bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labeling and Qualification of Endothelial Progenitor Cells for Tracking in Tissue Engineering: An in Vitro Study
Authors: Thébaud Noélie B. , Aussel Audrey , Siadous Robin , Toutain Jérome , Bareille Reine , Montembault Alexandra , David Laurent , Bordenave Laurence
Published: May 2015

Purpose

In order to track location and distribution of endothelial cells (ECs) within scaffolds in vitro, we chose lentiPGK-TdTomato transduction of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) isolated and differentiated from cord blood. Because transduction could have a functional impact on cell behavior, we checked different parameters for qualification of labeled- EPCs as well as their use for potential applications in the context of vascular and bone tissue engineering.

Methods

After isolation and expansion, EPCs were classically characterized then transduced with the lentiviral vector containing the TdTomato protein gene under the control of the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter. Conventional karyotyping, differentiation capacity, viability, proliferation assays were performed with labeled and unlabeled EPCs. Scaffolds and co-cultures were explored with labeled EPCs, in static or shear stress conditions.

Results

Our results show that cell labeling did not affect cell adhesion nor induce cell death. Cell labeling did not induce more chromosomal aberrations. Phenotypical characterization was not affected. In the context of tissue engineering applications, labeled EPCs maintained their ability to line 2D or 3D scaffolds, withstand physiological arterial shear stress, and form tubular networks in co-cultures with human osteoblast progenitor cells.

Conclusions

It is possible to label human EPCs with TdTomato without affecting their behavior by the transduction procedure. This creates an important tool for numerous applications. Our results provide a qualification of labeled EPCs in comparison with unlabeled ones for vascular and bone tissue engineering.
Decreased Serum HDL at Initial Diagnosis Correlates with Worse Outcomes for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer but Not Non-TNBCs
Authors: Fan Ying , Ding Xiaoyan , Wang Jiayu , Ma Fei , Yuan Peng , Li Qing , Zhang Pin , Xu Binghe
Published: May 2015

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the associations between metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components at initial diagnosis and outcomes of breast cancer including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-TNBC.

Methods

A cohort of 1,391 patients was reviewed between January 2004 and July 2008 (including 394 TNBC and 855 non-TNBC cases). MS and its components including body mass index (BMI), serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) and their relationships with clinical outcomes were analyzed and then compared between groups.

Results

The incidences of MS and its components including BMI, the levels of HDL and TG were not differently distributed between the 2 groups (all p's >0.05). However, more TNBC than non-TNBC patients presented with hypertension and elevated serum glucose (20.3% vs. 14.9% and 16.0% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.018 and p = 0.012, respectively). TNBC patients had poorer 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) than non-TNBC patients (72.8% vs. 84.2%, p<0.0001). Only in the TNBC group, patients with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) demonstrated worse RFS and overall survival (OS; p<0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified that low HDL was an independent worse prognostic factor for both RFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.266, 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 2.087-5.112, p<0.0001) and OS (HR = 3.071, 95%CI, 1.732-5.445, p<0.0001) in TNBC patients.

Conclusions

Decreased level of HDL may predict worse outcomes both in terms of RFS and OS for TNBC patients but not for non-TNBC patients. Further investigations are warranted to detect the underlying mechanisms.
Nuclear localization of MUC1 extracellular domain in breast, head and neck, and colon cancer
Authors: Rabassa Martin E , Larrain Marina T. Isla , Lacunza Ezequiel , Cermignani Luciano , Alberdi Cecilio G , Demichelis Sandra O , Abba Martin C , Segal-Eiras Amada , Croce Maria Virginia
Published: May 2015

Background

The glycoprotein MUC1 is overexpressed and underglycosylated in cancer cells. MUC1 is translated as a single polypeptide that undergoes autocleavage into 2 subunits (the extracellular domain and the cytoplasmic tail), and forms a stable heterodimer at the apical membrane of normal epithelial cells. The MUC1 cytoplasmic tail localizes to the cytoplasm of transformed cells and is targeted to the nucleus.

Aims

To study the expression of the MUC1 extracellular subunit in cell nuclei of neoplastic breast, head and neck, and colon samples.

Materials and Methods

330 primary tumor samples were analyzed: 166 invasive breast carcinomas, 127 head and neck tumors, and 47 colon tumors; 10 benign breast disease (BBD) and 40 normal specimens were also included. A standard immunohistochemical method with antigen retrieval was performed. Nuclear fractions from tissue homogenates and breast cancer cell lines (ZR-75, MDA-MB-231, MCF7, and T47D) were obtained and analyzed by Western blotting (WB). The anti-MUC1 extracellular subunit monoclonal antibody HMFG1 was used for immunohistochemistry.

Results

37/166 breast cancer specimens, 5/127 head and neck cancer specimens, 2/47 colon cancer samples, and 3/10 BBD samples showed immunohistochemical staining at the nuclear level. No nuclear reaction was detected in normal samples. By WB, breast and colon cancer purified nuclear fractions showed reactivity at 200 kDa in 3/30 breast and 3/20 colon cancer samples as well as purified nuclear fractions obtained from breast cancer cell lines.

