bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B01: Lymphangiogenic gene expression is associated with lymph node recurrence and poor survival after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Vellinga Thomas , Marvin Dieuwke , Rinkes Inne Borel , Hagendoorn Jeroen , Kranenburg Onno
Published: May 2019

Expression of the lymphangiogenic growth factors, in particular VEGF-C, are correlated with disease-free and overall survival in primary colorectal cancer (CRC). Moreover, in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastases are correlated with worse outcome, but the biology underlying these correlations remains unknown.

To study a potential relationship between tumor biology, lymphatic spread from liver metastases and outcome, we compiled a lymph-endothelium gene set the lymphangiogenesis signature comprised of six genes specifically expressed by lymph endothelial cells, or growth factors stimulating them. In primary colorectal cancer, expression of this signature correlated with increased risk of distant metastasis. When used to cluster a cohort of 119 colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) based on gene expression profiles, the signature identified an aggressive poor prognosis subtype of CRLM with mesenchymal gene expression and a stem-like tumor phenotype. RTqPCR analysis of CRLMs with and without lymph node recurrence during follow up showed that VEGF-C and neuropilin-2 were significantly higher expressed by CRLM with onward spread to the lymph nodes.

We conclude that CRLM expressing high levels of lymphangiogenic genes are more likely to develop lymph node metastases during follow up and that this correlates with a general aggressive tumor biology (i.e. the mesemcnymal/stem-like phenotype) and poor survival. Post liver resection adjuvant therapy targeting onward spread to the lymph nodes may be beneficial for patients with mesenchymal-type mCRC.

Citation Format: Thomas Vellinga, Dieuwke Marvin, Inne Borel Rinkes, Jeroen Hagendoorn, Onno Kranenburg. Lymphangiogenic gene expression is associated with lymph node recurrence and poor survival after hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B01.
Abstract B14: The expression landscape of pancreatic cancer recurrence following resection
Authors: Dudgeon Crissy , Rosenfeld Jeffrey , Collisson Eric , Carpizo Darren
Published: May 2019

This abstract is being presented as a short talk in the scientific program. A full abstract is printed in the Proffered Abstracts section (PR13) of the Conference Proceedings.

Citation Format: Crissy Dudgeon, Jeffrey Rosenfeld, Eric Collisson, Darren Carpizo. The expression landscape of pancreatic cancer recurrence following resection. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B14.
Abstract B18: Role of the tumor suppressor gene DLC-2 in ERBB2 induced mouse mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis
Authors: Basak Pratima , Basak Pratima , Leslie Heather , Leslie Heather , Raouf Afshin , Raouf Afshin , Mowat Michael RA , Mowat Michael RA
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Overexpression of dominant oncogenes and the loss of tumor suppressor genes are basic genetic events in acquisition of the malignant phenotype. The ERBB-2 proto-oncogene is overexpressed in 20% - 30% of human breast cancers. The tumor suppressor gene Deleted in liver cancer 2 (DLC-2, also known as STARD13) maps to chromosome 13q12.3 and is frequently downregulated by 72% in human breast cancer. It encodes a RhoGAP protein containing a START lipid binding domain. It is not known what role DLC-2 silencing plays in breast carcinogenesis. The purpose of our study is to assess the biological significance of inactivation of DLC-2 in ERBB2 induced mammary tumorigenesis mouse model. For this, we used MMTV-NIC mice, which carry an activated NEU oncogene (ERBB2) under control of the MMTV-LTR promoter that also co-expresses Cre recombinase. These mice were crossed to a conditional DLC-2 knockout mouse (floxed exon 3).

Objectives: To determine if heterozygous or homozygous DLC-2 loss plays a role in mouse mammary tumor progression in MMTV-NIC mice.

Results: Our preliminary results showed that heterozygous deletion of DLC-2 in the mammary epithelium of the MMTV-NIC mouse model resulted in increased tumor burden with accelerated tumor growth. Metastases to the lungs were quantified by scanning H&E stained step sections (4X150uM). We observed a significant increase in the incidence of lung metastases in heterozygous DLC-2 exon3floxed/+ MMTV-NIC mice. The lung metastases showed a homogenous morphology and histopathologically similar phenotype to the MMTV-NIC strain. DLC-2 heterozygous tumor cells showed increased tumorosphere formation under low-attachment conditions with minimal growth factor supplementation. These tumor cells also showed increased expression of mesenchymal cell markers, as determined by quantitative real time RT-PCR, suggesting an Epithelial to Mesenchymal transition is occurring. Experiments with homozygous floxed DLC-2 mice are ongoing and will be presented.

Conclusion: These results indicate that loss of one allele of DLC-2 is sufficient to accelerate NEU oncogene induced tumorigenesis.

