bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutrophils in Tissue Trauma of the Skin, Bone, and Lung: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: Kovtun A. , Messerer D. A. C. , Scharffetter-Kochanek K. , Huber-Lang M. , Ignatius A.
Published: April 2018

Following severe tissue injury, patients are exposed to various danger- and microbe-associated molecular patterns, which provoke a strong activation of the neutrophil defense system. Neutrophils trigger and modulate the initial posttraumatic inflammatory response and contribute critically to subsequent repair processes. However, severe trauma can affect central neutrophil functions, including circulation half-life, chemokinesis, phagocytosis, cytokine release, and respiratory burst. Alterations in neutrophil biology may contribute to trauma-associated complications, including immune suppression, sepsis, multiorgan dysfunction, and disturbed tissue regeneration. Furthermore, there is evidence that neutrophil actions depend on the quality of the initial stimulus, including trauma localization and severity, the micromilieu in the affected tissue, and the patient’s overall inflammatory status. In the present review, we describe the effects of severe trauma on the neutrophil phenotype and dysfunction and the consequences for tissue repair. We particularly concentrate on the role of neutrophils in wound healing, lung injury, and bone fractures, because these are the most frequently affected tissues in severely injured patients.
14-3-3 Proteins in Glutamatergic Synapses
Authors: Zhang Jiajing , Zhou Yi
Published: April 2018

The 14-3-3 proteins are a family of proteins that are highly expressed in the brain and particularly enriched at synapses. Evidence accumulated in the last two decades has implicated 14-3-3 proteins as an important regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Here, we will review previous and more recent research that has helped us understand the roles of 14-3-3 proteins at glutamatergic synapses. A key challenge for the future is to delineate the 14-3-3-dependent molecular pathways involved in regulating synaptic functions.
Inhibitory Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Its Major Constituent Glycyrrhizin on Inflammation‐Associated Corneal Neovascularization
Authors: Shah Syed Luqman , Wahid Fazli , Khan Noorullah , Farooq Umar , Shah Abdul Jabbar , Tareen Shah , Ahmad Fiaz , Khan Taous
Published: April 2018

Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Leguminosae) is widely used in folk medicines. Glycyrrhizin, an active compound of G. glabra, possesses anti‐inflammatory activity. This study investigates the G. glabra methanol extract and glycyrrhizin for the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). G. glabra was extracted in 70% aqueous methanol. Phytochemical tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used for the analysis of chemical composition. The topical solution of G. glabra methanol extract (2% w/v) and glycyrrhizin (1% w/v) was prepared in normal saline. After corneal burn (1 N NaOH), animals were left untreated for a week so that neovascularization appears in all groups. Treatments started on day 7 and continued for next 21 consecutive days. The animals were treated with 3 drops of various topical solutions thrice a day. Digital photograph analysis and histological studies were used for the evaluation of CNV. Phytochemical analysis of the G. glabra methanol extract showed the presence of saponins, phenols, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and proteins. TLC and HPLC confirmed the presence of glycyrrhizin. Photograph analysis of the extract and glycyrrhizin treated group showed a considerable decrease in CNV. Histological study of G. glabra and glycyrrhizin treated groups showed no blood vessels with properly arranged collagen fibers. This study showed that G. glabra and glycyrrhizin can be used for the treatment of CNV. Bioassay guided isolation can lead to preparation of ophthalmic solutions for the treatment of CNV.
Services and Security Threats in SDN Based VANETs: A Survey
Authors: Shafiq Hammad , Rehman Rana Asif , Kim Byung-Seo
Published: April 2018

As the number of vehicles is increasing, the number of road side accidents is also increasing rapidly. The majority of these accidents is caused by the negligence of the driver. For intelligent transportation services, new protocols and architecture are continuously being developed by researchers around the globe. Thus to ensure the safety of drivers many countries are now adopting and investing a lot on vehicular ad hoc network (VANET). On the other perspective, there are many issues related to this field that must be resolved before VANET technology is practically adopted. In the case of no or low‐security, several attacks can occur that may affect the efficiency and the reliability of the system. To make VANET systems more efficient software defined networking (SDN) technology is introduced in it. This technique was shortly named as SDN‐based VANET. SDN‐based VANET system helps us to get rid of the restriction and the challenges that are present in the simple VANET systems. It helps us to decrease the overall load on the network by managing the overall network through a single remote controller. In this survey paper, we will elaborate the concept of SDN‐based VANET, its working, applications, services, security threats, and benefits over the previous techniques.
Effects of High‐Density Electric Current Pulse on the Undercooling of Fe‐B Eutectic Alloy Melt
Authors: Ma Teng , Hao Weixin , Sun Xiaosi , Zhang Junting , Geng Guihong
Published: April 2018

The solidification microstructure of Fe‐B eutectic alloy under high undercooling and high‐density electric current pulse (ECP) was investigated with the technique of molten glass slag purification combined with cyclical superheating and the ECP treatment. The effects of high‐density ECP on the undercooling of Fe‐B eutectic alloy melt were analyzed by the DSC method. The analysis results showed that the solidification microstructure of Fe‐B eutectic alloy under ECP was similar to that obtained by the high undercooling technique. The undercooling obtained under two experimental conditions was basically the same, proving that the high undercooling of the metallic melt could be realized by the ECP.
Thermopower Enhancement from Engineering the Na0.7CoO2 Interacting Fermiology via Fe Doping
Authors: Richter Raphael , Shopova Denitsa , Xie Wenjie , Weidenkaff Anke , Lechermann Frank
Published: April 2018

