bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering Latinas to Obtain Breast Cancer Screenings: Comparing Intervention Effects, Part 2
Authors: Molina Y , San Miguel LG , Tamayo L , Sanchez-Diaz C , Robledo C , Peña K , Lucio A , Hernandez O , Arroyo J , Medina M , Coronado N , Irma V
Published: March 2018

We compare the effects of breast cancer education and empowerment approaches on non-adherent Latinas' breast health behaviors and dissemination of health information. Methods: The setting for this ongoing, quasi-experimental trial is two Latino, lower income communities in Chicago. Women were recruited via two community-based organizations and snowball sampling. Eligibility criteria were: 1) age of 52–74; 2) lack of screening within past 2 years; 3) no previous breast cancer diagnosis; and, 4) no health volunteerism experience. Women were assigned to a three week group intervention (3 2 hour sessions). The education intervention is administered in East Side/South Chicago and the empowerment intervention is administered in Pilsen/Little Village to avoid contamination effects. The education intervention has 3 sessions focused on early detection and prevention (diet, physical activity). The empowerment intervention has 3 sessions focused on early detection, sharing information with family/friends, and health volunteerism. Navigation is provided if women wish to obtain mammograms. Three questionnaires are given at baseline, post-intervention, and a 6 month follow-up. Results: Among our 68 participants (34 education; 34 empowerment), 87% were born in Mexico; 59% had <9th grade education; 52% had a median household income of <$10K; and, 51% were uninsured. The average age was 61.21 (SD = 6.20). Relative to education participants, more empowerment participants have scheduled mammograms (94% vs. 74%; P = 0.05) and obtained mammograms (77% vs. 38%, P = 0.001). Empowerment participant also spoke to more individuals about breast health relative to education participants (M = 6.24, SD = 5.30 vs. M = 3.00, SD = 3.04, P = 0.003). A greater proportion of engagement participants also spoke about specific types of breast cancer screening (58% vs. 38%, P = 0.01) and discussed breast cancer across multiple settings (58% vs. 24%, P = 0.003). Discussion: The empowerment approach may be particularly effective in changing non-adherent Latinas' screening behaviors and promoting them to become agents of change in their communities. Limitations concern generalizability due a non-probability based sample, and limited ability for causal inferences due to a lack of randomization.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Liver Fibrosis Detected by Elastography: Results from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort
Authors: Watt GP , Lee M , Pan JJ , Fallon MB , McCormick JP , Fisher-Hoch SP
Published: March 2018

Mexican Americans in south Texas have among highest rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the US. Non-invasive measures of liver fibrosis are needed to identify those at high risk of HCC. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with liver fibrosis using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography, an accurate and non-invasive modality, in the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (CCHC). Methods. The CCHC is a well characterized population-based cohort in south Texas. Liver stiffness was measured by ARFI in 404 participants in the CCHC by two separate operators. Median liver stiffness > 1.34 m/s was considered significant (F2-F4) fibrosis. Ultrasound was used to determine presence of steatosis. Absence of HCV and HBsAg antigen, and absence of heavy drinking, was considered non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We calculated design-based prevalence of fibrosis and determined clinical associations with (1) significant fibrosis and (2) simple steatosis using multinomial logistic regression. Results. Mean age was 51.1 years, 44.6% were male, and 29.1% had diabetes. The prevalence of significant fibrosis was 16.5%. In the fibrosis group, most (47/57, 84%) had NAFLD. We excluded participants with etiologies other than NAFLD for further analyses. After adjustment for age and sex, hypertension [Odds Ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–8.1), platelet count (OR 0.6, 95% CI, 0.5–1.0), and potassium level (OR 1.5, 95% CI, 1.1–2.0) were significantly associated with fibrosis, but not steatosis. HDL cholesterol (OR 0.5, 95% CI, 0.4–0.7), obesity (OR 2.2, 95% CI, 1.2–4.0) and insulin level (OR 2.1, 95% CI, 1.2–3.7) were significantly associated with steatosis, but not fibrosis. Elevated fasting glucose, diabetes, and elevated ALT levels were significantly associated with both steatosis and fibrosis. Conclusion. This is the first population-based application of liver elastography in the US. We find a high prevalence of fibrosis in Mexican Americans, dominated by NAFLD. Our results indicate a higher burden of fibrosis than population-based studies of liver fibrosis conducted elsewhere. We urge community intervention for the early detection of liver disease and prevention of NAFLD-related HCC.
Family History of Melanoma and Lifetime Patterns of Daytime Hours Spent Outdoors in Melanoma-prone Families
Authors: Duan C , Qian L , Mitra N , Kanetsky PA
Published: March 2018