Citation Format: Pratima Basak, Pratima Basak, Heather Leslie, Heather Leslie, Afshin Raouf, Afshin Raouf, Michael RA Mowat, Michael RA Mowat. Role of the tumor suppressor gene DLC-2 in ERBB2 induced mouse mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B18.
Abstract B27: Identification of novel anti-metastatic drugs targeting oncogenic E2F1:coregulator complexes by applying a systems pharmacology approach
Authors: Goody Deborah , Engelmann David , Mikkat Stefan , Gupta Shailendra K. , Pützer Brigitte M.
Published: May 2019

Tumour metastasis is considered to be one of the most important problems in cancer research and the identification of mechanisms that drive this multistep process provides urgently needed opportunities for therapeutic interventions. Many cancer types are driven by the dysfunction of transcriptional coregulators which interact with transcription factors such as E2F1 that has been associated with cancer aggressiveness and poor patient survival prognosis. Although the role of E2F1 in malignant progression is not fully understood, its physical interaction with oncogenic coregulators is clearly linked to the activation of prometastatic gene expression programs. In order to identify metastatic E2F1:coregulator complexes that determine occurrence of metastases and clinical outcome, we employed co-immunoprecipitation assays in advanced-stage metastatic cancer cells combined with high throughput mass spectrometry. We identified a hitherto unknown regulatory network of E2F1 interaction partners, which were validated by Western blotting, confocal laser scanning microscopy, ChIP and promoter reporter assays. Knockdown and overexpression studies in a large panel of metastatic cell lines originating from various tumor entities showed a clear impact of these proteins on cancer motility and invasiveness. Genome-wide transcriptome analyses were applied to uncover the metastasis gene signature regulated by the E2F1-coregulator complexes that predicts aggressive behavior. Finally, we developed a pharmacophore model of E2F1 interacting proteins and predicted potential drug molecules which can be used as inhibitors of E2F1:coregulator complexes based on a computer-assisted virtual screening of FDA-approved compounds. Taken together, our straight forward approach on finding new prometastatic E2F1 coregulators and potential inhibitors to disrupt these complexes may shed new light into future cancer therapy.

This research was funded by grants from the German Cancer Aid, Dr. Mildred Scheel Stiftung (109801 to B.M.P. and D.E.) and German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the eBio:SysMet project (0316171 to B.M.P.).

Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference.

Citation Format: Deborah Goody, David Engelmann, Stefan Mikkat, Shailendra K. Gupta, Brigitte M. Pützer. Identification of novel anti-metastatic drugs targeting oncogenic E2F1:coregulator complexes by applying a systems pharmacology approach. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B27.
Abstract B52: PTK6 inhibition as a novel strategy to reverse EMT and suppress metastasis of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Ito Koichi , Park Sun Hee , Irie Hanna Y.
Published: May 2019

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses clinical challenges due to intrinsic biological aggressiveness and lack of targeted therapies.

Hypothesis: Protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of TNBC, as well as their growth and metastatic potential. We evaluated PTK6 as a promising therapeutic target to prevent metastases of TNBC.

Experimental Procedures: Levels of PTK6 have prognostic significance; higher transcript levels are associated with poor outcomes for patients. We modulated the level of PTK6 in breast epithelial and TNBC cell lines, and determined effects on growth, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis formation in vivo.

Results: PTK6 promotes EMT; overexpression of kinase active PTK6 (Y447F) in non-transformed MCF10A cells promotes migration, suppresses expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin, claudin-1), and increases expression of N-cadherin and fibronectin, markers of mesenchymal cells. Promotion of EMT is dependent on PTK6 kinase activity as overexpression of catalytically inactive PTK6 (K219M) failed to induce EMT. Downregulation of PTK6 in mesenchymal TNBC cells (human MDA-MB231 or murine MMTV-myc) restores epithelial properties and suppresses migration and growth in 3-D MatrigelTM cultures. PTK6 inhibition-induced E-cadherin expression is due to decreased expression of Snail, a transcriptional repressor of E-cadherin. PTK6 downregulation promotes the proteasome-dependent degradation of Snail protein, via a mechanism that is independent of GSK3β activity. PTK6 inhibition promotes anoikis of TNBC cells in vitro and prevents metastases in vivo; decreased metastasis formation is directly linked to PTK6-dependent regulation of EMT and E-cadherin levels.

Conclusions: Our studies support PTK6 inhibition as a novel strategy to impair metastasis of TNBC cells via reversal of mesenchymal properties. The kinase dependency of EMT regulation by PTK6 highlight the potential for clinical translation of recently developed PTK6 kinase inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for patients with triple negative breast cancers.

