bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The American Society of Clinical Oncology's Efforts to Support Global Cancer Medicine
Authors: Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , El-Saghir Nagi S. , Cufer Tanja , Cazap Eduardo , de Guzman Roselle , Othieno-Abinya Nicholas Anthony , Sanchez Jose Angel , Pyle Doug
Published: November 2015

Despite much progress in the management of malignant diseases, the number of new cases and cancer-related deaths continues to rise around the world. More than half of new cases occur in economically developing countries, where more than two thirds of cancer deaths are expected. However, implementation of all necessary steps to accomplish the dissemination of state-of-the-art prevention, diagnosis, and management will require increased allocation of resources, and, more importantly, harmonization of the efforts of hundreds of national and international public health agencies, policy-setting bodies, governments, pharmaceutical companies, and philanthropic organizations. More than 30% of the members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) reside and practice outside US borders, and more than half of attendees at all of the scientific congresses and symposia organized by ASCO are international. As cancer has become an increasingly global disease, ASCO has evolved as a global organization. The ASCO Board of Directors currently includes members from France, Brazil, and Canada. In 2013, the ASCO Board of Directors identified a number of strategic priorities for the future. Recognizing the importance of non-US members to the society, their first strategic priority was improving the society's service to non-US members and defining these members' identity in the international oncology community. This article reviews current ASCO activities in the international arena and its future plans in global oncology.
Global Health Equity: Cancer Care Outcome Disparities in High-, Middle-, and Low-Income Countries
Authors: de Souza Jonas A. , Hunt Bijou , Asirwa Fredrick Chite , Adebamowo Clement , Lopes Gilberto
Published: November 2015

Breakthroughs in our global fight against cancer have been achieved. However, this progress has been unequal. In low- and middle-income countries and for specific populations in high-income settings, many of these advancements are but an aspiration and hope for the future. This review will focus on health disparities in cancer within and across countries, drawing from examples in Kenya, Brazil, and the United States. Placed in context with these examples, the authors also draw basic recommendations from several initiatives and groups that are working on the issue of global cancer disparities, including the US Institute of Medicine, the Global Task Force on Expanded Access to Cancer Care and Control in Developing Countries, and the Union for International Cancer Control. From increasing initiatives in basic resources in low-income countries to rapid learning systems in high-income countries, the authors argue that beyond ethics and equity issues, it makes economic sense to invest in global cancer control, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Establishing and Delivering Quality Radiation Therapy in Resource-Constrained Settings: The Story of Botswana
Authors: Efstathiou Jason A. , Heunis Magda , Karumekayi Talkmore , Makufa Remigio , Bvochora-Nsingo Memory , Gierga David P. , Suneja Gita , Grover Surbhi , Kasese Joseph , Mmalane Mompati , Moffat Howard , von Paleske Alexander , Makhema Joseph , Dryden-Peterson Scott
Published: November 2015

There is a global cancer crisis, and it is disproportionately affecting resource-constrained settings, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Radiotherapy is a critical and cost-effective component of a comprehensive cancer control plan that offers the potential for cure, control, and palliation of disease in greater than 50% of patients with cancer. Globally, LMICs do not have adequate access to quality radiation therapy and this gap is particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa. Although there are numerous challenges in implementing a radiation therapy program in a low-resource setting, providing more equitable global access to radiotherapy is a responsibility and investment worth prioritizing. We outline a systems approach and a series of key questions to direct strategy toward establishing quality radiation services in LMICs, and highlight the story of private-public investment in Botswana from the late 1990s to the present. After assessing the need and defining the value of radiation, we explore core investments required, barriers that need to be overcome, and assets that can be leveraged to establish a radiation program. Considerations addressed include infrastructure; machine choice; quality assurance and patient safety; acquisition, development, and retention of human capital; governmental engagement; public–private partnerships; international collaborations; and the need to critically evaluate the program to foster further growth and sustainability.
An Acoustical Simulation for the Muffler of Reciprocating Compressors Using the FEM Method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie , Chang Ying-Chun , Xie Ji-Lin
Published: November 2015

A reciprocating compressor is commonly used in industry. However, because it is extremely noisy and harmful to the ears, a noise control mechanism is necessary. Eight kinds of noise control strategies used with the reciprocating compressor are explored, and COMSOL, a numerical analysis software, is adopted for acoustical analysis in the paper.

The primary purpose of this research is to assess the influence of seven noise control strategies for the suction/discharge muffler of a reciprocating compressor.

