bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Defensive Stance and Position of Handball Goalkeepers: Facing a Forward Jump Shot Made from 9 Meters
Authors: Yang Jong Hyun , Lee Young Suk
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to find the defensive stance and calculate an optimal defense position for goalkeepers while blocking forward jump shots made from a distance of 9 m. Nine men’s handball matches were recorded and 78 video clips were selected for analysis. These are the top class goalkeepers, which included players from the national team and reserve team of Korea. The goalkeeper’s actual defensive position was significantly different from instructional suggestions; the width of both feet of the goalkeeper was approximately 2.5 times the width of the shoulders, and the hands were at waist height. The goalkeeper’s actual defense position was about 1.10 (± 0.3) m from the goal line and also significantly different than instructional material (0.75 m). The optimal defense position, which was calculated from the goalkeeper’s actual movement, was 1.44 m from the goal line, because the ratio of goalkeeper’s defensive area in relation to the total area to be defended is highest at this point. In summary, we recommended that handball goalkeepers move forward, about a half step (0.34 m), when defending a forward jump shot made from 9 m, and instructional material should be modified according to the findings from this study.
What and where are the body's magnetometers?
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: June 2016

Researchers debate the pros and cons of magnetite, a mechanical sensor, and cryptochrome, a chemical sensor.
Panel of experts encourages scientific collaboration with Iran
Authors: Jarvis Michaela
Published: June 2016

AAAS conference examines partnership potential since signing of nuclear agreement
Multicenter Evaluation of BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel for Detection of Bacteria, Viruses, and Yeast in Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens
Authors: Leber Amy L. , Everhart Kathy , Balada-Llasat Joan-Miquel , Cullison Jillian , Daly Judy , Holt Sarah , Lephart Paul , Salimnia Hossein , Schreckenberger Paul C. , DesJarlais Sharon , Reed Sharon L. , Chapin Kimberle C. , LeBlanc Lindsay , Johnson J. Kristie , Soliven Nicole L. , Carroll Karen C. , Miller Jo-Anne , Dien Bard Jennifer , Mestas Javier , Bankowski Matthew , Enomoto Tori , Hemmert Andrew C. , Bourzac Kevin M.
Published: June 2016

Rapid diagnosis and treatment of infectious meningitis and encephalitis are critical to minimize morbidity and mortality. Comprehensive testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) often includes Gram stain, culture, antigen detection, and molecular methods, paired with chemical and cellular analyses. These methods may lack sensitivity or specificity, can take several days, and require significant volume for complete analysis. The FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) Panel is a multiplexed
in vitro
diagnostic test for the simultaneous, rapid (∼1-h) detection of 14 pathogens directly from CSF specimens:
Escherichia coli
K1,
Haemophilus influenzae
,
Listeria monocytogenes
,
Neisseria meningitidis
,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
,
Streptococcus agalactiae
, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, human herpesvirus 6, human parechovirus, varicella-zoster virus, and
Cryptococcus neoformans
/
Cryptococcus gattii
. We describe a multicenter evaluation of 1,560 prospectively collected CSF specimens with performance compared to culture (bacterial analytes) and PCR (all other analytes). The FilmArray ME Panel demonstrated a sensitivity or positive percentage of agreement of 100% for 9 of 14 analytes. Enterovirus and human herpesvirus type 6 had agreements of 95.7% and 85.7%, and
L. monocytogenes
and
N. meningitidis
were not observed in the study. For
S. agalactiae
, there was a single false-positive and false-negative result each, for a sensitivity and specificity of 0 and 99.9%, respectively. The specificity or negative percentage of agreement was 99.2% or greater for all other analytes. The FilmArray ME Panel is a sensitive and specific test to aid in diagnosis of ME. With use of this comprehensive and rapid test, improved patient outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship are anticipated.
Superiority of West Nile Virus RNA Detection in Whole Blood for Diagnosis of Acute Infection
Authors: Lustig Yaniv , Mannasse Batya , Koren Ravit , Katz-Likvornik Shiri , Hindiyeh Musa , Mandelboim Michal , Dovrat Sara , Sofer Danit , Mendelson Ella
Published: June 2016

The current diagnosis of West Nile virus (WNV) infection is primarily based on serology, since molecular identification of WNV RNA is unreliable due to the short viremia and absence of detectable virus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Recent studies have shown that WNV RNA can be detected in urine for a longer period and at higher concentrations than in plasma. In this study, we examined the presence of WNV RNA in serum, plasma, whole-blood, CSF, and urine samples obtained from patients diagnosed with acute WNV infection during an outbreak which occurred in Israel in 2015. Our results demonstrate that 33 of 38 WNV patients had detectable WNV RNA in whole blood at the time of diagnosis, a higher rate than in any of the other sample types tested. Overall, whole blood was superior to all other samples, with 86.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 83.9% negative predictive value. Interestingly, WNV viral load in urine was higher than in whole blood, CSF, serum, and plasma despite the lower sensitivity than that of whole blood. This study establishes the utility of whole blood in the routine diagnosis of acute WNV infection and suggests that it may provide the highest sensitivity for WNV RNA detection in suspected cases.
Comparison of peripheral and central capillary refill time in febrile children presenting to a paediatric emergency department and its utility in identifying children with serious bacterial infection
Authors: de Vos-Kerkhof Evelien , Krecinic Tarik , Vergouwe Yvonne , Moll Henriëtte A , Nijman Ruud G , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: June 2016

Objective

To determine the agreement between peripheral and central capillary refill time (pCRT/cCRT) and their diagnostic values for detecting serious bacterial infection (SBI) in febrile children attending the paediatric emergency department (ED).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Paediatric ED, Erasmus Medium Care-Sophia Children's hospital, the Netherlands.

