bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and sedimentology of George VI Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula: implications for ice-sheet dynamics and landform development
Authors: Hambrey Michael J. , Davies Bethan J. , Glasser Neil F. , Holt Tom O. , Smellie John L. , Carrivick Jonathan L.
Published: June 2015

Collapse of Antarctic ice shelves in response to a warming climate is well documented, but its legacy in terms of depositional landforms is little known. This paper uses remote-sensing, structural glaciological and sedimentological data to evaluate the evolution of the
c
. 25000 km
2
George VI Ice Shelf, SW Antarctic Peninsula. The ice shelf occupies a north–south-trending tectonic rift between Alexander Island and Palmer Land, and is nourished mainly by ice streams from the latter region. The structure of the ice shelf is dominated by inherited foliation and fractures, and with velocity data indicates a largely compressive flow regime. The formation of a moraine complex at the margin of the ice shelf is controlled by debris entrained within foliation and folds. This englacial debris is of basal origin, and includes both local Mesozoic sedimentary and volcanic lithologies, and exotic crystalline rocks from Palmer Land. Folding of basal ice to a high level in the source glaciers on Palmer Land is required to bring the debris to the surface. These results have implications for understanding flow dynamics of ice shelves under compressive flow, and debris entrainment and moraine formation associated with palaeo-ice shelves.

Supplementary material:

Photographs of ice-shelf morphology, ice facies and ice structure; detailed descriptions of ice facies, including foliation logs, supporting evidence for interpreting sedimentary facies; complete dataset of sedimentological data, including triangular plots of clast shape, clast roundness histograms, particle-size distribution of sand-size and lower, and pie chart of local clasts versus exotic clasts from Palmer Land; and a table summarizing the characteristics of representative clasts in the ice-shelf moraine, based on thin-section analysis, with indication of their provenance are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18831
Exploring autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Chang Tiffany W. , Gracon Adam S. A. , Murphy Michael P. , Wilkes David S.
Published: June 2015

The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a disease process that carries significant morbidity and mortality in the absence of early identification and treatment. While current management includes surveillance and surgical treatment of low- and high-risk aneurysms, respectively, our narrow understanding of the pathophysiology of AAAs limits our ability to more effectively manage and perhaps even prevent the occurrence of this highly morbid disease. Over the past couple of decades, there has been considerable interest in exploring the role of autoimmunity as an etiological component of AAA. This review covers the current literature pertaining to this immunological process, focusing on research that highlights the local and systemic immune components found in both human patients and murine models. A better understanding of the autoimmune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AAAs can pave the way to novel and improved treatment strategies in this patient population.
Spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias in β2-adrenoceptor transgenic mice in relation to cardiac interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Nguyen My-Nhan , Kiriazis Helen , Ruggiero Diego , Gao Xiao-Ming , Su Yidan , Jian Anne , Han Li-Ping , McMullen Julie R. , Du Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2015

Myocardial fibrosis is regarded as a pivotal proarrhythmic substrate, but there have been no comprehensive studies showing a correlation between the severity of fibrosis and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs). Our purpose was to document this relationship in a transgenic (TG) strain of mice with fibrotic cardiomyopathy. TG mice with cardiac overexpression of β2-adrenoceptors (β2-AR mice) and non-TG (NTG) littermates were studied at 4–12 mo of age. VTA was quantified by ECG telemetry. The effect of pharmacological blockade of β2-ARs on VTA was examined. Myocardial collagen content was determined by hydroxyproline assay. NTG and TG mice displayed circadian variation in heart rate, which was higher in TG mice than in NTG mice ( P <0.05). Frequent spontaneous ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) were prominent in TG mice but not present in NTG mice. The frequency of VEB and VT episodes in TG mice increased with age ( P < 0.01). Ventricular collagen content was greater in TG mice than in NTG mice ( P <0.001) and correlated with age ( r = 0.71, P < 0.01). The number of VEBs or VT episodes correlated with age ( r = 0.83 and r = 0.73) and the content of total or cross-linked collagen ( r = 0.62∼0.66, all P <0.01). While having no effect in younger β2-TG mice, β2-AR blockade reduced the frequency of VTA in old β2-TG mice with more severe fibrosis. In conclusion, β2-TG mice exhibit interstitial fibrosis and spontaneous onset of VTA, becoming more severe with aging. The extent of cardiac fibrosis is a major determinant for both the frequency of VTA and proarrhythmic action of β2-AR activation.
Severe pulmonary hypertension is associated with altered right ventricle metabolic substrate uptake
Authors: Graham Brian B. , Kumar Rahul , Mickael Claudia , Sanders Linda , Gebreab Liya , Huber Kendra M. , Perez Mario , Smith-Jones Peter , Serkova Natalie J. , Tuder Rubin M.
Published: June 2015