The sodium cobaltate system NaxCoO2 is a prominent representant of strongly correlated materials with promising thermoelectric response. In a combined theoretical and experimental study we show that, by doping the Co site of the compound at x=0.7 with iron, a further increase of the Seebeck coefficient is achieved. The Fe defects give rise to effective hole doping in the high-thermopower region of larger sodium content x. Originally filled hole pockets in the angular-resolved spectral function of the material shift to low energy when introducing Fe, leading to a multisheet interacting Fermi surface. Because of the higher sensitivity of correlated materials to doping, introducing adequate substitutional defects is thus a promising route to manipulate their thermopower.
A Genetic Variant Located in miR-146b Promoter Region Is Associated with Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Weizhi , Du Mulong , Li Zheng , Zhang Lei , Li Qing , Xu Zhipeng , Li Bowen , Wang Linjun , Li Fengyuan , Zhang Diancai , Xu Hao , Yang Li , Gong Weida , Qiang Fulin , Zhang Zhengdong , Xu Zekuan
Published: April 2018

Background: SNPs in the promoter region of miRNAs have been reported to be associated with cancer prognosis. Our previous study found that miR-146b had a strong correlation with the stage classification of gastric cancer and contributed to tumor progression. The current study was aimed at investigating whether an SNP located in the promoter region of miR-146b could affect the survival rate of gastric cancer.

Methods: Using bioinformatics tools, we identified one SNP (rs1536309) that is located in the miR-146b promoter. We genotyped this SNP site to assess its association with gastric cancer prognosis in 940 cases.

Results: We found that the dominant model of miR-146b rs1536309 was associated with a higher survival rate of gastric cancer. The association remained significant in the subgroup analysis by age (≤60), sex (male), tumor size (≤5 cm), histologic type (diffuse), lymph node metastasis (N0), distant metastasis (M0), and TNM stage (I/II).

Conclusions: Our results suggested that the miR-146b rs1536309 polymorphism may be a potential biomarker for the prognosis of gastric cancer.

Impact: This is the first evidence showing that patients carrying the miR-146b-5p rs1536309 CC/CT genotypes exhibited better survival than those carrying the TT genotype, suggesting the protective effect of the C allele in the prognosis of gastric cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(7); 822–8. ©2018 AACR.
Baseline Tumor Size Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Overall Survival in Patients with Melanoma Treated with Pembrolizumab
Authors: Joseph Richard W. , Elassaiss-Schaap Jeroen , Kefford Richard , Hwu Wen-Jen , Wolchok Jedd D. , Joshua Anthony M. , Ribas Antoni , Hodi F. Stephen , Hamid Omid , Robert Caroline , Daud Adil , Dronca Roxana , Hersey Peter , Weber Jeffrey S. , Patnaik Amita , de Alwis Dinesh P. , Perrone Andrea , Zhang Jin , Kang S. Peter , Ebbinghaus Scot , Anderson Keaven M. , Gangadhar Tara C.
Published: April 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the association of baseline tumor size (BTS) with other baseline clinical factors and outcomes in pembrolizumab-treated patients with advanced melanoma in KEYNOTE-001 (NCT01295827).

Experimental Design: BTS was quantified by adding the sum of the longest dimensions of all measurable baseline target lesions. BTS as a dichotomous and continuous variable was evaluated with other baseline factors using logistic regression for objective response rate (ORR) and Cox regression for overall survival (OS). Nominal P values with no multiplicity adjustment describe the strength of observed associations.

Results: Per central review by RECIST v1.1, 583 of 655 patients had baseline measurable disease and were included in this post hoc analysis. Median BTS was 10.2 cm (range, 1–89.5). Larger median BTS was associated with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 1, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), stage M1c disease, and liver metastases (with or without any other sites; all P ≤ 0.001). In univariate analyses, BTS below the median was associated with higher ORR (44% vs. 23%; P < 0.001) and improved OS (HR, 0.38; P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, BTS below the median remained an independent prognostic marker of OS (P < 0.001) but not ORR. In 459 patients with available tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, BTS below the median and PD-L1–positive tumors were independently associated with higher ORR and longer OS.

Conclusions: BTS is associated with many other baseline clinical factors but is also independently prognostic of survival in pembrolizumab-treated patients with advanced melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 24(20); 4960–7. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Warner and Postow, p. 4915
Integrative Kinome Profiling Identifies mTORC1/2 Inhibition as Treatment Strategy in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Caumanns Joseph J. , Berns Katrien , Wisman G. Bea A. , Fehrmann Rudolf S.N. , Tomar Tushar , Klip Harry , Meersma Gert J. , Hijmans E. Marielle , Gennissen Annemiek M.C. , Duiker Evelien W. , Weening Desiree , Itamochi Hiroaki , Kluin Roelof J.C. , Reyners Anna K.L. , Birrer Michael J. , Salvesen Helga B. , Vergote Ignace , van Nieuwenhuysen Els , Brenton James , Braicu E. Ioana , Kupryjanczyk Jolanta , Spiewankiewicz Beata , Mittempergher Lorenza , Bernards René , van der Zee Ate G.J. , de Jong Steven
Published: April 2018

Purpose: Advanced-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is unresponsive to conventional platinum-based chemotherapy. Frequent alterations in OCCC include deleterious mutations in the tumor suppressor ARID1A and activating mutations in the PI3K subunit PIK3CA. In this study, we aimed to identify currently unknown mutated kinases in patients with OCCC and test druggability of downstream affected pathways in OCCC models.