Patients

1193 consecutively included, previously healthy, febrile children (1 month–16 years) with both pCRT measurements and cCRT measurements available. SBI diagnosis was based on abnormal radiographic findings and/or positive cultures from normally sterile locations in addition to clinical criteria.

Main outcome measures

Agreement between pCRT and cCRT (Cohen's κ), overall and stratified for age and body temperature. The diagnostic value of pCRT and cCRT for SBI was assessed with logistic regression.

Results

Overall agreement was 0.35 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.43; considered ‘fair’). Although not significant, agreement was lower in children aged 1–<5 years (κ: 0.15 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.27)) and decreased with higher body temperatures with κ ranging from 0.55 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.79) for temperature <37.5°C to 0.21 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.34) for temperature >39.5°C. Abnormal pCRT (>2 s) was observed in 153 (12.8%; 95% CI 10.9% to 14.7%) and abnormal cCRT in 55 (4.6%; 95% CI 3.4% to 5.8%) children. The OR of abnormal pCRT (>2 s) for predicting SBI was 1.10 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.84). For abnormal cCRT (>2 s), the OR was 0.43 (95% CI 0.13 to 1.39).

Conclusions

The pCRT and cCRT values showed only fair agreement in a general population of febrile children at the ED, and no significant association with age or body temperature was found. Only a small part of febrile children at risk for serious infections at the ED show abnormal CRT values. Both abnormal pCRT and cCRT (defined as >2 s) performed poorly and were non-significant in this study detecting SBI in a general population of febrile children.
Glomus tumour of the stomach
Authors: Troller Rebekka , Soll Christopher , Breitenstein Stefan
Published: June 2016

Glomus tumours are benign tumours typically arising from the glomus bodies and primarily found under the fingernails or toenails. These rare neoplasms account for <2% of all soft tissue tumours and are generally not found in the gastrointestinal tract. We report a case of a 40-year-old man presenting with recurrent epigastric pain and pyrosis. Endoscopy revealed a solitary tumour in the antrum of the stomach. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was suspicious for a gastrointestinal stroma tumour. After CT indicated the resectability of the tumour, showing neither lymphatic nor distant metastases, a laparoscopic-assisted gastric wedge resection was performed. Surprisingly, histology revealed a glomus tumour of the stomach.
Physical activity, sedentary behaviors and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Joseph Joshua J , Echouffo-Tcheugui Justin B , Golden Sherita H , Chen Haiying , Jenny Nancy Swords , Carnethon Mercedes R , Jacobs David , Burke Gregory L , Vaidya Dhananjay , Ouyang Pamela , Bertoni Alain G
Published: June 2016

Background

The association between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, and incident diabetes has been assessed in whites but is less well investigated in multiethnic populations.

Objective

To assess the association between PA, sedentary behavior, and incident diabetes in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

Research design and methods

Incident diabetes was assessed among adults without prevalent baseline diabetes (2000–2002) at 5 in-person examinations between 2002 and 2012. Baseline PA (moderate, vigorous, and exercise-specific; metabolic equivalents of task-hours/week) and sedentary behaviors (television watching, reading; hours/day) were assessed by questionnaire. HRs were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Among 5829 adults (mean age 61.8 years, 54% female, 42% white, 12% Chinese-American, 26% African-American, 21% Hispanic-American), there were 655 incident diabetes cases (median follow-up 11.1 years). After adjustment, diabetes risk was lower in those with brisk or striding compared with none or casual walking pace (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.54 to 0.84), higher levels of exercise PA (HR for highest vs lowest quartile 0.79; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98), and any compared with no vigorous PA (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.95). Race/ethnicity influenced the association of walking pace, exercise PA, and any vigorous PA on diabetes risk, which was only significant among whites. Total leisure sedentary behaviors (HR for highest vs lowest quartile 1.65; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.14) and television watching (HR for highest vs lowest quartile 2.68; 95% CI 1.38 to 5.21) were significantly associated with diabetes risk in multiethnic analyses and were influenced by race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

These results confirm the importance of PA and sedentary behavior on diabetes risk in a multiethnic population and demonstrate potential variations across race/ethnic groups.
Out of control: profit-seeking behaviour, unnecessary medical procedures and rising costs of private medical care in South Africa
Authors: Choonara Shakira , Eyles John
Published: June 2016

The World Health Assembly passed a resolution on the importance of engaging with the private health sector. However, the reality is that universal health coverage aspirations are particularly challenging when there is a significant private health sector. This sector in South Africa suffers from rapidly increasing costs, inflation and volume of services (unnecessary medical tests or treatments). This commentary draws on the international literature, particularly the Japanese model of healthcare, to illustrate that it is necessary and possible to curtail costs and volume in the private sector in South Africa, and possibly in other low-income and middle-income settings.
Validation of a performance checklist for ultrasound-guided internal jugular central lines for use in procedural instruction and assessment
Authors: Hartman Nicholas , Wittler Mary , Askew Kim , Hiestand Brian , Manthey David
Published: June 2016

Purpose of the study

Tools created to measure procedural competency must be tested in their intended environment against an established standard in order to be validated. We previously created a checklist for ultrasound-guided internal jugular central venous catheter (US IJ CVC) insertion using the modified Delphi method. We sought to further validate the checklist tool for use in an educational environment.