Citation Format: Koichi Ito, Sun Hee Park, Hanna Y. Irie. PTK6 inhibition as a novel strategy to reverse EMT and suppress metastasis of triple negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B52.
Abstract IA08: Prostate cancer tumor dormancy and the development of metastases
Authors: Morrissey Colm
Published: May 2019

Cancer dormancy refers to the prolonged clinical disease-free time between removal of the primary tumor and recurrence, which is common in prostate cancer (PCa). PCa disseminated tumor cells (DTC) can be detected in the bone marrow of patients with no evidence of disease (NED) and advanced disease (ADV). However, the molecular and cellular nature of DTC is unknown. Single cell transcriptomic analyses comparing DTC in NED versus ADV PCa patients identified a molecular signature associated with the p38 stress activated kinase pathway and dormancy. Understanding the mechanism by which dormant tumor cells are triggered to proliferate may provide new targets for therapy. We have demonstrated that LuCaP PCa xenografts, which appear dormant in vitro, can be induced to proliferate through contact with each other and bone marrow stroma. Constitutive activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a downstream effector of integrin-β1 and TGFβ2, in non-proliferating cells promoted cell proliferation. Additionally, gene expression analyses and in vitro data support a role for TGFβ2 in suppressing proliferation. Taken together, these data point to a potential mechanism by which PCa cells are released from dormancy to form lethal metastases. The early dissemination of cells from the primary to other sites most likely involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like behavior. It has been proposed that further dissemination can occur where a metastasis can seed further metastases. TGFβ is a known driver of EMT which is associated with tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. We assessed the natural history of tumor dissemination and EMT-related markers TGFβ, Twist, Slug, and Zeb1 in bone and visceral metastases from castration resistant PCa (CRPC) patients. Importantly, nuclear Twist, Slug, and Zeb1 were only present in a subset of epithelial cells that had an EMT-like phenotype, suggesting only a subset of cells display an EMT-like behavior in any given CRPC metastasis. These studies highlight the biological relevance of dormancy, cell-contact and EMT-like behavior in the seeding and establishment of CRPC metastases.

Citation Format: Colm Morrissey. Prostate cancer tumor dormancy and the development of metastases. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Metastasis; 2015 Nov 30-Dec 3; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(7 Suppl):Abstract nr IA08.
A Ca2+-ATPase Regulates E-cadherin Biogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Dang Donna K. , Makena Monish Ram , Llongueras José P. , Prasad Hari , Ko Myungjun , Bandral Manuj , Rao Rajini
Published: May 2019

Progression of benign tumors to invasive, metastatic cancer is accompanied by the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), characterized by loss of the cell-adhesion protein E-cadherin. Although silencing mutations and transcriptional repression of the E-cadherin gene have been widely studied, not much is known about posttranslational regulation of E-cadherin in tumors. We show that E-cadherin is tightly coexpressed with the secretory pathway Ca2+-ATPase isoform 2, SPCA2 (ATP2C2), in breast tumors. Loss of SPCA2 impairs surface expression of E-cadherin and elicits mesenchymal gene expression through disruption of cell adhesion in tumorspheres and downstream Hippo-YAP signaling. Conversely, ectopic expression of SPCA2 in triple-negative breast cancer elevates baseline Ca2+ and YAP phosphorylation, enhances posttranslational expression of E-cadherin, and suppresses mesenchymal gene expression. Thus, loss of SPCA2 phenocopies loss of E-cadherin in the Hippo signaling pathway and EMT–MET transitions, consistent with a functional role for SPCA2 in E-cadherin biogenesis. Furthermore, we show that SPCA2 suppresses invasive phenotypes, including cell migration in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. Based on these findings, we propose that SPCA2 functions as a key regulator of EMT and may be a potential therapeutic target for treatment of metastatic cancer.

Implications:

Posttranslational control of E-cadherin and the Hippo pathway by calcium signaling regulates EMT in breast cancer cells.
High Sodium Intake Impairs Small Artery Vasoreactivity in vivo in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Li Shi-Cheng , Wang Qing-Hai , Chen Lian-Feng , Feng Shu-Yi , Wu Yan-Xiang , Yan Xiao-Wei
Published: May 2019

The effects of high sodium intake on the functionality of resistance arteries have been repeatedly studied in vitro, but no study has focused on salt-sensitive hypertension in vivo. We studied the in vivo reactivity of mesenteric small arteries (MSAs) to vasoactive agents in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats with various sodium diets. Twenty-four male DS rats were randomized into 3 groups: LS (0.3% NaCl diet), NS (0.6% NaCl diet), and HS (8% NaCl diet). After a 12-week intervention, the diameter changes of the MSAs after noradrenaline (NA) and acetylcholine (ACh) exposure were detected by a microscope, and changes in blood perfusion through the MSAs were measured by full-field laser perfusion imaging. HS enhanced the constrictive response of the MSAs to NA and attenuated the relaxing response to ACh. Low sodium intake reduced the response of the MSAs to NA and promoted ACh-induced vasodilatation. HS also aggravated NA-induced blood perfusion reduction and impaired ACh-induced hyperperfusion of the MSAs. Pathologically, HS was associated with arteriolar structural damage and fibrosis of the MSAs. We conclude that sodium intake affects the responsiveness of the MSAs to vasoactive agents in DS rats and might play important roles in modulating blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
Cardiometabolic-Renal Disease in South Asians: Consensus Recommendations from the Cardio Renal Society of America
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Krishnaswami , McCullough Peter A. , Singh Bhupinder , Gupta Milan , Enas Enas , Mohan Viswanathan , Misra Anoop , Deedwania Prakash , Brinton Eliot A. ,   for the Consensus Panel Steering Committee 
Published: May 2019

