bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does preoperative rehabilitation for patients planning to undergo joint replacement surgery improve outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Li , Lee Myeongjong , Zhang Zhe , Moodie Jessica , Cheng Davy , Martin Janet
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The clinical impact of preoperative physiotherapy on recovery after joint replacement remains controversial. This systematic review aimed to assess the clinical impact of prehabilitation before joint replacement.

Design

We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL up to November 2015 for randomised controlled trials comparing prehabilitation versus no prehabilitation before joint replacement surgery. Postoperative pain and function scores were converted to Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function subscales (0–100, high scores indicate worse outcome). Random effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate weighted mean differences (WMD, 95% CI), subgrouped by hip and knee surgery.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Postoperative pain and function scores, time to resume activities of daily living, quality of life, length of hospital stay, total cost, patient satisfaction, postoperative complications, any adverse events and discontinuations.

Results

Of 22 studies (1492 patients), 18 had high risk of bias. Prehabilitation slightly reduced pain scores within 4 weeks postoperatively (WMD −6.1 points, 95% CI −10.6 to −1.6 points, on a scale of 0–100), but differences did not remain beyond 4 weeks. Prehabilitation slightly improved WOMAC function score at 6–8 and 12 weeks (WMD −4.0, 95% CI −7.5 to −0.5), and time to climbing stairs (WMD −1.4 days, 95% CI −1.9 to −0.8 days), toilet use (−0.9 days, 95% CI −1.3 to −0.5 days) and chair use (WMD −1.2 days, 95% CI −1.7 to −0.8 days). Effects were similar for knee and hip surgery. Differences were not found for SF-36 scores, length of stay and total cost. Other outcomes of interest were inadequately reported.

Conclusions

Existing evidence suggests that prehabilitation may slightly improve early postoperative pain and function among patients undergoing joint replacement; however, effects remain too small and short-term to be considered clinically-important, and did not affect key outcomes of interest (ie, length of stay, quality of life, costs).
Republished: Aberrant cervical vasculature anastomosis as cause of neck pain and successful treatment with embolization technique
Authors: He Lucy , Ladner Travis R , Cobb Mark , Mocco J
Published: February 2016

We report a patient with non-dermatomal radiating neck pain without focal neurologic deficit. Traditional workup could not identify an anatomic or biomechanical cause. Imaging showed a deep cervical vessel centered in the region of pain. Angiography later identified an aberrant anastomosis of this vessel with the occipital artery. Subsequent endovascular embolization of this arterial trunk resulted in complete pain relief.
Using ciliates to monitor different aquatic environments in Daya Bay, South China Sea
Authors: Wu Fengxia , Huang Jianrong , Dai Ming , Liu Huaxue , Huang Honghui
Published: February 2016

Spatial patterns of planktonic ciliate communities were studied to monitor marine water quality during winter, spring, summer, and autumn of 2014 in Daya Bay, South China Sea. A total of 41 species, with eight dominant species, were identified. Multivariate and univariate analyses demonstrated that spatial taxonomic pattern of planktonic ciliate communities was significantly correlated with environmental condition; ciliate abundance, species diversity, and species richness were significantly correlated with NO3– and salinity or temperature. Additionally, two dominant species (Tintinnopsis minuta Wailes, 1925 and Tintinnopsis beroidea Stein, 1867) were significantly positively correlated with nutrients, particularly with nitrogen nutrients. Three dominant species (Strombidium conicum (Lohmann, 1908) Wulff, 1919; Spirotontonia turbinata (Song & Bradbury, 1998) Agatha, 2004; Laboea strobila Lohmann, 1908) showed more sensitivity to salinity, whereas Mesodinium rubrum (Lohmann, 1908) was significantly correlated with temperature. Our findings suggest that planktonic ciliate communities can be considered a favorable bioindicator of marine water quality.
Truthfulness and Stochastic Dominance with Monetary Transfers
Authors: Hoefer Martin , Kesselheim Thomas , Vöcking Berthold
Published: February 2016

We consider truthfulness concepts for auctions with payments based on first- and second-order stochastic dominance. We assume bidders consider wealth in standard quasilinear form as valuation minus payments. Additionally, they are sensitive to risk in the distribution of wealth stemming from randomized mechanisms. First- and second-order stochastic dominance are well known to capture risk sensitivity, and we apply these concepts to capture truth-telling incentives for bidders.

As our first main result, we provide a complete characterization of all social-choice functions over binary single-parameter domains that can be implemented by a mechanism that is truthful in first- and second-order stochastic dominance. We show that these are exactly the social-choice functions implementable by truthful-in-expectation mechanisms, and we provide a novel payment rule that guarantees stochastic dominance. As our second main result we extend the celebrated randomized metarounding approach for truthful-in-expectation mechanisms in packing domains. We design mechanisms that are truthful in first-order stochastic dominance by spending only a logarithmic factor in the approximation guarantee.
Parameterized Complexity and Kernelizability of Max Ones and Exact Ones Problems
Authors: Kratsch Stefan , Marx Dániel , Wahlström Magnus
Published: February 2016

