bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warthin-Like Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Associated with Lymphadenopathy and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: González-Colunga Karla Judith , Loya-Solis Abelardo , Ceceñas-Falcón Luis Ángel , Barboza-Quintana Oralia , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez René
Published: March 2015

Defining the histologic variant of thyroid carcinoma is an important clinical implication as their progression, recurrence, aggressiveness, and prognosis differ. Warthin-like variant is one of the rarest histologic variants of papillary thyroid cancer. A 36-year-old female sought consult for assessment of a painless right neck tumor. High-resolution neck ultrasound revealed a right hypoechoic, 1.71 × 1.05 cm thyroid nodule. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy report was a Bethesda grade III. Thyroid function tests showed Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The patient underwent right hemithyroidectomy. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of papillae lined by cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm, nuclear chromatin clearing, grooves, and pseudoinclusions and a characteristic lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate of the papillae cores. Extension into the perithyroidal soft tissue and 3 ipsilateral lymph nodes was found to be positive for cancer. Warthin-like variant is an uncommon and relatively unknown variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma that has been usually associated with an excellent prognosis. Interestingly, BRAF mutations have been reported to be present in up to 75% of the patients. It is frequently associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and presents unique morphological features that make it recognizable on histologic examination. The cytological diagnosis is difficult to assess due to the overlap in its findings with the classical variant and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Optimal Wind Turbines Micrositing in Onshore Wind Farms Using Fuzzy Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Rui , Sun Qiuye , Zhang Huaguang
Published: March 2015

With the fast growth in the number and size of installed wind farms (WFs) around the world, optimal wind turbines (WTs) micrositing has become a challenge from both technological and mathematical points of view. An appropriate layout of wind turbines is crucial to obtain adequate performance with respect to the development and operation of the wind power plant during its life span. This work presents a fuzzy genetic algorithm (FGA) for maximizing the economic profitability of the project. The algorithm considers a new WF model including several important factors to the design of the layout. The model consists of wake loss, terrain effect, and economic benefits, which can be calculated by locations of wind turbines. The results demonstrate that the algorithm performs better than genetic algorithm, in terms of maximum values of net annual value of wind power plants and computational burden.
Calcium Homeostasis and ER Stress in Control of Autophagy in Cancer Cells
Authors: Kania Elżbieta , Pająk Beata , Orzechowski Arkadiusz
Published: March 2015

Autophagy is a basic catabolic process, serving as an internal engine during responses to various cellular stresses. As regards cancer, autophagy may play a tumor suppressive role by preserving cellular integrity during tumor development and by possible contribution to cell death. However, autophagy may also exert oncogenic effects by promoting tumor cell survival and preventing cell death, for example, upon anticancer treatment. The major factors influencing autophagy are Ca2+homeostasis perturbation and starvation. Several Ca2+channels like voltage-gated T- and L-type channels, IP3 receptors, or CRAC are involved in autophagy regulation. Glucose transporters, mainly from GLUT family, which are often upregulated in cancer, are also prominent targets for autophagy induction. Signals from both Ca2+perturbations and glucose transport blockage might be integrated at UPR and ER stress activation. Molecular pathways such as IRE 1-JNK-Bcl-2, PERK-eIF2α-ATF4, or ATF6-XBP 1-ATG are related to autophagy induced through ER stress. Moreover ER molecular chaperones such as GRP78/BiP and transcription factors like CHOP participate in regulation of ER stress-mediated autophagy. Autophagy modulation might be promising in anticancer therapies; however, it is a context-dependent matter whether inhibition or activation of autophagy leads to tumor cell death.
The Relationship of CSF and Plasma Cytokine Levels in HIV Infected Patients with Neurocognitive Impairment
Authors: Yuan Lin , Liu An , Qiao Luxin , Sheng Bo , Xu Meng , Li Wei , Chen Dexi
Published: March 2015