Background: Rates of cardiometabolic-renal disease are extremely high among South Asians (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Nepal) residing in their home countries and worldwide. The Cardio Renal Society of America, National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, and Twinepidemic Inc. convened a task force to examine evidence and reach consensus regarding cardiometabolic-renal disease prevention in South Asians. The task force distilled the findings from 5 years of face-to-face and virtual meetings addressing questions derived from expert reviews of published data using the Delphi technique to create these consensus statements. Summary: Several high-quality observational studies document the high and increasing incidence and prevalence of cardiometabolic-renal disease among South Asians, starting well before adulthood, owing to genetic, cultural, and environmental factors. Despite the need for additional prospective studies, especially randomized trials, of educational, screening, and other prevention efforts, sufficient information is already available to expand and intensify ongoing efforts in professional and lay education to help control this epidemic. The task force proposes to provide this expansion over the next 10 years through scientific and lay publications and other educational programs to promote more effective action among the public, health care professionals, payers, and regulators in screening for and treating cardiometabolic-renal risk factors and preventing disease in South Asians, starting at an early age. Key Messages: These consensus statements describe risk factors and prognoses characteristic of South Asians regarding cardiometabolic-renal diseases, to aid physician decision-making, health care system delivery, and research initiatives to improve the quality of care for South Asians worldwide.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Reduce Cysts by Activating Autophagy in Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sun Liping , Hu Chaofeng , Zhang Xinzhou
Published: May 2019

Background: Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have therapeutic effects on various models of renal diseases including autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), but the molecular mechanism is unclear. Objectives: Here, we studied the role of trichostatin A (TSA), a specific HDACi, in regulating cyst growth to test the possibility that HDACi might help manage ADPKD by enhancing autophagy. Results: Autophagy protein expression was higher in cultured Pkd1 knockout (Pkd1–/–) cells, an in vitro model of cystogenesis, compared with control cells. TSA prevented cyst formation in Pkd1–/– cells. We further tested whether TSA could not reduce the size of an already established cyst after inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine in Pkd1–/– cells. In vivo, treatment with TSA significantly slowed cyst growth in Pkd1–/– mice. Moreover, TSA treatment stimulated AMPK and inactivated mTOR during cyst growth in Pkd1–/– cells and kidneys in mice. Conclusions: Our results suggest that HDACi may prevent cyst formation by activation of the AMPK pathway and autophagy. They also imply that HDACi could have therapeutic potential for ADPKD treatment.
Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Cottone Mario , Sapienza Chiara , Macaluso Fabio Salvatore , Cannizzaro Marco
Published: May 2019

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriasis (PS) are associated conditions. The reason for this association lies in the sharing of predisposition genes and common immunological mechanisms. Summary: This review will focus on the interplay between IBD and PS, with details on prevalence and phenotype of PS in IBD, genetics, pathogenetic pathways, and therapy. Key Messages: Microbiome seems relevant in both conditions: a reduction of beneficial bacteria has been observed. IBD and PS have in common some comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, similar risk of cancer and psychiatric problems. Many biological therapies such as anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and anti-interleukin 23 are effective in both conditions, underlining the common immunological mechanisms. Paradoxical PS has been mainly observed after anti-TNF therapies, but preliminary reports show that it can also occur with other biologics. Genetic predisposition to this phenomenon has been reported.
Plasma Biomarkers in Predicting Renal Recovery from Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Fiorentino Marco , Tohme Fadi A. , Murugan Raghavan , Kellum John A.
Published: May 2019

Background: Numerous studies have suggested a possible role for acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers in predicting renal recovery both before and after renal replacement therapy (RRT). However, definitions for recovery and whether to include patients dying but free of RRT may influence results. Objectives: To validate plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (pNGAL) as a useful biomarker for predicting or improving the ability of clinical predictors alone to predict recovery following AKI, including in our model plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (pBNP) to account for cardiovascular events. Methods: We analyzed 69 patients enrolled in the Acute Renal Failure Trial Network study. pNGAL and pBNP were measured on days 2, 7, and 14. We analyzed their predictive ability for subsequent recovery, defined as alive and independent from dialysis in 60 days. In sensitivity analyses, we explored changes in results with alternative definitions of recovery. Results: Twenty-nine patients (42%) recovered from AKI. Neither pNGAL nor pBNP, alone or in combination, was accurate predictors of renal recovery-the best area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) was for pNGAL using the largest relative change (AUC 0.59, 95% CI 0.45–0.74). The best clinical model achieved superior performance to biomarkers (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.81). The AUC was greatest (0.75, 95% CI 0.60–0.91) when pNGAL + pBNP on day 14 were added to the clinical model but this increase did not achieve statistical significance. However, integrated discrimination improvement analysis showed that the addition of pNGAL and pBNP on day 14 to the clinical model significantly improved the prediction of renal recovery (p = 0.008). Conclusions: pNGAL and pBNP can improve the accuracy of clinical parameters in predicting AKI recovery and a full model using biomarkers together with age achieved adequate discrimination.
Dioscorea medusae (Dioscoreaceae), a new species from Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: FRAGA FERNANDA RIBEIRO DE MELLO , COUTO RICARDO SOUSA , BRAGA JOÃO MARCELO ALVARENGA
Published: May 2019