Longer daytime hours spent outdoors reflect higher ultraviolet radiation exposure, which is a modifiable risk factor of melanoma. Among individuals of melanoma-prone families, we sought to describe lifetime patterns for hours spent outdoors, and to investigate whether having an affected family member with melanoma from an older generation was associated with patterning. Methods: Information on hours spent outdoors on weekdays, weekends, and holidays beginning at age 10 was obtained from individuals from melanoma-prone families. We determined time-weighted average hours outdoors for warmer months, colder months, and the entire year. K-means for longitudinal data was used to identify lifetime patterns. We created a variable to indicate whether there was an existing melanoma in a prior generation of an individual's family. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the association between family history of melanoma and lifetime patterns of daytime hours spent outdoors, adjusting for covariates. Results: We analyzed 2540 individuals from 669 families ascertained across 15 countries, and four lifetime patterns were identified. Three patterns began with moderate hours that (B) decreased slowly (n = 1014); (C) decreased sharply until age 20 and then remained low (n = 572); or (D) increased at age 20 and remained high (n = 173). One pattern, (A) began with few hours that decreased at age 20 then remained very low (n = 781). Compared to individuals with the high (D) pattern, individuals with an existing melanoma in a prior family generation were more likely to have the low (A) pattern (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.34–2.76), the moderate and slowly decreasing (B) pattern (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15–2.57), or the sharply decreasing (C) pattern (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.40–2.87). Similar associations were observed separately in warmer and colder months. Examining lifetime patterns of hours spent outdoors during holidays, we noticed a stronger relationship with family history of melanoma in warmer months than in colder months. Conclusions: As expected, the diagnosis of a melanoma in a prior generation may impact family members' awareness of UVR exposure leading to reduced daytime hours spent outdoors.
Genetic Associations with Indoor Tanning Addiction
Authors: Mays D , Ahn J , Zhang B , Atkins MB , Goerlitz D , Tercyak KP
Published: March 2018

Some young people are prone to develop addiction to indoor tanning along with psychiatric comorbidity. This study examined genetic hypotheses that liabilities in neurobiological addiction reward pathways influence risk of indoor tanning addiction and are affected by psychiatric comorbidity. Methods: Data were from an observational study investigating factors associated with indoor tanning addiction in a community sample of non-Hispanic white women ages 18–30 years with a history of indoor tanning in the past year. A total of 295 participants completed self-report measures and provided DNA samples. DNA samples were genotyped and analyzed for 36 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes involved in hypothesized addiction reward pathways (e.g., opioid and dopamine receptor genes). Self-report measures included indoor tanning frequency and dependence symptoms, appearance beliefs, and depressive symptoms. Results: Over 20% of the sample screened positive for indoor tanning addiction. Two SNPs in the DRD2 dopamine receptor gene, rs4436578 and rs4648318, were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with indoor tanning addiction after multiple testing adjustment using the false discovery rate. In logistic regression analyses adjusting for indoor tanning frequency, appearance beliefs, and depressive symptoms, homozygous major allele genotypes for both SNPs were associated with indoor tanning addiction (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.11–4.77, and OR 1.95, 95% CI, 1.02–3.72, respectively). The major allele genotypes for both SNPs also interacted with depressive symptoms to influence the risk of indoor tanning addiction: OR 7.03, 95% CI, 3.26–15.19, OR 4.35, 95% CI, 2.06–9.20, respectively. Conclusions: This study is among the first to demonstrate SNPs in the DRD2 dopamine receptor gene are associated with indoor tanning addiction. Our findings demonstrate young women with risk-conferring genotypes and exhibiting depressive symptoms are at especially high risk. These data can inform personalized interventions tailored to neurobiological and behavioral differences to prevent melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer.
A Phase I Clinical Trial of Guadecitabine and Carboplatin in Platinum-Resistant, Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: Clinical, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Analyses
Authors: Matei Daniela , Ghamande Sharad , Roman Lynda , Alvarez Secord Angeles , Nemunaitis John , Markham Merry Jennifer , Nephew Kenneth P. , Jueliger Simone , Oganesian Aram , Naim Sue , Su Xiang Yao , Keer Harold , Azab Mohammad , Fleming Gini F.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Epigenetic changes are implicated in acquired resistance to platinum. Guadecitabine is a next-generation hypomethylating agent (HMA). Here, we report the clinical results, along with pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic analyses of the phase I study of guadecitabine and carboplatin in patients with recurrent, platinum-resistant high-grade serous ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC), or fallopian tube cancer (FTC).

Experimental Design: Guadecitabine was administered once daily on days 1 to 5 followed by carboplatin i.v. on day 8 of a 28-day cycle. Patients had either measurable or detectable disease. Safety assessments used CTCAE v4.

Results: Twenty patients were enrolled and treated. Median age was 56 years (38–72 years). The median number of prior regimens was 7 (1–14). In the first cohort (N = 6), the starting doses were guadecitabine 45 mg/m2 and carboplatin AUC5. Four patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT; neutropenia and thrombocytopenia), leading to dose deescalation of guadecitabine to 30 mg/m2 and of carboplatin to AUC4. No DLTs were observed in the subsequent 14 patients. Grade ≥3 adverse events ≥10% were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, nausea, vomiting, ascites, constipation, hypokalemia, pulmonary embolism, small-intestinal obstruction, and thrombocytopenia. Three patients had a partial response (PR), and 6 patients had stable disease (SD) >3 months, for an overall response rate (ORR) and clinical benefit rate of 15% and 45%, respectively. LINE-1 demethylation in PBMCs and promoter demethylation/gene reexpression in paired tumor biopsies/ascites were recorded.