In severe pulmonary hypertension (SPH), prior studies have shown an increase in right ventricle (RV) uptake of glucose, but it is unclear whether there is a change in the relative utilization of fatty acids. We hypothesized that in the RV in SPH, as in left ventricular (LV) failure, there is altered substrate utilization, with increased glucose uptake and decreased fatty acid uptake. SPH was induced in rats by treatment with the VEGF receptor inhibitor SU5416 and 3 wk of hypoxia (10% FiO2), followed by an additional 4 wk of normoxia (SU-Hx group). Control rats were treated with carboxymethylcellulose vehicle and 7 wk of normoxia (CMC-Nx group). The rodents then underwent positron emission tomography with sequential administration of two radiotracers, 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoroglucose (18F-FDG) and 14-(R,S)-[18F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid (18F-FTHA), analogs of glucose and fatty acid, respectively. Five CMC-Nx and 3 SU-Hx rats completed the entire experimental protocol. In the RV, there was a mild increase in 18F-FDG uptake (1.35-fold, P = 0.085) and a significant decrease in 18F-FTHA uptake (−2.1-fold, P < 0.05) in the SU-Hx rats relative to the CMC-Nx rats. In the LV, SU-Hx rats had less uptake of both radiotracers compared with CMC-Nx rats. Less RV fatty acid uptake in SPH was corroborated by decreased fatty acid transporters and enzymes in the RV tissue, and specifically a decrease in lipoprotein lipase. In the RV in rats with SPH, there is a major shift in metabolic substrate preference, largely due to decreased fatty acid uptake.
Novel Cell-Penetrating Peptide-Based Vaccine Induces Robust CD4+ and CD8+ T Cell–Mediated Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Derouazi Madiha , Di Berardino-Besson Wilma , Belnoue Elodie , Hoepner Sabine , Walther Romy , Benkhoucha Mahdia , Teta Patrick , Dufour Yannick , Yacoub Maroun Céline , Salazar Andres M. , Martinvalet Denis , Dietrich Pierre-Yves , Walker Paul R.
Published: June 2015

Vaccines that can coordinately induce multi-epitope T cell–mediated immunity, T helper functions, and immunologic memory may offer effective tools for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we report the development of a new class of recombinant protein cancer vaccines that deliver different CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell epitopes presented by MHC class I and class II alleles, respectively. In these vaccines, the recombinant protein is fused with Z12, a novel cell-penetrating peptide that promotes efficient protein loading into the antigen-processing machinery of dendritic cells. Z12 elicited an integrated and multi-epitopic immune response with persistent effector T cells. Therapy with Z12-formulated vaccines prolonged survival in three robust tumor models, with the longest survival in an orthotopic model of aggressive brain cancer. Analysis of the tumor sites showed antigen-specific T-cell accumulation with favorable modulation of the balance of the immune infiltrate. Taken together, the results offered a preclinical proof of concept for the use of Z12-formulated vaccines as a versatile platform for the development of effective cancer vaccines. Cancer Res; 75(15); 3020–31. ©2015 AACR.
Heregulin–ErbB3-Driven Tumor Growth Persists in PI3 Kinase Mutant Cancer Cells
Authors: Yarar Defne , Lahdenranta Johanna , Kubasek William , Nielsen Ulrik B. , MacBeath Gavin
Published: June 2015

PI3K is frequently mutated in cancer and plays an important role in cell growth and survival. Heregulin (HRG)-mediated autocrine or paracrine signaling through the receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB3 potently activates the PI3K/AKT pathway and has been shown to mediate resistance to a wide variety of anticancer agents. Although PI3K functions downstream of HRG–ErbB3, it is unknown whether activating mutations in PI3K render HRG ineffective. If so, patients with PI3K mutations would not be expected to benefit from ErbB3-directed therapies. Here, we find that a subset of cell lines harboring activating PI3K mutations can be further growth-stimulated by HRG, and this effect is blocked by incubation with seribantumab (MM-121), a monoclonal anti-ErbB3 antibody. Although expression of mutant PI3K in wild-type PI3K cells frequently results in loss of HRG-stimulated growth, some cell lines continue to respond to HRG. In cell lines where HRG-stimulated growth is lost, this loss is invariably accompanied by a reduction in ErbB3 levels, a corresponding increase in basal phosphorylation levels of FOXO-family transcription factors, and a reduction in HRG-induced downstream signaling. Importantly, HRG-stimulated growth is partially rescued by re-expressing ErbB3. This response is blocked by seribantumab, indicating that ErbB3 levels rather than downstream signaling proteins limit HRG-stimulated growth in PI3K mutant cells. Overall, these results suggest that activating mutations in PI3K do not preclude potential benefit from ErbB3-directed therapy, but that it may be important to measure ErbB3 levels in patients with PI3K mutant cancers to determine if they would benefit. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(9); 2072–80. ©2015 AACR.
AKT Antagonist AZD5363 Influences Estrogen Receptor Function in Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer and Synergizes with Fulvestrant (ICI182780) In Vivo
Authors: Ribas Ricardo , Pancholi Sunil , Guest Stephanie K. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Gao Qiong , Thuleau Aurélie , Simigdala Nikiana , Polanska Urszula M. , Campbell Hayley , Rani Aradhana , Liccardi Gianmaria , Johnston Stephen , Davies Barry R. , Dowsett Mitch , Martin Lesley-Ann
Published: June 2015