Experimental Design: In a large set of patients with OCCC (n = 124), the human kinome (518 kinases) and additional cancer-related genes were sequenced, and copy-number alterations were determined. Genetically characterized OCCC cell lines (n = 17) and OCCC patient–derived xenografts (n = 3) were used for drug testing of ERBB tyrosine kinase inhibitors erlotinib and lapatinib, the PARP inhibitor olaparib, and the mTORC1/2 inhibitor AZD8055.

Results: We identified several putative driver mutations in kinases at low frequency that were not previously annotated in OCCC. Combining mutations and copy-number alterations, 91% of all tumors are affected in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the MAPK pathway, or the ERBB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, and 82% in the DNA repair pathway. Strong p-S6 staining in patients with OCCC suggests high mTORC1/2 activity. We consistently found that the majority of OCCC cell lines are especially sensitive to mTORC1/2 inhibition by AZD8055 and not toward drugs targeting ERBB family of receptor tyrosine kinases or DNA repair signaling. We subsequently demonstrated the efficacy of mTORC1/2 inhibition in all our unique OCCC patient–derived xenograft models.

Conclusions: These results propose mTORC1/2 inhibition as an effective treatment strategy in OCCC. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3928–40. ©2018 AACR.
Evaluation of Cancer-Associated DNA Copy Number Events in Colorectal (Advanced) Adenomas
Authors: Carvalho Beatriz , Diosdado Begoña , Terhaar Sive Droste Jochim S. , Bolijn Anne S. , Komor Malgorzata A. , de Wit Meike , Bosch Linda J.W. , van Burink Myrthe , Dekker Evelien , Kuipers Ernst J. , Coupé Veerle M.H. , van Grieken Nicole C.T. , Fijneman Remond J.A. , Meijer Gerrit A.
Published: April 2018

About 5% of colorectal adenomas are estimated to progress to colorectal cancer. However, it is important to identify which adenomas actually carry a high risk of progression, because these serve as intermediate endpoints, for example, in screening programs. In clinical practice, adenomas with a size of ≥10 mm, villous component and/or high-grade dysplasia, called advanced adenomas, are considered high risk, although solid evidence for this classification is lacking. Specific DNA copy number changes are associated with adenoma-to-carcinoma progression. We set out to determine the prevalence of cancer-associated events (CAE) in advanced and nonadvanced adenomas. DNA copy number analysis was performed on archival tissues from three independent series of, in total, 297 adenomas (120 nonadvanced and 177 advanced) using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or low-coverage whole-genome DNA sequencing. Alterations in two or more CAEs were considered to mark adenomas as high risk. Two or more CAEs were overall present in 25% (95% CI, 19.0–31.8) of advanced adenomas; 23% (11/48), 36% (12/33), and 23% (22/96) of the advanced adenomas in series 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and 1.7% (1/58) and 4.8% (3/62) of the nonadvanced adenomas, in series 1 and 2, respectively. The majority of advanced adenomas do not show CAEs, indicating that only a subset of these lesions is to be considered high risk. Nonadvanced adenomas have very low prevalence of CAEs, although those with CAEs should be considered high risk as well. Specific DNA copy number alterations may better reflect the true progression risk than the advanced adenoma phenotype. Cancer Prev Res; 11(7); 403–12. ©2018 AACR.
CO2 Permeability of Rat Hepatocytes and Relation of CO2 Permeability to CO2 Production
Authors: Arias-Hidalgo Mariela , Yuan Qinggong , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Gros Gerolf , Endeward Volker
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: It has been described that cells in culture with very low oxidative metabolism possess a low CO2 membrane permeability, PCO2, of ∼ 0.01 cm/s. On the other hand, cardiomyocytes and mitochondria with extremely high rates of O2 consumption exhibit very high CO2 membrane permeabilities of 0.1 and 0.3 cm/s, repectively. To ascertain that this represents a systematic relationship, we determine here PCO2 of hepatocytes, which exhibit an intermediate rate of O2 consumption. Methods: We isolated intact hepatocytes with vitalities of ∼ 70% from rat liver and measured their CO2 permeability by the previously published mass spectrometric 18O exchange technique. Results: We find a PCO2 of hepatocytes of 0.03 cm/s in the presence of FC5-208A and verapamil. FC5-208A was necessary to inhibt extracellular carbonic anhydrase, and verapamil was necessary to inhibit intracellular uptake of FC5-208A by the organic cation transporter OCT1 of hepatocytes. Conclusion: Rat hepatocytes with their intermediate rate of oxygen consumption also possess an intermediate CO2 permeability. From pairs of data for five types of cells/organelles, we find an excellent positive linear correlation between PCO2 and metabolic rate, suggesting an adaptation of PCO2 to the rate of O2 consumption.
Fantástico e imaginário: reflexões contemporâneas
Authors: Cunha Maria Zilda , Iannace Ricardo , Guimarães Lourdes
Published: April 2018