Conclusions

This study shows that the MUC1 extracellular domain might be translocated to the cell nucleus in breast, head and neck, and colon cancer as well as BBD.
Proper Tip Position of Central Venous Catheter in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Ahn Sanghyun , Chung Jae Hee
Published: May 2015

Background

In this study, we analyzed the thin-section pulmonary computed tomographic (CT) angiogram scans of pediatric patients to determine the normative length of superior vena cava (SVC) and the distance between carina and cephalad of SVC or cavocatrial junction.

Methods

Consecutive child patients, under 13 years of age in whom the central catheters were inserted under ultrasound guidance from December 2004 to April 2005 were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

In the 14 cases, the mean age was 7.2 ± 4.21 years. The mean length and diameter of the SVC in the pediatric patients were 45.6 ± 23.03 and 13.7 ± 3.62 mm, respectively. The distance from the carina to the cavoatrial junction was 22.0 ± 9.98 mm. The mean distance from the superior margin of the SVC to the carina was 23.7 ± 16.70 mm. The mean distance from the carina to the catheter tip was 38.9 ± 18.60 mm. In no case was the cavoatrial junction cephalad with respect to the carina. Carina to cavoatrial junction junction was significantly associated with age, height, and weight, respecitively (r = 0.750; p = 0.005, r = 0.763; p = 0.004; r = 0.777; p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The carina is a good landmark for the upper border of the cavoatrial junction. Length of carina to cavoaterial juction was associated with age. The rates of malposition and re-intervention and the patient's exposure to radiation can be reduced by using ultrasound during the catheter insertion.
Analysis of Gene Profiles in Glioma Cells Identifies Potential Genes, miRNAs, and Target Sites of Migratory Cells
Authors: Xue Fei , Shen Rui , Chen Xianzhen
Published: May 2015

Aims

To explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved in migratory glioma cells.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of GSE28167, employing human malignant glioma U251MG cells cultured on strictly aligned versus randomly oriented electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Gene differential expression analysis was carried out by the package of Gene Expression Omnibus query and limma in R language. The Gene Set Analysis Toolkit V2 was used for pathway analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen for target sites of transcription factors, miRNA and small drug molecules.

Results

Totally 586 differentially expressed genes were identified and the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the pathway of muscle cell TarBase, MAPK cascade, adipogenesis and epithelium TarBase. Thirty-two significant target sites of transcription factors, such as hsa_RTAAACA_V$FREAC2_01, were screened. The top 20 potential miRNAs including MIR-124A, MIR-34A and MIR-34C were screened for a constructing gene-miRNA interaction network. Small molecules that can inhibit the motility of glioma cells such as diclofenamide and valinomycin were mined. By integrating the regulatory relationships among transcription factors, miRNAs and differentially expressed genes, we found that 7 differentially expressed genes, including SOX4, ANKRD28 and CCND1, might play crucial roles in the migration of glioma cells.

Conclusions

The screened migration-associated genes, significant pathways, and small molecules give us new insight for the mechanism of migratory glioma cells. Interest in such genes as potential target genes in the treatment of glioblastoma justifies functional validation studies.
Pathway Crosstalk Analysis of High-Metastasis Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhao Wei , Gao Nan , Zhang Li-ping , Wang Ying , Wang Donglin
Published: May 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the important role of pathway crosstalk and pathway dysfunction in the high-metastasis process of lung cancer cells, by using the microarray expression profiles of lung cancer cells at different metastasis levels.

Methods

The gene expression profile GSE10096 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 4 nonmetastasis samples, 3 low-metastasis samples (M1) and 3 high-metastasis samples (M5) of lung cancer cells. After the conversion from probe level to expression values using Jetset, the data were identified by limma package in R language to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The pathways of DEGs were further enriched by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of genes related to the core pathway (pathway in cancer) and its neighbor pathways was constructed. Based on the PPI network, significantly changed pathway crosstalk and pathways were analyzed.

Results

Compared with those in the M1 lung cancer cells, the pathways hsa00564 (glycerophospholipid metabolism) and hsa0098 (metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450) of the M5 lung cancer cells showed significant functional changes. The dysfunction of pathway crosstalk mainly occurred between pathways hsa0098 and hsa04916 (melanogenesis pathway) and other pathways.