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling plays an important role in breast cancer. Its interaction with estrogen receptor (ER) signaling becomes more complex and interdependent with acquired endocrine resistance. Targeting mTOR combined with endocrine therapy has shown clinical utility; however, a negative feedback loop exists downstream of PI3K/AKT/mTOR. Direct blockade of AKT together with endocrine therapy may improve breast cancer treatment. AZD5363, a novel pan-AKT kinase catalytic inhibitor, was examined in a panel of ER+ breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, HCC1428, T47D, ZR75.1) adapted to long-term estrogen deprivation (LTED) or tamoxifen (TamR). AZD5363 caused a dose-dependent decrease in proliferation in all cell lines tested (GI50 < 500 nmol/L) except HCC1428 and HCC1428-LTED. T47D-LTED and ZR75-LTED were the most sensitive of the lines (GI50 ∼100 nmol/L). AZD5363 resensitized TamR cells to tamoxifen and acted synergistically with fulvestrant. AZD5363 decreased p-AKT/mTOR targets leading to a reduction in ERα-mediated transcription in a context-specific manner and concomitant decrease in recruitment of ER and CREB-binding protein (CBP) to estrogen response elements located on the TFF1, PGR, and GREB1 promoters. Furthermore, AZD5363 reduced expression of cell-cycle–regulatory proteins. Global gene expression highlighted ERBB2-ERBB3, ERK5, and IGFI signaling pathways driven by MYC as potential feedback-loops. Combined treatment with AZD5363 and fulvestrant showed synergy in an ER+ patient-derived xenograft and delayed tumor progression after cessation of therapy. These data support the combination of AZD5363 with fulvestrant as a potential therapy for breast cancer that is sensitive or resistant to E-deprivation or tamoxifen and that activated AKT is a determinant of response, supporting the need for clinical evaluation. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(9); 2035–48. ©2015 AACR.
Integration of Downstream Signals of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress for Estrogen-Induced Growth or Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fan Ping , Cunliffe Heather E. , Maximov Philipp Y. , Agboke Fadeke A. , McDaniel Russell E. , Zou Xiaojun , Ramos Pilar , Russell Megan L. , Jordan V. Craig
Published: June 2015

Estrogen (E2) exerts a dual function on E2-deprived breast cancer cells, with both initial proliferation and subsequent induction of stress responses to cause apoptosis. However, the mechanism by which E2 integrally regulates cell growth or apoptosis-associated pathways remains to be elucidated. Here, E2 deprivation results in many alterations in stress-responsive pathways. For instance, E2-deprived breast cancer cells had higher basal levels of stress-activated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), compared with wild-type MCF-7 cells. E2 treatment further constitutively activated JNK after 24 hours. However, inhibition of JNK (SP600125) was unable to abolish E2- induced apoptosis, whereas SP600125 alone arrested cells at the G2 phase of the cell cycle and increased apoptosis. Further examination showed that inhibition of JNK increased gene expression of TNFα and did not effectively attenuate expression of apoptosis-related genes induced by E2. A notable finding was that E2 regulated both JNK and Akt as the downstream signals of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGFIR)/PI3K, but with distinctive modulation patterns: JNK was constitutively activated, whereas Akt and Akt-associated proteins, such as PTEN and mTOR, were selectively degraded. Endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation (ERAD) was involved in the selective protein degradation. These findings highlight a novel IGFIR/PI3K/JNK axis that plays a proliferative role during the prelude to E2-induced apoptosis and that the endoplasmic reticulum is a key regulatory site to decide cell fate after E2 treatment.

Implications: This study provides a new rationale for further exploration of E2-induced apoptosis to improve clinical benefit. Mol Cancer Res; 13(10); 1367–76. ©2015 AACR.
Chemopreventive Effects of Korean Angelica versus Its Major Pyranocoumarins on Two Lineages of Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate Carcinogenesis
Authors: Tang Su-Ni , Zhang Jinhui , Wu Wei , Jiang Peixin , Puppala Manohar , Zhang Yong , Xing Chengguo , Kim Sung-Hoon , Jiang Cheng , Lü Junxuan
Published: June 2015

We showed previously that daily gavage of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) root ethanolic extract starting 8 weeks of age inhibited growth of prostate epithelium and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NE-Ca) in the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. Because decursin (D) and its isomer decursinol angelate (DA) are major pyranocoumarins in AGN extract, we tested the hypothesis that D/DA represented active/prodrug compounds against TRAMP carcinogenesis. Three groups of male C57BL/6 TRAMP mice were gavage treated daily with excipient vehicle, AGN (5 mg per mouse), or equimolar D/DA (3 mg per mouse) from 8 weeks to 16 or 28 weeks of age. Measurement of plasma and NE-Ca D, DA, and their common metabolite decursinol indicated similar retention from AGN versus D/DA dosing. The growth of TRAMP dorsolateral prostate (DLP) in AGN- and D/DA-treated mice was inhibited by 66% and 61% at 16 weeks and by 67% and 72% at 28 weeks, respectively. Survival of mice bearing NE-Ca to 28 weeks was improved by AGN, but not by D/DA. Nevertheless, AGN- and D/DA-treated mice had lower NE-Ca burden. Immunohistochemical and mRNA analyses of DLP showed that AGN and D/DA exerted similar inhibition of TRAMP epithelial lesion progression and key cell-cycle genes. Profiling of NE-Ca mRNA showed a greater scope of modulating angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, invasion–metastasis, and inflammation genes by AGN than D/DA. The data therefore support D/DA as probable active/prodrug compounds against TRAMP epithelial lesions, and they cooperate with non-pyranocoumarin compounds to fully express AGN efficacy against NE-Ca. Cancer Prev Res; 8(9); 835–44. ©2015 AACR.
Pathogenetic Implications of BRAF Mutation Distribution in Stage IV Melanoma Patients
Authors: Baiter Mirjam , Schuler Gerold , Hartmann Arndt , Schneider-Stock Regine , Heinzerling Lucie
Published: June 2015