Although HAD is now rare due to HAART, the milder forms of HAND persist in HIV-infected patients. HIV-induced systemic and localized inflammation is considered to be one of the mechanisms of HAND. The levels of cytokines in CSF were associated with neurocognitive impairment in HIV infection. However, the changes of cytokines involved in cognition impairment in plasma have not been shown, and their relationships between CSF and plasma require to be addressed. We compared cytokine levels in paired CSF and plasma samples from HIV-infected individuals with or without neurocognitive impairment. Cytokine concentrations were measured by Luminex xMAP. In comparing the expression levels of cytokines in plasma and CSF, IFN-α2, IL-8, IP-10, and MCP-1 were significantly higher in CSF. Eotaxin was significantly higher in plasma, whereas G-CSF showed no difference between plasma and CSF. G-CSF(P=0.0079), IL-8(P=0.0223), IP-10(P=0.0109), and MCP-1(P=0.0497)in CSF showed significant difference between HIV-CI and HIV-NC group, which may indicate their relationship to HIV associated neurocognitive impairment. In addition, G-CSF(P=0.0191)and IP-10(P=0.0377)in plasma were significantly higher in HIV-CI than HIV-NC. The consistent changes of G-CSF and IP-10 in paired plasma and CSF samples might enhance their potential for predicting HAND.
Viscosity Measurements of Dilute Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) Aqueous Solutions Near Theta Temperature Analyzed within the Joint Rouse-Zimm Model
Authors: Tóthová Jana , Paulovičová Katarína , Lisý Vladimír
Published: March 2015

The steady-state shear viscosity of low-concentrated Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOX) aqueous solutions is measured near the presumed theta temperature using the falling ball viscometry technique. The experimental data are analyzed within the model that joins the Rouse and Zimm bead-spring theories of the polymer dynamics at the theta condition, which means that the polymer coils are considered to be partially permeable to the solvent. The polymer characteristics thus depend on the draining parameterhthat is related to the strength of the hydrodynamic interaction between the polymer segments. The Huggins coefficient was found to be 0.418 at the temperature 20°C, as predicted by the theory. This value corresponds toh= 2.92, contrary to the usual assumption of the infiniteh. This result indicates that the theta temperature for the PEOX water solutions is 20°C rather than 25°C in the previous studies. The experimental intrinsic viscosity is well described coming from the Arrhenius equation for the shear viscosity.
The Versatility of Autologous Fat Transplantation in Correction of Facial Deformities: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Hammer-Hansen Niels , Akram Javed , Damsgaard Tine Engberg
Published: March 2015

Deformities in the craniofacial region are of great social and functional importance. Several surgical techniques have been used to treat such pathologies often with high morbidity and lacking the ability to address smaller contour defects. The minimally invasive technique of fat transplantation has evolved rapidly within the last few decades. The objective of this paper is to present the versatility and applicability of fat transplantation in a wide range of contour deformities in the craniofacial region. We share our experiences in treating 13 patients with autoimmune disorders, congenital malformations, and acquired defects. Future perspectives of fat transplantation in the field of craniofacial reconstruction are discussed.
The Potential for Observing African Weather with GNSS Remote Sensing
Authors: Isioye Olalekan A. , Combrinck Ludwig , Botai Joel O. , Munghemezulu Cilence
Published: March 2015

When compared to the wide range of atmospheric sensing techniques, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) offers the advantage of operating under all weather conditions, is continuous, with high temporal and spatial resolution and high accuracy, and has long-term stability. The utilisation of GNSS ground networks of continuous stations for operational weather and climate services is already in place in many nations in Europe, Asia, and America under different initiatives and organisations. In Africa, the situation appears to be different. The focus of this paper is to assess the conditions of the existing and anticipated GNSS reference network in the African region for meteorological applications. The technical issues related to the implementation of near-real-time (NRT) GNSS meteorology are also discussed, including the data and network requirements for meteorological and climate applications. We conclude from this study that the African GNSS network is sparse in the north and central regions of the continent, with a dense network in the south and fairly dense network in the west and east regions of the continent. Most stations lack collocated meteorological sensors and other geodetic observing systems as called for by the GCOS Reference Upper Air Network (GRUAN) GNSS Precipitable Water Task Team and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Preliminary results of calculated zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) from the African GNSS indicate spatial variability and diurnal dependence of ZTD. To improve the density and geometry of the existing network, countries are urged to contribute more stations to the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF) program and a collaborative scheme between different organisations maintaining different GNSS stations on the continent is recommended. The benefit of using spaced based GNSS radio occultation (RO) data for atmospheric sounding is highlighted and filling of geographical gaps from the station-based observation network with GNSS RO is also proposed.
Efficient Two-Dimensional Direction Finding via Auxiliary-Variable Manifold Separation Technique for Arbitrary Array Structure
Authors: Hua Guang , Wu Jiu-Dong , Zhu Xi-Cheng , Zhou Hou-Xing , Hong Wei
Published: March 2015