Conclusions

The results of our analysis indicate the significance of pathway crosstalk dysfunction and pathway dysfunction of M1 and M5 lung cancer cells as shown by bioinformatics methods. The present findings have the potential to lead to the study of the mechanisms of lung cancer in future.
Enhanced Protective Immunity Derived from Dendritic Cells with Phagocytosis of CD40 Ligand Transgene-engineered Apoptotic Tumor Cells via Increased Dendritic Cell Maturation
Authors: Parameswaran Sreejit , Khalil Muhammad , Ahmed Khawaja Ashfaque , Sharma Rajendra K. , Xiang Jim
Published: May 2015

Aims and Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in regulating CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Currently, DC vaccines have been used in experimental animal models and clinical trials for evaluation of antitumor immunity. However, their efficacy is limited, warranting the improvement of DC-based cancer vaccines. CD40 ligand (CD40L) stimulates DC activation and maturation via CD40-CD40L interaction. We demonstrated that DCs that had phagocytized apoptotic tumor cells induced antitumor immunity.

Methods

We generated CD40L-expressing (EG7-CD40L) and the control (EG7-Null) EG7 tumor cells by transfection of EG7 tumor cells with CD40L-expressing adenoviral vector AdVCD40L and the control vector AdVpLpA, respectively. We also generated DC vaccines (DC-EG7/CD40L and the control DC-EG7/Null) using DCs with phagocytosis of irradiated EG7-CD40L and EG7-Null tumor cells, and assessed their phenotype and immunogenicity by flow cytometry and animal studies in C57BL/6 mice.

Results

We demonstrate that an irradiation of 9000-rad induced Annexin V-expressing cell apoptosis in most (~75%) tumor cells, and provide evidence for phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The DC-EG7/CD40L cells showed higher expression of DC maturation markers (Iab, CD40, CD80, and CD86) and peptide/major histocompatibility complex I than the control DC-EG7/Null cells. In addition, DC-EG7/CD40L vaccine stimulates more efficient (0.97%) tumor-specific CTL responses than DC-EG7/Null cells (0.31%). Furthermore, 80% (4/5) of mice immunized with DC-EG7/CD40L vaccine become tumor-free after EG7 tumor cell challenge, whereas DC-EG7/Null vaccine only delays immunized mouse death.

Conclusions

Dendritic cells that have phagocytized CD40L-expressing apoptotic tumor cells appear to offer new strategies in DC cancer vaccines.
Evaluation of Melanoma Features and Their Relationship with Nodal Disease: The Importance of the Pathological Report
Authors: Bertolli Eduardo , de Macedo Mariana Petaccia , Pinto Clóvis Antonio Lopes , Damascena Aline Santos , Molina André Sapata , Ueno Patricía Sayuri , Neto João Pedreira Duprat
Published: May 2015

Background

The pathological features of melanoma biopsies can provide significant prognostic information that can help the surgeon evaluate the risk of nodal disease. The aim of this study was to attempt to determine the relationship between pathological features of primary melanoma and nodal disease, by sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and complete node dissection (CND).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was completed of patients who underwent SNB at AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 2000 and 2010.

Results

A total of 697 patients were evaluated. By univariate analysis, it was found that histology, Clark level, Breslow depth, mitotic index, ulceration, regression, lymphatic and perineural invasion and satellitosis were significantly associated with SNB positivity. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that Breslow depth, mitotic index, ulceration, regression, lymphatic invasion and satellitosis were significant factors. In patients with a positive SNB, the primary tumor site, Clark level and Breslow depth greater than 2 mm were significantly related to non-sentinel node (NSN) positivity by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, Breslow depth greater than 2 mm was the only primary tumor feature that was significantly related (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

The indication of SNB should not be based solely on Breslow depth and ulceration or mitotic index. A complete evaluation of the pathological report should improve the identification of high-risk patients.
Trends in Survival for Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Is Survival Improving?
Authors: Giuliani Jacopo , Bonetti Andrea
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is one of the most difficult problems in clinical oncology. Clinical trial results suggest that novel therapies may be having a favorable impact on the survival of mBC patients, but the real impact of new therapies on OS rates has yet to be established. The aim of this outcome study was to evaluate the most reliable parameters to define the long-term result in terms of OS of different treatment strategies for mBC patients in a real-world clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients diagnosed with mBC between February 2001 and December 2008 and treated at our medical oncology unit was performed.

Results

We evaluated 70 female patients. At the last follow-up all patients had died. Median OS was 31.55 months (range, 2.33-100.13). There was no statistically significant difference in OS (p = 0.284) between the period 2001-2004 and the period 2005-2008. We did not find any statistically significant difference in OS even in the transition from one year to the next (p = 0.154).

Conclusions

The results of the current analysis suggest that the OS of women with mBC has not improved in the last years. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, considering the difficulty of determining changes in survival over time. Larger studies are needed to corroborate our findings.
Breakthrough Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A National Survey on Behalf of the Palliative and Supportive Care Study Group
Authors: Caravatta Luciana , Ramella Sara , Melano Antonella , Trippa Fabio , Santacaterina Anna , Bacchiddu Simonetta , Mandoliti Giovanni , Mantini Giovanna
Published: May 2015

Aims

To assess the contribution of radiation oncologists in Italy in current management of breakthrough pain (BtP).