Results have shown that the noise control strategies can efficiently improve the acoustical performance of the suction/discharge mufflers.
Vibro-acoustic Performance of Different Steel Studs in Double-leaf Walls by Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Bac , Morgan Tertia , English Martin , Castellucci Michael
Published: November 2015

Cold-formed steel studs are often used in lightweight partition walls to provide structural stability but in the same time they change the acoustic performance of the whole system. The overall design of such lightweight structures for acoustic sound insulation becomes very complicated as the sound passing through stud needs to be quantified. One of the greatest challenges is to characterize the stud's geometric effects on the sound transmission of the partition walls. This paper presents a 2-D Finite Element modelling approach and results into the vibro-acoustic performance of different studs in double-leaf walls which are placed in between a reverberant source room and a receiving room. The acoustic medium inside rooms was modelled using fluid elements and the structure was modelled with plane strain elements. The interaction between the acoustic medium and the structure was modelled in a coupled structural-acoustic analysis. An FE modelling setup which includes appropriate model parameters to be used in the structural-acoustic analysis was presented. The FE sound reduction of double-leaf walls using two different stud profiles was then calculated. Experimental tests complying with standards ISO 717-1:1997 and 140-3:1995 were also carried out to evaluate the FE results. It has shown that the stud's shape have significant effects on the sound reduction of the double-leaf walls, and the FE results have similar trends are in fair agreement with the experimental results. A parametric study was conducted and the effects of the stud's shapes on the sound reduction were presented and discussed.
A Maximum Expected Covering Problem for District Design
Authors: Ansari Sardar , McLay Laura Albert , Mayorga Maria E.
Published: November 2015

The optimal location of ambulances in a geographic region is interrelated with how the ambulances are dispatched to patients. Papers in the literature often treat the location and dispatching of ambulance separately. In this paper, we propose a novel mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model that determines how to locate and dispatch ambulances through district design. The model allows for uncertainty in both ambulance travel times and ambulance availability, and it maximizes the coverage level, i.e., the fraction of high-priority calls that can be responded to within a fixed-time threshold. The proposed MILP model determines the stations where ambulances should be located and assigns each call location to the open ambulance stations according to a preference list. The preference list is a rank ordering of the ambulances to assign to patients at a call location, from the most to the least preferred. The preference lists partition the region into a series of response districts that depend on ambulance availability, and the model balances the workload among the servers and maintains contiguity in the first priority response districts. The underlying ambulance queuing dynamics introduce nonlinearities to the model. To maintain a linear model, we use a Hypercube approximation model to estimate several of the inputs, and we provide an iterative algorithm to update the input parameters and solve the resulting MILP model. A computational example illustrates the modeling paradigm and solution algorithm using a real-world example. The results suggest that the reduction in coverage to maintain contiguity and balanced workloads among the ambulances is small.
The use of antipsychotic medication in dementia
Authors: Davies Vanessa
Published: November 2015

Using antipsychotic medication is a contentious topic. Vanessa Davies describes the concerns that surround their use in treating the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and examines how to reduce their use
Business as usual, or all change: what now for employment law?
Authors: Stevens Mark
Published: November 2015

Employment lawyer Mark Stevens details some of the key areas of likely change in employment law—and assesses what impact the changes will have on employers in 2015 and beyond
Extending the life of a family business
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: November 2015

Running a family business can be exciting and rewarding—when things are going well. But you have to be prepared for bad times as well as good, advises Adam Bernstein
The Care Quality Commission's State of Care report 2014/15
Authors: Frankova Helena
Published: November 2015

Changing care needs and tough financial constraints are making it harder and harder to maintain high-quality services. Yet, as the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) report shows, outstanding care is still achievable—especially with excellent leadership
Marvellously malleable
Authors: Smith Sue
Published: November 2015

Malleable materials are substances that can be moulded or shaped using your hands or tools. They are a great way to improve children's fine motor skills, strengthen finger control and develop hand/eye coordination, says Kathy Brodie.
When ‘less is more’
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: November 2015

As Comic Relief will be celebrating its 30th anniversary, use this opportunity to explain that not all children have access to the same quantity and variety of resources and encourage them to share.
A bear hug
Authors: de Bruin Eleanor
Published: November 2015

Bears are widely used in children's literature and are an animal which many children are drawn to from a young age, making them a great topic to help develop and stimulate literacy skills.
Nonnegative generalized doubly stochastic matrices with prescribed elementary divisors
Authors: Soto Ricardo , Valero Elvis , Salas Mario , Nina Hans
Published: November 2015

This paper provides sufficient conditions for the existence of nonnegative generalized doubly stochastic matrices with prescribed elementary divisors. These results improve previous results and the constructive nature of their proofs allows for the computation of a solution matrix. In particular, this paper shows how to transform a generalized stochastic matrix into a nonnegative generalized doubly stochastic matrix, at the expense of increasing the Perron eigenvalue, but keeping other elementary divisors unchanged. Under certain restrictions, nonnegative generalized doubly stochastic matrices can be constructed, with spectrum \Lambda = {\lambda_1,\lambda_2 2, . . . , \lambda_n} for each Jordan canonical form associated with \Lambda
Policies, politics and organisational problems: multiple streams and the implementation of targets in UK government
Authors: Boswell Christina , Rodrigues Eugénia
Published: November 2015