A polynomial rooting direction of arrival (DOA) algorithm for multiple plane waves incident on an arbitrary array structure that combines the multipolynomial resultants and matrix computations is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a new auxiliary-variable manifold separation technique (AV-MST) is used to model the steering vector of arbitrary array structure as the product of a sampling matrix (dependent only on the array structure) and two Vandermonde-structured wavefield coefficient vectors (dependent on the wavefield). Then the propagator operator is calculated and used to form a system of bivariate polynomial equations. Finally, the automatically paired azimuth and elevation estimates are derived by polynomial rooting. The presented algorithm employs the concept of auxiliary-variable manifold separation technique which requires no sector by sector array interpolation and thus does not suffer from any mapping errors. In addition, the new algorithm does not need any eigenvalue decomposition of the covariance matrix and exhausted search over the two-dimensional parameter space. Moreover, the algorithm gives automatically paired estimates, thus avoiding the complex pairing procedure. Therefore, the proposed algorithm shows low computational complexity and high robustness performance. Simulation results are shown to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Review of Current Management of Vitreomacular Traction and Macular Hole
Authors: García-Layana Alfredo , García-Arumí José , Ruiz-Moreno José M. , Arias-Barquet Lluís , Cabrera-López Francisco , Figueroa Marta S.
Published: March 2015

The paper presents a review of the sequence of events of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), vitreomacular traction (VMT), and macular hole (MH) from their pathophysiological aspects, clinical features, diagnostic implications, and current management strategies. A treatment algorithm to be used in clinical practice in patients with VMA, VMT, and MH based on the presence of symptoms, visual acuity, associated epiretinal membrane, and width of the vitreous attachment is presented. Observation, pharmacologic vitreolysis with ocriplasmin, and surgical treatment are positioned as treatment options in the different steps of the therapeutic algorithm, with clear indications of the paths to be followed according to the initial presenting manifestations and the patient’s clinical course.
Almost Automorphic Solutions for Fuzzy Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks with Mixed Time Delays
Authors: Li Yongkun , Meng Xiaofang , Zhang Xuemei
Published: March 2015

This paper is concerned with the problem of almost automorphic solutions of a class of fuzzy Cohen-Grossberg neural networks with mixed time delays and variable coefficients. Based on inequality analysis techniques and combining the exponential dichotomy with fixed point theorem, some sufficient conditions for the existence and global exponential stability of almost automorphic solutions are obtained. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the feasibility of our results.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery versus Percutaneous Lithotripsy to Treat Renal Stones 2-3 cm in Diameter
Authors: Zengin Kursad , Tanik Serhat , Karakoyunlu Nihat , Sener Nevzat Can , Albayrak Sebahattin , Tuygun Can , Bakirtas Hasan , Imamoglu M. Abdurrahim , Gurdal Mesut
Published: March 2015

Objective. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) performed using a flexible ureterorenoscope marked the beginning of a new era in urology. Today, even staghorn stones are successfully treated via RIRS. The recommended treatment for larger stones is percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). However, the question of whether PNL or RIRS should be the first-line treatment option for larger stones remains controversial. In this study, we contribute to the debate by comparing the success and complication rates of PNL and RIRS that were used to treat renal pelvis stones 2-3 cm in diameter.Materials and Methods. The medical records of 154 patients (74 PNL, 80 RIRS) were retrospectively evaluated. PNL patients were placed in Group 1 and RIRS patients in Group 2.Results. The complete stone-free rates were 95.5% in the PNL group and 80.6% in the RIRS group 1 month postoperatively (P=0.061). The respective complication rates (evaluated using the Clavien system) were 13.5% and 8.8% (P=0.520).Conclusions. RIRS affords a comparable success rate, causes fewer complications than PNL, and seems to be a promising alternative to PNL when larger stones are to be treated. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Elaborating the Role of Natural Products-Induced Autophagy in Cancer Treatment: Achievements and Artifacts in the State of the Art
Authors: Wang Ning , Feng Yibin
Published: March 2015