Study design

This is a cohort study involving 15 emergency medicine interns being evaluated on their skill in US IJ CVC placement. We compared the checklist tool with a modified version of a clinically validated global rating scale (GRS) for procedural performance.

Results

The correlation between the GRS tool and the checklist tool was excellent, with a correlation coefficient (Pearson’s r) of 0.90 (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

This checklist represents a useful tool for measuring procedural competency.
Microbial flora of odontogenic abscesses in pet guinea pigs
Authors: Minarikova A. , Hauptman K. , Knotek Z. , Jekl V.
Published: June 2016

Abscesses of odontogenic origin in guinea pigs pose a serious health problem and need to be treated with a combination of surgical and medical therapy. The aim of this prospective study was to describe the microbial flora of odontogenic abscesses associated with osteomyelitis in 24 pet guinea pigs, to perform antibiotic sensitivity testing, and to make recommendations for practitioners on the antibiotics of first choice. Inclusion criteria for the study included the animal being diagnosed with an odontogenic abscess which underwent surgery and was not pre‐treated with an antibiotic. Inclusion criteria matched for 24 guinea pigs. Samples (pus, capsule and affected tooth/bone) for bacteriological examination were collected under sterile conditions during the surgical procedure. The most commonly isolated bacteria from abscesses of odontogenic origin wereBacteroides fragilisin 12.8 per cent (6/47) of cases,Pasteurella multocidain 10.6 per cent (5/47) andPeptostreptococcus anaerobiusin 8.5 per cent (4/47). Aerobic bacterial species only were isolated in 29.2 per cent (7/24) of cases, anaerobic bacteria only were isolated in 33.3 per cent (8/24), and mixed infection with anaerobic and aerobic bacterial species was seen in 37.5 per cent (9/24). Aerobes (n=20) were sensitive to enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin in 100 per cent of samples, benzylpenicillin potassium (penicillin G, PNCG) in 90 per cent, cephalotin in 85 per cent, amoxicillin‐clavulanate in 75 per cent, doxycycline in 70 per cent, gentamicin in 65 per cent and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole in 55 per cent. Anaerobes (n=27) were sensitive to amoxicillin‐clavulanate in 100 per cent of cases, clindamycin in 96.3 per cent, metronidazole in 92.6 per cent, PNCG in 92.6 per cent and cephalotin in 74.1 per cent. As guinea pigs are strictly herbivorous animals, based on the results of this study the recommended antibiotic treatment for odontogenic abscesses is a combination of fluoroquinolones and metronidazole.
Judicious use of prophylactic antimicrobials to reduce abdominal surgical site infections in periparturient cows: part 1 – a risk factor review
Authors: Dumas S. E. , French H. M. , Lavergne S. N. , Ramirez C. R. , Brown L. J. , Bromfield C. R. , Garrett E. F. , French D. D. , Aldridge B. M.
Published: June 2016

Surgical site infections (SSI) are an uncommon, but significant, consequence of surgical interventions. There are very few studies investigating SSI risk in veterinary medicine, and even fewer in cattle, despite the fact that major surgeries are commonly conducted on livestock. Furthermore, the suboptimal conditions under which such surgeries are frequently performed on livestock could be considered an important risk factor for the development of SSIs. With increasing public concern over the contribution of veterinary‐prescribed antimicrobials to the emergence of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria in people, there is widespread scrutiny and criticism of antimicrobial use in livestock production medicine systems. While the causal link between antimicrobial resistance in livestock and people is heavily debated, it is clear that the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, in any population, is closely correlated with the antimicrobial ‘consumption’ within that population. As the veterinary profession explores ways of addressing the emergence and selection of antimicrobial‐resistant bacteria in food‐producing animals, there is a need for veterinarians and producers to carefully consider all areas of antimicrobial use, and employ an evidence‐based approach in designing appropriate clinical protocols. This paper aims to review current knowledge regarding the risk factors related to abdominal SSI in periparturient cows, and to encourage practitioners to judiciously evaluate both their standard operating procedures and their use of antimicrobials in these situations. In a second paper, to be published in a subsequent issue ofVeterinary Record, these principles will be used to provide specific evidence‐based recommendations for antimicrobial use in bovine abdominal surgery.
Setting up a postmortem service
Authors: van der Burgt Guda
Published: June 2016

Pets and pony camp, and a wish for a career that involved working with her hands, led Guda van der Burgt to study veterinary medicine at Utrecht. Starting her working life with a cattle breeding company, she moved into large animal work, industry and state veterinary medicine, all of which gave her the skills to set up a postmortem examination service
Silylphosphido complexes of gold(I) coordinated with NHC ligands
Authors: Khalili Najafabadi Bahareh , Corrigan John F.
Published: June 2016