Conclusions: Guadecitabine and carboplatin were tolerated and induced clinical responses in a heavily pretreated platinum-resistant ovarian cancer population, supporting a subsequent randomized phase II trial. Clin Cancer Res; 24(10); 2285–93. ©2018 AACR.
IDO1 Inhibition Synergizes with Radiation and PD-1 Blockade to Durably Increase Survival Against Advanced Glioblastoma
Authors: Ladomersky Erik , Zhai Lijie , Lenzen Alicia , Lauing Kristen L. , Qian Jun , Scholtens Denise M. , Gritsina Galina , Sun Xuebing , Liu Ye , Yu Fenglong , Gong Wenfeng , Liu Yong , Jiang Beibei , Tang Tristin , Patel Ricky , Platanias Leonidas C. , James C. David , Stupp Roger , Lukas Rimas V. , Binder David C. , Wainwright Derek A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults with a median survival of 15–20 months. Numerous approaches and novel therapeutics for treating glioblastoma have been investigated in the setting of phase III clinical trials, including a recent analysis of the immune checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab (anti-PD-1), which failed to improve recurrent glioblastoma patient survival. However, rather than abandoning immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for glioblastoma, which has shown promise in other types of cancer, ongoing studies are currently evaluating this therapeutic class when combined with other agents.

Experimental Design: Here, we investigated immunocompetent orthotopic mouse models of glioblastoma treated with the potent CNS-penetrating IDO1 enzyme inhibitor, BGB-5777, combined with anti-PD1 mAb, as well as radiotherapy, based on our recent observation that tumor-infiltrating T cells directly increase immunosuppressive IDO1 levels in human glioblastoma, the previously described reinvigoration of immune cell functions after PD-1 blockade, as well as the proinflammatory effects of radiation.

Results: Our results demonstrate a durable survival benefit from this novel three-agent treatment, but not for any single- or dual-agent combination. Unexpectedly, treatment efficacy required IDO1 enzyme inhibition in non-glioblastoma cells, rather than tumor cells. Timing of effector T-cell infiltration, animal subject age, and usage of systemic chemotherapy, all directly impacted therapy-mediated survival benefit.

Conclusions: These data highlight a novel and clinically relevant immunotherapeutic approach with associated mechanistic considerations that have formed the basis of a newly initiated phase I/II trial for glioblastoma patients. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2559–73. ©2018 AACR.
HOXA9 Cooperates with Activated JAK/STAT Signaling to Drive Leukemia Development
Authors: de Bock Charles E. , Demeyer Sofie , Degryse Sandrine , Verbeke Delphine , Sweron Bram , Gielen Olga , Vandepoel Roel , Vicente Carmen , Vanden Bempt Marlies , Dagklis Antonis , Geerdens Ellen , Bornschein Simon , Gijsbers Rik , Soulier Jean , Meijerink Jules P. , Heinäniemi Merja , Teppo Susanna , Bouvy-Liivrand Maria , Lohi Olli , Radaelli Enrico , Cools Jan
Published: March 2018

Leukemia is caused by the accumulation of multiple genomic lesions in hematopoietic precursor cells. However, how these events cooperate during oncogenic transformation remains poorly understood. We studied the cooperation between activated JAK3/STAT5 signaling and HOXA9 overexpression, two events identified as significantly co-occurring in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Expression of mutant JAK3 and HOXA9 led to a rapid development of leukemia originating from multipotent or lymphoid-committed progenitors, with a significant decrease in disease latency compared with JAK3 or HOXA9 alone. Integrated RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, and Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) revealed that STAT5 and HOXA9 have co-occupancy across the genome, resulting in enhanced STAT5 transcriptional activity and ectopic activation of FOS/JUN (AP1). Our data suggest that oncogenic transcription factors such as HOXA9 provide a fertile ground for specific signaling pathways to thrive, explaining why JAK/STAT pathway mutations accumulate in HOXA9-expressing cells.

Significance: The mechanism of oncogene cooperation in cancer development remains poorly characterized. In this study, we model the cooperation between activated JAK/STAT signaling and ectopic HOXA9 expression during T-cell leukemia development. We identify a direct cooperation between STAT5 and HOXA9 at the transcriptional level and identify PIM1 kinase as a possible drug target in mutant JAK/STAT/HOXA9-positive leukemia cases. Cancer Discov; 8(5); 616–31. ©2018 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 517
A Preexisting Rare PIK3CAE545K Subpopulation Confers Clinical Resistance to MEK plus CDK4/6 Inhibition in NRAS Melanoma and Is Dependent on S6K1 Signaling
Authors: Romano Gabriele , Chen Pei-Ling , Song Ping , McQuade Jennifer L. , Liang Roger J. , Liu Mingguang , Roh Whijae , Duose Dzifa Y. , Carapeto Fernando C.L. , Li Jun , Teh Jessica L.F. , Aplin Andrew E. , Chen Merry , Zhang Jianhua , Lazar Alexander J. , Davies Michael A. , Futreal P. Andrew , Amaria Rodabe N. , Zhang David Y. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Kwong Lawrence N.
Published: March 2018

Combined MEK and CDK4/6 inhibition (MEKi + CDK4i) has shown promising clinical outcomes in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma. Here, we interrogated longitudinal biopsies from a patient who initially responded to MEKi + CDK4i therapy but subsequently developed resistance. Whole-exome sequencing and functional validation identified an acquired PIK3CAE545K mutation as conferring drug resistance. We demonstrate that PIK3CAE545K preexisted in a rare subpopulation that was missed by both clinical and research testing, but was revealed upon multiregion sampling due to PIK3CAE545K being nonuniformly distributed. This resistant population rapidly expanded after the initiation of MEKi + CDK4i therapy and persisted in all successive samples even after immune checkpoint therapy and distant metastasis. Functional studies identified activated S6K1 as both a key marker and specific therapeutic vulnerability downstream of PIK3CAE545K-induced resistance. These results demonstrate that difficult-to-detect preexisting resistance mutations may exist more often than previously appreciated and also posit S6K1 as a common downstream therapeutic nexus for the MAPK, CDK4/6, and PI3K pathways.