Kingdon’s multiple streams approach has recently been applied to study implementation across sectors or levels of government. Building on these contributions, we suggest that two streams are especially important in shaping implementation: organisational problem constructions and political pressure from the centre. These variables produce a four-way typology of implementation modes. We test the model by analysing implementation of UK targets on asylum, defence and climate change, drawing on 54 semi-structured interviews with policy actors. The analysis shows how organisations can shift between modes of implementation over time, responding to changes in organisational problems and central political commitment to the policy.
LC-MS/MS Measurement of Parathyroid Hormone–Related Peptide
Authors: Kushnir Mark M , Rockwood Alan L , Strathmann Frederick G , Frank Elizabeth L , Straseski Joely A , Meikle A Wayne
Published: November 2015

INTRODUCTION

Parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP) is involved in activating pathways, allowing tumor cells to form bone metastases. Measurement of PTHrP is used for the diagnosis and clinical management of patients suspected of hypercalcemia of malignancy. We developed an LC-MS/MS method for measuring PTHrP, established sex-specific reference intervals, and assessed the method's performance.

METHODS

PTHrP was enriched from plasma samples with rabbit polyclonal anti-PTHrP antibody conjugated to magnetic beads. Enriched PTHrP was digested with trypsin, and PTHrP-specific tryptic peptide was analyzed with 2-dimensional LC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode.

RESULTS

The lower limit of quantification was 0.6 pmol/L, and the upper limit of linearity was 600 pmol/L. Total imprecision was <10%. Very poor agreement was observed with the RIA (n = 207; Deming regression RIA = 0.059 × LC-MS/MS − 1.8, r = 0.483; Sy|x = 3.9). Evaluation of the clinical performance of the assay using samples from patients with and without hypercalcemia (n = 199) resulted in an area under the ROC curve of 0.874. In sets of consecutively analyzed routine samples of patients assessed for hypercalcemia, the PTHrP positivity rate by RIA (n = 1376) was 1.9%, and 26.6% by LC-MS/MS (n = 1705). Concentrations were below the lower limit of quantification in 95.6% of the samples by RIA and 2.0% by LC-MS/MS.

CONCLUSIONS

PTHrP is a normal constituent in circulating blood and its concentrations are substantially underestimated by commercial RIAs, causing false-negative results in samples from patients suspected of hypercalcemia. Our observations suggest a link between increased concentrations of PTHrP in postmenopausal women with low body mass index and increased incidence of osteoporosis.
Genetic background of urinary incontinence – state-of-the-art and perspectives
Authors: Stangel-Wjcikiewicz Klaudia , Piwowar Monika
Published: November 2015

The paper presents an overview of the current studies attempting to determine the genetic background of urinary incontinence (UI) problems. The overview referred to the adaptations of biomedical literature from Medline, life science journals, and online books were searched from the earliest date possible to March 2015. Genetic variability studies (mostly with the use of single nucleotide polymorphism) in the context of UI are discussed. The authors indicate the variability of polymorphic forms of proteins, whose modified function may be related to the observed phenotypic symptoms: UI. The paper includes a discussion of the varied level of gene expression and the issue of defective process of the development of the urinary system in the context of UI disorders. The literature does not present any general, unequivocal description of the relationship between the genetic background and phenotype as UI. It is suggested that the methods of integration of data from various techniques (e.g. high throughputs) in reference to social, demographic, and other data may be the way of the approach used for the effective description of the relationship between genetic background and observed UI.
Public Outcry and Police Behavior
Authors: DeAngelo Gregory , McCannon Bryan C.
Published: November 2015

Numerous empirical studies have documented policing behavior and response to public opinion, social norms, changing laws, neighborhood context and a litany of other subject areas. What is missing from this literature is a general theoretical framework that explains the conflicting goals of properly applying the law and responding to social norms and the consequences of the law. We build a theoretical framework where law enforcement officials care about both reputation and performance. Outside evaluations assess the quality of the decision making of the officers, but can be influenced by strategic challenging of the sanctioning by the suspected violators. We first establish that reputational concerns can distort law enforcement, encouraging either over-enforcement or under-enforcement of the law, depending on the prior beliefs of violations and the observed signal. Introducing strategic challenging by the violator eliminates over-enforcement and allows for an even larger reduction in application of the law by less-skilled officers. Connections to empirical findings of distortions in law enforcement, along with an extension to deterrence are highlighted.
Design of Controller in Double Feedback Control Loop – An Analysis with Heuristic Algorithms
Authors: Suresh Manic K. , Rajinikanth V. , Ananthasivam Sarath , Suresh Uma
Published: November 2015

In this paper, heuristic algorithm based optimization approach is proposed to design the PID controller in Double Feedback Control Loop (DFCL) for a class of stable and unstable Single Input Single Output (SISO) process models. In this work, a three dimensional search is attempted and the heuristic algorithm is employed to find the best possible values for inner loop proportional gain (Kp1), outer loop integral gain (Ki), and derivative gain (Kd). A weighted sum of Objective Function (OF) is considered to guide the optimization search in order to attain the global best values. A comparative analysis is presented between heuristic algorithms, such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) and Firefly Algorithm (FA). From this experimental study, it is confirmed that, FA based DFCL offers better performance in reference tracking and disturbance rejection operations with reduced error values for most of the considered process models compared with the alternatives. The statistical significance of the FA is also verified using Wilcoxon’s rank test.
Metabolism and metabolite profiles in vitro and in vivo of ospemifene in humans and preclinical species
Authors: Uusitalo Jouko , Turpeinen Miia , Tolonen Ari , Koskimies Pasi , Lammintausta Risto , Pelkonen Olavi
Published: November 2015

Background: Metabolite profiles of ospemifene, a novel nonsteroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator, were surveyed as part of its development.