Autophagy is a homeostatic process that is highly conserved across different types of mammalian cells. Autophagy is able to relieve tumor cell from nutrient and oxidative stress during the rapid expansion of cancer. Excessive and sustained autophagy may lead to cell death and tumor shrinkage. It was shown in literature that many anticancer natural compounds and extracts could initiate autophagy in tumor cells. As summarized in this review, the tumor suppressive action of natural products-induced autophagy may lead to cell senescence, provoke apoptosis-independent cell death, and complement apoptotic cell death by robust or target-specific mechanisms. In some cases, natural products-induced autophagy could protect tumor cells from apoptotic death. Technical variations in detecting autophagy affect data quality, and study focus should be made on elaborating the role of autophagy in deciding cell fate. In vivo study monitoring of autophagy in cancer treatment is expected to be the future direction. The clinical-relevant action of autophagy-inducing natural products should be highlighted in future study. As natural products are an important resource in discovery of lead compound of anticancer drug, study on the role of autophagy in tumor suppressive effect of natural products continues to be necessary and emerging.
cspAInfluences Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance in Pathogenic FungusAspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Fan Zhongqi , Li Zhe , Xu Zongge , Li Hongyan , Li Lixiang , Ning Cong , Ma Lin , Xie Xiangli , Wang Guangyi , Yu Huimei
Published: March 2015

The microbial cell wall plays a crucial role in biofilm formation and drug resistance.cspAencodes a repeat-rich glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored cell wall protein in the pathogenic fungusAspergillus fumigatus. To determine whethercspAhas a significant impact on biofilm development and sensitivity to antifungal drugs inA. fumigatus, a ΔcspAmutant was constructed by targeted gene disruption, and we then reconstituted the mutant to wild type by homologous recombination of a functionalcspAgene. Deletion ofcspAresulted in a rougher conidial surface, reduced biofilm formation, decreased resistance to antifungal agents, and increased internalization by A549 human lung epithelial cells, suggesting thatcspAnot only participates in maintaining the integrity of the cell wall, but also affects biofilm establishment, drug response, and invasiveness ofA. fumigatus.
HOMA, BMI, and Serum Leptin Levels Variations during Antiviral Treatment Suggest Virus-Related Insulin Resistance in Noncirrhotic, Nonobese, and Nondiabetic Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Patients
Authors: Grasso Alessandro , Malfatti Federica , Andraghetti Gabriella , Marenco Simona , Mazzucchelli Chiara , Labanca Sara , Cordera Renzo , Testa Roberto , Picciotto Antonino
Published: March 2015

Objective. To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and viral load decay in nondiabetic and noncirrhotic genotype 1 chronic HCV patients during peginterferon and ribavirin treatment and the possible influence of BMI and leptin as metabolic confounders.Methods. 75 consecutive noncirrhotic, nonobese, and nondiabetic patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon alpha 2a plus ribavirin were evaluated. HOMA-IR, serum leptin, and BMI were measured in all patients at baseline and at weeks 12 and 48, whereas viral load was measured at the same time points and then 24 weeks after the end of treatment.Results. HOMA-IR was significantly associated with both BMI and leptin at baseline. During peginterferon plus ribavirin treatment, there was a significant reduction of HOMA-IR at weeks 12 and 48 from baseline (P=0.033and 0.048, resp.) in patients who achieved an early viral load decay (EVR), a trend not observed in patients who not achieved EVR. No variations during treatment were observed regarding BMI and leptin irrespective of EVR.Conclusion. The early reduction of HOMA-IR but not of BMI and leptin during antiviral treatment in noncirrhotic, chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients who achieved EVR suggests a viral genesis of insulin resistance in patients with nonmetabolic phenotype.
Žensko iskustvo migracija i starenja – pogled s otokâ
Authors:   Institut za migracije i narodnosti, Zagreb, Hrvatska, Podgorelec Sonja , Bara Mario ,   Hrvatsko katoličko sveučilište, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Published: March 2015