Significance: We report the first characterization of clinical acquired resistance to MEKi + CDK4i, identifying a rare preexisting PIK3CAE545K subpopulation that expands upon therapy and exhibits drug resistance. We suggest that single-region pretreatment biopsy is insufficient to detect rare, spatially segregated drug-resistant subclones. Inhibition of S6K1 is able to resensitize PIK3CAE545K-expressing NRAS-mutant melanoma cells to MEKi + CDK4i. Cancer Discov; 8(5); 556–67. ©2018 AACR.

See related commentary by Sullivan, p. 532.

See related article by Teh et al., p. 568.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 517
Autophagy in the Tumor or in the Host: Which Plays a Greater Supportive Role?
Authors: Noguera-Ortega Estela , Amaravadi Ravi K.
Published: March 2018

Summary: Autophagy has been identified as a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, one of the most lethal cancers, with few therapeutic options. Yang and colleagues successfully created a genetically engineered mouse model focused on the autophagy gene Atg4b that allows the study of therapeutic autophagy inhibition in fully formed tumors. Using this tool, they demonstrated that selective autophagy inhibition in either the tumor cells, normal host cells, or both suppresses tumor growth. Cancer Discov; 8(3); 266–8. ©2018 AACR

See related article by Yang et al., p. 276.
The Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in the Metropolitan Area of Rome: A Capture-Recapture Analysis
Authors: Farcomeni Alessio , Cortese Antonio , Sgarlata Eleonora , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo , Marfia Gerolama Alessandra , Buttari Fabio , Mirabella Massimiliano , De Fino Chiara , Prosperini Luca , Pozzilli Carlo , Grasso Maria Grazia , Iasevoli Luigi , Di Battista Giancarlo , Millefiorini Enrico
Published: March 2018

Background: Limited data are available on the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in central Italy. The objective of this study is to estimate MS prevalence in the metropolitan area of Rome. Methods: We used the capture-recapture method to calculate prevalence estimates in the study area. The selected prevalence day was December 31, 2015. A total of 1,007 patients, with a definite diagnosis of MS according to the revised McDonald’s criteria, were considered for crude, age- and sex-specific prevalence estimation. Results: The overall crude prevalence rate was 146.2 cases per 100,000 (95% CI 119.9–172.5). A higher prevalence rate was recorded in females (194.1, 95% CI 149.6–238.6) than in males (93.0, 95% CI 67.2–118.8) with a female to male ratio of 1.8. Age-specific prevalence peaked in the 25–34 , 35–44 and 45–54 years class; moreover, it was found to increase up to the 45–54 years age group in females and the 35–44 years age group in males, decreasing thereafter. Conclusion: The results confirm that the metropolitan area of Rome is a high-risk area for MS.
Aichivirus in Children with Diarrhea in Northern Italy
Authors: Bergallo Massimiliano , Galliano Ilaria , Montanari Paola , Rassu Marco , Daprà Valentina
Published: March 2018

Objective: Since its discovery, Aichivirus (AiV) A has been detected, with an incidence of 0.9–4.1%, primarily when studying outbreaks of diarrhea in children or young adults. In this paper, we report the first detection of AiV in Piedmont, Italy, in pediatric patients. Methods: A total of 159 fecal specimens (from 96 males and 63 females) previously screened for rotaviruses, adenoviruses, noroviruses, human parechoviruses, saliviruses, and sapoviruses were collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis. Results: The most commonly detected virus was norovirus GII (33.80%), fol lowed by rotavirus (21.30%), astrovirus (18.87%), boca virus (13.92%), sapovirus (10.90%), parechovirus (8%), norovirus GI (6.70%), adenovirus (1%), and salivirus (0.52%). Real-time polymerase chain reaction detected AiV A in 1 (0.62%) case subjects. AiV A was detected in monoinfection only in January. Conclusions: Our results indicate that AiV may be associated with a limited number of diarrhea cases in pediatric patients.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia Severity Index: A Trichoscopic Visual Scale That Correlates Thickness of Peripilar Casts with Severity of Inflammatory Changes at Pathology
Authors: Martínez-Velasco María Abril , Vázquez-Herrera Norma Elizabeth , Misciali Cosimo , Vincenzi Colombina , Maddy Austin John , Asz-Sigall Daniel , Tosti Antonella
Published: March 2018