Methods

In 2012, the Palliative and Supportive Care Study Group of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO) proposed a survey. All Italian radiation oncologists were individually invited to complete an online questionnaire regarding their management of BtP in patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment.

Results

A total of 303 Italian radiation oncologists (of 330 who had access to the Web site) completed the questionnaire over an 8-month period. Some important differences were shown in pain intensity assessment by validated measurement scales, as well as in setting and prescribing analgesic therapy to prevent procedural pain. These differences were also reviewed and discussed related to international guidelines and data available from the literature.

Conclusions

Compared to other medical professionals, the involvement of radiation oncologists in cancer pain management remains marginal, at least in Italy. More than 70% of radiation oncologists directly optimized the analgesic therapy during the treatment course and more than 50% implemented specific treatment for BtP. However, the ability of the radiation oncologist to manage BtP could be improved. In order to increase the consciousness of systematic symptom measurement and to spread the knowledge of the best type of analgesic drugs to be used, training events promoted by national associations, such as AIRO, and a collaborative multidisciplinary approach of the management of cancer pain will be promoted.
Identification of the Interaction Network of Hub Genes for Melanoma Treated with Vemurafenib Based on Microarray Data
Authors: Quan Liangliang , Wang Yang , Liang Jiulong , Shi Jie , Zhang Yu , Tao Kai
Published: May 2015

Aims and background

The objective of this study was to identify possible biomarkers and to explore the mechanisms of suppression of vemurafenib on melanoma progression.

Methods

GSE42872 affymetrix microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for further analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between vehicle-treated samples and vemurafenibtreated samples were identified. Gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs were performed, followed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Furthermore, the functional modules of the PPI network were screened using BioNet analysis tool. Finally, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis was performed for DEGs in the module.

Results

In total, 794 upregulated transcripts corresponding to 214 genes and 977 downregulated transcripts corresponding to 325 genes were screened. The downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways such as cell cycle, DNA replication, and p53 signaling pathway. Upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in phosphatidylinositol signaling system and inositol phosphate metabolism. Significantly enriched functions of downregulated DEGs were mitotic cell cycle, nuclear division, DNA metabolic process, cell cycle, and mitosis. Upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in single multicellular organism process and multicellular organismal process. Moreover, cell division cycle 6, checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1), E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase, regulatory subunit 1-α (PIK3R1) of the module were remarkably enriched in pathways such as cell cycle, apoptosis, focal adhesion, and DNA replication.

Conclusions

Cell division cycle 6, CHEK1, E2F1, EGFR, and PIK3R1 of the module and their relative pathways, cell cycle, and focal adhesion might play important roles of suppression of vemurafenib on melanoma progression.
Erlotinib-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease in Advanced Pancreatic Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Macerelli Marianna , Mazzer Micol , Foltran Luisa , Cardellino Giovanni Gerardo , Aprile Giuseppe
Published: May 2015

The combination of erlotinib and gemcitabine is a recognized option for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer whose common adverse events such as skin rash, diarrhea, or fatigue are usually easily manageable. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a life-threatening toxicity reported in patients with non-small-cell lung cancers treated with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors or gemcitabine. This side effect is extremely rare in patients with pancreatic cancer. We report fatal treatment-related ILD that occurred in a 67-year-old patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Risk factors and pathophysiology of ILD need further investigation but caution is highly recommended for patients with an underlying pulmonary disease when using erlotinib in monotherapy or combination therapy.
Docetaxel, Capecitabine and Concurrent Radiotherapy for Gastric Cancer Patients with Postoperative Locoregional Recurrence
Authors: Xie Jian , Liang Ning , Qiao Lili , Su Lei , Li Kai , Luo Hui , Zhang Jingxin , Zhang Jiandong
Published: May 2015

Aims and background

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with docetaxel and capecitabine versus docetaxel and capecitabine chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients with postoperative locoregional recurrence.

Methods

From 2008 to 2011, 81 patients with locoregional recurrence after curative resection of gastric cancer were enrolled. Thirty-nine (CCRT group) received involved-field radiotherapy with oral capecitabine (twice daily, 5 days/week) and intravenous infusion of docetaxel (once weekly). The remaining 42 patients (chemotherapy group) were treated with oral capecitabine (twice daily, days 1-14) followed by intravenous infusion of docetaxel (days 1 and 8). The overall response rate, overall symptom control rate, toxicity or adverse reactions, and overall survival (OS) were compared.

Results

The overall response rate (CR+PR) was significantly higher in the CCRT group (79.5%) than the chemotherapy group (54.8%). In CCRT individuals, the control rates for bleeding, pain, and dysphagia/obstruction were 87.5%, 75%, and 71.4%, respectively, versus 63.2%, 50%, and 28.6% in the chemotherapy group. CCRT patients had a better symptom control rate than the chemotherapy group (52.5% vs. 80%). Adverse reactions were non-significantly more severe in CCRT patients. Finally, median OS was longer in the CCRT vs. chemotherapy group (14.2 vs. 6.4 months).