This paper is result of research on the specificities of migration and their influence on the aging of women in particular island surroundings as well as on the causes and social consequences of these processes. It also discusses certain domains of the quality of life valued by the elderly. In addition to providing a theoretical overview, the authors present data collected by methods of secondary data analysis, and observation and semi-structured interviews in an effort to provide insight into aging on the Croatian islands from a gender standpoint. The qualitative data used were collected during several researches carried out from 2003 to 2013 within the project entitled “The influence of migrations on the regional development of Croatia”. The analysis focuses mainly on the experience of elderly women who live in small island communities, defined on the basis of similar economic, social and psychological parameters regardless of the island size. The data presented in this paper indicate that the aging of women on the islands and the quality of their life in later years are dependent on a number of factors – personal or family member (non)involvement in migration, size of the community in which they live, degree of island isolation, quality of existing infrastructure, personal health, degree of participation in social life etc. Additionally, notwithstanding their individual specific life cycle or the island on which they reside, a high level of activity into very old age is a common denominator for elderly island women. In conclusion, due to current demographic trends, the authors expect the continuation of the process of population aging on the Croatian islands, increase in the number of predominantly female single households and continuation of equality in the division of roles between island males and females outside the home, with concurrent maintaining of “female roles” in the home and in caring for the elderly (professionally or volunteer), which will strengthen some quality of life related issues for the inhabitants of small island communities.
Modification of Helicobacter pylori Peptidoglycan Enhances NOD1 Activation and Promotes Cancer of the Stomach
Authors: Suarez Giovanni , Romero-Gallo Judith , Piazuelo M. Blanca , Wang Ge , Maier Robert J. , Forsberg Lennart S. , Azadi Parastoo , Gomez Martin A. , Correa Pelayo , Peek Richard M.
Published: March 2015

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the strongest known risk factor for gastric carcinogenesis. One cancer-linked locus is the cag pathogenicity island, which translocates components of peptidoglycan into host cells. NOD1 is an intracellular immune receptor that senses peptidoglycan from Gram-negative bacteria and responds by inducing autophagy and activating NF-κB, leading to inflammation-mediated bacterial clearance; however chronic pathogens can evade NOD1-mediated clearance by altering peptidoglycan structure. We previously demonstrated that the H. pylori cag+ strain 7.13 rapidly induces gastric cancer in Mongolian gerbils. Using 2D-DIGE and mass spectrometry, we identified a novel mutation within the gene encoding the peptidoglycan deacetylase PgdA; therefore, we sought to define the role of H. pylori PgdA in NOD1-dependent activation of NF-κB, inflammation, and cancer. Coculture of H. pylori strain 7.13 or its pgdA− isogenic mutant with AGS gastric epithelial cells or HEK293 epithelial cells expressing a NF-κB reporter revealed that pgdA inactivation significantly decreased NOD1-dependent NF-κB activation and autophagy. Infection of Mongolian gerbils with an H. pylori pgdA− mutant strain led to significantly decreased levels of inflammation and malignant lesions in the stomach; however, preactivation of NOD1 before bacterial challenge reciprocally suppressed inflammation and cancer in response to wild-type H. pylori. Expression of NOD1 differs in human gastric cancer specimens compared with noncancer samples harvested from the same patients. These results indicate that peptidoglycan deacetylation plays an important role in modulating host inflammatory responses to H. pylori, allowing the bacteria to persist and induce carcinogenic consequences in the gastric niche. Cancer Res; 75(8); 1749–59. ©2015 AACR.
Evaluation of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Follow-up and Treatment Response Assessment of Lymphoma: Results of an 18F-FDG-PET/CT–Controlled Prospective Study in 64 Patients
Authors: Mayerhoefer Marius E. , Karanikas Georgios , Kletter Kurt , Prosch Helmut , Kiesewetter Barbara , Skrabs Cathrin , Porpaczy Edit , Weber Michael , Knogler Thomas , Sillaber Christian , Jaeger Ulrich , Simonitsch-Klupp Ingrid , Ubl Philipp , Müllauer Leonhard , Dolak Werner , Lukas Julius , Raderer Markus
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To determine the value of diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI-MRI) for treatment response assessment in 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)–avid lymphoma.

Experimental Design: Patients with FDG-avid Hodgkin (HL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at pretherapeutic 18F-FDG-PET/CT, who had also undergone pretherapeutic whole-body DWI-MRI, were included in this prospective study. Depending on the histologic lymphoma subtype, patients received different systemic treatment regimens, and follow-up DWI-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT were performed at one or more time points, depending on the clinical course. For each follow-up DWI-MRI, region-based rates of agreement, and rates of agreement in terms of treatment response (complete remission, partial remission, stable disease, or progressive disease), relative to the corresponding 18F-FDG-PET/CT, were calculated.