Background: BRAF mutation frequencies in melanoma subtypes have clinical implications and offer pathogenetic clues. Objectives: To characterize BRAF mutation status in melanoma of unknown primary (MUP) patients, in histological melanoma subtypes and by localization of primary tumors. Methods: In 179 patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma, BRAF mutation status, histological subtype and localization of primary (except for 29 MUP patients) were analyzed. Results: BRAF mutations were found in 44.3%, of which 80.5% were BRAF V600E and 19.5% showed non-V600E BRAF mutations. BRAF mutation frequency depended on histological subtype (57.4% superficial spreading melanoma, 54.7% nodular melanoma, 11.1% mucosal melanoma, 28.6% acral lentiginous melanoma) and concerning non-V600E BRAF mutations on localization of primary. In MUP the BRAF mutation pattern resembled superficial spreading and nodular melanomas. Conclusion: BRAF mutation frequencies depend on histological subtype and localization of primary melanoma. Non-V600E BRAF mutations mostly occur in patients with primaries on ‘head and neck' as well as ‘trunk' but not on ‘extremities'.
Novel Heterozygous Mutations of NR5A1 and Their Functional Characteristics in Patients with 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development without Adrenal Insufficiency
Authors: Woo Kyu Ha , Cheon Buwon , Kim Ja Hye , Cho Jahyang , Kim Gu-Hwan , Yoo Han-Wook , Choi Jin-Ho
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Heterozygous mutations of NR5A1, which encodes steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), were identified in patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) with normal adrenal function. This study was aimed to identify and functionally characterize mutations of NR5A1 in patients with 46,XY DSD. Methods: This study included 51 patients from 49 unrelated families with 46,XY DSD. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes, and direct sequencing of all coding exons and their flanking introns of NR5A1 was performed. Transient transfections and dual-luciferase® reporter assays were performed to evaluate the effect of NR5A1 variants on transcriptional activity. Results: Four of 49 patients (8.2%) harbored a novel heterozygous sequence variant of NR5A1: c.80G>C (p.G26A), c.847T>C (p.C283R), c.1151del (p.L384Rfs*7), and c.1333G>T (p.E445*). They presented with female external genitalia with clitoromegaly in infancy or childhood, or primary amenorrhea in adolescence. In vitro functional studies of SF1 activity determined that each variant, except p.E445*, led to a reduced expression of downstream target genes and disturbed the regulation of gonadal development. Conclusions: Loss-of-function mutations of NR5A1 are a relatively common cause of 46,XY DSD. Therefore, genetic defects of NR5A1 should be considered as an etiology in subjects with 46,XY DSD without adrenal insufficiency.
A Bioengenharia Tecidual em favor da Reabilitação de Indivíduos com Fissura Labiopalatina
Authors: Palone Marcos R. T. , Silva Thaieny R. da , Dalben Gisele da S.
Published: June 2015

A Bioengenharia tecidual compila conhecimentos de grandes áreas da ciência, os quais são aplicados atualmente em tratamentos de saúde com finalidade reparadora. No HRAC/USP pacientes com fissura labiopalatina são atualmente reabilitados com uso da rhBMP-2. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar um trabalho de revisão e atualização enfatizando as características principais da rhBMP-2. O tratamento com este biomaterial tem mostrado taxas de sucesso semelhantes às do tratamento convencional obtido de osso ilíaco para este grupo de pacientes, bem como vantagens adicionais. O conhecimento sobre suas aplicações e cuidados necessários é de grande valia para profissionais e acadêmicos da área de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde durante o seu processo de formação universitária.
Readmissão Hospitalar por Insuficiência Cardíaca em um Hospital de Ensino do Interior do Estado de São Paulo-SP*
Authors: Reis Marcio B. , Dias Marina G. , Bibanco Mariana S. , Lopes Camila T. , Gea Gisela N.
Published: June 2015