Background: Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a scarring alopecia that mainly affects postmenopausal women characterized by recession of the frontotemporal hairline and eyebrow loss. Current techniques to assess FFA activity are limited and involve noninvasive tools that assess disease progression or an invasive technique such as scalp biopsies. However, since progression of FFA is very slow, it is very important to develop a noninvasive technique to assess disease activity to monitor treatment response. Objectives: To provide a standardized and objective method to assess FFA activity. Methods: We evaluated the correlation between trichoscopy and pathological features (degree of lymphocytic infiltration) in 20 dermoscopy-guided biopsies of FFA. At trichoscopy, we divided the severity of peripilar casts into 3 grades according to their thickness. To validate the trichoscopic visual scale, we showed the images to 7 dermatologists with interest in hair diseases. Concordance was assessed using the Kendall Tau-b concordance test. Results: A strong correlation between severity of peripilar casts at trichoscopy and degree of lymphocytic infiltrate was observed by the Kendall Tau-b test. Validation showed very good inter- and intraobserver agreement. Conclusion: The trichoscopic visual scale allows noninvasive assessment of scalp inflammation in FFA in different scalp regions and therefore provides optimal guidance for treatment.
The Convergence of Vasculopathy and Vasculitis: Computer Mapping Analysis of 2 Renal Biopsies in a Patient with both Systemic Sclerosis and ANCA-Related Vasculitis
Authors: Xu Jia , Rosen Milan , Luffman Christina I. , Law Charles , Laloo Anita , Rosen Seymour , Faulkner-Jones Beverly E.
Published: March 2018

Scleroderma vasculopathy and ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies)-associated glomerulonephritis have rarely been reported to occur simultaneously in one patient. Herein, we report a patient who presented with a classic constellation of clinical and laboratory findings of systemic scleroderma and was subsequently found to be positive for p-ANCA. Two renal biopsies, performed 5 months apart, demonstrated typical changes of the two entities in both acute and “healed” phases, which were analyzed by computer mapping techniques. The two renal biopsies were serially sectioned and stained routinely, and with CD31 and CD34 as endothelial markers. The slides were digitized, aligned and analyzed. Each glomerular tuft was sequentially studied in terms of total area (µm2) and each biopsy was individually profiled. All arterial vessels were sequentially studied with whole vessel and luminal areas delineated and ratios calculated. The initial biopsy contained 32 glomeruli almost all with extensive fibrinoid necrosis and destruction of the capillary network. The arterial vessels (interlobular and arcuate) showed intimal edema with luminal occlusion. CD31/CD34 stains showed variable endothelial intactness but demonstrated the luminal size shifts. The second biopsy had 37 glomeruli that were either segmentally or globally sclerotic with no active changes. The vessels were now normally patent. Each glomerular tuft and arterial vessel in both biopsies was analyzed as a serial section histogram documenting these changes. These studies depict the rare occurrence of two entities together, the scleroderma kidney vasculopathy and the glomerulonephritis of ANCA-associated vasculitis syndrome both in an acute and healing phase, profiled by computer mapping techniques.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Liver Resection for Colorectal Metastases in Elderly Patients
Authors: van Tuil Tim , Dhaif Ali A. , te Riele Wouter W. , van Ramshorst Bert , van Santvoort Hjalmar C.
Published: March 2018

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the short- and long-term outcomes of liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in elderly patients. Methods: A PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library search was performed from January 1995 to April 2017, for studies comparing both short- and long-term outcomes in younger and elderly patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM. Results: Eleven studies comparing patients aged <70 years with patients aged >70 years and 4 studies comparing patients aged <75 years with patients aged >75 years were included. Postoperative morbidity was similar in patients aged >70 years (27 vs. 30%; p = 0.35) but higher in patients aged >75 years (21 vs. 32%; p = 0.001). Postoperative mortality was higher in both patients aged >70 years (2 vs. 4%; p = 0.01) and in patients aged >75 years (1 vs. 6%; p = 0.02). Mean 5-year overall survival was lower in patients aged >70 years (40 vs. 32%; p < 0.001) but equal in patients aged >75 years (42 vs. 32%; p = 0.06). Conclusion: Although postoperative morbidity and mortality were increased with higher age, liver resection for CRLM seems justified in selected elderly patients.
Effects of Hydroxychloroquine on Proteinuria in Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy
Authors: Yang Ya-Zi , Liu Li-Jun , Shi Su-Fang , Wang Jin-Wei , Chen Yu-Qing , Lv Ji-Cheng , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2018

Background: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a well-known immunomodulator that is useful as in the treatment for lupus because of its inhibitory effect on toll-like receptors and cytokines, which are speculated to play a role in the pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN). However, there was only one study that investigated the effect of HCQ on proteinuria in patients with IgAN. Methods: Ninety patients with IgAN who received HCQ in addition to optimized dosage of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) were recruited for this study, and 90 matched historical controls who received RAASi alone were selected from our registry by the propensity score matching method. Their clinical data were compared at baseline and during follow-up till the termination of HCQ or addition of immunosuppressive agents. Results: The median baseline proteinuria level of the 90 patients who received HCQ was comparable with the RAASi-alone group (1.5 [1.2, 2.1] vs. 1.5 [1.2, 1.9] g/day, p = 0.74). At 6 months post-study initiation, the median proteinuria level in the HCQ group was lower than that in the RAASi-alone group (0.8 [0.7, 1.2] vs. 1.2 [0.8, 1.8] g/day, p = 0.02). The percentage by which proteinuria was reduced in the HCQ group was significantly higher than that in the RAASi-alone group (–43% [–57, –12] vs. –19% [–46, 17], p = 0.01). No serious adverse effects were documented during treatment with HCQ. Conclusion: The addition of HCQ to RAASi resulted in a significant and safe reduction in proteinuria in patients with IgAN.
Gender-Differentiated Tarascan Surnames in Michoacán
Authors: Thurtell Joel , Merchant Emily Klancher
Published: March 2018