Editorial da Revista Literartes sétima edição.
Neurofilament as Neuronal Injury Blood Marker in Preeclampsia
Authors: Evers Katrina Suzanne , Atkinson Andrew , Barro Christian , Fisch Urs , Pfister Marc , Huhn Evelyn A. , Lapaire Olav , Kuhle Jens , Wellmann Sven
Published: April 2018

Preeclampsia has been shown to be associated with changes in cerebral structure and cognitive function later in life. Nf (neurofilaments) are specific scaffolding proteins of neurons, and their quantification in serum has been proposed as a biomarker for neuroaxonal injury. We performed a prospective, longitudinal, single-center study at the University Hospital of Basel to determine serum Nf concentrations in pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and with high risk of preeclampsia or with early signs of preeclampsia. Enrollment started at 21 weeks of gestation, followed up with multiple visits until delivery. Sixty out of 197 women developed preeclampsia (30.5%). NfL (Nf light chain) was measured with a highly sensitive single molecule array (Simoa) assay, in addition to the established preeclampsia markers sFlt-1 (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1) and PlGF (placental growth factor). The most important independent predictors of NfL were maternal age, number of pregnancies, and proteinuria. NfL levels increased during pregnancy and were significantly higher in women developing preeclampsia. The discriminatory accuracy of NfL, PlGF, and sFlt-1 in receiver operating characteristic curves analysis (area under the curve) of the overall group was 0.68, 0.81, and 0.84, respectively, and in women older than 36 years 0.7, 0.62, and 0.79, respectively. We conclude that increased axonal injury serum marker NfL predicts preeclampsia particularly in older women, with an accuracy similar to the established angiogenic factors. NfL may serve as an early indicator of preeclampsia-induced changes in cerebral structure and may help to stratify disease management.
Direct Recording of Cardiac and Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity Shows Differential Control in Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: Tromp Tycho R. , Mahesh Darvina , Joles Jaap A. , Ramchandra Rohit
Published: April 2018

There is increasing evidence that hypertension is initiated and maintained by elevated sympathetic tone. Increased sympathetic drive to the heart is linked to cardiac hypertrophy in hypertension and worsens prognosis. However, cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) has not previously been directly recorded in hypertension. We hypothesized that directly recorded cardiac SNA levels would be elevated during hypertension and that baroreflex control of cardiac SNA would be impaired during hypertension. Adult ewes either underwent unilateral renal artery clipping (n=12) or sham surgery (n=15). Two weeks later, electrodes were placed in the contralateral renal and cardiac nerves to record SNA. Baseline levels of SNA and baroreflex control of heart rate and sympathetic drive were examined. Unilateral renal artery clipping induced hypertension (mean arterial pressure 109±2 versus 91±3 mm Hg in shams;
P
<0.001). The heart rate baroreflex curve was shifted rightward but remained intact. In the hypertensive group, cardiac sympathetic burst incidence (bursts/100 beats) was increased (39±14 versus 25±9 in normotensives;
P
<0.05), whereas renal sympathetic burst incidence was decreased (69±20 versus 93±8 in normotensives;
P
<0.01). The renal sympathetic baroreflex curve was shifted rightward and showed increased gain, but there was no change in the cardiac sympathetic baroreflex gain. Renovascular hypertension is associated with differential control of cardiac and renal SNA; baseline cardiac SNA is increased, whereas renal SNA is decreased.
Serum and Urine Thioflavin-T–Enhanced Fluorescence in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Millen Katherine R. , Buhimschi Catalin S. , Zhao Guomao , Rood Kara M. , Tabbah Sammy , Buhimschi Irina A.
Published: April 2018

Common features of amyloid-like proteotoxic aggregates are the ability to bind Congo red (congophilia) and to induce fluorescence of thioflavin-T (ThT). Based on the prior discovery that women with preeclampsia exhibit urine congophilia, we proposed that amyloid-like protein aggregates present in urine also circulate in the bloodstream and this feature is linked to disease severity and clinical phenotype. ThT fluorescence was investigated in 217 paired serum and urine samples from women with severe features of preeclampsia (n=101; median [interquartile range] gestational age [GA], 32 [29–35] weeks), mild features of preeclampsia (n=22; GA, 36 [36–37] weeks), chronic hypertension (n=15; GA, 38 [37–39] weeks), healthy pregnant controls (n=57; GA, 39 [38–39] weeks), and nonpregnant controls (n=22). Serum and urine fluorescence attributable to advanced glycation end products was measured in the same samples with correction for autofluorescence. There were no GA-related changes in ThT fluorescence, although near-term serum ThT fluorescence increased compared with nonpregnant state. Compared with healthy pregnant controls, serum and urine ThT fluorescence was increased in severe features of preeclampsia (
P
<0.001 for both) but not in mild features of preeclampsia or chronic hypertension. Except for chronic hypertension, advanced glycation end products–related fluorescence of serum or urine did not differ from controls. Urine congophilia had a stronger relationship with preeclampsia severity compared with either urine or serum ThT fluorescence. However, serum ThT fluorescence was independently associated with clinical features of hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels syndrome (
P
=0.003). We demonstrate that ThT fluorescence, a marker of amyloid-like aggregates, is increased in serum of women with preeclampsia and likely because of their cytotoxicity associated with hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels syndrome.
Neuronal Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3
Authors: do Carmo Jussara M. , da Silva Alexandre A. , Freeman John Nathan , Wang Zhen , Moak Sydney P. , Hankins Michael W. , Drummond Heather A. , Hall John E.
Published: April 2018