Estudo descritivo retrospectivo de pacientes readmitidos por insuficiência cardíaca crônica, com o objetivo de quantificar as taxas de readmissão hospitalar não planejada em até 30 dias e fatores possivelmente associados à readmissão. As taxas de readmissão hospitalar em 2010 e 2011 foram de 3,91% e 2,41%, respectivamente, sendo a média de tempo até a readmissão de 14,5±7,1 dias. A etiologia mais frequente da insuficiência cardíaca foi a doença valvar, seguida da hipertensão arterial. As mulheres foram mais acometidas e 96% dos pacientes foram readmitidos em decorrência da persistência ou recorrência do episódio que motivou a admissão inicial. Não foram obtidos dados satisfatórios quanto às possíveis causas que teriam levado à persistência ou recorrência do episódio de doença.
Cicatrização de feridas contaminadas tratadas com papaína*
Authors: Brito Junior Lacy Cardos de , Ferreira Pollyanna de Lucena
Published: June 2015

Introdução: A papaína, uma enzima de origem vegetal, há muito é utilizada como alternativa para o tratamento de feridas associadas a processos infecciosos exuberantes, devido aos seus efeitos antiinflamatórios e cicatrizantes. Objetivos: Estudar os aspectos histológicos da cicatrização de feridas contaminadas tratadas com papaína. Métodos: Foram utilizados ratos Wistar (n=18), machos, adultos, que passaram por procedimento cirúrgico para a retirada de uma seção quadrada de pele da região cervical dos mesmos, e que foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo I - Controle (n=9), contaminados com S. aureus e sem tratamento; e Grupo II – Tratado (n=9), contaminados com S. aureus e tratados com soluções de papaína de 10%, 6% e 4%, de acordo com as características das lesões. A análise histológica das áreas lesadas, coradas com Hematoxilina-eosina, foi realizada com 7, 14 e 21 dias. Resultados: Verificamos que a papaína auxiliou na modulação do processo inflamatório; formação e amadurecimento do tecido de granulação; organização das fibras colágenas; e aceleração da proliferação e organização da epiderme em feridas contaminadas, em todos os dias estudados. Conclusões: Nossos dados reforçam e complementam pesquisas que relacionam os efeitos cicatrizantes da papaína sobre feridas contaminadas.
Hipomagnesemia secundária ao uso crônico de Inibidores de Bomba de Prótons: Relato de Caso
Authors: Nunes Renan F. F. , Souza Marcos A. , Pereira Wogelsanger O. , Torquato Lelyanne R. P. , Guedes Felipe L.
Published: June 2015

Modelo do Estudo: Relato de Caso. Objetivos: Apresentar um caso de hipomagnesemia sintomática associada a hipocalcemia induzido pelo uso de Omeprazol por cerca de 6 anos, com respectiva revisão de literatura. Métodos: Estudo dos achados clínicos e laboratoriais, associado à discussão da origem multifatorial do problema em questão. Relato de Caso: Paciente apresentou, há 2 meses, um episódio de convulsão e tremores, e outra convulsão à admissão, além de outros sinais clínicos de deficiência de magnésio, como parestesias, tremores e cãibras. Exames sanguíneos de acompanhamento de internação revelaram baixos valores séricos de cálcio (8,0 mg/dL) e magnésio (0,94 mg/dL), e níveis de sódio, potássio, uréia, creatinina e vitamina D dentro da normalidade. Dentre os medicamentos dos quais fazia uso, o Omeprazol era utilizado em regime de cronicidade, estando presente à admissão e nos 6 anos anteriores. A reposição de magnésio resultou em aumento parcial da concentração sérica (1,30 mg/dL) e melhora parcial da sintomatologia apresentada. Após a retirada do Omeprazol, os valores séricos de magnésio voltaram ao padrão de normalidade (2,50 mg/dL), ocorrendo remissão total dos sintomas. Importância: A Hipomagnesemia induzida pelo uso crônico de inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBP) é uma condição que pode levar a consequências clínicas graves, e tal situação pode ser revertida pela simples suspensão da medicação, medida capaz de restaurar o equilíbrio homeostático do magnésio.
Post-childhood Presentation and Diagnosis of DiGeorge Syndrome
Authors: Friedman Nir , Rienstein Shlomit , Yeshayahu Yonatan , Gothelf Doron , Somech Raz
Published: June 2015

Background and Objectives. The diversity of clinical presentations makes the diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) a diagnostic challenge. The objective of our study was to report the clinical presentation of DGS in the post-childhood period. Methods. A retrospective study, investigating patients diagnosed clinically and genetically with DGS at Sheba Medical Center during the period of 2010-2013. Post-childhood period was defined as age >10 years. Results. During the study period, 29 patients were diagnosed with DGS. Nine (31%) patients with DGS were diagnosed in their post-childhood period. The basis for clinical suspicion was diverse. However, once the suspicion was brought to attention, additional symptoms consistent with DGS were noted at up to 88% of patients who presented characteristic of facial features and developmental delay. Conclusion. Our research shows that diagnosing DGS patients in the post-childhood period is not uncommon. Characteristic facial features and developmental delay, although not leading presenting symptoms, are found very frequently in patients with DGS.
Psychophysical testing of garment size variation using three-dimensional virtual try-on technology
Authors: Kim Dong-Eun
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the level of garment size variation that viewers could perceive with three-dimensional (3D) virtual try-on technology and examined how accurately the technology allowed viewers to perceive the size variations. The viewers’ perceptions were measured by two psychophysical experiments, rating tests and ranking tests. The stimulus was a set of 3D virtual pants in 11 different sizes, simulated on a virtual model of the same size. Participants evaluated the size differences of the test pants compared to the control pants on a rating scale. They also ranked the six pants, in random order, from the smallest to the largest size. The results showed that the viewers could rate larger sizes as larger and smaller sizes as smaller, proportionally. In addition, the technology allowed the viewers to rank different sizes of virtual pants in the correct order. Overall, the virtual try-on technology had the capacity of showing size variations clearly enough for viewers to perceive and discriminate the size differences.
Laboratories of agency
Authors: Majgaard Klaus
Published: June 2015