Conclusions

Involved-field radiotherapy with docetaxel and capecitabine was effective and well tolerated. These findings provide further insight into the role of CCRT in gastric cancer. However, this was not a randomized controlled study and the number of patients was relatively small, suggesting that cautious interpretation of cumulative estimates is warranted.
Widespread Renal Polycystosis Induced by Crizotinib
Authors: Di Girolamo Marco , Paris Ida , Carbonetti Francesco , Onesti Elisa Concetta , Socciarelli Fabio , Marchetti Paolo
Published: May 2015

With the widespread availability of biological antitumor drugs, the current scene of chemotherapies is changing. New chemotherapy agents, such as crizotinib, an inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS1, usually used in pretreated advanced ALK-positive non-small-cell lung carcinoma, are more often used, and a description of the onset of side effects with suggestions for their management could be of interest for physicians. We describe a case of diffuse and aggressive renal polycystosis induced by crizotinib, which regressed after therapy, which could be of interest considering its wide extension and disappearance after the end of treatment. We also suggest some considerations from the literature and from the case reported that could be helpful in the management of this condition, which is known to be caused by crizotinib treatment.
HDAC Inhibitors: A New Radiosensitizer for Non-small-cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhu Lucheng , Wu Kan , Ma Shenglin , Zhang Shirong
Published: May 2015

For many decades, lung cancer has been the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. More than 50% of non-small-cell lung cancer patients receive radiotherapy (alone or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery) during their treatment. The intrinsic radiosensitivity of tumors and dose-limiting toxicity restrict the curative potential of radiotherapy. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are an emerging class of agents that target histone deacetylase and represent promising radiosensitizers that affect various biological processes, such as cell growth, apoptosis, DNA repair, and terminal differentiation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have been found to suppress many important DNA damage responses by downregulating proteins in the homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining repair pathways in vitro. In this review, we describe the rationale for using HDACis as radiosensitizers and the clinical evidence regarding the use of HDACis for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer.
Hope in Severe Disease: A Review of the Literature on the Construct and the Tools for Assessing Hope in the Psycho-oncologic Setting
Authors: Piccinelli Claudia , Clerici Carlo Alfredo , Veneroni Laura , Ferrari Andrea , Proserpio Tullio
Published: May 2015

Aims and background

Research on the topic of hope began a long time ago but, more recently, interest in this construct has focused mainly on the development of psychometric tools for its assessment. The 2 steps of the present article are defining the construct of hope by completing a preliminary review of the literature and analyzing the tools used to assess hope in the setting of oncologic medicine, conducting a systematic review of the existing scientific literature.

Methods and Study Design

Our study was conducted in 2 stages. The first stage involved a nonsystematic preliminary review of the literature, the second a systematic search in all the medical journals contained in the Medline database as of 2012. The literature identified at the first stage was divided according to several topical categories, i.e., theoretical, empirical, and clinical works on the construct of hope. In the second systematic search, we identified the main psychometric tools used to measure hope in the field of clinical oncology and assessed their validity.

Results

A total of 22 articles were identified. What emerged when we pooled the findings of our 2 lines of research was that, despite its broad theoretical definitions, the construct of hope can be broken down to a few constituent elements when hope is studied using currently available psychometric tools. In particular, these identified constituent elements were coping, spiritual well-being, quality of life, distress, and depression.

Conclusions

The factors contained in the construct of hope include temporality, future, expectancy, motivation, and interconnectedness. The review of the scientific literature does not reveal a clear definition of hope. Multidisciplinary studies are needed to communicate different perspectives (medical, psychological, spiritual, theological) among each other for better definition of the constituent elements of hope in order to support the hope with specific interventions.
Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer in Lombardy: A Survey by the Lombardy Group of the Italian Association for Radiation Oncology
Authors: Merlotti Anna , Di Muzio Nadia , Antognoni Paolo , Filippone Francesco , Bianchi Ernestina , Castiglioni Simona , Bruschieri Lorenza , Lvaldi Giovanni , De Cicco Luigi , Marzoli Luca , Orecchia Roberto
Published: May 2015

Aims

In 2013, a survey was conducted to analyze the available resources and their use in the radiation treatment of patients with malignancies of the head and neck region in Lombardy, on behalf of the Lombardy group of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 26 of 34 radiotherapy centers active in the region. Two centers were excluded because they did not treat head and neck cancers (Besta Neurological Institute and Cyberknife center), 4 had started their activity in 2013 or late 2012, and 2 satellite centers had their results included in the main center's response. Items investigated included number of patients with head and neck cancer treated in 2012, general technical issues, and integration with surgery and chemotherapy.

Results

Twenty-four questionnaires were returned (92% response rate). There was a good consistency on the use of radiotherapy in different settings, whereas integration with chemotherapy showed more heterogeneous data. Treatment techniques were 3D conformal radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy with image-guided radiotherapy in most cases and a low rate of treatment-related death was observed.