Methods: The pharmacokinetics of ospemifene and its two major, pharmacologically active metabolites 4-hydroxyospemifene and 4′-hydroxyospemifene, was elucidated in studies of volunteer humans given various doses of ospemifene and in experiments of several animal species (rat, mouse, dog, and cynomolgus monkey), which had been used either for pharmacological or toxicological studies of ospemifene. Metabolites produced in in vitro human and animal liver preparations were compared between species and with the metabolite profiles in the in vivo investigations.

Results: Considerable interspecies differences were observed in the metabolite profiles and quantities. The major human metabolite, 4-hydroxyospemifene, was produced in substantial amounts both in vitro and in vivo in most animal species, except dog, and thus the exposure to this metabolite seems adequate in the most important toxicology species, the rat and the cynomolgus monkey. 4′-Hydroxyospemifene was equally abundant in vitro and in vivo metabolite in mice and dogs, and consequently, its contribution to the total exposure of ospemifene-related activity would be adequately covered in animal experiments. Other ospemifene metabolites were variably detected in different species, but probably they are not of consequence to pharmacology or toxicology of ospemifene.

Conclusions: Overall, there are quantitative and also some qualitative differences in the metabolism of ospemifene in different species. Generally, in vitro metabolite profiles were predictive for in vivo profiles. The contribution of two major hydroxyl metabolites to activity and toxicity of ospemifene is adequately covered by at least some animal species.
Micro Wind Turbine for Powering Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Marin Anthony , Kishore Ravi , Schaab Darian A. , Vuckovic Dusan , Priya Shashank
Published: November 2015

The goal of this study was to design a micro wind turbine having dimensions on the order of 1–10 cm3 for powering wireless sensor nodes. Using the parametric study based upon a computational model, the coupling factor between the blade and generator section was significantly enhanced. Building upon the formulation for the coupling factor, we derived efficiency metric for the rotational generators. A prototype was designed based upon the analytical study conducted through the combination of blade element momentum theory and ANSYS magnetics to match the performance of the generator to that of the blades. The blade diameter and depth was 72 mm and 9 mm, respectively. The generator diameter was 26 mm with total volume of 18.1 cm3. It was found that the micro wind turbine generated DC output power of 12.39 mW, 49.03 mW and 102.61 mW at 3.7 m/s, 6 m/s and 8 m/s wind speeds, respectively. The power density was computed to be 0.304, 1.204, and 2.52 mW/cm2, respectively, which are higher than all the other results reported in the literature.
‘Screening’ for Breast Cancer: Misguided Research Misinforming Public Policies
Authors: Miettinen O. S.
Published: November 2015

Public policies promoting ‘screening’ for a cancer, while directly bearing on the cancer’s early diagnosis and treatment, are really aimed at reducing
Thickness Influence on the Creep Response of DD6 Ni-Based Single-Crystal Superalloy
Authors: Wen Zhixun , Pei Haiqing , Li Dongfan , Yue Zhufeng , Gao Jingyun
Published: November 2015

The effect of specimen thickness on the creep response of Ni-based single-crystal superalloy DD6 was investigated. With the thickness of 0.3 mm, 0.6 mm and 1.2 mm, a series of thin-wall specimens were tested in this paper respectively at 760℃, 980℃ and 1,100℃. Under the conditions of lower temperatures and higher stresses, the creep life of thin-wall specimens increases with the increase of δ, but it is almost equal under higher temperatures and lower stresses conditions. Compared with the standard specimens, an obvious reduction (about 60%) of creep life of the thin-wall specimens was found at 760℃, whereas it is almost the same at 980℃ and 1,100℃. Therefore, obvious thickness effect is prone to lower temperature and higher stress. The thickness effect is a comprehensive effect, which is caused by fracture mode, the degree of necking, the shape and quantity of creep cavities, oxide thickness, etc. Under each condition, an increased thickness resulted in increased creep strain to rupture.
Performance Analysis of Hybrid PON (WDM-TDM) with Equal and Unequal Channel Spacing
Authors: Sharma Ramandeep , Dewra Sanjeev , Rani Aruna
Published: November 2015