Something happens when management programmes move “into” the workplace of their participants. According to recent observations, such commissioned programmes are characterized by a more dedicated participation and transfer than open courses. This article interprets the mechanisms that can account for the observed pattern. One interpretation focuses on the realization of managerial regimes and forms of subjectivation. Another interpretation looks for the unleashing of new and multiple forms of agency. These two interpretations are mediated in the understanding of commissioned programmes as an institutionally contradictory context, where contradictions present both breakdowns and openings for agency. The article suggests that this dialectical movement must be followed in the further development and testing of the initial hypothesis. Implications for both further research and teaching practice are discussed.
Perfectionism and Achievement Motivation in High-Ability Students
Authors: Speirs Neumeister Kristie L. , Fletcher Kathryn L. , Burney Virginia H.
Published: June 2015

This study examined the relationship among subtypes of perfectionism and achievement goal orientations within the context of Gaudreau and Thompson’s quadripartite framework. The authors first sought to replicate Campbell and Di Paula’s factor analysis to identify subtypes of self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) within a high-ability sample. Because they were unable to replicate the factor structure of Campbell and Di Paula’s factor analysis, the two full scales of SOP and SPP were used in all subsequent analyses. Results indicated partial support for Gaudreau and Thompson’s model for mastery-approach and performance-approach goals. Pure SOP was related to higher levels of approach goals compared with non-perfectionism, whereas mixed perfectionism (SOP and SPP) was related to higher levels of approach goals compared with pure SPP. Implications for using second-order factors compared with first-order facets of perfectionism in research are discussed.
A Clinical Study of Pharyngolaryngectomy with Total Esophagectomy
Authors: Kamiyama Ryosuke , Mitani Hiroki , Yonekawa Hiroyuki , Fukushima Hirofumi , Sasaki Toru , Shimbashi Wataru , Seto Akira , Koizumi Yuh , Ebina Aya , Kawabata Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2015

Objective

Patients with advanced hypopharyngeal or cervical esophageal cancer have a comparatively high risk of also developing thoracic esophageal cancer. Pharyngolaryngectomy with total esophagectomy is highly invasive, and few reports about it exist. We examined the postoperative complications and respective countermeasures and prognoses of patients who underwent pharyngolaryngectomy with total esophagectomy.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Japan.

Subjects and Methods

We examined the postoperative complications and respective countermeasures and prognoses of 40 patients who underwent pharyngolaryngectomy with total esophagectomy in our hospital.

Results

Postoperative complications were observed in 23 patients (57.5%) and consisted of 8 groups: tracheal region necrosis in 5 patients; neck abscess formation/wound infection in 5; fistula in 4; tracheostomy suture leakage in 2; ileus in 2; lymphorrhea in 2; pulmonary complications in 2; and other complications, including hemothorax, tracheoinnominate artery fistula, temporary cardiac arrest due to intraoperative mediastinum operation, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus enteritis, and sepsis, in 1 patient each. A lethal complication—brachiocephalic vein hemorrhage due to tracheostomy suture leakage and hemorrhagic shock due to tracheoinnominate artery fistula—occurred in 2 (5%) patients. The crude 5‐year survival rate was 48.6%.

Conclusions

Serious postoperative complications were related to tracheostomaplasty. Although pharyngolaryngectomy with total esophagectomy is highly invasive, we believe that our outlined treatment method is the most appropriate for cases of advanced hypopharyngeal or cervical esophageal cancer that also requires concurrent surgery for esophageal cancer.
Attitudes Toward Women’s Work and Family Roles in the United States, 1976–2013
Authors: Donnelly Kristin , Twenge Jean M. , Clark Malissa A. , Shaikh Samia K. , Beiler-May Angela , Carter Nathan T.
Published: June 2015

We examine time period and generational differences in attitudes toward women’s work and family roles in two large, nationally representative U.S. samples, the Monitoring the Future survey of 12th graders (1976–2013) and the General Social Survey of adults (1977–2012). Twelfth graders became more accepting of working mothers and equal roles for women in the workplace between the 1970s and the 2010s, with most change occurring between the 1970s and the late 1990s. Acceptance of dual-income families and fathers working half-time or not at all (stay-at-home dads) also increased. Thus, for the most part, Millennials (born 1980s–1990s) have continued trends toward more egalitarian gender roles. However, slightly more 12th graders in the 2010s (vs. the late 1990s) favored the husband as the achiever and decision maker in the family. Adults’ attitudes toward working mothers became more egalitarian between the 1970s and the early 1990s, showed a small “backlash” in the late 1990s, and then continued the trend toward increased egalitarianism in the 2000s and 2010s. In hierarchical linear modeling analyses separating the effects of time period, generation/cohort, and age, trends were primarily due to time period with a generational peak in egalitarianism among White women Boomers (born 1946–1964). Policy makers should recognize that support for working mothers is now a solid majority position in the United States and design programs for working families accordingly.
Immobilization in External Rotation Versus Internal Rotation After Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: Whelan Daniel B. , Kletke Stephanie N. , Schemitsch Geoffrey , Chahal Jaskarndip
Published: June 2015