The N-heterocyclic carbenes IPr (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) and iPr2-bimy (iPr2-bimy = 1,3-di-isopropylbenzimidazole-2-ylidene) were utilized as a basis for the preparation of four gold–silylphosphido complexes: [(IPr)AuP(Ph)SiMe3] (1), [(IPr)AuP(SiMe3)2] (2), [(iPr2-bimy)AuP(Ph)SiMe3] (3), and [(iPr2-bimy)AuP(SiMe3)2] (4). These complexes represent rare examples of terminally bonded Au–PR2 and the first examples where phosphorus retains reactive P-SiMe3 moieties. The reactivity of the P–Si bonds in 1 and 3 was explored via the addition of PhC(O)Cl. The products of these reactions were the formation of the phosphido-bridged [(IPrAu)2(μ-PPhC(O)Ph)][AuCl2] (5) and, in the case of the smaller N-heterocyclic carbenes, the tertiary phosphine PPh(C(O)Ph)2 (6) was isolated together with the known gold complex [(iPr2-bimy)AuCl]. Both reactions proceed via the elimination of ClSiMe3.
π-Conjugated polymers with pendant coumarins: design, synthesis, characterization, and interactions with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Imit Mokhtar , Imin Patigul , Adronov Alex
Published: June 2016

A series of new fluorene-based π-conjugated polymers having coumarin derivatives as part of dendritic side chains were designed and prepared using the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction. A new coumarin derivative bearing a heptyl side chain for solubility was utilized to ensure solubility of the final polymers. It was found that fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the coumrains to the polyfluorene backbone was efficient, especially for the polymers decorated with lower-generation dendrons. Each of the polymers was found to interact strongly with the surface of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in THF, and their ability to selectively disperse specific SWNT chiralities was investigated. Photoluminescence studies revealed that the strong polymer emission is efficiently quenched in the corresponding supramolecular complexes with SWNTs. This high quenching efficiency indicates that the coumarin–polymer FRET system can be supramolecularly bound to the surface of (SWNTs to produce an energy transfer system in which the energy absorbed by the donor coumarin chromophores is channeled to the SWNTs.
The causal order on the ambient boundary
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Cotsakis Spiros , Papadopoulos Kyriakos
Published: June 2016

We analyze the causal structure of the ambient boundary, the conformal infinity of the ambient (Poincaré) metric. Using topological tools, we show that the only causal relation compatible with the global topology of the boundary spacetime is the horismos order. This has important consequences for the notion of time in the conformal geometry of the ambient boundary.
Whole-Exome Sequencing of Salivary Gland Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Kang Hyunseok , Tan Marietta , Bishop Justin A. , Jones Siân , Sausen Mark , Ha Patrick K. , Agrawal Nishant
Published: June 2016

Purpose: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy. To explore the genetic origins of MEC, we performed systematic genomic analyses of these tumors.

Experimental Design: Whole-exome sequencing and gene copy-number analyses were performed for 18 primary cancers with matched normal tissue. FISH was used to determine the presence or absence of the MECT1-MAML2 translocation in 17 tumors.

Results: TP53 was the most commonly mutated gene in MEC (28%), and mutations were found only in intermediate- and high-grade tumors. Tumors with TP53 mutations had more mutations overall than tumors without TP53 mutations (P = 0.006). POU6F2 was the second most frequently mutated gene, found in three low-grade MECs with the same in-frame deletion. Somatic alterations in IRAK1, MAP3K9, ITGAL, ERBB4, OTOGL, KMT2C, and OBSCN were identified in at least two of the 18 tumors sequenced. FISH analysis confirmed the presence of the MECT1-MAML2 translocation in 15 of 17 tumors (88%).

Conclusions: Through these integrated genomic analyses, MECT1-MAML2 translocation and somatic TP53 and POU6F2 mutations appear to be the main drivers of MEC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 283–8. ©2016 AACR.
Prevention of Carcinogen-Induced Oral Cancer by Sulforaphane
Authors: Bauman Julie E. , Zang Yan , Sen Malabika , Li Changyou , Wang Lin , Egner Patricia A. , Fahey Jed W. , Normolle Daniel P. , Grandis Jennifer R. , Kensler Thomas W. , Johnson Daniel E.
Published: June 2016

Chronic exposure to carcinogens represents the major risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Beverages derived from broccoli sprout extracts (BSE) that are rich in glucoraphanin and its bioactive metabolite sulforaphane promote detoxication of airborne pollutants in humans. Herein, we investigated the potential chemopreventive activity of sulforaphane using in vitro models of normal and malignant mucosal epithelial cells and an in vivo model of murine oral cancer resulting from the carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO). Sulforaphane treatment of Het-1A, a normal mucosal epithelial cell line, and 4 HNSCC cell lines led to dose- and time-dependent induction of NRF2 and the NRF2 target genes NQO1 and GCLC, known mediators of carcinogen detoxication. Sulforaphane also promoted NRF2-independent dephosphorylation/inactivation of pSTAT3, a key oncogenic factor in HNSCC. Compared with vehicle, sulforaphane significantly reduced the incidence and size of 4NQO-induced tongue tumors in mice. A pilot clinical trial in 10 healthy volunteers evaluated the bioavailability and pharmacodynamic activity of three different BSE regimens, based upon urinary sulforaphane metabolites and NQO1 transcripts in buccal scrapings, respectively. Ingestion of sulforaphane-rich BSE demonstrated the greatest, most consistent bioavailability. Mucosal bioactivity, defined as 2-fold or greater upregulation of NQO1 mRNA, was observed in 6 of 9 evaluable participants ingesting glucoraphanin-rich BSE; 3 of 6 ingesting sulforaphane-rich BSE; and 3 of 9 after topical-only exposure to sulforaphane-rich BSE. Together, our findings demonstrate preclinical chemopreventive activity of sulforaphane against carcinogen-induced oral cancer, and support further mechanistic and clinical investigation of sulforaphane as a chemopreventive agent against tobacco-related HNSCC. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 547–57. ©2016 AACR.
Circulating Osteopontin and Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in a Large European Population
Authors: Duarte-Salles Talita , Misra Sandeep , Stepien Magdalena , Plymoth Amelie , Muller David , Overvad Kim , Olsen Anja , Tjønneland Anne , Baglietto Laura , Severi Gianluca , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Turzanski-Fortner Renee , Kaaks Rudolf , Boeing Heiner , Aleksandrova Krasimira , Trichopoulou Antonia , Lagiou Pagona , Bamia Christina , Pala Valeria , Palli Domenico , Mattiello Amalia , Tumino Rosario , Naccarati Alessio , Bueno-de-Mesquita H.B(as). , Peeters Petra H. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Quirós J. Ramón , Agudo Antonio , Sánchez-Cantalejo Emilio , Ardanaz Eva , Gavrila Diana , Dorronsoro Miren , Werner Mårten , Hemmingsson Oskar , Ohlsson Bodil , Sjöberg Klas , Wareham Nicholas J. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Bradbury Kathryn E. , Gunter Marc J. , Cross Amanda J. , Riboli Elio , Jenab Mazda , Hainaut Pierre , Beretta Laura
Published: June 2016