We determined whether deficiency of neuronal SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3)—a potential negative regulator of leptin signaling—amplifies the chronic effects of leptin on food intake, energy expenditure, glucose, and blood pressure (BP) and protects against adverse cardiometabolic effects of obesity. BP and heart rate were recorded by telemetry, and oxygen consumption (V
O
2
) was monitored in 22-week-old mice with nervous system SOCS3 deficiency (SOCS3-Nestin-Cre) and control mice (SOCS3
flox/flox
) fed normal or high-fat–high-fructose diet from 6 to 22 weeks of age. Compared with controls, SOCS3-Nestin-Cre mice had lower plasma glucose (124±7 versus 146±10 mg/dL), consumed less food (3.0±0.4 versus 3.6±0.2 g/d), and had similar V
O
2
(77±6 versus 73±3 mL/kg per minute) and BP (103±3 versus 107±3 mm Hg) but higher heart rate (666±15 versus 602±17 bpm). In mice fed the normal diet, leptin infusion for 7 days caused similar reductions in food intake (2.3±0.1 versus 2.4±0.2 g) but greater increases in BP (15±3 versus 7±2 mm Hg) in SOCS3-Nestin-Cre compared with controls. Leptin reduced blood glucose concentrations in both groups. Male or female SOCS3-Nestin-Cre fed high-fat–high-fructose diet exhibited less weight gain, body fat, and liver steatosis and greater energy expenditure and heart rate compared with controls. Female SOCS3-Nestin-Cre mice fed high-fat–high-fructose diet had higher BP compared with controls. Thus, neuronal SOCS3 seems to play an important role in cardiometabolic regulation because neuronal SOCS3 deficiency reduced body weight and food intake while amplifying leptin’s effects on appetite and BP and attenuating the adverse metabolic effects of high-fat–high-fructose diet.
The Expressive Nature of Law: What We Learn from Conjugal Slavery to Forced Marriage in International Criminal Law
Authors: Bunting Annie , Ikhimiukor Izevbuwa Kehinde
Published: April 2018

The March 2016 Confirmation of Charges Decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court in Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen characterized the practice of forced conjugal association as the crime against humanity of ‘other inhumane acts’. This decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber comes amidst an unsettled jurisprudence on the legal characterization of the practice of forced conjugal association. The unsettled nature of the jurisprudence has led to inconsistencies in the legal characterization of forced conjugal association as either forced marriage as an ‘other inhumane act’ or sexual slavery, a variant of the general rubric of slavery. Accordingly, this article analyses the expressive effects of the labelling by contemporary international criminal courts and tribunals of forced conjugal association as either forced marriage as an ‘other inhumane act’ or slavery.
Revision of the Australian Wet Tropics endemic rainbowfish genus Cairnsichthys (Atheriniformes: Melanotaeniidae), with description of a new species
Authors: HAMMER MICHAEL P. , ALLEN GERALD R. , MARTIN KEITH C. , ADAMS MARK , EBNER BRENDAN C. , RAADIK TARMO A. , UNMACK PETER J.
Published: April 2018

The freshwater melanotaeniid genus Cairnsichthys is endemic to a relatively small area of specialised habitat within the Wet Tropics bioregion of north-eastern Queensland, Australia. It was previously considered as monotypic, including only a single species, C. rhombosomoides (Nichols & Raven, 1928). The recent discovery of an apparently-isolated population in the Daintree rainforest, approximately 120 km north of the known range extent, prompted a detailed investigation of its taxonomic status using a combined lines of evidence approach. We provide compelling evidence from multiple nuclear genetic markers (52 allozyme loci), mitochondrial DNA sequence data (1141 bp cytochrome b) and morphology (examination of a suite of 38 morphometric and meristic characters) that supports north-south splitting of C. rhombosomoides. Accordingly, we describe the northern population as a distinct species, C. bitaeniatus sp. nov., on the basis of 25 specimens, 34.7–65.6 mm SL. The new species differs morphologically primarily by having a more slender and narrow shape, featuring a flatter, straighter predorsal profile and shorter second dorsal fin base; possession of slightly smaller scales, reflected in higher counts of lateral scales and predorsal scales; typically more vertebrae; and colour differences including a more robust, short black stripe across the upper operculum, a pronounced yellow patch on the anteroventral body and usually a more conspicuous second dark stripe on the lower body, with adult males generally having yellowish compared to reddish fins. We also provide a generic diagnosis for Cairnsichthys and a redescription of C. rhombosomoides. Information on the known distribution, habitats and conservation status of species in the genus is summarised, the new species being of particular concern as a narrow range endemic with specific environmental requirements.
A new species of Procontarinia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) damaging fruit of mango, Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), in China
Authors: JIAO KE-LONG , WANG HAO , WEI DE-WEI , MO JIAN-YOU , WANG YUAN-HONG , BU WEN-JUN , KOLESIK PETER
Published: April 2018