Background:

The recurrence rate after primary anterior shoulder dislocation is high, especially in young, active individuals. Recent studies have suggested external rotation immobilization as a method to reduce the rate of recurrent shoulder dislocation in comparison to traditional sling immobilization.

Purpose:

To assess and summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effect of internal rotation versus external rotation immobilization on the rate of recurrence after primary anterior shoulder dislocation.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and abstracts from recent proceedings were searched for eligible studies. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data.

Results:

Six randomized controlled trials (632 patients) were included in this review. Demographic and prognostic variables measured at baseline were similar in the pooled groups. The average age was 30.1 years in the pooled external rotation group and 30.3 years in the pooled internal rotation group. Two studies found that external rotation immobilization reduced the rate of recurrence after initial anterior shoulder dislocation compared with conventional internal rotation immobilization, whereas 4 studies failed to find a significant difference between the 2 groups. This meta-analysis suggested no overall significant difference in the rate of recurrence among patients treated with internal rotation versus external rotation immobilization (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.42-1.14; P = .15). There was no significant difference in the rate of compliance between internal and external rotation immobilization ( P = .43). The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores were pooled across 3 studies, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups ( P = .54).

Conclusion:

Immobilization in external rotation is not significantly more effective in reducing the recurrence rate after primary anterior shoulder dislocation than immobilization in internal rotation. Additionally, this review suggests that there is minimal difference in patients’ perceptions of their health-related quality of life after immobilization in internal versus external rotation.
Acequias as Commons
Authors: Gunn Christopher
Published: June 2015

Acequias are a form of commons used to share scarce surface water for agricultural purposes. They have existed in the arid southwestern United States for centuries. In this paper I will argue that acequias are pre-capitalist organizations that convey important lessons for a post-capitalist world. The paper will also discuss La Vega, a grazing commons supported by the Hispanic culture. Both forms of the commons help to sustain low-income households many of whose members do not have regular or full-time wage-labor jobs, and they provide examples of sustainable agriculture in a fragile, high altitude environment. Within the study of political economy, they are an example of political struggles in the arena of material production and reproduction.
Production of biosolid fuels from municipal sewage sludge: Technical and economic optimisation
Authors: Wzorek Małgorzata , Tańczuk Mariusz
Published: June 2015

The article presents the technical and economic analysis of the production of fuels from municipal sewage sludge. The analysis involved the production of two types of fuel compositions: sewage sludge with sawdust (PBT fuel) and sewage sludge with meat and bone meal (PBM fuel). The technology of the production line of these sewage fuels was proposed and analysed. The main objective of the study is to find the optimal production capacity. The optimisation analysis was performed for the adopted technical and economic parameters under Polish conditions. The objective function was set as a maximum of the net present value index and the optimisation procedure was carried out for the fuel production line input capacity from 0.5 to 3 t h-1, using the search step 0.5 t h-1. On the basis of technical and economic assumptions, economic efficiency indexes of the investment were determined for the case of optimal line productivity. The results of the optimisation analysis show that under appropriate conditions, such as prices of components and prices of produced fuels, the production of fuels from sewage sludge can be profitable. In the case of PBT fuel, calculated economic indexes show the best profitability for the capacity of a plant over 1.5 t h-1 output, while production of PBM fuel is beneficial for a plant with the maximum of searched capacities: 3.0 t h-1. Sensitivity analyses carried out during the investigation show that influence of both technical and economic assessments on the location of maximum of objective function (net present value) is significant.
Evaluation of the biological tolerability of the starch-based medical device 4DryField® PH in vitro and in vivo a rat model
Authors: Poehnert Daniel , Abbas Mahmoud , Maegel Lavinia , Sambale Franziska , Lavrentieva Antonina , Kreipe Hans-Heinrich , Klempnauer Jürgen , Winny Markus
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To evaluate in vitro cytotoxicity/biocompatibility as well as in vivo tolerability of the novel polysaccharide 4DryField® PH, certified for haemostasis and adhesion prevention.

Methods

In vitro cytotoxicity/viability testing according to ISO EN 10,993 using murine and human tumour cell lines incubated with 4DryField® PH (PlantTec Medical GmbH). Using a rat model the impact of 4DryField® PH on animals viability and in vivo effects were macro- and micropathologically assessed.