For a finite set Γ of Boolean relations, M
ax
O
nes
SAT(Γ) and E
xact
O
nes
SAT(Γ) are generalized satisfiability problems where every constraint relation is from Γ, and the task is to find a satisfying assignment with at least/exactly
k
variables set to 1, respectively. We study the parameterized complexity of these problems, including the question whether they admit polynomial kernels. For M
ax
O
nes
SAT(Γ), we give a classification into five different complexity levels: polynomial-time solvable, admits a polynomial kernel, fixed-parameter tractable, solvable in polynomial time for fixed
k
, and NP-hard already for
k
= 1. For E
xact
O
nes
SAT(Γ), we refine the classification obtained earlier by taking a closer look at the fixed-parameter tractable cases and classifying the sets Γ for which E
xact
O
nes
SAT(Γ) admits a polynomial kernel.
Primary Aspergillosis of the Larynx
Authors: Law Richard H. , Reyes Samuel A.
Published: February 2016

Laryngeal aspergillosis is most commonly seen as a result of secondary invasion from the lungs and tracheobronchial tree in immunocompromised hosts. Primary aspergillosis of the larynx is, however, rare with few cases documented over the past fifty years. We report a case of a 73-year-old woman who presented with persistent hoarseness. She is a nonsmoker with a history of asthma and chronic bronchiectasis treated with bronchodilators, inhaled and oral corticosteroids, and nebulized tobramycin. Direct laryngoscopy with vocal cord stripping confirmed the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis with no manifestations elsewhere. The patient was successfully treated with oral voriconazole with no signs of recurrence. Although several major risk factors contributing to the development of primary aspergillosis of the larynx have been discussed in the literature, there has been no mention of inhaled antibiotics causing this rare presentation to the best of our knowledge. We, therefore, highlight the use of inhaled tobramycin as a unique catalyst leading to the rapid onset of this rare presentation.
Left Inferior Vena Cava and Right Retroaortic Renal Vein
Authors: Nania Alberto , Capilli Fabio , Longo Eugenia
Published: February 2016

Nowadays, incidental anatomical variants are frequent findings, due to the widespread diffusion of cross-sectional imaging. This case report illustrates a fairly uncommon anatomical variant, that is, the copresence of left inferior vena cava and retroaortic right renal vein reported in a 46-year-old lady, undergoing a staging CT for breast cancer. Although the patient was asymptomatic, the authors highlight potential risks related to the above-mentioned condition and the importance of correct identification and diagnosis of the findings.
Nanoquantitative Structure-Property Relationship Modeling on C42Fullerene Isomers
Authors: Bolboacă Sorana D. , Jäntschi Lorentz
Published: February 2016

The interest of scientists in nanostructures has been increased in the last years and proper methods for their assessment are needed.In silicomethods found their usefulness in the replacement of experimental evaluation and are successfully used as efficient alternatives for estimation and prediction of compound’s properties or activities. In this paper, it is shown that a Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship method is proper to be applied also on nanostructures. Based on computational experiment, several models to describe the total strain energy of C42fullerene isomers were obtained and their characteristics are presented. Furthermore, the best performing model obtained on C42fullerene isomers was validated on C40fullerene isomers.
Screening and Selection of Medium Components for Cyclodextrin Glucanotransferase Production by New Alkaliphile Microbacterium terrae KNR 9 Using Plackett-Burman Design
Authors: Rajput Kiransinh N. , Patel Kamlesh C. , Trivedi Ujjval B.
Published: February 2016

Cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase, EC 2.4.1.19) production using new alkaliphile Microbacterium terrae KNR 9 was investigated by submerged fermentation. Statistical screening for components belonging to different categories, namely, soluble and raw starches as carbon sources, complex organic and inorganic nitrogen sources, minerals, a buffering agent, and a surfactant, has been carried out for CGTase production using Plackett-Burman factorial design. To screen out k (19), number of variables, k+1 (20), number of experiments, were performed. Among the fourteen components screened, four components, namely, soluble starch, corn flour, yeast extract, and K2HPO4, were identified as significant with reference to their concentration effect and corresponding p value. Although soluble starch showed highest significance, comparable significance was also observed with corn flour and hence it was selected as a sole carbon source along with yeast extract and K2HPO4 for further media optimization studies. Using screened components, CGTase production was increased to 45% and 87% at shake flask level and laboratory scale fermenter, respectively, as compared to basal media.
Load Balancing in Cloud Computing Environment Using Improved Weighted Round Robin Algorithm for Nonpreemptive Dependent Tasks
Authors: Devi D. Chitra , Uthariaraj V. Rhymend
Published: February 2016

Cloud computing uses the concepts of scheduling and load balancing to migrate tasks to underutilized VMs for effectively sharing the resources. The scheduling of the nonpreemptive tasks in the cloud computing environment is an irrecoverable restraint and hence it has to be assigned to the most appropriate VMs at the initial placement itself. Practically, the arrived jobs consist of multiple interdependent tasks and they may execute the independent tasks in multiple VMs or in the same VM’s multiple cores. Also, the jobs arrive during the run time of the server in varying random intervals under various load conditions. The participating heterogeneous resources are managed by allocating the tasks to appropriate resources by static or dynamic scheduling to make the cloud computing more efficient and thus it improves the user satisfaction. Objective of this work is to introduce and evaluate the proposed scheduling and load balancing algorithm by considering the capabilities of each virtual machine (VM), the task length of each requested job, and the interdependency of multiple tasks. Performance of the proposed algorithm is studied by comparing with the existing methods.
Projection in Future Drought Hazard of South Korea Based on RCP Climate Change Scenario 8.5 Using SPEI
Authors: Kim Byung Sik , Chang In Gi , Sung Jang Hyun , Han Hae Jin
Published: February 2016