In this hybrid WDM-TDM PON has been evaluated and compared the downstream wavelengths with equal and unequal channel spacing at 5 Gbit/s per wavelength in the scenario of triple play services with 128 optical network units (ONUs). The triple play services: data, voice and video signals are transmitted up to 50 km distance having Q factor of 6.68 and BER of 3.64e-012 with unequal channel spacing and 45 km distance having Q factor of 6.33 and BER of 2.40e-011 with equal channel spacing in downstream direction. It has been observed that downstream wavelengths with unequal channel spacing provide better results than equal channel spacing.
Nové mapy korozní agresivity Èeské republiky / Up-dated maps of atmospheric corrosivity for Czech Republic
Authors: Kreislová K. , Geiplová H. , Skořepová I. , Skořepa J. , Majtás D.
Published: November 2015

Atmosférická koroze a klasifi kace agresivity atmosfér je dlouhodobým předmětem studia SVUOM. Ve spolupráci s CGS byly v roce 2001 vytvořeny mapy korozních rychlostí a korozních tříd pro uhlíkovou ocel, patinující ocel, zinek, měď, bronz a hliník. Tento článek uvádí aktuální přístup k modelování atmosférické koroze v České republice, který je založen na modifi kovaných funkcích zahrnujících klimatická data, znečištění ovzduší a nově i vliv rozmrazujících solí v okolí dálnic.
Clinical Impact and Relevance of Antiganglioside Antibodies Test Results / Antigangliozīdu Antivielu Testa Rezultātu Klīniskā Ietekme un Nozīme Pacientam
Authors: Ķēniņa Viktorija , Glāzere Ieva , Ziemele Dace , Jaunalksne Inta
Published: November 2015

Autoantibodies most commonly found in association with neuropathies are those against the ganglioside family antigens - GM1, GQ1b, asialo-GM1, GM2, GD1a, and GD1b. The major diagnostic role is set for two of antibodies - anti-GM1 and anti-GQ1b. This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the status of antiganglioside antibodies in patients with possible autoimmune neuropathy. The study included 85 patients tested for antiganglioside antibodies during their hospitalization. Clinical information such as demographic data and antecedent illness was collected for all patients, and paraclinical studies including results from cerebrospinal fluid and neuroelectrophysiological examination were analyzed. In our study, a total of 27 patients (32%) were found positive for at least one antiganglioside antibody. The most commonly found antibodies were against asialoGM1 (n=13) and GM1 (n=10) gangliosides. Eight patients were diagnosed with a disease where antiganglioside antibodies are used as a diagnostic marker: five patients - Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), 1 patient - Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS), two patients - multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Three out of five patients diagnosed with GBS and one of two patients diagnosed with MMN were seronegative. The acute course of disease, positive antiganglioside antibodies and cytoalbuminologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid-induced patients is preference for a specific immune therapy. The results of our study support the previously described immunological association between antiganglioside antibodies and GBS, MFS, and MMN.
Research on Characteristics of Essential Tremor in the Latvian Population / Esenciālā Tremora Īpatnību Izpēte Latvijas Populācijā
Authors: Smeltere Ligita , Smeltere Elvīra
Published: November 2015

Essential tremor (ET) is a common movement disorder, characterised by symptoms such as bilateral postural and kinetic tremor with prevalent manifestation in hands. The disease has chronic progressive development. In the case of continuous severe form it may resemble Parkinson’s disease (PD) and sometimes comorbidity with PD is possible. Although both diseases have different pathogenesis and treatment, some tremor characteristics for both are similar, thus causing difficulties and mistakes in diagnosing. The aim of the research was to determine ET characteristics within the Latvian population to identify possible causes for making mistakes.
Awareness f Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy Among Neurologists in Latvia / Neirologu Informētība par Pēkšņas, Negaidītas Nāves Epilepsijas Laikā Sindromu Latvijā
Authors: Sūna Normunds , Lazdāne Madara , Karelis Guntis , Vītols Egils
Published: November 2015

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a common cause of mortality in patients with epilepsy, but it is unknown how neurologists disclose this risk when counselling patients. This study was aimed at examining SUDEP discussion practices of neurologists in Latvia, as well as the awareness of the syndrome. Two hundred questionnaires were distributed, and we received 84 responses. We found that the majority of Latvian neurologists (79.0%) do not inform their patients of SUDEP, which is opposite to the findings in other countries. Despite the existing practice, 93.1% of neurologists believed that patients should be informed about SUDEP. A partial explanation for not discussing the negative aspects of epilepsy is that 75.3% of caregivers believe that being informed about SUDEP would cause permanent anxiety in patients, whereas 69.4% believe that it would improve compliance. This study revealed average awareness of SUDEP risk factors and warrants further studies for in-depth analysis of existing counselling practice.
[F-18] FDG-PET/CT parameters as predictors of outcome in inoperable NSCLC patients
Authors: Nappi Antonio , Gallicchio Rosj , Simeon Vittorio , Nardelli Anna , Pelagalli Alessandra , Zupa Angela , Vita Giulia , Venetucci Angela , Di Cosola Michele , Barbato Francesco , Storto Giovanni
Published: November 2015

Background. We evaluated the prognostic significance of standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in [F-18] FDG PET/CT findings in patients with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and methods. One hundred and three patients (mean age, 65.6 ± 16 years) underwent [F-18] FDG PET/CT before the chemotherapy. The SUVmax value, the MTV (cm3; 42% threshold) and the TLG (g) were registered. The patients were followed up to 18 months thereafter (range 12-55 months). Failure to respond without progression, progression and/or disease-related death constituted surrogate end-points. The optimal SUVmax, MTV and TLG cut-off to predict the patients’ outcome were estimated. PET/CT results were then related to disease outcome (progression free survival; PFS).