We previously identified osteopontin (OPN) as a promising marker for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the association between prediagnostic circulating OPN levels and HCC incidence in a large population-based cohort. A nested case–control study was conducted within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. During a mean follow-up of 4.8 years, 100 HCC cases were identified. Each case was matched to two controls and OPN levels were measured in baseline plasma samples. Viral hepatitis, liver function, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) tests were also conducted. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate multivariable odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for OPN levels in relation to HCC. Receiver operating characteristics curves were constructed to determine the discriminatory accuracy of OPN alone or in combination with other liver biomarkers in the prediction of HCC. OPN levels were positively associated with HCC risk (per 10% increment, ORmultivariable = 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14–1.48). The association was stronger among cases diagnosed within 2 years of follow-up. Adding liver function tests to OPN improved the discriminatory performance for subjects who developed HCC (AUC = 0.86). For cases diagnosed within 2 years, the combination of OPN and AFP was best able to predict HCC risk (AUC = 0.88). The best predictive model for HCC in this low-risk population is OPN in combination with liver function tests. Within 2 years of diagnosis, the combination of OPN and AFP best predicted HCC development, suggesting that measuring OPN and AFP could identify high-risk groups independently of a liver disease diagnosis. Cancer Prev Res; 9(9); 758–65. ©2016 AACR.
Transcriptome Analysis of WHV/c-myc Transgenic Mice Implicates Cytochrome P450 Enzyme 17A1 as a Promising Biomarker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Feng , Huang Jian , Zhu Zhu , Ma Xiao , Cao Li , Zhang Yongzhi , Chen Wei , Dong Yang
Published: June 2016

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is critical for successful treatment and favorable prognosis. To identify novel HCC biomarkers, we used the WHV/c-myc transgenic (Tg) mice, an animal model of hepatocarcinogenesis. By analyzing their gene expression profiling, we investigated differentially expressed genes in livers of wild-type and Tg mice. The cytochrome P450, family 17, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP17A1), a hepatic P450 enzyme, was revealed to be overexpressed in the liver tissues of Tg mice at both preneoplastic and neoplastic stages. Mouse-to-human validation demonstrated that CYP17A1 mRNA and protein were also significantly increased in human HCC tissues compared with paired nontumor tissues (P = 0.00041 and 0.00011, respectively). Immunohistochemical studies showed that CYP17A1 was overexpressed in 67% (58 of 87) of HCC, and strong staining of CYP17A1 was observed in well-differentiated HCCs. Consistent with this, the median serum levels of CYP17A1 were also significantly higher in patients with HCC (140.2 ng/mL, n = 776) compared with healthy controls (31.4 ng/mL, n = 366) and to those with hepatitis B virus (57.5 ng/mL, n = 160), cirrhosis (46.1 ng/mL, n = 147), lung cancer (27.4 ng/mL, n = 109), and prostate cancer (42.1 ng/mL, n = 130; all P < 0.001). Notably, the elevations were seen in most AFP-negative HCC cases. Altogether, through mouse-to-human search and validation, we found that CYP17A1 is overexpressed in HCCs and it has great potentiality as a noninvasive marker for HCC detection. These results provide a rationale for the future development and clinical application of CYP17A1 measurement to diagnose HCC more precisely. Cancer Prev Res; 9(9); 739–49. ©2016 AACR.
Association Between Serum Cortisol and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Essential Hypertension
Authors: Li Xiujuan , Xiang Xiaojiao , Hu Jinbo , Goswami Richa , Yang Shumin , Zhang Aipin , Wang Yue , Li Qifu , Bi Xiaoyun
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Serum cortisol level is elevated in patients with essential hypertension. We aimed at investigating the association of serum cortisol levels with parameters of renal function in essential hypertension. Methods: One hundred and seventy-eight patients with essential hypertension participated in the study. Fasting serum samples were collected at 8:00 am. Renal function was measured as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine- cystatin C equation (eGFRcr-cys). Correlation analysis and stepwise regression analysis were used to detect the relationship between cortisol and eGFRcr-cys. The distributions of serum cortisol were split by the tertiles and subjects were stratified into those with low, median and high levels accordingly. Results: Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in subjects whose eGFRcr-cys<90 ml/min/1.73 m2 than subjects whose eGFRcr-cys>90 ml/min/1.73 m2 (394.0±93.4 vs. 343.2±98.4 nmol/L, P=0.001). Age, systolic blood pressure, and serum total cholesterol, uric acid, cortisol levels were significantly associated with eGFRcr-cys, serum levels of creatinine and cystatin C. After adjusting for clinical factors, serum cortisol level had a statistically significant negative association with the eGFRcr-cys (β=-0.19, P=0.027), and positive associations with cystatin C (β=0.31, P=0.001) and creatinine (β=0.14, P=0.044). With the increment of cortisol tertile, the eGFRcr-cys significantly decreased (93.18±14.36 vs. 84.61±14.67 vs. 81.29±12.36 ml/min/1.73 m2 for low, median and high tertile, respecively, P=0.001). Conclusion: Serum cortisol level was negatively correlated with eGFRcr-cys in subjects with essential hypertension. Further studies are needed to investigate whether cortisol plays a role in hypertensive nephropathy development.
Transient Complete Heart Block Secondary to Bed Bug Insecticide: A Case of Pyrethroid Cardiac Toxicity
Authors: Singh Hemindermeet , Luni Faraz Khan , Marwaha Bharat , Ali Syed Sohail , Alo Mohammed
Published: June 2016