The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) analysis was conducted using monthly precipitation data and temperature data on a 12.5 km × 12.5 km resolution based on a Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 8.5 climate change scenario, and the characteristics of drought were identified by the threshold. In addition, the changes in drought severity and intensity were projected using the threshold based on the run-length concept and frequency analysis. As a result of the analysis, the probability density function of the total drought and maximum drought intensity moved the upper tail for the upcoming years, and the average drought intensity was also projected to become stronger in the future than in the present to the right side. Through this, it could be projected that the drought scale and frequency and the drought intensity will become severer over South Korea because of future climate change.
Flood Hazard Mapping by Using Geographic Information System and Hydraulic Model: Mert River, Samsun, Turkey
Authors: Demir Vahdettin , Kisi Ozgur
Published: February 2016

In this study, flood hazard maps were prepared for the Mert River Basin, Samsun, Turkey, by using GIS and Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). In this river basin, human life losses and a significant amount of property damages were experienced in 2012 flood. The preparation of flood risk maps employed in the study includes the following steps: (1) digitization of topographical data and preparation of digital elevation model using ArcGIS, (2) simulation of flood lows of different return periods using a hydraulic model (HEC-RAS), and (3) preparation of flood risk maps by integrating the results of (1) and (2).
Simulation of Effective Slip and Drag in Pressure-Driven Flow on Superhydrophobic Surfaces
Authors: Huang Yuanding , Zhao Xuezeng , Pan Yunlu , Ahmad Khurshid
Published: February 2016

The flow on superhydrophobic surfaces was investigated using finite element modeling (FEM). Surfaces with different textures like grooves, square pillars, and cylinders immersed in liquid forming Cassie state were modeled. Nonslip boundary condition was assumed at solid-liquid interface while slip boundary condition was supposed at gas-liquid interface. It was found that the flow rate can be affected by the shape of the texture, the fraction of the gas-liquid area, the height of the channel, and the driving pressure gradient. By extracting the effective boundary slip from the flow rate based on a model, it was found that the shape of the textures and the fraction of the gas-liquid area affect the effective slip significantly while the height of the channel and the driving pressure gradient have no obvious effect on effective slip.
Diagnostic Value of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Radiation Encephalopathy Induced by Radiotherapy for Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Wang-Sheng , Li Jian-Jun , Hong Lan , Xing Zeng-Bao , Wang Fen , Li Chang-Qing
Published: February 2016

In this study, articles in English and Chinese were selected from available electronic databases prior to September 2014. The metabolic concentrations and patterns of N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), Choline (Cho), Creatine (Cr), NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho, and Cho/Cr ratios in radiotherapy-induced radiation encephalopathy by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy were extracted. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively synthesize findings of these studies. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated using random or fixed effective models. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the CochraneQtest andI2statistics. The results indicated that a total of 4 researches involving 214 patients met inclusion criteria. Depending on methodologies of selected studies, control groups were referred to as healthy subjects. The combined analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in value of Cr between radiotherapy group and healthy control group (WMD = −1.483, 95% CI: −67.185–64.219,p=0.965). However, there were significant difference in values of NAA (WMD = −18.227, 95%CI: −36.317–−0.137,p=0.048), Cho (WMD = 38.003, 95%CI: 5.155–70.851,p=0.023), NAA/Cr (WMD = −1.175, 95%CI: −1.563–−0.787,p=0.000), NAA/Cho (WMD = −1.108, 95%CI: −2.003–0.213,p=0.015), and Cho/Cr (WMD = −0.773, 95%CI: 0.239–1.307,p=0.005). In conclusion, MRS can be regarded as an effective and feasible imaging test for radiotherapy-induced radiation encephalopathy in NPC patients.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Pakistan: National Trends and Global Perspective
Authors: Hafeez Bhatti Abu Bakar , Dar Faisal Saud , Waheed Anum , Shafique Kashif , Sultan Faisal , Shah Najmul Hassan
Published: February 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks second amongst all causes of cancer deaths globally. It is on a rise in Pakistan and might represent the most common cancer in adult males. Pakistan contributes significantly to global burden of hepatitis C, which is a known risk factor for HCC, and has one of the highest prevalence rates (>3%) in the world. In the absence of a national cancer registry and screening programs, prevalence of hepatitis and HCC only represents estimates of the real magnitude of this problem. In this review, we present various aspects of HCC in Pakistan, comparing and contrasting it with the global trends in cancer care. There is a general lack of awareness regarding risk factors of HCC in Pakistani population and prevalence of hepatitis C has increased. In addition, less common risk factors are also on a rise. Majority of patients present with advanced HCC and are not eligible for definitive treatment. We have attempted to highlight issues that have a significant bearing on HCC outcome in Pakistan. A set of strategies have been put forth that can potentially help reduce incidence and improve HCC outcome on national level.
Diabetic Retinopathy Is Strongly Predictive of Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Huang Chih-Cheng , Lee Jong-Jer , Lin Tsu-Kung , Tsai Nai-Wen , Huang Chi-Ren , Chen Shu-Fang , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Liu Rue-Tsuan
Published: February 2016