Results. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis for SUVmax showed a significant shorter PFS in patients presenting with lower values as compared to those with higher (p < 0.05, log-rank test). MTV and TLG were not suitable for predicting PFS apart from the subset of patients with mediastinal nodal involvement.

Conclusions. Despite the availability of new tools for the quantitative assessment of disease activity on PET/CT, the SUVmax rather than MTV and TLG remains the only predictor for PFS in NSCLC patients. MTV holds a value only when concomitant nodal involvement occurs.
Double electrode systems with microelectrode arrays for electrochemical measurements
Authors: Zhu Feng , Mao Bingwei , Yan Jiawei
Published: November 2015

Microelectrode arrays-based double electrode systems possess the property of diffusion layer overlapping between the two sets of electrodes. They have received increased attention in recent years in the field of electrochemistry and electroanalytical chemistry. This review introduces the fabrication, characterization, and applications of microelectrode arrays-based double electrode systems. The progress of photolithography enables and benefits microfabrication of the electrode systems with various geometries. As an essential step before electrochemical applications, various characterization methods are addressed to monitor the quality of the fabricated electrodes. Following that, applications as electrochemical sensors in generator-collector mode are discussed. Then, electrochemical sensors in bipolar mode, an interesting phenomenon existing in double electrode systems, are also introduced. Finally, applications of double electrode systems to the measurement of fundamentally electrochemical parameters are demonstrated.
Fourth mandibular molar in a pediatric patient – Case report
Authors: Vlaykov Atanas , Sharlanov Dian , Vicheva Dilyana
Published: November 2015

Background. Supernumerary teeth are described as an excess of the normal teeth number of 20 deciduous and 32 permanent teeth and can occur in any dental region.

Material and methods. The authors present the case of a 12-year-old female child with a paramolar in the maxilla, discovered accidentally during an orthopantomogram, emphasising the treatment modality and the complications that can appear.

Conclusion. Supernumerary teeth can be present in any region of the oral cavity. Both practitioners and clinicians should be aware of the various types of paramolars and make a treatment plan after an accurate clinical and radiographic examination.
Algebraic Geodesics on Three-Dimensional Quadrics
Authors: Kai Yue
Published: November 2015

By Hamilton-Jacobi method, we study the problem of algebraic geodesics on the third-order surface. By the implicit function theorem, we proved the existences of the real geodesics which are the intersections of two algebraic surfaces, and we also give some numerical examples.
Microbes As Friends, Not Foes
Authors: Homburger Sheila A. , Drits-Esser Dina , Malone Molly , Stark Louisa A.
Published: November 2015

Until about two decades ago, the standard method of studying a microbe was to isolate it, grow it in culture, stain it, and examine it under a microscope. Today, new genomic tools are helping expand our view of the microbial world. Instead of viewing them as “germs” to be eliminated, we are beginning to perceive our microbes as an extension of ourselves – an important organ with unique functions essential to our well-being. Scientists even came up with a new term, “microbiome,” to define our microbes’ genes as an important counterpart to our human genome. With new information about the human microbiome comes the challenge of shifting biology students’ focus from casting microbes as pathogens toward appreciating microbes as symbionts. “The Human Microbiome,” a curriculum supplement produced by the Genetic Science Learning Center, emphasizes that microbes living in and on our bodies perform neutral and beneficial functions, that human microbiota form thriving ecosystems, and that disruptions to our microbial ecosystems may have consequences. In this article, we describe the curriculum materials, provide strategies for incorporating this cutting-edge topic into biology classrooms, list connections to the Next Generation Science Standards, and report on recent research testing the curriculum supplement's effectiveness for student learning.
Increased circulating osteopontin levels in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and association with dysmetabolic profile
Authors: Barchetta I , Alessandri C , Bertoccini L , Cimini F A , Taverniti L , Di Franco M , Fraioli A , Baroni M G , Cavallo M G
Published: November 2015

Objective

Osteopontin (OPN) is a sialoprotein implicated in different immunity and metabolic pathways. Capable of activating dendritic cells and inducing Th1-Th17-mediated tissue damage, OPN plays a significant role in the development/progression of several autoimmune diseases; interestingly, it was also shown that OPN participates in the acute pancreatic islets response to experimentally induced diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Furthermore, OPN promotes adipose tissue dysfunction, systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. Our aims of this study were to evaluate circulating OPN levels in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) compared to non-diabetic control participants and to unravel clinical and biochemical correlates of OPN concentration.

Design

Case–control study.