Mexican parish registers provide a rich trove of data for analyzing trends in mortality and fertility and changes to indigenous family structures. Surnames are links between different times in the past, as well as to geographical areas. Surname meanings can be clues to ancient social systems and religious values. Attention to the use of gender-differentiated surnames and the practice underlying intergenerational surname transmission offers a new approach to the study of kinship and family organization among both precolonial and colonial Tarascans, leading to a deeper understanding of the meanings behind these surnames. Moreover, differing degrees of native surname retention could well be helpful in charting rates of cultural change in various places.
Who Commanded History? Sir John Colville, Churchillian Networks, and the ‘Castlerosse Affair’
Authors: Dockter Warren , Toye Richard
Published: March 2018

This article is based on the discovery of a tape in which the late John Colville, one of Winston Churchill’s most trusted private secretaries, claimed that Churchill had had an affair with Doris, Lady Castlerosse, a society beauty who died of a drug overdose in 1942. It shows that Colville’s claim was a credible one, although it cannot be proven beyond doubt. The article uses Colville’s revelation as the starting point of an investigation into how a network of Churchill’s friends and former colleagues influenced the shaping of his reputation in the years after his retirement and death. Colville himself was one of the key figures in the process, although his actions – not least his revelation of the story of Lady Castlerosse – were sometimes paradoxical. By examining these developments, the article casts new light on the history of the Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge, of which Colville was the founding father.
RANKL Triggers Treg-Mediated Immunoregulation in Inflammatory Osteolysis
Authors: Francisconi C.F. , Vieira A.E. , Azevedo M.C.S. , Tabanez A.P. , Fonseca A.C. , Trombone A.P.F. , Letra A. , Silva R.M. , Sfeir C.S. , Little S.R. , Garlet G.P.
Published: March 2018

The chronic inflammatory immune response triggered by the infection of the tooth root canal system results in the local upregulation of RANKL, resulting in periapical bone loss. While RANKL has a well-characterized role in the control of bone homeostasis/pathology, it can play important roles in the regulation of the immune system, although its possible immunoregulatory role in infectious inflammatory osteolytic conditions remains largely unknown. Here, we used a mouse model of infectious inflammatory periapical lesions subjected to continuous or transitory anti-RANKL inhibition, followed by the analysis of lesion outcome and multiple host response parameters. Anti-RANKL administration resulted in arrest of bone loss but interfered in the natural immunoregulation of the lesions observed in the untreated group. RANKL inhibition resulted in an unremitting proinflammatory response, persistent high proinflammatory and effector CD4 response, decreased regulatory T-cell (Treg) migration, and lower levels of Treg-related cytokines IL-10 and TGFb. Anti-RANKL blockade impaired the immunoregulatory process only in early disease stages, while the late administration of anti-RANKL did not interfere with the stablished immunoregulation. The impaired immunoregulation due to RANKL inhibition is characterized by increased delayed-type hypersensitivity in vivo and T-cell proliferation in vitro to the infecting bacteria, which mimic the effects of Treg inhibition, reinforcing a possible influence of RANKL on Treg-mediated suppressive response. The adoptive transfer of CD4+FOXp3+ Tregs to mice receiving anti-RANKL therapy restored the immunoregulatory capacity, attenuating the inflammatory response in the lesions, reestablishing normal T-cell response in vivo and in vitro, and preventing lesion relapse upon anti-RANKL therapy cessation. Therefore, while RANKL inhibition efficiently limited the periapical bone loss, it promoted an unremitting host inflammatory response by interfering with Treg activity, suggesting that this classic osteoclastogenic mediator plays a role in immunoregulation.
Railway workers in Second World War: Towards a reconciliation in historiography?
Authors: Polino Marie-Noëlle
Published: March 2018

New developments in research about the role of railway workers in the holocaust reopen the historical discussion and the public debates on the responsibility of agencies and individuals in the deportation of the Jews during Second World War. The role of French railway employees is central in the controversy. This paper, focusing on new publications regarding the case of France, aims to summarize the debate and offers two main questions, which still ask for more historical investigation.
Effect of Perceived Parent–Child Relationship in Childhood on Resilience in Japanese Youth
Authors: Tamura Takahiro
Published: March 2018

The present study examined the effect of the perceived parent–child relationship in childhood on resilience in youth. It recruited 268 university students majoring in education and college students majoring in welfare science to investigate the relationship between their perception of parent–child relationship in their childhood and their current resilience by their responses on the Adolescent Resilience Scale and the Children's Perceived Affiliation for Parents Scale. The results indicated that female's positive perception of their relationship with their mothers in childhood had a positive influence on their resilience. On the other hand, the positive influence was inconspicuous and limited with regard to the perception of female's relationship with their fathers in childhood. In contrast, this positive influence was not confirmed in male participants regardless of the perception of their relationship with mothers and fathers in childhood. Although limited to females, these results suggest that youth's perception of their parent–child relationships in childhood significantly affected the development of resilience. In addition, sex difference was observed in this effect. The findings have been discussed with respect to the process of the development of resilience.
Fast and simple fabrication of SiO2/poly(vinylidene fluoride) coated cotton fabrics with asymmetric wettability via a facile spray-coating route
Authors: Yu Rongrong , Tian Mingwei , Qu Lijun , Zhu Shifeng , Ran Jianhua , Liu Ruichao
Published: March 2018