Larvae of a previously unknown species of gall midge were found feeding on young fruit of mango, Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), in Guangxi Autonomous Region in southern China, causing severe damage to the crop. The new species is named Procontarinia fructiculi Jiao, Wang, Bu & Kolesik, its morphology is described, the basic biology is given, and the Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene segment is sequenced and compared to other congeners. Procontarinia contains now 16 described species, each feeding on mango. All but three species cause variously shaped galls on leaves, while P. mangiferae (Felt) malforms inflorescence and young leaves, and two species feed on fruit – P. frugivora Gagné causing deep lesions and P. fructiculi sp. nov. tunnel-like holes. Of the two fruit-feeding species, P. frugivora is confined to the Philippines while the new species has thus far been recorded only from southern China.
Atlantic Multidecadal Variability as a Modulator of Precipitation Variability in the Southwest United States
Authors: Lee Dong Eun , Ting Mingfang , Vigaud Nicolas , Kushnir Yochanan , Barnston Anthony G.
Published: April 2018

Two independent atmospheric general circulation models reveal that the positive (negative) phase of Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) can reduce (amplify) the variance of the shorter time-scale (e.g., ENSO related) precipitation fluctuations in the United States, especially in the Southwest, as well as decrease (increase) the long-term seasonal mean precipitation for the cold season. The variance is modulated because of changes in 1) dry day frequency and 2) maximum daily rainfall intensity. With positive AMV forcing, the upper-level warming originating from the increased precipitation over the tropical Atlantic Ocean changes the mean vertical thermal structure over the United States continent to a profile less favorable for rain-inducing upward motions. In addition, a northerly low-level dry advection associated with the local overturning leaves less available column moisture for condensation and precipitation. The opposite conditions occur during cold AMV periods.
Illiberal peace? Authoritarian modes of conflict management
Authors: Lewis David , Heathershaw John , Megoran Nick
Published: April 2018

In a contested international order, ideas of liberal peacebuilding are being supplanted by state-centric, authoritarian responses to internal armed conflicts. In this article we suggest that existing research has not yet sufficiently recognised this important shift in conflict management practice. Scholarship in peace and conflict studies has avoided hard cases of ‘illiberal peace’, or categorises them simply as military victories. Drawing on accounts of state responses to conflicts in Russia, Sri Lanka, China, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Turkey, we develop an alternative conceptual framework to understand authoritarian conflict management as a form of wartime and post-conflict order in its own right. Although violence is central to these orders, we argue that they are also dependent on a much wider range of authoritarian policy responses, which we categorise in three major domains: firstly, discourse (state propaganda, information control and knowledge production); secondly, spatial politics (both military and civilian modes of controlling and shaping spaces); and thirdly, political economy (the hierarchical distribution of resources to produce particular political outcomes). In conclusion, we propose a research agenda that moves on from discussions of liberal peace to examine hard cases of contemporary conflict and conflict management.
Culture, institution and diverse approaches to care and care work in East Asia
Authors: Peng Ito
Published: April 2018

This article describes two broad approaches to care and care work within a spectrum of approaches that are evident in East Asia: one that accepts care as a core public policy agenda, and tries to leverage it as a potential engine to activate the incipient care economy; and the other, that sees care as strictly private family responsibility, and hence opts to partially underwrite the familial care with a mix of tax and policy incentives through the private market – including creating channels for families to outsource care to foreign migrant care workers. The author uses elder care policies to illustrate ways in which socio-cultural ideas and institutional history shape national policies, and how these policies in turn shape ways in which care is delivered, and care work organized within the family and in the market.
The economic shift and beyond: Care as a contested terrain in contemporary capitalism
Authors: Aulenbacher Brigitte , Décieux Fabienne , Riegraf Birgit
Published: April 2018

This article argues that we are witnessing a fundamental transformation of capitalism. Under the auspices of an economic shift, social reproduction and constituent care and care work are undergoing a process of reorganization. The first part draws on Karl Polanyi’s analysis of the relation between market and society and on contemporary revisions of his approach. Referring to core arguments from his perspective on the market society it identifies processes of commodification, marketization and quasi-marketization, which we can understand as an economic shift driving the development in the field of care and care work. The second part refers to empirical studies in Austria and Germany and reflects in terms of a Polanyian double movement on how far care and care work – in the case of elder and child care and, more precisely, home care agencies, residential care communities and the social investment state – have become a contested terrain. The third part, the conclusion, points out how tendencies like the economic shift touch care and care work.
Indoxyl Sulfate Induces Apoptosis and Hypertrophy in Human Kidney Proximal Tubular Cells
Authors: Ellis Robert J. , Small David M. , Ng Keng Lim , Vesey David A. , Vitetta Luis , Francis Ross S. , Gobe Glenda C. , Morais Christudas
Published: April 2018

Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a protein-bound uremic toxin that accumulates in patients with declining kidney function. Although generally thought of as a consequence of declining kidney function, emerging evidence demonstrates direct cytotoxic role of IS on endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes, largely through the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic factors. The direct toxicity of IS on human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) remains a matter of debate. The current study explored the effect of IS on primary cultures of human PTECs and HK-2, an immortalized human PTEC line. Pathologically relevant concentrations of IS induced apoptosis and increased the expression of the proapoptotic molecule Bax in both cell types. IS impaired mitochondrial metabolic activity and induced cellular hypertrophy. Furthermore, statistically significant upregulation of pro-fibrotic (transforming growth factor-β, fibronectin) and pro-inflammatory molecules (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in response to IS was observed. Albumin had no influence on the toxicity of IS. The results of this study suggest that IS directly induced a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic phenotype in proximal tubular cells. In light of the associated apoptosis, hypertrophy, and metabolic dysfunction, this study demonstrates that IS may play a role in the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Effects of accurate and inaccurate visual feedback on the tuning accuracy of high school and college trombonists
Authors: Schlegel Amanda L. , Springer D. Gregory
Published: April 2018

We examined how visual feedback from electronic tuners affected trombonists’ pitch performance and tuning confidence. High school ( n = 29) and college trombonists ( n = 30) were tasked to play in tune with a stimulus tone (G3) recorded by a professional trombonist presented through headphones. Following each of three attempts, participants rated their confidence level that their performance was in tune. A different tuner was provided during each tuning attempt and set to one of three conditions: in-tune (A = 440Hz); flat (A = 437Hz); and sharp (A = 443Hz). These tuner conditions displayed either accurate (A = 440Hz) or inaccurate (A = 437Hz; A = 443Hz) visual feedback. Results indicated significant main effects due to tuner condition and experience level. Participants’ tuning accuracy with the sharp tuner was significantly less precise in comparison to flat and in-tune tuners. Collegiate participants performed with greater precision than high school participants in all tuner conditions. Weak relationships were observed between participants’ tuning performance and confidence ratings.
High-dose Chemotherapy in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pasini Felice , Pelosi Giuseppe , De Manzoni Giovanni , Rosti Giovanni
Published: April 2018

Improvements in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) therapy with conventional doses of drugs with or without radiotherapy have been poor, and the 5-year survival is discouraging. Since SCLC is highly sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, some studies have tried to improve survival by increasing the dose of the drugs. Within conventional ranges, dose intensity can be increased with the support of hematopoietic growth factors (G/GM-CSF) and/or shortening treatment intervals (eg weekly regimens). However, dose intensity could be increased by only 20-30% and a survival advantage was not definitively obtained. Given its high chemosensitivity already two decades ago, SCLC was one of the first malignancies deemed suitable for maximizing dose and dose intensity with the support of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). On the whole, results were disappointing and the procedure was nearly abandoned. Nowadays, some interest is emerging again due to the improvements in supportive care such as the availability of hematopoietic growth factors and the peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC).
Suppression of Unspecific Enhancement on Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri) by Antiestrogen Medication
Authors: Heinig Anke , Lampe Dieter , Kölbl Heinz , Beck Rainer , Heywang-Köbrunner Sylvia H
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background

The value of breast MRI may be impaired by unspecific enhancement. This may leave patients with difficult-to-assess breast tissue with an uncertain diagnosis. We examined whether this unspecific enhancement (which is mostly due to proliferative or hyperplastic changes of benign breast tissue) may be suppressed by antiestrogen medication.

Methods

In a trial of treatment, 10 peri- or postmenopausal patients who exhibited diffuse and/or focal enhancement on breast MRI before tamoxifen medication agreed to undergo a short-term tamoxifen treatment. MRI monitoring was performed 2, 4 and 8 weeks after onset of antiestrogen therapy (tamoxifen, 30 mg per day).

Results

Six patients showed a significant decrease of enhancement. Unchanged (n = 3) or increased (n = 1) enhancement was seen in 4 patients. One of the three patients with unchanged enhancement proved to have diffuse lobular carcinoma in situ.

Conclusions

Part of the unspecific enhancement seen on breast MRI can probably be suppressed by short-term antiestrogen medication.
Sentinel Node Detection in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Pelosi E , Arena V , Baudino B , Bellò M , Giani R , Lauro D , Ala A , Bussone R , Bisi G
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background

The standard procedure for the evaluation of axillary nodal involvement in patients with breast cancer is still complete lymph node dissection. However, about 70% of patients are found to be free of metastatic disease while axillary node dissection may cause significant morbidity. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy are changing this situation.

Methods and Study Design

In a period of 18 months we studied 201 patients with breast cancer, excluding patients with palpable axillary nodes, tumors >2.5 cm in diameter, multifocal or multicentric cancer, pregnant patients and patients over 80 years of age. Before surgery 99mTc-labeled colloid and vital blue dye were injected into the breast to identify the SLN. In lymph nodes dissected during surgery the metastatic status was examined by sections at reduced intervals. Only patients with SLNs that were histologically positive for metastases underwent axillary dissection.

Results

We localized one or more SLNs in 194 of 201 (96.5%) patients; when both techniques were utilized the success rate was 100%. Histologically, 21% of patients showed SLN metastases (7.8% micrometastases) and 68% of these had metastases also in other axillary nodes. None of the patients with negative SLNs developed metastases during follow-up.