Pyrethroids are the major components of various commercially used insect repellants. These are less toxic to humans due to their slow absorption and rapid metabolism. However, cases of suicidal and accidental poisoning with household insecticides are not uncommon. We report a case of a 59-year-old female who presented with syncope after an accidental exposure to bed bug repellant spray at home. She was found to be in complete heart block and was treated conservatively. There was complete resolution of symptoms and atrioventricular conduction abnormality on day 2 of hospitalization. She was discharged in a stable condition with an uneventful follow-up course. Cardiac involvement in pyrethroid toxicity is rare. We describe various clinical manifestations and the pathophysiology of toxicity caused by pyrethroid-containing insecticides.
A Prognostic Neonatal Neuroimaging Scale for Symptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Alarcon Ana , Martinez-Biarge Miriam , Cabañas Fernando , Quero Jose , García-Alix Alfredo
Published: June 2016

Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) can cause brain inflammation/destruction and teratogenic effects. The only validated neuroimaging prognostic categorization for symptomatic cCMV available is based on destructive lesions seen on computed tomography (CT). Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the predictive ability of a comprehensive neonatal neuroimaging scale in symptomatic cCMV. Methods: Twenty-six infants were studied by neonatal cranial ultrasound scans (US; n = 25), CT (n = 11) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 9). A previously validated neuroimaging scale comprising calcifications, ventriculomegaly and atrophy was compared to a newly proposed system adding cerebral dysgenesis and white matter disease. The findings were graded from 0 to 3. Neurodevelopmental assessment included motor and cognitive functions, epilepsy, vision, hearing and behavioral disorders. Results: Both scales showed a significant association with outcome (p < 0.005). Our scale was more accurate in predicting death or moderate-severe disability (area under the curve for scores ≥2, 0.88 ± 0.06 vs. 0.80 ± 0.08). All 5 infants with normal neuroimaging survived with intact neurological function. While our scale was highly associated with outcome in patients studied by MRI, it was unable to predict unfavorable outcomes in 2 patients with mildly abnormal US and/or CT. Conclusions: A comprehensive scale based on US and MRI predicts neurodevelopment in symptomatic cCMV. Significant destructive lesions are associated with a poor prognosis. While a strictly normal cranial US predicts a favorable outcome, in case of subtle US abnormalities, MRI is crucial for prognostication.
Impact of the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier Result on the Surgical Management of Thyroid Nodules with Category III/IV Cytology and Its Correlation with Surgical Outcome
Authors: Chaudhary Shweta , Hou Yanjun , Shen Rulong , Hooda Shveta , Li Zaibo
Published: June 2016

Objective: The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) is a molecular test to further classify indeterminate fine-needle aspiration (FNA) as benign or suspicious for malignancy. Study Design: A total of 158 FNAs with Bethesda category III/IV cytology were sent for an Afirma GEC test. We correlated the Afirma GEC results with surgical outcome and also compared the data after Afirma's implementation with the data before. Results: Among the 158 FNAs, the Afirma result was benign in 63 (40%), suspicious in 85 (54%) and unsatisfactory in 10 (6%). In total, 73 (86%) suspicious Afirma cases had surgery and 28 (38%) showed carcinoma. In contrast, only 8 (13%) benign Afirma cases had surgery and all of them were benign. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value (PPV) of Afirma were 100, 15, 100 and 38%, respectively. The PPV was 20% in cases with follicular lesion of undetermined significance, but was 50% in cases suspicious for follicular neoplasm (SFN). The surgical excisional rate was significantly decreased in SFN cases after the Afirma test. Conclusions: The Afirma GEC is useful for further risk stratifying SFN cases.
МІКРОБНО-ВІРУСНІ АСОЦІАЦІЇ ДЕЯКИХ ВНУТРІШНЬОКЛІТИННИХ ПАТОГЕНІВ (MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE ТА HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS) У ХВОРИХ НА НЕГОСПІТАЛЬНУ ПНЕВМОНІЮ
Authors: Brusnik S. V. , Popova N. H. , Popova L. O.
Published: June 2016