Cotton fabrics with hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic asymmetric surfaces are attractive as potential utilizable structures for functional garments. The spray-coating route could be deemed as a fast and simple way to achieve asymmetric surfaces. In this paper, SiO2 nanoparticles with size ∼ 205 nm were synthesized via the modified sol-gel method, and then modified with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to form a hydrophobic surface. The SiO2 nanoparticles modified with PVDF were uniformly deposited on the outer surface of cotton fabric aided with the robust air flow force from the sprayer. The morphology and chemical structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mapping, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that SiO2 nanoparticles were evenly deposited on the surface of cotton fibers and stable interfacial interaction occurred between SiO2 and PVDF molecular chains. The existence of SiO2 could increase the roughness of the fabric surface, which could enhance the water-repellent property of the coated fabrics. Furthermore, the water-repellent property and thermal insulation properties were evaluated via the water contact angle and thermal conductivity tests, respectively, and the results showed that 20 wt.% SiO2/PVDF fabric achieved a desirable level of contact angle, 136.6°, which was the largest water contact angle among all the samples, and the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.033 W/mK, resulting from the existence of SiO2 nanoparticles. Such a fast and simple spray-coating strategy could be widely introduced into asymmetric fabric modification, and such asymmetric fabrics with reasonable water-repellent and thermal insulating outer surfaces could act as candidates in the field of functional garments.
Simulation of plate compression behavior of warp-knitted spacer fabrics based on geometry and property parameters
Authors: Sun Fengxin , Ma Mingying , Pan Xingxing , Liu Gui , Yang Shu , Zheng Dongming , Li Ming , Du Zhaoqun
Published: March 2018

The plate compression property of warp-knitted spacer fabrics greatly determines their industrial application in cushions and mattresses, which can be regulated by the structure and property of spacer filaments of spacer fabrics. To better meet application requirements, this paper detailed a study on the relationships between the geometry and property parameters of spacer filaments and the plate compression property of spacer fabrics. A three-dimensional structure model was firstly developed using the finite element method based on a typical spacer fabric. The model shows a satisfactory prediction of the compression force–strain curve of the spacer fabric compared with the corresponding experimental curve. Consequently, the effects of geometry parameters, including height, diameter, arrangement density and bending angle of spacer filaments, and Young’s modulus of the filaments on the compression behavior of spacer fabrics were investigated using the validated model by adjusting the corresponding geometry and property parameters. The stress nephogram and stress distribution along the filaments at compression strain 0.6 were analyzed to discover the deformation mechanism of spacer filaments under compression. It was found that the spacer fabric with smaller filament height, courser filament diameter, larger bending angle, higher arrangement density and Young’s modulus of filaments had higher compression resistance. This study is useful to optimize the performance of spacer fabrics in design and manufacturing by purposefully tuning the geometry and property parameters.
Whose Rights? Freedom-of-Expression Critiques of Ecuadorian Media Democratization
Authors: Tym Christian
Published: March 2018

Despite its media reforms designed to democratize the country’s media landscape, the Ecuadorian government has been subject to constant condemnation from major U.S.-based human rights organizations on freedom-of-expression grounds. A close examination of these critiques and the Ecuadorian media reforms to which they correspond and a comparison of the Ecuadorian government’s and critical human rights organizations’ positions with liberal scholarship on the right to freedom of expression leads to the conclusion that Ecuadorian media reform is consistent with liberal social-democratic principles and, by contrast, human rights organizations uphold an early-modern interpretation of liberalism that is marginal within scholarship on freedom of expression.

A pesar de su programa de reformas para democratizar el campo de los medios de difusión, el gobierno ecuatoriano ha sido objeto de una condena permanente por parte de las principales organizaciones de los derechos humanos de los Estados Unidos por motivos de la libertad de expresión. Un examen minucioso de estas críticas y de las reformas del gobierno ecuatoriano, así como una comparación de las posiciones del gobierno ecuatoriano y las de las organizaciones de derechos humanos con los estudios liberales sobre el derecho a la libertad de expression, revelan que estas reformas son consistentes con los principios liberales y socialdemócratas y que, en cambio, las organizaciones de derechos humanos defienden una interpretación del liberalismo correspondiente al principio de la era moderna temprana que queda marginal dentro de los estudios sobre la libertad de expresión.
Digital Storytelling and the Dispute over Representation in the Ayotzinapa Case
Authors: Meneses María Elena , Castillo-González María Concepción
Published: March 2018

Comparison of the narratives of civil society and the federal government on YouTube and Twitter in the case of the disappearance of 43 students in Ayotzinapa, Mexico, allows the identification of the codes of representation being disputed in this emblematic case of violation of fundamental rights. Digital storytelling that goes viral and across media offers the possibility of organizing protest in the offline world. Its reflective attributes favor the visibility of injustice and permanence on the local and global agenda and in some cases exert pressure on social actors and authorities to establish mechanisms to resolve the conflict.