A well-established, comprehensive, and simple test battery was used here to re-evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in type 2 diabetes. One hundred and seventy-four patients with type 2 diabetes were evaluated through the methods of deep breathing and Valsalva maneuver for correlation with factors that might influence the presence and severity of CAN. The Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS) was used to grade the severity of autonomic impairment, and CAN was defined as a CASS score ≥2. Results showed that nephropathy, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, uric acid, and the presence of retinopathy and metabolic syndrome significantly correlated with the CASS score. Age may not be a risk factor for diabetic CAN. However, the effects of diabetes on CAN are more prominent in younger patients than in older ones. Diabetic retinopathy is the most significant risk factor predictive of the presence of CAN in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Real Costs Assessment of Solar-Hydrogen and Some Fossil Fuels by means of a Combustion Analysis
Authors: Nicoletti Giovanni , Bruno Roberto , Arcuri Natale , Nicoletti Gerardo
Published: February 2016

In order to compare solar-hydrogen and the most used fossil fuels, the evaluation of the “external” costs related to their use is required. These costs involve the environmental damage produced by the combustion reactions, the health problems caused by air pollution, the damage to land from fuel mining, and the environmental degradation linked to the global warming, the acid rains, and the water pollution. For each fuel, the global cost is determined as sum of the market price and of the correspondent external costs. In order to obtain a quantitative comparison, the quality of the different combustion reactions and the efficiency of the technologies employed in the specific application sector have to be considered adequately. At this purpose, an entropic index that considers the degree of irreversibility produced during the combustion process and the degradation of surroundings is introduced. Additionally, an environmental index that measures the pollutants released during the combustions is proposed. The combination of these indexes and the efficiency of the several technologies employed in four energy sectors have allowed the evaluation of the total costs, highlighting an economic scenario from which the real advantages concerning the exploitation of different energy carrier are determined.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced and Borderline Resectable Nonsquamous Sinonasal Tumors (Esthesioneuroblastoma and Sinonasal Tumor with Neuroendocrine Differentiation)
Authors: Patil Vijay M. , Joshi Amit , Noronha Vanita , Sharma Vibhor , Zanwar Saurabh , Dhumal Sachin , Kane Shubhada , Pai Prathamesh , D’Cruz Anil , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Prabhash Kumar
Published: February 2016

Introduction.Sinonasal tumors are chemotherapy responsive which frequently present in advanced stages making NACT a promising option for improving resection and local control in borderline resectable and locally advanced tumours. Here we reviewed the results of 25 such cases treated with NACT.Materials and Methods. Sinonasal tumor patients treated with NACT were selected for this analysis. These patients received NACT with platinum and etoposide for 2 cycles. Patients who responded and were amenable for gross total resection underwent surgical resection and adjuvant CTRT. Those who responded but were not amenable for resection received radical CTRT. Patients who progressed on NACT received either radical CTRT or palliative radiotherapy.Results. The median age of the cohort was 42 years (IQR 37–47 years). Grades 3-4 toxicity with NACT were seen in 19 patients (76%). The response rate to NACT was 80%. Post-NACT surgery was done in 12 (48%) patients and radical chemoradiation in 9 (36%) patients. The 2-year progression free survival and overall survival were 75% and 78.5%, respectively.Conclusion. NACT in sinonasal tumours has a response rate of 80%. The protocol of NACT followed by local treatment is associated with improvement in outcomes as compared to our historical cohort.
The IL-1βReceptor Antagonist SER140 Postpones the Onset of Diabetes in Female Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Cucak Helena , Hansen Gitte , Vrang Niels , Skarsfeldt Torben , Steiness Eva , Jelsing Jacob
Published: February 2016

The cytokine interleukin-1β(IL-1β) is known to stimulate proinflammatory immune responses and impairβ-cell function and viability, all critical events in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here we evaluate the effect of SER140, a small peptide IL-1βreceptor antagonist, on diabetes progression and cellular pancreatic changes in female nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Eight weeks of treatment with SER140 reduced the incidence of diabetes by more than 50% compared with vehicle, decreased blood glucose, and increased plasma insulin. Additionally, SER140 changed the endocrine and immune cells dynamics in the NOD mouse pancreas. Together, the data suggest that SER140 treatment postpones the onset of diabetes in female NOD mice by interfering with IL-1βactivated pathways.
On the Coefficients of the Singularities of the Solution of Maxwell’s Equations near Polyhedral Edges
Authors: Nkemzi Boniface
Published: February 2016

The solution fields of Maxwell’s equations are known to exhibit singularities near corners, crack tips, edges, and so forth of the physical domain. The structures of the singular fields are well known up to some undetermined coefficients. In two-dimensional domains with corners and cracks, the unknown coefficients are real constants. However, in three-dimensional domains the unknown coefficients are functions defined along the corresponding edges. This paper proposes explicit formulas for the computation of these coefficients in the case of two-dimensional domains with corners and three-dimensional domains with straight edges. The coefficients of the singular fields along straight edges of three-dimensional domains are represented in terms of Fourier series. The formulas presented are aimed at the numerical approximation of the coefficients of the singular fields. They can also be used for the construction of adaptiveH1-nodal finite-element procedures for the efficient numerical treatment of Maxwell’s equations in nonsmooth domains.
A Trusted Real-Time Scheduling Model for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhang Weizhe , Song Boyu , Bai Enci
Published: February 2016