We describe here Dioscorea medusae, a new species that occurs in rupicolous plant communities on rocky outcrops (inselbergs) in northwestern Espírito Santo State, in Southeastern Brazil. This new species is markedly different from all species of Dioscorea from the Neotropic and it differs by its numerous short racemes, and flowers with three stamens and conspicuous anthers. We provide here a morphological description of the new species, notes on its habitat, distribution and phenology.
A new species of Eutardigrade (Macrobiotidae) from New Zealand
Authors: TUMANOV DENIS V. , PILATO GIOVANNI
Published: May 2019

After examining the tardigrade specimens collected in New Zealand and attributed by Tumanov (2004) to Macrobiotus cf. coronatus, the authors considered it justifiable to describe for them a new species named Mesobiotus helenae. It is very similar to Mesobiotus pseudoblocki Roszkowska, Stec, Ciobanu & Kaczmarek, 2016 but differs in lacking eyes, having differently shaped claws (the terminal portion of both claw branches are longer and more slender), and similar egg processes but not identically shaped, with almost invisible ornamentation on the basal portion.
Candidiasis Causing Vocal Fold Leukoplakia: Review of Clinical and Pathological Results of 289 Cases With Vocal Fold Leukoplakia
Authors: Gumussoy Murat , Kucuk Ulku
Published: May 2019

Objective:

In laryngology practice, vocal fold leukoplakia is frequently evaluated by suspension laryngoscopy and biopsy examination upon the patient’s complaints of hoarseness and dysphonia. The purpose of the present study is to investigate and analyze risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up results of cases with Candida leukoplakia.

Study Design:

Retrospective case control study.

Setting:

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods:

Patients with a diagnosis of vocal fold leukoplakia who underwent direct laryngoscopy and biopsy between 2007 and 2017 and diagnosed as candida or noncandida in their histopathology were assigned into 2 groups. Then they were compared in terms of their demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up results.

Results:

Of the 289 vocal fold leukoplakia cases, 36 were candida, and 253 were noncandida. The mean age of the patients with Candida leukoplakia was 60.86 years. As for the age groups, the largest group (26.1%) was in the seventh decade ( P < .001). The use of inhaled corticosteroids was a significant risk factor ( P < .001). For their medical therapy, the patients were administered fluconazole 200 mg per day for 3 weeks, and the treatment yielded successful results in 91.66% of them. In 5 of the patients, candida leukoplakia and superficial epithelial dysplasia were observed, and no malignant transformation was observed during a mean follow-up of 28 ± 13 months.

Conclusion:

Candidiasis causing vocal fold leukoplakia is rare, and we report the findings of the largest published case series to date. Eliminating predisposing factors and administrating oral fluconazole 200 mg for 3 weeks are sufficient for medical treatment.
Impact of Marriage on Birth Outcomes: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2012–2014
Authors: Barr Jennifer J. , Marugg Lindsey
Published: May 2019

Marriage has been associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. However, as Americans become increasingly accepting of pregnancy and childbearing outside of marriage, many believe the father can support the mother without the parents being married. Some question whether the present normalization of childbearing outside of marriage will negate the protective effect of marriage on pregnancy outcomes. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System were used to obtain data from a sample of 138,118 live singleton deliveries from 2012 to 2014. Odds ratios were compared between married and unmarried mothers for outcomes of preterm delivery, a small for gestational age infant, neonatal intensive care unit admission, vaginal delivery, and breastfeeding initiation. Logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for maternal age, maternal and paternal race, maternal medical comorbidities, maternal smoking status, and receipt of Medicaid. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) showed married women had a lower risk of preterm delivery (AOR = .877, 95% confidence interval [CI; .811–.948]), a small for gestational age baby (AOR = .838, 95% CI [.726–.967]), and a neonatal intensive care admission (AOR = .808, 95% CI [.754–.866]). Women who were married were more likely to have a vaginal delivery (AOR = 1.144, 95% CI [1.085–1.211]) and to initiate breastfeeding (AOR = 1.601, 95% CI [1.490–1.719]). These data demonstrate that despite a normalization in society of childbearing outside of marriage, there continues to be an association of marriage with improved birth outcomes.