Methods

We enrolled 54 consecutive T1DM patients referred to our diabetes outpatient clinic at Sapienza University of Rome and 52 healthy sex and age-comparable controls. The study population underwent clinical evaluation, blood sampling for biochemistry and complete screening for diabetes complications. Serum OPN levels were measured by MILLIPLEX Multiplex Assays Luminex.

Results

T1DM patients had significantly higher serum OPN levels than controls (17.2±12.9 vs 10.5±11.6 mg/ml,P=0.009). OPN levels correlated with T1DM, higher blood pressure, BMI, creatinine, γ-GT, ALP and lower HDL; the association between high OPN levels and T1DM was independent from all confounders. No correlation was shown between OPN and HbA1c, C-peptide, insulin requirement, co-medications and diabetes duration.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time in a case–control study that adults with T1DM have increased serum OPN levels, and that higher OPN concentrations are associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile in these patients.
Abdominal adipocyte populations in women with visceral obesity
Authors: Michaud Andréanne , Laforest Sofia , Pelletier Mélissa , Nadeau Mélanie , Simard Serge , Daris Marleen , Lebœuf Mathieu , Vidal Hubert , Géloën Alain , Tchernof André
Published: November 2015

Background

Visceral obesity is independently related to numerous cardiometabolic alterations, with adipose tissue dysfunction as a central feature.

Objective

To examine whether omental (OM) and subcutaneous (SC) adipocyte size populations in women relate to visceral obesity, cardiometabolic risk factors and adipocyte lipolysis independent of total adiposity.

Design and methods

OM and SC fat samples were obtained during gynecological surgery in 60 women (mean age, 46.1±5.9 years; mean BMI, 27.1±4.5 kg/m2(range, 20.3–41.1 kg/m2)). Fresh samples were treated with osmium tetroxide and were analyzed with a Multisizer Coulter. Cell size distributions were computed for each sample with exponential and Gaussian function fits.

Results

Computed tomography-measured visceral fat accumulation was the best predictor of larger cell populations as well as the percentage of small cells in both OM and SC fat (P<0.0001 for all). Accordingly, women with visceral obesity had larger cells in the main population and higher proportion of small adipocytes independent of total adiposity (P≤0.05). Using linear regression analysis, we found that women characterized by larger-than-predicted adipocytes in either OM or SC adipose tissue presented higher visceral adipose tissue area, increased percentage of small cells and homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index as well as higher OM adipocyte isoproterenol-, forskolin- and dbcAMP-stimulated lipolysis compared to women with smaller-than-predicted adipocytes, independent of total adiposity (P≤0.05).

Conclusion

Excess visceral adipose tissue accumulation is a strong marker of both adipocyte hypertrophy and increased number of small cells in either fat compartment, which relates to higher insulin resistance index and lipolytic response, independent of total adiposity.
Transcription factor C/EBPβ promotes the transcription of the porcine GPR120 gene
Authors: Chen Kun , Zhou Ji-Dan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Fang , Zhang Rui-Rui , Zhan Meng-Si , Tang Xiao-Yin , Deng Bing , Lei Ming-Gang , Xiong Yuan-Zhu
Published: November 2015

G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), an adipogenic receptor critical for the differentiation and maturation of adipocytes, plays an important role in controlling obesity in both humans and rodents and, thus, is an attractive target of obesity treatment studies. However, the mechanisms that regulate the expression of porcine GPR120 remain unclear. In this study, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) techniques were used to analyze and identify the binding of C/EBPβ (transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta) to the GPR120 promoter. C/EBPβ overexpression and RNA interference studies showed that C/EBPβ regulated GPR120 promoter activity and endogenous GPR120 expression. The binding site of C/EBPβ in the GPR120 promoter region from −101 to −87 was identified by promoter deletion analysis and site-directed mutagenesis. Overexpression of C/EBPβ increased endogenous GPR120 expression in pig kidney cells (PK). Furthermore, when endogenous C/EBPβ was knocked down, GPR120 mRNA and protein levels were decreased. The stimulatory effect of C/EBPβ on GPR120 transcription and its ability to bind the transcription factor-binding site were confirmed by luciferase, ChIP, and EMSA. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression levels of C/EBPβ were induced by high fat diet feeding. Taken together, it can be concluded that C/EBPβ plays a vital role in regulating GPR120 transcription and suggests HFD-feeding induces GPR120 transcription by influencing C/EBPβ expression.
Expression and functional studies of the GDNF family receptor alpha 3 in the pancreas
Authors: Nivlet Laure , Herrmann Joel , Martin Delia Esteban , Meunier Aline , Orvain Christophe , Gradwohl Gérard
Published: November 2015