Heterogeneous multicore and multiprocessor systems have been widely used for wireless sensor information processing, but system energy consumption has become an increasingly important issue. To ensure the reliable and safe operation of sensor systems, the task scheduling success rate of heterogeneous platforms should be improved, and energy consumption should be reduced. This work establishes a trusted task scheduling model for wireless sensor networks, proposes an energy consumption model, and adopts the ant colony algorithm and bee colony algorithm for the task scheduling of a real-time sensor node. Experimental result shows that the genetic algorithm and ant colony algorithm can efficiently solve the energy consumption problem in the trusted task scheduling of a wireless sensor and that the performance of the bee colony algorithm is slightly inferior to that of the first two methods.
Prognosis Risk of Urosepsis in Critical Care Medicine: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Qiang Xin-Hua , Yu Tie-Ou , Li Yi-Nan , Zhou Li-Xin
Published: February 2016

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of urosepsis and to raise awareness of this problem. Of the 112 sepsis patients enrolled, 36 were identified as having urosepsis. The bacteria involved in the infection leading to urosepsis includedEscherichia coli,Proteusspecies,Enterococcusspecies,Klebsiellaspecies, other Gram-positive cocci, andPseudomonas aeruginosa. Although the organ/system dysfunction appeared earlier in the urosepsis patients than in the other sepsis patients (4.7±2.4versus7.2±4.5hours,P<0.001), the urosepsis patients presented with a better prognosis and lower 28-day mortality rate than the others (6% versus 37%). In the multivariate analysis, the type of sepsis (urosepsis, OR = 0.019, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.335,P=0.007) and SOFA score (OR = 1.896, 95% CI = 1.012, 3.554,P=0.046) remained significantly associated with the survival. The time of admission to the intensive care unit of 17 patients transferred from the Department of Urinary Surgery was significantly prolonged compared with those transferred from other departments (11.6±7.3versus7.2±4.9hours,P<0.05). In conclusion, urosepsis suggested a better prognosis, but attention needs to be paid in clinical practice, especially in urinary surgery.
Impact Parameter Dependence ofπ-/π+Ratio in Probing the Nuclear Symmetry Energy Using Heavy-Ion Collisions
Authors: Wei Gao-Feng , He Guo-Qiang , Cao Xin-Wei , Lu Yi-Xin
Published: February 2016

The impact parameter dependence ofπ-/π+ratio is examined in heavy-ion collisions at 400 MeV/nucleon within a transport model. It is shown that the sensitivity ofπ-/π+ratio on symmetry energy shows a transition from central to peripheral collisions; that is, the stiffer symmetry energy leads to a largerπ-/π+ratio in peripheral collisions while the softer symmetry energy always leads this ratio to be larger in central collisions. After checking the kinematic energy distribution ofπ-/π+ratio, we found this transition of sensitivity ofπ-/π+ratio to symmetry energy is mainly from less energetic pions; that is, the softer symmetry energy gets the less energetic pions to form a smallerπ-/π+ratio in peripheral collisions while these pions generate a largerπ-/π+ratio in central collisions. Undoubtedly, the softer symmetry energy can also lead more energetic pions to form a largerπ-/π+ratio in peripheral collisions. Nevertheless, considering that most of pions are insufficiently energetic at this beam energy, we therefore suggest theπ-/π+ratio as a probe of the high-density symmetry energy effective only in central at most to midcentral collisions, thereby avoiding the possible information of low-density symmetry energy carried inπ-/π+ratio from peripheral collisions.
Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma Is a Rare but Important Tumour Found in the Oesophagus
Authors: Kadhim Mohammad Murad Kasim , Jespersen Marie Louise , Pilegaard Hans Kristian , Nordsmark Marianne , Villadsen Gerda Elisabeth
Published: February 2016

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) is a rare tumour of the gastrointestinal tract that consists of a dual adenocarcinomatous and neuroendocrine differentiation, each component representing at least 30% of the tumour. We report a case of a 68-year-old man who presented with two-month history of postprandial pain and vomiting. Gastric endoscopy revealed a polypoid mass in the lower part of the oesophagus. In contrast to the majority of these tumours, this biopsy was immunohistochemically positive for chromogranin A, and synaptophysin and Ki-67 index was 50% and the tumour was diagnosed as poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the oesophagus. The patient underwent surgery and lower oesophagus resection was performed. Based on the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the tumour in the oesophagogastrectomy specimen, a mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) was diagnosed. The objective of this case report is to advocate for the focus on the MANEC diagnosis as such patients need to be referred to a centre of excellence with expertise in NET tumours, to have the correct diagnostic work-up, treatment, and secondary diagnostic procedures performed at progression, as this will have paramount influence of the choice of treatment.
Fetal MRI Characteristics of Exencephaly: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sharif Ali , Zhou Yihua
Published: February 2016

