence-based preventive strategies that can be used to tackle this prevalent disease. It also highlights actions that key stakeholders, such as health visitors, can take in addressing the problem.
Sharing best practice with nurses from across the globe
Authors: Shaw Pamela
Published: August 2015

Health visitor and Queen's Nurse Pamela Shaw was invited to give a presentation on health visiting at a health conference in Trinidad and Tobago in June 2015. The event offered a chance to share best practice and learn about nursing in other countries.
Families in transition
Authors: Bailey Beverley
Published: August 2015

To ensure health visiting interventions are effective, it is necessary to reflect on how best to strengthen families to respond to their situations, says Beverley Bailey.
A journey to remember
Authors: Williams Brenda
Published: August 2015

Use Brenda Williams' poem to harness children's enthusiasm to talk about their real or imagined journeys. Linked activities can be used to develop counting, the ability to create narratives and critical thinking.
Delightful dragonfly
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: August 2015

In the third article in this series, Lynne Garner provides some information on dragonflies and offers some related activities to help you develop children's communication and language skills.
Dance to the rhythm
Authors: Doyle Phoebe
Published: August 2015

The benefits of using dance with young children are plentiful, from promoting creativity to encouraging teamwork. Phoebe Doyle explains why she is a big dance advocate.
A Digital Architecture for a Network-Based Learning Health System – Integrating
Chronic Care Management, Quality Improvement, and Research
Authors: Marsolo Keith , Margolis Peter A. , Forrest Christopher B. , Colletti Richard B. , Hutton John J.
Published: August 2015

Introduction: We collaborated with the ImproveCareNow Network to create a
proof-of-concept architecture for a network-based Learning Health System. This
collaboration involved transitioning an existing registry to one that is linked to the
electronic health record (EHR), enabling a “data in once” strategy. We sought to
automate a series of reports that support care improvement while also demonstrating the
use of observational registry data for comparative effectiveness research.Description of
Architecture: We worked with three leading EHR vendors to create EHR-based data
collection forms. We automated many of ImproveCareNow’s analytic reports and developed
an application for storing protected health information and tracking patient consent.
Finally, we deployed a cohort identification tool to support feasibility studies and
hypothesis generation.There is ongoing uptake of the system. To date, 31 centers have
adopted the EHR-based forms and 21 centers are uploading data to the registry. Usage of
the automated reports remains high and investigators have used the cohort identification
tools to respond to several clinical trial requests.Suggestions for Future Use: The
current process for creating EHR-based data collection forms requires groups to work
individually with each vendor. A vendor-agnostic model would allow for more rapid
uptake. We believe that interfacing network-based registries with the EHR would allow
them to serve as a source of decision support. Additional standards are needed in order
for this vision to be achieved, however.Conclusions: We have successfully implemented a
proof-of-concept Learning Health System while providing a foundation on which others can
build. We have also highlighted opportunities where sponsors could help accelerate
progress.