Results

In vitro testing revealed no cytotoxic effect of 4DryField® PH nor enhancement of viability to tumour cell lines. In vivo viability of rats was unimpaired by 4DryField® PH. Bodyweight loss in animals with abdominal injury plus treatment with 4DryField® PH was in the range of controls and less than in injured rats without treatment. At day 7 after surgery no formation of adhesions, neither macroscopic nor histological remnants nor signs of foreign body reaction were present in animals without injury. In animals with peritoneal injury and 4DryField® PH application, histopathological observation revealed minor residuals of polysaccharide in the depth of wound cavity embedded in a thickened subperitoneal layer; however, with a suggested intact neoperitoneum. The presence of mononuclear cells surrounding polysaccharide particles in varying states of degradation was observable as well.

Conclusion

4DryField® PH is not cytotoxic and does not enhance viability of tumour cell lines. High dose of 4DryField® PH of 1.09 g/kg bodyweight is well tolerated and reduces weight loss in animals with peritoneal injury. The biocompatibility of 4DryField® PH can be rated as being excellent.
More Than Words? The Effect of Line Character Sticker Use on Intimacy in the Mobile Communication Environment
Authors: Wang Shaojung Sharon
Published: June 2015

This study investigated how messaging app Line’s character sticker use may contribute to the perception of intimate experience and enhance relationship satisfaction in both positive and negative emotion situations. A 2 (situation valence: positive emotion and negative emotion) × 3 (response style: text, sticker, and text and sticker) × 3 (scenario: career, romance, and education) mixed design, with situation valence and response style between-subjects variables and scenario a within-subjects variable, was employed. The results revealed the combination of a text and sticker response to a partner’s disclosure can produce the highest level of intimate experience, followed by text- and sticker-only responses. It further suggests that the cartoon-like Line sticker may better convey positive than negative emotions because the detailed illustration is more similar to real-life nonverbal behavior expressing humor and happiness and that may facilitate imagined closeness between communication partners when moving through space. The hyperpersonal affordance of text-based messages to foster relationship may be further distinguished between the cognitive and the affective levels in the messaging app context.
Two Nations, Revisited: The Lynching of Black and Brown Bodies, Police Brutality, and Racial Control in ‘Post-Racial’ Amerikkka
Authors: Embrick David G.
Published: June 2015

In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson established the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (NACCD) to examine the 1967 race riots that were taking place in Los Angeles, Chicago, Newark, and Detroit that erupted in the mid-1960s. That report, officially labeled the Kerner Report, outlined structural inequalities in America that privileged whites over other racial and ethnic groups; the report concluded that the United States was headed toward two separate and unequal societies: black and white. Forty-seven years after the Kerner Report where do we stand? In this article, I revisit recent events on police violence toward minorities and give consideration to some thoughts moving forward.
Health care reforms in India: Getting it wrong
Authors: Bali Azad S , Ramesh M
Published: June 2015

India’s first health policy document in 1946 envisaged an ambitious health system comprising delivery of public health programs by the national governments and primary and secondary care by the state governments. Nearly seven decades later, neither of the ambitions have been realised. The delivery of public health programs is limited and uncoordinated, whilst primary and especially secondary care is of poor quality and unaffordable to the bulk of the population. This article assesses India’s health policy reforms and argues that at each juncture the policy instruments it utilised were inconsistent with the goals it was trying to achieve. The health care sector required more intervention than the central and state governments offered. The meagre funds allocated to public health programs and the unwillingness and inability of state governments to shoulder responsibility for primary and secondary care led to the dominance of the private sector in delivery, out-of-pocket financing, and fee-for-service payment to providers. Recent reforms have made some progress in addressing the lacunae but are handicapped by the pervasive dominance of the private sector which severely limits the choice of policy tools available to the government.
Fair Is Not Fair Everywhere
Authors: Schäfer Marie , Haun Daniel B. M. , Tomasello Michael
Published: June 2015

Distributing the spoils of a joint enterprise on the basis of work contribution or relative productivity seems natural to the modern Western mind. But such notions of merit-based distributive justice may be culturally constructed norms that vary with the social and economic structure of a group. In the present research, we showed that children from three different cultures have very different ideas about distributive justice. Whereas children from a modern Western society distributed the spoils of a joint enterprise precisely in proportion to productivity, children from a gerontocratic pastoralist society in Africa did not take merit into account at all. Children from a partially hunter-gatherer, egalitarian African culture distributed the spoils more equally than did the other two cultures, with merit playing only a limited role. This pattern of results suggests that some basic notions of distributive justice are not universal intuitions of the human species but rather culturally constructed behavioral norms.
CUSUM control charts to monitor series of Negative Binomial count data
Authors: Alencar Airlane Pereira , Lee Ho Linda , Albarracin Orlando Yesid Esparza
Published: June 2015

To detect outbreaks of diseases in public health, several control charts have been proposed in the literature. In this context, the usual generalized linear model may be fitted for counts under a Negative Binomial distribution with a logarithm link function and the population size included as offset to model hospitalization rates. Different statistics are used to build CUSUM control charts to monitor daily hospitalizations and their performances are compared in simulation studies. The main contribution of the current paper is to consider different statistics based on transformations and the deviance residual to build control charts to monitor counts with seasonality effects and evaluate all the assumptions of the monitored statistics. The monitoring of daily number of hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases for people aged over 65 years in the city São Paulo-Brazil is considered as an illustration of the current proposal.