We present the fetal MRI characteristics of exencephaly, a rare malformation of the cranium. The fetus was initially misdiagnosed as anencephaly at 14 weeks of estimated gestational age (EGA) and later mislabeled as acrania at 20 weeks of EGA by ultrasound. A confirmatory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 29 weeks of EGA demonstrated findings consistent with exencephaly, which was confirmed after birth. To our knowledge, no full fetal MRI characteristics have been described. We hope to use this case to review the key MRI findings in differentiating exencephaly from other cranial vault defects and to help early diagnosis of exencephaly as the appropriate use of correct nomenclature allows better research while giving parents the most accurate and appropriate counseling.
Variation of Wheat Cultivars in Their Response to Elevated Temperature on Starch and Dry Matter Accumulation in Grain
Authors: Khatun Soyema , Ahmed Jalal Uddin , Hossain Tofazzal , Islam M. Rafiqul , Mohi-Ud-Din Mohammed
Published: February 2016

Three wheat cultivars, namely, BARI Gom 25, BARI Gom 26, and Pavon 76, were sown in experimental field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, in Bangladesh, on 18 November, 2013. Two temperature regimes, namely, normal (23°C in open field) and elevated (6 ± 1°C higher compared to open field mean air temperature in polythene chamber) temperature, were created immediately after anthesis to investigate the response of wheat cultivars to heat stress. Elevated temperature cuts back the duration of grain filling by 5 days in BARI Gom 25 and BARI Gom 26 and 10 days in Pavon 76. Starch synthesis was also cut back by the same duration in respective cultivars under elevated temperature condition. Results indicate that failure of conversion of sugar to starch rather than limited supply of sugar under high temperature condition was responsible for shortening of grain filling duration in all wheat cultivars. However, the response of elevated temperature on grain starch and main stem grain dry matter was less profound in BARI Gom 25 and BARI Gom 26 compared to Pavon 76 indicating their better tolerance to elevated temperature.
Mesenchymal Tumorigenesis Driven by TSC2 Haploinsufficiency Requires HMGA2 and Is Independent of mTOR Pathway Activation
Authors: D'Armiento Jeanine , Shiomi Takayuki , Marks Sarah , Geraghty Patrick , Sankarasharma Devipriya , Chada Kiran
Published: February 2016

Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a tumor suppressor gene syndrome that is associated with the widespread development of mesenchymal tumor types. Genetically, TSC is said to occur through a classical biallelic inactivation of either TSC genes (TSC1, hamartin or TSC2, tuberin), an event that is implicated in the induction of the mTOR pathway and subsequent tumorigenesis. High Mobility Group A2 (HMGA2), an architectural transcription factor, is known to regulate mesenchymal differentiation and drive mesenchymal tumorigenesis in vivo. Here, we investigated the role of HMGA2 in the pathogenesis of TSC using the TSC2+/− mouse model that similarly mirrors human disease and human tumor samples. We show that HMGA2 expression was detected in 100% of human and mouse TSC tumors and that HMGA2 activation was required for TSC mesenchymal tumorigenesis in genetically engineered mouse models. In contrast to the current dogma, the mTOR pathway was not activated in all TSC2+/− tumors and was elevated in only 50% of human mesenchymal tumors. Moreover, except for a subset of kidney tumors, tuberin was expressed in both human and mouse tumors. Therefore, haploinsufficiency of one TSC tumor suppressor gene was required for tumor initiation, but further tumorigenesis did not require the second hit, as previously postulated. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that tissue-specific genetic mechanisms are employed to promote tumor pathogenesis in TSC and identify a novel, critical pathway for potential therapeutic targeting. Cancer Res; 76(4); 844–54. ©2016 AACR.
Effects of Anticancer Drugs on Chromosome Instability and New Clinical Implications for Tumor-Suppressing Therapies
Authors: Lee Hee-Sheung , Lee Nicholas C.O. , Kouprina Natalay , Kim Jung-Hyun , Kagansky Alex , Bates Susan , Trepel Jane B. , Pommier Yves , Sackett Dan , Larionov Vladimir
Published: February 2016

Whole chromosomal instability (CIN), manifested as unequal chromosome distribution during cell division, is a distinguishing feature of most cancer types. CIN is generally considered to drive tumorigenesis, but a threshold level exists whereby further increases in CIN frequency in fact hinder tumor growth. While this attribute is appealing for therapeutic exploitation, drugs that increase CIN beyond this therapeutic threshold are currently limited. In our previous work, we developed a quantitative assay for measuring CIN based on the use of a nonessential human artificial chromosome (HAC) carrying a constitutively expressed EGFP transgene. Here, we used this assay to rank 62 different anticancer drugs with respect to their effects on chromosome transmission fidelity. Drugs with various mechanisms of action, such as antimicrotubule activity, histone deacetylase inhibition, mitotic checkpoint inhibition, and targeting of DNA replication and damage responses, were included in the analysis. Ranking of the drugs based on their ability to induce HAC loss revealed that paclitaxel, gemcitabine, dactylolide, LMP400, talazoparib, olaparib, peloruside A, GW843682, VX-680, and cisplatin were the top 10 drugs demonstrating HAC loss at a high frequency. Therefore, identification of currently used compounds that greatly increase chromosome mis-segregation rates should expedite the development of new therapeutic strategies to target and leverage the CIN phenotype in cancer cells. Cancer Res; 76(4); 902–11. ©2016 AACR.
Oncogenic Fusion Gene CD74-NRG1 Confers Cancer Stem Cell–like Properties in Lung Cancer through a IGF2 Autocrine/Paracrine Circuit
Authors: Murayama Takahiko , Nakaoku Takashi , Enari Masato , Nishimura Tatsunori , Tominaga Kana , Nakata Asuka , Tojo Arinobu , Sugano Sumio , Kohno Takashi , Gotoh Noriko
Published: February 2016