The generation of therapeutic β-cells from human pluripotent stem cells relies on the identification of growth factors that faithfully mimic pancreatic β-cell developmentin vitro. In this context, the aim of the study was to determine the expression and function of the glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha 3 (GFRα3) and its ligand artemin (Artn) in islet cell development and function. GFRα3 and Artn expression were characterized byin situhybridization, immunochemistry, and qRT-PCR. We used GFRα3-deficient mice to study GFRα3 function and generated transgenic mice overexpressing Artn in the embryonic pancreas to study Artn function. We found that GFRα3 is expressed at the surface of a subset of Ngn3-positive endocrine progenitors as well as of embryonic α- and β-cells, whileArtnis found in the pancreatic mesenchyme. Adult β-cells lack GFRα3 but α-cells express the receptor. GFRα3 was also found in parasympathetic and sympathetic intra-islet neurons as well as in glial cells in the embryonic and adult pancreas. The loss of GFRα3 or overexpression of Artn has no impact on Ngn3 and islet cell formation and maintenance in the embryo. Islet organization and innervation as well as glucose homeostasis is normal in GFRα3-deficient mice suggesting functional redundancy.
Oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in β-cell dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Hasnain Sumaira Z , Prins Johannes B , McGuckin Michael A
Published: November 2015

The inability of pancreatic β-cells to make sufficient insulin to control blood sugar is a central feature of the aetiology of most forms of diabetes. In this review we focus on the deleterious effects of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on β-cell insulin biosynthesis and secretion and on inflammatory signalling and apoptosis with a particular emphasis on type 2 diabetes (T2D). We argue that oxidative stress and ER stress are closely entwined phenomena fundamentally involved in β-cell dysfunction by direct effects on insulin biosynthesis and due to consequences of the ER stress-induced unfolded protein response. We summarise evidence that, although these phenomenon can be driven by intrinsic β-cell defects in rare forms of diabetes, in T2D β-cell stress is driven by a range of local environmental factors including increased drivers of insulin biosynthesis, glucolipotoxicity and inflammatory cytokines. We describe our recent findings that a range of inflammatory cytokines contribute to β-cell stress in diabetes and our discovery that interleukin 22 protects β-cells from oxidative stress regardless of the environmental triggers and can correct much of diabetes pathophysiology in animal models. Finally we summarise evidence that β-cell dysfunction is reversible in T2D and discuss therapeutic opportunities for relieving oxidative and ER stress and restoring glycaemic control.
Estudio comparativo de la calidad biofarmacéutica de marcas comerciales y multifuentes de tabletas de captopril y losartán del mercado colombiano
Authors: Matiz Melo Germán Eduardo , Rodríguez Cavallo Erika
Published: November 2015

La hipertensión arterial afecta a miles de personas en el mundo, y en Colombia permanece como una de las primeras causas de morbi-mortalidad. Los fármacos captopril y losartán constituyen la primera elección para su tratamiento. Con el fin de evaluar la conformidad de los productos y determinar su equivalencia biofarmacéutica, se evaluaron un total de 19 marcas comerciales disponibles en droguerías y farmacias de cuatro principales ciudades del país: Bogotá, Cartagena, Cali y Barranquilla. Para ello se evaluaron las características físicas, químicas y biofarmacéuticas de las tabletas, tales como variación de peso, dureza, desintegración, test de disolución, perfil de disolución, eficiencia de la disolución y valoración de principio activo, esta última, a partir de metodologías optimizadas y validadas. Los ensayos farmacopeicos se evaluaron según lo establecido en la USP 35. Los resultados permitieron establecer que todas las marcas analizadas cumplieron los criterios de aceptación establecidos en la farmacopea para cada principio y que el comportamiento biofarmacéutico de ellas era muy similar para ambos tipos de molécula. Los resultados de este trabajo permiten proponer a la comunidad científica la determinación de la equivalencia biofarmacéutica como elemento de apoyo en la toma de decisiones de compra en el servicio farmacéutico.
Principales superdisgregantes sintéticos, mecanismos y factores que influyen en su actividad
Authors: Hernández-Torres José Eduardo , Melgoza-Contreras Luz María
Published: November 2015

Los superdisgregantes han despertado cierto interés en cuanto a que promueven mayor biodisponibilidad para ciertos fármacos. Los superdisgregantes son sustancias que se añaden a una formulación con el fin de romper o disgregar un comprimido en pequeñas partículas para disolver más rápido el principio activo. Esta revisión muestra una descripción general de sus mecanismos de acción, ventajas y desventajas y los superdisgregantes sintéticos más utilizados en la actualidad.
Medicamentos de venta bajo receta médica retenida: caracterización y análisis desde la dispensación
Authors: Gálvez Cancino Felipe Ignacio , Vega Elena María
Published: November 2015

La dispensación de medicamentos bajo receta médica retenida (RMR) con control de existencia es responsabilidad exclusiva de los farmacéuticos, porque requiere el análisis de las prescripciones de psicotrópicos para verificar que cumplan con todos los requisitos legales. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar las RMR dispensadas durante dos meses en una farmacia comunitaria para evaluar el perfil de prescripción, los medicamentos, caracterizar la población consumidora e identificar los requerimientos normativos más difíciles de cumplir. Se observó que el consumo aumentaba conforme crecía la edad de los pacientes, que las mujeres eran las principales consumidoras y que el 27% de las RMR cumplía con todos los requisitos legales.