Conclusions

This survey provides important data on the use of radiotherapy resources for patients with head and neck cancer in Lombardy. The data offer the opportunity to further investigate issues that could better standardize head and neck cancer treatment and allocate resources across the region.
Morphological and Functional Analysis of a Cohort of Patients Undergoing Orthotopic Ileal Neobladder
Authors: Pirola Giacomo Maria , Micali Salvatore , Territo Angelo , Sighinolfi Maria C. , Beato Alessandra , Bianchi Giampaolo
Published: May 2015

Introduction

This study was conducted between January 2001 and December 2013 to evaluate patient's outcomes after radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder from a morphological and functional point of view at a median follow-up of 2 years.

Materials and Methods

A total of 48 eligible patents were included. We first report our technical modifications to Studer's neobladder. Sequently, after a medium follow-up of two years, we assessed morphology of the reservoir and voiding functionality of this patients cohort, submitting them to specific questionnaires and to uroflowmetry.

Results

Early and late postoperative data are available for 36 patients. From the morphological follow-up, 2 years after surgery, six patients had hydroureteronephrosis for vescico-ureteral reflux in four cases (11% of total) and uretero-neobladder anastomosis stenosis in the other two (5.6% of total). Neobladder shape always remained spherical, with a relative right lateralization in eight cases (22.2%). Regarding the nine patients subjected to uroflowmetry, seven (77.7%) highlighted the lack of postvoid residual urine, with a maximum urinary flow rate within the normal range in six of them.

Discussion

Improvements in surgical technique may help to reduce complications rate. From uroflowmetry analysis, we can observe that the mean filling pressure following surgery was relatively stable and urinary flow rate was mostly satisfactory. In patients without postvoid residual urine, all referred absence of daily incontinence and good quality of life.

Conclusion

From this morpho-functional evaluation, our orthotopic Studer-modified ileal neobladder seems an ideal solution for urinary diversion, presenting functional features similar to native bladder and assuming a well-defined morphology, not changing in time.
A guide to organizing a voluntary blood donation camp
Authors: Ahmed Nafis , Kumar R Senthil
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Human blood is an essential element of human life with no substitute. Voluntary blood donors are the cornerstone of a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products. The safest blood donors are voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations. Blood donors in India, as across the globe, are of three types; voluntary donors, replacement donors and professional donors. Most donations are as a result of replacement donations, which are non-remunerated donations, provided by the relatives of patients. Professional donors are those who donate blood in exchange for money. Replacement and professional donors may be compelled to donate blood, though their health conditions are unsuitable to donate blood. They do not help maintaining a stock of blood for emergency situations. Moreover, they do not provide rare blood groups. These points are indicating the need and importance of voluntary blood donations. The success of blood donation camp depends on people who organize the camp and blood bank team. Aim: The aim of this report is to discuss about the importance of voluntary blood donation and to guide the camp organizer, medical officer, and also other team members involving in voluntary blood donation camp to organize the camp efficiently.
Discussion: The purpose of blood donation camp is to select a suitable donor whose blood is safe to the recipients and who himself shall not in any way be harmed by blood donation. Outdoor voluntary blood donation camps in India are organized in three phases. They are pre-camp phase, camp phase, post-camp phase. Conducting voluntary blood donation camp in regular basis will increase the stock of blood units in blood bank which is needed for optimum functioning of the health-care system.
Conclusion: The organization of blood donation camp should be best and safe to the patient/recipients and to the blood donor also. With increase in population and development of more advanced medical and surgical procedures, the need for blood is ever increasing. Only voluntary blood donors can help to maintain an adequate supply of blood to save the lives of those who in need. They are the source of safe blood also.
Iron deficiency in regular blood donors in Enugu (Southeastern Nigeria)
Authors: Ifeoma Amilo Grace , Ossy Ifeanyichukwu Martin , Martina Ngwu Amauche , Okorie Obi Godwin
Published: May 2015

Aims: Regular donors are often given some sort of non-monetary recognition. In Nigeria, about 92.9% of individuals donate blood because of the benefits they get from hospital. The aim was to study iron status of regular blood donors who had donated at least one or two units of blood in their life.
Methods: The study was prospectively conducted on 290 regular blood donors. The blood donors were divided into four groups, according to the number of units of blood they had given.
Results: The difference in serum ferritin concentration of first group (208.35±60.62 ng/mL) was statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared with donors in third group (34.20±21.89 ng/mL) and fourth group (2.05±0.22 ng/mL). None of the first group donors suffered from iron deficiency, whereas 11% of the donors who had donated between 11–15 units of blood within a 4-year period had iron deficiency.
Conclusion: The results of this study reveal the presence of iron deficiency in second group, third group and fourth group.
Do tourism spillovers matter in regional economic analysis? An application to Portugal
Authors: Andraz Jorge M. , Norte Nélia M. , Gonçalves Hugo S.
Published: May 2015