The CD74-Neuregulin1 (NRG1) fusion gene was recently identified as novel driver of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma, a malignant form of lung cancer. However, the function of the CD74-NRG1 fusion gene in adenocarcinoma pathogenesis and the mechanisms by which it may impart protumorigenic characteristics to cancer stem cells (CSC) is still unclear. In this study, we found that the expression of the CD74-NRG1 fusion gene increased the population of lung cancer cells with CSC-like properties. CD74-NRG1 expression facilitated sphere formation not only of cancer cells, but also of nonmalignant lung epithelial cells. Using a limiting dilution assay in a xenograft model, we further show that the CD74-NRG1 fusion gene enhanced tumor initiation. Mechanistically, we found that CD74-NRG1 expression promoted the phosphorylation of ErbB2/3 and activated the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, the expression of the secreted insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and phosphorylation of its receptor, IGF1R, were enhanced in an NF-κB–dependent manner in cells expressing CD74-NRG1. These findings suggest that CD74-NRG1–induced NF-κB activity promotes the IGF2 autocrine/paracrine circuit. Moreover, inhibition of ErbB2, PI3K, NF-κB, or IGF2 suppressed CD74-NRG1–induced tumor sphere formation. Therefore, our study provides a preclinical rationale for developing treatment approaches based on these identified pathways to suppress CSC properties that promote tumor progression and recurrence. Cancer Res; 76(4); 974–83. ©2016 AACR.
Differential Effect on Bone Lesions of Targeting Integrins: Randomized Phase II Trial of Abituzumab in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hussain Maha , Le Moulec Sylvestre , Gimmi Claude , Bruns Rolf , Straub Josef , Miller Kurt
Published: February 2016

Purpose: Integrins play a critical role in the progression of prostate cancer and its bone metastases. We investigated the use of the pan-αv integrin inhibitor abituzumab in chemotherapy-naïve patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: PERSEUS (NCT01360840) was a randomized, double-blind phase II study. Men with pathologically confirmed prostate cancer and radiologic progression of bone lesions in the 28 days prior to randomization were assigned to receive abituzumab 750 mg or 1,500 mg or placebo (1:1:1) every 3 weeks in combination with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist/antagonist therapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

Results: The intent-to-treat population comprised 180 patients, 60 in each arm. The primary endpoint of PFS was not significantly different with abituzumab-based therapy compared with placebo [abituzumab 750 mg, 3.4 months, HR = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.57–1.39; abituzumab 1,500 mg, 4.3 months, HR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.52–1.26; placebo, 3.3 months], but the cumulative incidence of bone lesion progression was lower with abituzumab than with placebo for up to 24 months (cumulative incidence 23.6% vs. 41.1% at 6 months, 26.1% vs. 45.4% at 12 months). Two partial tumor responses were observed (1 abituzumab 1,500 mg and 1 placebo). Approximately 85% to 90% of patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) in the different arms, but the incidences of serious TEAEs and TEAEs with fatal outcome were similar in the three arms.

Conclusions: Although PFS was not significantly extended, abituzumab appears to have specific activity in prostate cancer–associated bone lesions that warrants further investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3192–200. ©2016 AACR.
Impact of Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity on Melanoma Presentation and Recurrence in Caucasian Patients
Authors: Salvaggio Christine , Han Sung Won , Martires Kathryn , Robinson Eric , Madankumar Reshmi , Gumaste Priyanka , Polsky David , Stein Jennifer , Berman Russell , Shapiro Richard , Zhong Judy , Osman Iman
Published: February 2016