Summary: Marriage is associated with a lower risk of preterm delivery, small for gestational age infants, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. These differences persist even after correcting for potentially confounding socioeconomic factors.
The Expert Cure? Exploring the Restorative Potential of Expertise for Public Satisfaction With Parties
Authors: Dommett Katharine , Temple Luke
Published: May 2019

The declining legitimacy of political parties has become something of a truism in political science discourse. Less often reflected upon is how these legitimacy problems could potentially be resolved. This article contributes to this underexplored issue by examining the restorative potential of expertise as a supplement to intra-party democracy. Building on an established literature on Stealth Democracy, we explore the potential for expert-inspired reforms to boost citizens’ satisfaction with parties. Using original survey questions, we provide evidence that a perceived lack of expert engagement in parties predicts citizen dissatisfaction, before using deliberative workshop data to distil traits that define the appeal of experts and expertise. This mixed-methods approach allows us to demonstrate some common desires of which parties should be aware, but also traits that make these ideas difficult to realise. Combining these insights, we argue that while expertise has appeal, parties face considerable challenges in satisfying citizens’ desires.
Smart Home Technology Diffusion in a Living Laboratory
Authors: Wright David , Shank Daniel B.
Published: May 2019

Smart home products continue to rise in popularity but have yet to achieve widespread adoption. There is little research on how the general population perceives benefits of different smart home devices beyond general surveys. Using a living laboratory of five solar houses that we equipped with a range of smart home devices, we assessed how university student residents learn about, use, and gain interest in adopting this smart home technology. Analysis of data confirms that users find lifestyle benefits to be the most important motivators for adopting smart home technology. Yet without training in using that technology, these benefits do not outweigh the risks associated with learning to operate that technology.
Disparity in Expectations of Reward for Effort Expended Among Students, Professors, and Employers
Authors: Altman Joanne D. , Prittie Beth A. , Forbach Gary B.
Published: May 2019

This study examined student, professor, and employer perceptions of how reward for effort expended and meeting task performance criteria should be factored into college grades and employment compensation. The sample consisted of students, faculty, and employers. Participants completed a survey assessing perceptions of effort and performance in either a college or employment setting. Results indicated that students felt that effort should account for a significantly larger percentage of their overall grade than did professors and employers. Results also indicated that this attitude carried over into employment settings; students believed that an employee’s financial compensation should include a substantial component based on how hard a student tried, whereas teachers and employers did not. These findings suggest a need to shift student expectations regarding rewards away from effort and toward performance during a college education.
An internal model frame-based disturbance attenuation control scheme for quad-rotors transporting unknown payloads
Authors: Li Hongda , Wang Yuan , Shi Zhiwei , Chang Min
Published: May 2019

The path following control of quad-rotors transporting uncertain payloads, whose control system is featured with time-variation, high nonlinearity and strong couplings among state variables and inputs, is investigated. Targeting this, an internal model frame-based disturbance attenuation control scheme that requires only rough model information is proposed. Firstly, a novel disturbance estimator (DE) for general single-input-single-output (SISO) system is proposed. Secondly, the DE proposed is applied in transporting unknown payloads by quad-rotors, to estimate the disturbances caused by the payloads for feedback compensation. Lastly, the control scheme based on internal model frame is designed to further reduce the remaining disturbances from disturbance estimation error.
Tumor Budding and Worse Pattern of Invasion Can Predict Nodal Metastasis in Oral Cancers and Associated With Poor Survival in Early-Stage Tumors
Authors: Chatterjee Debajyoti , Bansal Vinisha , Malik Vipra , Bhagat Ranjeev , Punia Rajpal Singh , Handa Uma , Gupta Anand , Dass Arjun
Published: May 2019

The management and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) depend on tumor stage and lymph node (LN) metastasis status. Early-stage (T1/T2 N0M0) OSCC comprises a heterogeneous group. We evaluated the role of histological parameters including worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) and tumor budding to determine the risk of LN metastasis in cases of OSCC and to determine the risk of recurrence and death in early-stage OSCC in north Indian patients. All cases of buccal mucosa and tongue SCC which underwent excision over 4 and half years were reviewed for histological parameters including histologic grade, WPOI, tumor budding, lymphovascular emboli (LVE), perineural invasion (PNI), depth of invasion (DOI), host lymphocyte response, and stromal response and compared to LN metastasis. Clinical follow-up of early-stage tumor was obtained and compared. A total of 126 cases of OSCC were included, of which 48 showed LN metastasis. Histological grade, WPOI, tumor budding (≥3/×40 field), LVE, and PNI were significantly associated with risk of LN metastasis. On multivariate analysis, WPOI and tumor budding were 2 most significant factors. Among the early-stage tumors with available follow up (n = 48), DOI, WPOI, tumor budding, and LVE were associated with a shorter overall survival, although it was not statistically significant. To conclude, WPOI and tumor budding are important risk factors for predicting LN metastasis in all stages of OSCC and associated with a poorer outcome in early-stage tumors. These are easy and reliable prognostic factors and should be included in the histopathological reporting guidelines.
Cooking Education Improves Cooking Confidence and Dietary Habits in Veterans
Authors: Dexter Ashley S. , Pope Janet F. , Erickson Dawn , Fontenot Catherine , Ollendike Elizabeth , Walker Emily
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate a 12-week cooking education class on cooking confidence, dietary habits, weight status, and laboratory data among veterans with prediabetes and diabetes.