Проаналізовано дані інфікованості на мікст-інфекцію (Mycoplasma рneumoniae та Herpes simplex virus) у хворих на негоспітальну пневмонію (НП). Встановлено, що за асоційованої інфікованості перебіг пневмонії був найтяжчим з негативними наслідками.
Permeable Thrombi Are Associated With Higher Intravenous Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator Treatment Success in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Santos Emilie M.M. , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Treurniet Kilian M. , Horsch Alexander D. , Roos Yvo B. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Niessen Wiro J. , Majoie Charles B. , Velthuis Birgitta , Marquering Henk A. , Duijm L.E. , Keizer K. , van der Lugt A. , Dippel D.W. , Droogh - de Greeve K.E. , Bienfait H.P. , van Walderveen M.A. , Wermer M.J. , Lycklama à Nijeholt G.J. , Boiten J. , Duyndam D. , Kwa I.V. , Meijer J.F. , van Dijk E.J. , Kesselring F.O. , Hofmeijer J. , Vos J.A. , Schonewille W.J. , van Rooij W.J. , de Kort P.L. , Pleiter C.C. , Bakker S.L. , Bot J. , Visser M.C. , van der Schaaf I.C. , Mali W.P. , van Seeters T. , Niesten J.M. , Biessels G.J. , Luitse M.J. , van der Graaf Y.
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose—

Preclinical studies showed that thrombus permeability improves recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-tPA) efficacy. We hypothesize that thrombus permeability estimated from radiological imaging is associated with improved recanalization after treatment with intravenously administered r-tPA (r-tPA) and with better functional outcome.

Methods—

We assessed thrombus attenuation increase (TAI) in patients from the Dutch Acute Stroke Study with an occlusion of an intracranial artery on computed tomographic angiography. Patients were included within 9 hours after the stroke onset. After dichotomization of TAI as pervious or impervious, logistic regressions analyses were performed to estimate associations of intravenous r-tPA therapy with complete recanalization and with favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2).

Results—

Three hundred eight patients matched the inclusion criteria. The median TAI was 20.1 (interquartile range, 8.5–37.8) Hounsfield unit (HU). We found a significant increase in the odds of complete recanalization with increasing TAI for patients treated with intravenous r-tPA (
P
=0.030). One hundred thirty-one (42%) thrombi were classified as pervious with TAI of ≥23 HU. In patients with a pervious thrombus, complete recanalization was more frequent after treatment with intravenous r-tPA than after conservative treatment (odds ratio, 6.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.4–16.8;
P
<0.001). In patients with an impervious thrombus, the effect of intravenous r-tPA was not significant (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.5–4.1;
P
=0.47). Favorable outcome was more common in patients with a pervious thrombi than without (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–3.4;
P
=0.001).

Conclusions—

Thrombus perviousness, as measured on computed tomography in the acute stage of ischemic stroke, is strongly associated with recanalization after intravenous r-tPA treatment and with favorable functional outcome.
Accounting for the Occupation
Authors: Kohlbry Paul
Published: June 2016

Shir Hever’s book examines the underlying economic dynamics of Israel’s occupation. Hever’s analysis brings out several overlooked mechanisms that function to make the Occupation profitable to Israeli state and corporate interests, but he also argues that for Israeli society, the costs of Occupation far outweigh the benefits. Hever is highly critical of Marxist accounts that, he claims, misunderstand the political economy of the Occupation, but this review argues that Hever’s critique is mistaken. It attempts to show how Hever’s analysis of the Occupation and account of Palestinian resistance would have benefited from a more careful engagement with materialist work on Israel and Palestine.
Economic Consequences of Divorce in Korea
Authors: Kim Hyunjin
Published: June 2016

Still, the Korean divorce law adheres to fault-based divorce. According to the majority of Korean Supreme Court, the main reason of not admitting no-fault policy is that preconditions of systems for protecting the spouse and children after divorce financially are not yet satisfied in Korea. There have been remarkable development of divorce laws to pursue equality in property division between spouses, including re-conceptualizing pension entitlement as object of property division through Court’s rulings and legislation. As to protect child after divorce, it is noteworthy to see a belated but wise establishment of the state agency to enforce child support obligations and its soft landing. However, we still have miles to go before the divorce laws secure true equality or fairness financially upon divorce.
New and newly recorded micro-caddisfly species (Insecta: Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) from Australia’s north, including islands of Torres Strait
Authors: WELLS ALICE , DOSTINE PETER
Published: June 2016

From the north of Australia’s Northern Territory, far northeastern Queensland and Torres Strait Islands, six new species of microcaddisfly are described: Hydroptila roperi sp. nov., Hellyethira khukri sp. nov., Oxyethira (Trichoglene) bamaga sp. nov., Oxyethira (Dampfitrichia) torresiana sp. nov., Orthotrichia pethericki sp. nov., and Orthotrichia becca sp. nov. Oxyethira torresiana is recorded from the northwest of York Peninsula and Badu Island in the Torres Strait as well as from Papua New Guinea. Northern Australian records are given for Orthotrichia veikaba Wells and Orthotrichia ensiformis Wells, previously known only from Papua New Guinea. Northern Australian distributions are extended eastwards for  Tricholeiochiton jabirella Wells and westwards for Oxyethira (Trichoglene) triangulata Wells, until now recorded only from the Northern Territory and northeastern Australia, respectively. Brief notes are given on collecting methods and sites.
Larval morphology and complex vocal repertoire of Rhacophorus helenae (Anura: Rhacophoridae), a rare flying frog from Vietnam
Authors: VASSILIEVA ANNA B. , GOGOLEVA SVETLANA S. , POYARKOV NIKOLAY A. Jr.
Published: June 2016