Conclusions

At present there is no definite evidence that negative SLN biopsy is invariably correlated with negative axillary status; however, our study and those of others demonstrate that SLN biopsy is an accurate method of axillary staging.
Phase I Trial of Technetium [Leu13] Bombesin as Cancer Seeking Agent: Possible Scintigraphic Guide for Surgery?
Authors: De Vincentis G , Scopinaro F , Varvarigou A , Ussof W , Schillaci O , Archimandritis S , Corleto V , Longo F , Fave G Delle
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background

Bombesin-like neuropeptides work as neurotransmitters and growth factors at the same time. Several human cancers show overexpression of three receptors for mammalian counterparts of amphibian bombesins (ABNs), ie gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), neuromedin B (NMB) and possibly another peptide. ABNs in turn are able to bind to mammalian and human receptors in vitro, and it is therefore interesting to study radioisotope-labeled bombesin (BN) and BN-like peptides as cancer seeking agents.

Methods and Study Design

Starting from the amino acid sequence of [Leu13] ABN, the Demokritos Institute has synthesized and labeled with technetium a new BN-like peptide that has the same biological characteristics as the amphibian peptide; changes were made only in the N-terminal part of this tetradecapeptide. After having obtained satisfactory results with 99mTc BN in a preclinical study, we started a phase I trial involving cancer patients as well as normal volunteers in Tomsk. Three normal volunteers, one patient with small cell lung cancer and one patient with primary prostate cancer were studied after iv injection of 185 MBq, corresponding to 0.7 micrograms of 99mTc BN. Dynamic images of the tumors were acquired for 20 mins, followed by SPET. Total body images were acquired in patients and normal volunteers 1 and 3 h after 99mTc BN acquisition. In addition, 99mTc sestamibi scintigraphy was performed in the patient with small cell lung carcinoma.

Results

No relevant side effects were observed. Both tumors were well visualized on early 1-2 mins images with planar as well as tomographic imaging. Total body images showed radioactivity in the liver, kidneys and thyroid gland. The stomach and spleen were never imaged. Radioactivity was found in the urinary bladder 4 mins after injection in the patient with prostate cancer. Three-hour total body scans showed radioactivity in the duodenum. In the patient in whom also 99mTc sestamibi scintigraphy was performed, thyroid uptake was much higher with sestamibi than with 99mTc BN, whereas the uptake of small cell lung carcinoma was higher with 99mTc BN than with sestamibi.

Conclusions

99mTc BN is able to clearly image tumors with BN receptor overexpression. Our first impression is that in the future this radiopharmaceutical may serve as a cancer seeking agent and, due to its high tumoral uptake, also as a radiotracer for radioisotope-guided surgery.
Clinical Use of an Imaging Probe in Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Scafè R , Soluri A , Amanti C , Burgio N , Capoccetti F , David V , Stella S , Scopinaro F
Published: April 2018

Aim

Portable cameras allow easy transfer of the detector, and thus of radioisotope imaging, to the operating room. In this paper we describe our preliminary experience in radionuclide imaging of breast cancer with a 22.8 × 22.8 mm2 field-of-view minicamera called “Imaging Probe” (IP).

Methods

Breast cancer detection by IP was performed to guide biopsy, in particular open biopsy, or help fine-needle or core-needle positioning when the main guidance method was ultrasonography or digital radiography. 99mTc Sestamibi (MIBI) was injected 1 h before imaging and biopsy to 14 patients with suspected or known breast cancer. Scintigraphic images were acquired before and after biopsy in each patient. The surgeon was allowed to take into account scintigraphic images as well as previously performed mammograms and ultrasonography.

Results

High-resolution IP images were able to guide biopsy toward cancer or toward washout zones of cancer, which are thought to be chemoresistant, in seven patients out of 10. Four patients in whom IP and MIBI were unable to guide biopsy were found not to have cancer.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the ability of IP to guide breast biopsy even when our minicamera has to be handled manually by trained physicians during surgery.
New Localization Technique for Breast Cancer Biopsy: Mammotome Guidance with Imaging Probe
Authors: Soluri A , Scafè R , Falcini F , Sala R , Burgio N , Stella S , David V , Scopinaro F
Published: April 2018

Aims and Background

The “Imaging probe” (IP) is a small, portable, high-resolution gamma camera to be used in radioguided surgery. The present work discusses a special prototype designed for guiding biopsies. The IP was mounted to a Fischer digital X-ray stereotactic core biopsy system in such a way that biopsy could be guided simultaneously by X-ray stereotaxis and 99mTc-Sestamibi (MIBI) images from IP.

Methods

The IP field of view was 22.8 × 22.8 mm2, with a spatial resolution of approx. 2.5 mm. We used off-line software for image fusion on a dedicated Pentium III portable PC. It was matched with a Fischer digital X-ray stereotactic biopsy system dedicated to direct the mammotome towards breast opacities. The operator was allowed to slightly correct the direction of the mammotome needle taking into account stereotactic X-ray, scintigraphic and fused images. Biopsy samples were counted by IP before they were sent to the pathologist.

Results

High-resolution IP scintigraphy showed substantial, though not exact, matching between MIBI hot spots and X-ray opacities. More than one hot spot was detected even in the smallest (0.6 cm) lesion. Post-biopsy scintigraphy showed absence of significant hot spots in two patients, whereas in the third patient one of the three hot spots was still partially present. All lesions showed cancer on histological examination.

Conclusions

Measurement of radioactivity in biopsy specimens confirmed the heterogeneous distribution of radioactivity within cancers that IP had detected before biopsy.