Objectives: The impact of ethnicity and the socioeconomic status (SES) among Caucasians is not well studied. Here, we examine the impact of income on melanoma presentation and prognosis within a Caucasian cohort, accounting for ethnicity, as some reports suggest increased melanoma incidence in Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) BRCA mutation carriers. Methods: We studied prospectively enrolled primary melanoma patients at New York University. SES data were estimated using United States' Census Bureau data and patient zip codes. We evaluated associations between ethnicity, SES, and baseline characteristics using the χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression. We compared survival distributions using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazard ratios. Results: Of the 1,339 enrolled patients, AJ represented 32% (n = 423). Apart from AJ being older at presentation (p < 0.001), no significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between ethnic groups. Patients with a median household income (MHI) lower than the median of the cohort were significantly more likely to present with advanced stages (p < 0.001) compared to patients with a higher MHI. Shorter overall (p = 0.016) and post-recurrence survival (p = 0.042) was also observed in patients from lower-income households. Conclusion: Data suggest that disparities in melanoma presentation in Caucasians stratify according to income independent of ethnic background.
Standard Biocompatibility Studies Do Not Predict All Effects of PVA/CMC Anti-Adhesive Gel in vivo
Authors: Freytag Christiane , Odermatt Erich K.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: PVA/CMC (polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose) hydrogel fulfills various physiochemical properties required for an adhesion barrier and has shown good anti-adhesion properties in previous in vivo studies. In this investigation, we assessed the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of PVA/CMC gel and compared this to the functionality and promotion of wound healing for two surgical indications. Methods: Standardized ISO10993 in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility studies, comprising cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, acute systemic toxicity, delayed contact and maximization sensitization test, intracutaneous reactivity and local muscle implantation, were performed on PVA/CMC gel. In the functional studies, PVA/CMC gel was applied - on the one hand - to a rabbit abdominal wall model enforced with a polypropylene mesh for testing the anti-adhesion properties and - on the other hand - to an end- to-end anastomosis model that was selected for surveying potential influences of different dosages of PVA/CMC gel on anastomotic wound healing. Results: The ISO10993 methods indicated generally good biocompatibility properties, such as the absence of cytotoxic and mutagenic effects as well as no signs of systemic toxicity and sensitization potentials. No irritation effects were observed after the intracutaneous injection of lipophilic PVA/CMC sesame oil extract. However, the injection of hydrophilic PVA/CMC physiologic saline extract induced slight irritation. Following rabbit muscle implantation of the PVA membrane for 2, 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks, a slight irritant effect was observed at 12 weeks due to the peak of phagocytosis. In the functionality tests, PVA/CMC gel showed good anti-adhesive effects in the abdominal wall model enforced with the mesh, with significantly lower and less tense adhesions compared to the untreated control. However, moderate signs of inflammation, especially in the spleen were observed after the intra-abdominal implantation of 3.3 ml PVA/CMC gel per kg body weight. In the end-to-end anastomosis model, PVA/CMC gel had no influence on wound healing. For dosages of 1-6 ml gel per treatment, no signs of intestinal leaks were detected, and tensile strength was equal to that of the untreated control, but again more moderate signs of inflammation in the spleen were observed at a dosage >3 ml. Conclusion: Comparing the standardized ISO10993 methods, anti-adhesive PVA/CMC gel displays good biocompatibility. However, those methods do not seem to be sensitive enough because the rabbit abdominal wall and the end-to-end anastomosis models display more effects with respect to the dosage and routes of the intra-abdominal resorption of PVA/CMC gel - with the recommended <2 ml PVA/CMC gel per kg body weight as a secure dosage.
Muir-Torre Syndrome Presenting as Sebaceous Adenocarcinoma and Invasive MSH6-Positive Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tulpule Sunil , Ibrahim Hiyam , Osman Mohamed , Zafar Shoaib , Kanta Romana , Shypula Gregory , Islam Mohammed A. , Sen Shuvendu , Yousif Abdalla
Published: February 2016

Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is a rare genodermatosis, diagnosed by the presence of sebaceous neoplasms along with an internal malignancy, most commonly colorectal carcinomas. MTS is most commonly caused by microsatellite instabilities of the hMLH1 and hMSH2 mismatch repair genes, and is rarely caused by mutations of the hMSH6 gene. We describe the case of a 56-year-old male who presented with an enlarging mass on his back as well as hematochezia. The back mass was excised, and pathology confirmed microsatellite instability in MSH2 and MSH6. Abdominal CT and colonoscopy confirmed the presence of synchronous masses in the cecum, ascending colon, and the transverse colon. He refused any further workup or treatment, only to return 8 months later complaining of hematochezia and discomfort due to an enlarging mass protruding from the rectum. After consenting to surgical intervention, he agreed to outpatient chemotherapy treatment. The presence of sebaceous neoplasms should raise suspicion for the possibility of an associated internal malignancy.
Migration in Brazil: an input-output exercise for 2010
Authors: Perobelli Fernando Salgueiro , Siqueira Paloma Leite de , Freguglia Ricardo
Published: February 2016

Este trabalho avalia o processo migratório brasileiro em nível microrregional. De forma mais específica mensura o efeito potencial que o processo de imigração pode produzir sobre a migração interna, ou seja, o chamado efeito deslocamento. Para tal se baseia num modelo inter-regional de insumo-produto construído por meio de fluxos de indivíduos para medir como a recepção de imigrantes em uma região desloca população entre todas as regiões incluídas no modelo. O resultado encontrado para o índice de efeito deslocamento permitiu dividir as micro regiões brasileiras em dois grupos: a) aquelas com índice maior que um - microrregiões que não são capazes de absorver fluxos de indivíduos sem que haja deslocamento/expulsão de nativos (em geral localizadas no Norte e Nordeste do Brasil, mas existem outras espalhadas pelas demais regiões do país); b) aquelas com índice menor do que um - microrregiões que são capazes de absorver mão de obra imigrante sem causar grandes deslocamentos na população local (destacando-se as maiores micro regiões em termos de PIB do Brasil, além de regiões com intenso crescimento).Esses resultados ressaltam as diferenças/heterogeneidades regionais brasileiras e contribuem para o melhor entendimento de uma das questões inerentes ao fluxo migratório, ou seja, o deslocamento de nativos