This study estimates tourism’s effects on economic performance at the national and regional levels, accounting explicitly for the existence of regional spillovers. The results suggest that there are important regional spillover effects on output, employment, and investment, respectively, and regions benefit differently from tourism located in the region and tourism located elsewhere in the country. The geographical pattern that emerges from the results is that the direct effects are more important in the central regions, while spillovers are more important in the northern and southern regions, the latter being one of the most important touristic regions in the country.
Gerenciamento de enfermagem em serviço hospitalar de emergência: revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Antonelli Renata Cristina , Bellucci Junior José Aparecido
Published: May 2015

Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, que tem por objetivo analisar artigos científicos que versam a respeito da atuação do enfermeiro no gerenciamento em serviço hospitalar de emergência. As bases de dados utilizadas foram Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Integrated Building Environmental Communications System (IBECS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) e Base de dados de enfermagem (BDENF). Foram selecionados 10 artigos para realização da pesquisa, os quais foram classificados em duas categorias temáticas, a saber: “analisando o trabalho do enfermeiro no serviço hospitalar de emergência” e “organizando o trabalho do enfermeiro no serviço hospitalar de emergência”. A primeira categoria abordou as funções do enfermeiro e a satisfação desses profissionais, e a segunda, os problemas identificados no serviço hospitalar de emergência e as estratégias existentes para organizar o serviço, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o tema desenvolvido mostrou como se apresenta o trabalho do enfermeiro como gestor desse serviço, além de diferentes estratégias existentes capazes de atenuar ou eliminar os problemas identificados nas unidades de urgência e emergência de serviços hospitalares.
The Essential Role of Cooperative Law
Authors: Fici Antonio
Published: May 2015

The Essential Role of Cooperative Law

The idea that cooperative law is essential for the development of cooperatives is not new, but only lately is it spreading rapidly within cooperative circles and urging representative entities of the cooperative movement to take concrete actions. Also in light of this renewed interest towards the cooperative legal theory, this article will seek to demonstrate that recognizing and protecting a distinct identity based on a specific purpose constitute the essential role of cooperative law. The article will subsequently discuss, also from a comparative legal perspective, the nature and essence of the cooperative purpose and some related regulation issues.
Ownership, Governance and Related Trade-Offs in Agricultural Cooperatives
Authors: Iliopoulos Constantine
Published: May 2015

Ownership, Governance and Related Trade-Offs in Agricultural Cooperatives

Agricultural cooperatives represent a key institutional arrangement in the world food and agriculture industries. Understanding these business organizations by adopting multi-disciplinary perspectives serves both scholarly and societal needs. This article addresses two issues: (1) how agricultural cooperatives choose from a plethora of ownership and governance features and (2) what are the main trade-offs cooperatives face in making these choices. Both issues have important implications for the efficiency of collective entrepreneurship organizations in food supply chains and thus for food nutrition security and food quality. The article proffers observations based on the extant literature and the author’s field experience. It is concluded that agricultural cooperatives choose ownership and governance features in an attempt to attract risk capital for investments while optimizing collective decision-making efficiency. The main trade-offs that cooperatives address while making these choices are between (1) investor mentality and member-patron control, (2) organizational complexity and vagueness of ownership rights, (3) the need for risk capital and member control, (4) organizational complexity and member control and (5) management monitoring costs and the costs of collective decision-making. These observations are highly relevant for organizational scholars, cooperative practitioners and policymakers as they inform decision-making in cooperatives in more than one way.
Legal Motherhood and Parental Responsibility
Authors: Budzikiewicz Christine , Vonk Machteld
Published: May 2015

Legal Motherhood and Parental Responsibility: A Comparative Study on the Tensions between Scientific Knowledge, Social Reality and Personal Identity

For the past 15 to 20 years there has been intense discussion in many European countries how mothers in a crisis situation can be prevented from abandoning or even killing their new born babies. Baby-boxes have been installed in a number of countries and/or possibilities for anonymous birth have been discussed or introduced. The Committee on the Rights of the Child expressed concern over these developments and stated that both developments infringe on the child’s right to know its origins. Both Germany and the Netherlands have taken steps to protect new mothers and their babies in crisis situations by introducing a form of secrecy surrounding the mother’s identity. In Germany this has taken the form of a recently introduced law that keeps the birth and the identity of the mother confidential, in the Netherlands this has taken the form of a protocol drawn up by professionals which aims to keep the birth and the mother’s identity secret. This article will compare and critically discuss these developments in Germany and the Netherlands.
The Incorporation of Intentional Parentage by Female Same-Sex Couples into National Parentage Laws
Authors: Jeppesen de Boer Christina G. , Kronborg Annette
Published: May 2015

The Incorporation of Intentional Parentage by Female Same-Sex Couples into National Parentage Laws: A Comparison between Danish and Dutch Law