Methods

The sample for this study included 75 veterans within the Overton Brooks Veteran Affairs Medical Center who completed the 12-week class in an in-person group setting in Shreveport, Louisiana, or via Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in Longview, Texas. Veterans were referred to the Healthy Teaching Kitchen by their primary care provider or primary care dietitian. Enrollment in the class was on a volunteer basis. The cooking and nutrition education classes included topics such as carbohydrate counting, safety and sanitation, meal planning, and creating budget-friendly recipes. Participants completed 2 questionnaires for assessment of healthy dietary habits and confidence related to cooking. Changes in body weight, lipid panel, and hemoglobin A1C were assessed. Differences in class settings were tested via independent samples t tests. Paired samples t tests were completed to compare changes in mean laboratory results, weight, and questionnaire responses.

Results

Subjects lost a mean 2.91 ± 5.8 lbs ( P < .001). There was no significant difference in percent change in laboratory data and weight between subjects participating via CVT and subjects in the live class. Overall, there was significant improvement in the confidence questionnaire ratings and Healthy Habits Questionnaire responses.

Conclusions

Cooking and nutrition education can increase cooking confidence and dietary quality. These results provide support for the need for further research on the long-term effects of nutrition cooking education and for the benefits of using CVT software to provide education to remote facilities.
To Europe or Not to Europe? Migration and Public Support for Joining the European Union in the Western Balkans
Authors: Ivlevs Artjoms , King Roswitha M.
Published: May 2019

For decades, countries aspiring to join the European Union (EU) have been linked to it through migration. Yet little is known about how migration affects individual support for joining the EU in prospective member states. We explore the relationship between migration and support for EU accession in the Western Balkans. Using data from the Gallup Balkan Monitor survey, we find that prospective and return migrants, as well as people with relatives abroad, are more likely to vote favorably in a hypothetical EU referendum. At the same time, only people with relatives abroad are more likely to consider EU membership a good thing. Our results suggest that migration affects attitudes toward joining the EU principally through instrumental/utilitarian motives, with channels related to information and cosmopolitanism playing only a minor role. Overall, we show that migration fosters support for joining the EU in migrants’ origin countries and that joining such a supranational institution is likely to foster political and institutional development of migrants’ origin countries.
The impact of regulation on the seasoned equity offering decision
Authors: Melia Adrian , Docherty Paul , Easton Steve
Published: May 2019

The rarity of rights issues in the United States makes it difficult to examine the choice between alternative seasoned equity offering (SEO) methods in that market. In Australia, however, both rights issues and private placements are prevalent. We therefore use the Australian market to test whether regulation influences a firm’s choice between rights issues and private placements. When a firm decides to issue seasoned equity in Australia, regulation favours private placements if the issue is small or needs to be completed quickly. Consistent with regulations affecting the choice between SEO types, our empirical results provide evidence that firms in Australia are more likely to choose a private placement for small issues or when taking advantage of temporary periods of overvaluation.

JEL Classification: G12, G14
Paired-Line Hybrid Transit System in a Monocentric City with Exponential Demand Pattern
Authors: Luo Sida , Nie Yu (Marco)
Published: May 2019

This paper analyzes the design problem of a paired-line hybrid transit system in a monocentric city with a densely populated central business district (CBD). The trip production rate is assumed to decrease exponentially with increasing distance from the city center. As to the trip distribution, two different areas, the CBD and the rest of the city, are identified. Trips ending in each area are homogeneously distributed within that area but their proportions in the total trips are distinctive to model the heterogeneity in trip distribution. To address the challenge of estimating system costs analytically under the above exponential demand pattern, new approximation methods are proposed and validated using a Monte Carlo simulation. Results of numerical experiments show that the exponential demand pattern helps reduce the cost of paired-line hybrid transit systems in monocentric cities, with a saving up to 20% when both the trip production and distribution are heavily concentrated in the CBD. Furthermore, strong quadratic/linear relationships are found between the parameters controling demand concentration level and the system cost. The proposed model can guide the design of hybrid transit systems in monocentric cities with a demand pattern similarly structured as considered in this study.
Points Registration for Roadside LiDAR Sensors
Authors: Wu Jianqing , Xu Hao , Liu Wei
Published: May 2019