We present new data on the distribution, reproduction, larval morphology and vocalization of Rhacophorus helenae (Rhacophoridae), a narrowly distributed frog from southern Vietnam. Two new populations of R. helenae were discovered during field surveys in the lowland monsoon forests in Dong Nai and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces in 2010–2013. Spawning was observed in May 2013. Egg clutches containing small (2.3±0.1 mm) unpigmented eggs were embedded in a foam nest and suspended high on trees above temporary ponds. The tadpoles of R. helenae have a morphology typical of pond-dwelling Rhacophorus larvae with a moderate tail length and a labial tooth row formula of 5(2–5)/3. Postmetamorphic juveniles differed from adult frogs in the features of their coloration and less developed webbing. The complex vocal repertoire of R. helenae included five types of tonal, wideband and pulsed calls and several transitional signal types differentiated by frequency and amplitude parameters. Calls were uttered as singular signals (pulsed calls) or within non-stereotyped series of variable duration (other call types). The complex structure of the advertisement call markedly distinguishes R. helenae from other members of the Rhacophorus reinwardtii species complex.
The North African sawfly genus Prionomeion (Hymenoptera, Diprionidae), with a key to the Palaearctic genera of the subfamily Diprioninae
Authors: HARA HIDEHO
Published: June 2016

The diagnostic characters are discussed for the North African genus Prionomeion Benson, 1939 (Hymenoptera, Diprionidae, Diprioninae). The type species, Prionomeion gaullei (Konow, 1906), is redescribed based on the holotype (female) and one male, both from Algeria. The second species of the genus, P. maghrebense sp. nov. is described based on one female from Morocco and one male from Algeria. A key to the Palaearctic genera of the subfamily Diprioninae is given.
Canonical Transfer and Multiscale Energetics for Primitive and Quasigeostrophic Atmospheres
Authors: San Liang X.
Published: June 2016

The past years have seen the success of a novel and rigorous localized multiscale energetics formalism in a variety of ocean and engineering fluid applications. In a self-contained way, this study introduces it to the atmospheric dynamical diagnostics, with important theoretical updates and clarifications of some common misconceptions about multiscale energy. Multiscale equations are derived using a new analysis apparatus—namely, multiscale window transform—with respect to both the primitive equation and quasigeostrophic models. A reconstruction of the “atomic” energy fluxes on the multiple scale windows allows for a natural and unique separation of the in-scale transports and cross-scale transfers from the intertwined nonlinear processes. The resulting energy transfers bear a Lie bracket form, reminiscent of the Poisson bracket in Hamiltonian mechanics; hence, we would call them “canonical.” A canonical transfer process is a mere redistribution of energy among scale windows, without generating or destroying energy as a whole. By classification, a multiscale energetic cycle comprises available potential energy (APE) transport, kinetic energy (KE) transport, pressure work, buoyancy conversion, work done by external forcing and friction, and the cross-scale canonical transfers of APE and KE, which correspond respectively to the baroclinic and barotropic instabilities in geophysical fluid dynamics. A buoyancy conversion takes place in an individual window only, bridging the two types of energy, namely, KE and APE; it does not involve any processes among different scale windows and is hence basically not related to instabilities. This formalism is exemplified with a preliminary application to the study of the Madden–Julian oscillation.
Migrant Transnational Participation
Authors: Duquette-Rury Lauren
Published: June 2016

Contemporary debates on the relationship between migration and development focus extensively on how migrant remittances affect the economies of sending countries. Yet remittances also produce dynamic political consequences in migrants’ origin communities. Income earned abroad creates political opportunities for migrant groups to participate in the provision of public services in their hometowns. Focusing on organizational variation in partnerships across time and space, this article examines the conditions under which the transnational coproduction of public goods between organized migrants and public agencies at origin shapes democratic governance. I argue that local citizen inclusion and government engagement interact to determine four different types of coproduction: corporatist, fragmented, substitutive, and synergetic. Using four comparative case studies based on fieldwork in three Mexican states, I trace central mechanisms to organizational forms of coproduction and describe how emergent variation affects democratic governance and state–society relations. I show how transnational forces, when collaborating with local social and political institutions, can profoundly affect democratic development.
Pump–Probe Spectroscopy Using the Hadamard Transform
Authors: Beddard Godfrey S. , Yorke Briony A.
Published: June 2016

A new method of performing pump–probe experiments is proposed and experimentally demonstrated by a proof of concept on the millisecond scale. The idea behind this method is to measure the total probe intensity arising from several time points as a group, instead of measuring each time separately. These measurements are multiplexes that are then transformed into the true signal via multiplication with a binary Hadamard S matrix. Each group of probe pulses is determined by using the pattern of a row of the Hadamard S matrix and the experiment is completed by rotating this pattern by one step for each sample excitation until the original pattern is again produced. Thus to measure n time points, n excitation events are needed and n probe patterns each taken from the n ×  n S matrix. The time resolution is determined by the shortest time between the probe pulses. In principle, this method could be used over all timescales, instead of the conventional pump–probe method which uses delay lines for picosecond and faster time resolution, or fast detectors and oscilloscopes on longer timescales. This new method is particularly suitable for situations where the probe intensity is weak and/or the detector is noisy. When the detector is noisy, there is in principle a signal to noise advantage over conventional pump–probe methods.