The incorporation of intentional parentage by female same-sex couples in Danish and Dutch law in 2013 has taken place on the premises of the existing parentage law. In Dutch law, the second mother may automatically become the legal parent (formal relationship – anonymous donor) or she may become the legal parent in all other situations by recognition with consent of the mother. In Danish law, the second mother’s parentage may be established in a simple registration procedure, if she has consented to the act of assisted reproduction prior to treatment. When use has been made of a known donor there is no direct presumption favouring the known donor or the second mother in either country. Danish law provides a contractual understanding to be made prior to treatment while Dutch law depends upon the initiative of the parties and to whom the mother gives consent to recognition – with subsequent discretionary power of the court to modify the result. The main difference we associate with a systemized specific legislative approach (Denmark) and discretionary powers of the court to correct the outcome (the Netherlands).
Wie heeft hier de regie?
Authors: van Ooyen-Houben M. , Mein A.
Published: May 2015

Who is in charge here? Dutch coffee shops in between local, national and international drug policies

Tensions between the central national level and the local level become clearly visible in coffee shop policies, which have to fit within the international VN and EU treaties and strategies, national drug policy principles and local interests of public order. Three cases, all concerning long-term problems of drug tourism, nuisance and crime around coffee shops, illustrate these tensions. In the case of coffee shop Checkpoint near the Belgian border the Public Prosecutor aimed at solving the problem by prosecuting the coffee shop as a criminal network, while the mayor tried to minimize the negative effects by facilitating visitor flows. In the case of the private club and residence criterion in 2012 not all the mayors actually enforced these national criteria. This leads to a bigger emphasis on local tailoring. Thirdly, several mayors have opted for a regulation of cannabis production for coffee shops, while the stance of the national government is that international treaties banning this practice should be respected. The influence of local policies may be small, but in the end the local communities seem crucial when it comes to finding new ways of managing drug problems.
Association between vitamin D and bone mineral density in post-menopausal women with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Dadonienė Jolanta , Čypienė Alma , Rinkūnienė Egidija , Badarienė Jolita , Burca Jelizaveta , Sakaitė Ieva , Kalinauskaitė Goda , Kumpauskaitė Vaiva , Laucevičius Aleksandras
Published: May 2015

Background. The aim of this study was to identify the relation between vitamin D level and mineral bone density in post-menopausal women with metabolic syndrome.
Materials and methods. This study included 100 post-menopausal women at age between 50 and 65 with metabolic syndrome. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements. Laboratory tests were performed to determine lipid profile, serum glucose, creatinine, C-reactive protein, vitamin D (25(OH) D), ionized calcium concentration and urine albumin / creatinine ratio. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine (L1– L4) and total hip was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results. According to the vitamin D concentration level in the blood all women were divided into four groups: the average failure was observed in 57%, mild failure in 33%, severe failure in 5%; and only 5% of women had normal vitamin levels. The mean 25(OH) D level was 47.40  ±  16.91  nmol/l. According to bone densitometry we found that 77% of all participants had normal bone mineral density, 22% had osteopenia and 5% were diagnosed with osteoporosis. No correlation was found between bone mineral density and 25(OH)  D levels. We found a weak positive correlation between high density lipoprotein cholesterol and 25(OH) D (r = 0.3, p
Limits on information transduction through amplitude and frequency regulation of transcription factor activity
Authors: Hansen Anders S , O'Shea Erin K
Published: May 2015

Signaling pathways often transmit multiple signals through a single shared transcription factor (TF) and encode signal information by differentially regulating TF dynamics. However, signal information will be lost unless it can be reliably decoded by downstream genes. To understand the limits on dynamic information transduction, we apply information theory to quantify how much gene expression information the yeast TF Msn2 can transduce to target genes in the amplitude or frequency of its activation dynamics. We find that although the amount of information transmitted by Msn2 to single target genes is limited, information transduction can be increased by modulating promoter cis-elements or by integrating information from multiple genes. By correcting for extrinsic noise, we estimate an upper bound on information transduction. Overall, we find that information transduction through amplitude and frequency regulation of Msn2 is limited to error-free transduction of signal identity, but not signal intensity information.
Quantitative isoform-profiling of highly diversified recognition molecules
Authors: Schreiner Dietmar , Simicevic Jovan , Ahrné Erik , Schmidt Alexander , Scheiffele Peter
Published: May 2015

Complex biological systems rely on cell surface cues that govern cellular self-recognition and selective interactions with appropriate partners. Molecular diversification of cell surface recognition molecules through DNA recombination and complex alternative splicing has emerged as an important principle for encoding such interactions. However, the lack of tools to specifically detect and quantify receptor protein isoforms is a major impediment to functional studies. We here developed a workflow for targeted mass spectrometry by selected reaction monitoring that permits quantitative assessment of highly diversified protein families. We apply this workflow to dissecting the molecular diversity of the neuronal neurexin receptors and uncover an alternative splicing-dependent recognition code for synaptic ligands.