Roadside LiDAR deployment provides a solution to obtain the real-time high-resolution micro traffic data of unconnected road users for the connected-vehicle road network. Single roadside LiDAR sensor has a lot of limitations considering the scant coverage and the difficulty of handling object occlusion issue. Multiple roadside LiDAR sensors can provide a larger coverage and eliminate the object occlusion issue. To combine different LiDAR sensors, it is necessary to integrate the point clouds into the same coordinate system. The existing points registration methods serving mapping scans or autonomous sensing systems could not be directly used for roadside LiDAR sensors considering the different feature of point clouds and the spare points in the cost-effective roadside LiDAR sensors. This paper developed an approach for roadside LiDAR points registration. The developed points-aggregation-based partial iterative closest point algorithm (PA-PICP) is a semi-automatic points registration method, which contains two major parts: XY data registration and Z adjustment. A semi-automatic key point selection method was introduced. The partial iterative closest point was applied to minimize the difference between different LiDARs in the XY plane. The intersection of ground surface between different LiDARs was used for Z-axis adjustment. The performance of the developed procedure was evaluated with field-collected LiDAR data. The results showed the effectiveness and accuracy of data integration using PA-PICP was greatly improved compared with points registration using the traditional iterative closest point. The case studies also showed that the occlusion issue can be fixed after PA-PICP points registration.
Responding to the Wrong-Way Driving Problem with Limited Resources by Optimizing the Placement of Wrong-Way Driving Countermeasure Technologies on Limited Access Facilities
Authors: Sandt Adrian , Al-Deek Haitham , Kayes Md Imrul
Published: May 2019

It can be expensive for agencies to deploy wrong-way driving (WWD) countermeasure technologies on limited access facilities. This paper discusses a WWD crash risk (WWCR) reduction approach to help agencies determine the most cost-effective deployment locations. First, a directional WWCR model identifies roadway segments with high WWCR (WWD hotspots), then two optimization algorithms identify individual exits and mainline sections with high WWCR for priority deployment of WWD countermeasure technologies. This new approach was applied to the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) toll road network to determine priority deployment locations for “Wrong Way” signs with Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RFBs). After modeling each direction of the CFX roadways separately, fifteen WWD hotspot segments were identified. WWCR reduction values were calculated for each exit by determining how far wrong-way vehicles travel based on WWD 911 call data. The exit ramp optimization algorithm was then tested for four investment levels using actual RFB deployment costs and real-world constraints. These optimization results could help CFX better utilize its investment by between 9% and 28% compared with only deploying RFBs at exits in the WWD hotspot segments. The mainline optimization algorithm, which considered the WWCR reduction caused by RFBs already deployed at CFX exit ramps, showed that State Road (SR) 408, SR 417, and SR 528 have mainline sections with high WWCR. These results show how the WWCR reduction approach can help agencies identify WWD hotspot segments and high-WWCR exits not in these segments (lone wolf exits), better utilize their investment, and determine mainline sections with high WWCR.
Artificial Intelligence-Aided Automated Detection of Railroad Trespassing
Authors: Zaman Asim , Ren Baozhang , Liu Xiang
Published: May 2019

Trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related deaths and has been on the rise for the past 10 years. Detection of unsafe trespassing of railroad tracks is critical for understanding and preventing fatalities. Witnessing these events has become possible with the widespread deployment of large volumes of surveillance video data in the railroad industry. This potential source of information requires immense labor to monitor in real time. To address this challenge this paper describes an artificial intelligence (AI) framework for the automatic detection of trespassing events in real time. This framework was implemented on three railroad video live streams, a grade crossing and two right-of-ways, in the United States. The AI algorithm automatically detects trespassing events, differentiates between the type of violator (car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian, etc.) and sends an alert text message to a designated destination with important information including a video clip of the trespassing event. In this study, the AI has analyzed hours of live footage with no false positives or missed detections yet. This paper and its subsequent studies aim to provide the railroad industry with state-of-the-art AI tools to harness the untapped potential of an existing closed-circuit television infrastructure through the real-time analysis of their data feeds. The data generated from these studies will potentially help researchers understand human factors in railroad safety research and give them a real-time edge on tackling the critical challenges of trespassing in the railroad industry.
Integrated Traffic Control for Freeways using Variable Speed Limits and Lane Change Control Actions
Authors: Markantonakis Vasileios , Skoufoulas Dimitrios Ilias , Papamichail Ioannis , Papageorgiou Markos
Published: May 2019

The wide deployment of vehicle automation and communication systems (VACS) in the next decade is expected to influence traffic performance on freeways. Apart from safety and comfort, one of the goals is the alleviation of traffic congestion which is a major and challenging problem for modern societies. The paper investigates the combined use of two feedback control strategies utilizing VACS at different penetration rates, aiming to maximize throughput at bottleneck locations. The first control strategy employs mainstream traffic flow control using appropriate variable speed limits as an actuator. The second control strategy delivers appropriate lane-changing actions to selected connected vehicles using a feedback-feedforward control law. Investigations of the proposed integrated scheme have been conducted using a microscopic simulation model for a hypothetical freeway featuring a lane-drop bottleneck. The results demonstrate significant improvements even for low penetration rates of connected vehicles.