La comparación de las narrativas sobre la sociedad civil y el gobierno federal en YouTube y en Twitter en el caso de la desaparición de los 43 estudiantes en Ayotzinapa, Mexico, nos permite identificar los códigos de representación en disputa en este caso emblemático de violación de los derechos humanos. Los relatos digitales que se vuelven virales y pasan a otros medios ofrecen la posibilidad de organizar la protesta en el mundo fuera de la Red. Su capacidad de reflejar ayuda a visibilizar la injusticia, manteniéndola como tema importante en las agendas locales y globales, y en algunos casos también ayuda a ejercer presión sobre los agentes sociales y las autoridades para establecer mecanismos que puedan resolver los conflictos.
A randomized controlled trial of a resilience-based intervention for children affected by parental HIV: Educational outcomes at 24-, 30-, and 36-months
Authors: Harrison Sayward E. , Li Xiaoming , Zhang JiaJia , Zhao Junfeng , Zhao Guoxiang
Published: March 2018

Children of parents with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at-risk for a variety of negative outcomes, including poor educational achievement. The multi-level, resilience-based ChildCARE intervention has been found to yield short-term improvement in a number of school-related variables for children affected by parental HIV. However, no studies have examined whether educational gains persist. Thus, this study evaluated whether children who received the ChildCARE intervention displayed better educational outcomes than children assigned to a control group at 24-, 30-, and 36-months post-intervention. We enrolled 790 Chinese children affected by parental HIV in a four-arm randomized controlled trial to evaluate the intervention components of ChildCARE. Children and their caregivers were randomized to a control group, child-only intervention, child + caregiver intervention, or child + caregiver + community intervention. School outcomes at 24-, 30-, and 36-months suggested limited support for the efficacy of the intervention to yield sustained improvements in educational outcomes. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts that involve caregivers, communities, and schools to support children made vulnerable by parental HIV in China and around the world.
Dietary Behaviors and Glucose Metabolism in Young Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cha EunSeok , Paul Sudeshna , Braxter Betty J. , Umpierrez Guillermo , Faulkner Melissa Spezia
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the associations between dietary behaviors and glucose metabolism in high-risk young adults to increase the precision of nutrition education to prevent early onset type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Method

Using a descriptive, cross-sectional study design, 106 overweight or obese sedentary young adults ages 18-29 years from the Atlanta metropolitan area were recruited to screen diabetes risk. Survey questionnaires, anthropometric assessment, blood pressure (BP), and laboratory data were collected in a clinical research unit. The Web-based HOMA2 calculator was used to calculate beta cell function and insulin sensitivity.

Results

The final sample included 103 participants. There were similar patterns of diet (caloric intake and dietary quality) between African Americans and non-African Americans, whereas African Americans showed hyperinsulinemia compared with non-African Americans. When young adults consumed a good quality diet (appropriate carbohydrate intakes; high fiber, low saturated fat but protein rich diet), their insulin resistance was decreased. There was a marginal interaction effect between insulin sensitivity and beta cell function by race. Systolic BP was higher in African Americans, and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher in non-African Americans.

Conclusion

Findings are useful to develop age-specific nutrition guidelines to prevent early onset T2D in high-risk young adults.
Investigating the Effects of Modality and Multimedia on the Learning Performance of College Students With Dyslexia
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Dawson Kara , Saunders Kendra , Ritzhaupt Albert D. , Antonenko Pavlo “Pasha” , Lombardino Linda , Keil Andreas , Agacli-Dogan Nihan , Luo Wenjing , Cheng Li , Davis Robert O.
Published: March 2018

There has been a lack of research on how people with individual differences learn with multimedia materials, in particular with regard to individuals with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by subpar ability in reading, spelling, writing, word recognition, and phonological decoding. This population could potentially benefit from multimedia learning materials according to the cognitive theory of multimedia learning and Orton–Gillingham multisensory instructional approach. This study examined how learning in four multimedia conditions influences dyslexic college students’ ability to recall and recognize information. Seventy-three college students with dyslexia were assigned to one of the four conditions that integrated the modality (spoken text vs. on-screen text) and multimedia (picture present vs. picture absent) principles. They completed a cued-recall and a content recognition test. The results indicated pictures facilitated recognition, which validated the multimedia principle. On-screen text led to a superior performance in recall and recognition compared to spoken text. This finding suggested the modality principle did not hold for participants with dyslexia in this study, which is especially surprising given that dyslexics have difficulty processing written text. Possible explanations of the findings are discussed.
Use of a novel drainage flow servo-controlled CPB for mitral valve replacement in a Jehovah’s Witness
Authors: Niimi Yoshinari , Murata Seiichiro , Mitou Yumi , Ohno Yusuke
Published: March 2018

We developed a novel open cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) system, a drainage flow servo-controlled CPB system (DS-CPB), in which rotational speed of the main roller pump is servo-controlled to generate the same amount of flow as the systemic venous drainage. It was designed to safely decrease the priming volume while maintaining a constant reservoir level, even during fluctuations of the drainage flow. We report a successful use of a novel DS-CPB system in an elderly Jehovah’s Witness patient with dehydration who underwent mitral valve replacement.