Results: Sixty-four patients were included: 10 with HL, 22 with aggressive NHL, and 32 with indolent NHL. The overall region-based agreement of DWI-MRI with 18F-FDG-PET/CT was 99.4%. For the 51 interim examinations (performed after 1–3 therapy cycles), region-based agreement of DWI-MRI with 18F-FDG-PET/CT was 99.2%, and for the 48 end-of-treatment examinations, agreement was 99.8%. No significant differences, in terms of region-based agreement between DWI-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT, were observed between the three lymphoma groups (HL, aggressive NHL, indolent NHL; P = 0.25), or between interim and end-of-treatment examinations (P = 0.21). With regard to treatment response assessment, DWI-MRI agreed with 18F-FDG-PET/CT in 99 of 102 follow-up examinations (97.1%), with a κ value of 0.94 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: In patients with FDG-avid lymphoma, DWI-MRI may be a feasible alternative to 18F-FDG-PET/CT for follow-up and treatment response assessment. Clin Cancer Res; 21(11); 2506–13. ©2015 AACR.
Characterization of ABT-806, a Humanized Tumor-Specific Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Reilly Edward B. , Phillips Andrew C. , Buchanan Fritz G. , Kingsbury Gillian , Zhang Yumin , Meulbroek Jonathan A. , Cole Todd B. , DeVries Peter J. , Falls Hugh D. , Beam Christine , Gu Jinming , Digiammarino Enrico L. , Palma Joann P. , Donawho Cherrie K. , Goodwin Neal C. , Scott Andrew M.
Published: March 2015

Despite clinical efficacy, current approved agents targeting EGFR are associated with on-target toxicities as a consequence of disrupting normal EGFR function. MAb 806 is a novel EGFR antibody that selectively targets a tumor-selective epitope suggesting that a mAb 806-based therapeutic would retain antitumor activity without the on-target toxicities associated with EGFR inhibition. To enable clinical development, a humanized variant of mAb 806 designated ABT-806 was generated and is currently in phase 1 trials. We describe the characterization of binding and functional properties of ABT-806 compared with the clinically validated anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab. ABT-806 binds the mutant EGFRvIII with high affinity and, relative to cetuximab, exhibits increased potency against glioblastoma multiforme cell line and patient-derived xenografts expressing this form of the receptor. ABT-806 also inhibits the growth of squamous cell carcinoma xenograft models expressing high levels of wild-type EGFR, associated with inhibition of EGFR signaling, although higher doses of ABT-806 than cetuximab are required for similar activity. ABT-806 enhances in vivo potency of standard-of-care therapies used to treat glioblastoma multiforme and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. An indium-labeled version of ABT-806, [111In]-ABT-806, used to investigate the relationship between dose and receptor occupancy, revealed greater receptor occupancy at lowers doses in an EGFRvIII-expressing model and significant uptake in an orthotopic model. Collectively, these results suggest that ABT-806 may have antitumor activity superior to cetuximab in EGFRvIII-expressing tumors, and similar activity to cetuximab in tumors highly overexpressing wild-type EGFR with reduced toxicity. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(5); 1141–51. ©2015 AACR.
Cost Savings of Human Milk as a Strategy to Reduce the Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Johnson Tricia J. , Patel Aloka L. , Bigger Harold R. , Engstrom Janet L. , Meier Paula P.
Published: March 2015

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a costly morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW; <1,500 g birth weight) infants that increases hospital length of stay and requires expensive treatments. Objectives: To evaluate the cost of NEC as a function of dose and exposure period of human milk (HM) feedings received by VLBW infants during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization and determine the drivers of differences in NICU hospitalization costs for infants with and without NEC. Methods: This study included 291 VLBW infants enrolled in an NIH-funded prospective observational cohort study between February 2008 and July 2012. We examined the incidence of NEC, NICU hospitalization cost, and cost of individual resources used during the NICU hospitalization. Results: Twenty-nine (10.0%) infants developed NEC. The average total NICU hospitalization cost (in 2012 USD) was USD 180,163 for infants with NEC and USD 134,494 for infants without NEC (p = 0.024). NEC was associated with a marginal increase in costs of USD 43,818, after controlling for demographic characteristics, risk of NEC, and average daily dose of HM during days 1-14 (p < 0.001). Each additional ml/kg/day of HM during days 1-14 decreased non-NEC-related NICU costs by USD 534 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Avoidance of formula and use of exclusive HM feedings during the first 14 days of life is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of NEC and resulting NICU costs in VLBW infants. Hospitals investing in initiatives to feed exclusive HM during the first 14 days of life could substantially reduce NEC-related NICU hospitalization costs.
Allergen Skin Prick Test Should Be Adjusted by the Histamine Reactivity
Authors: Dreborg Sten
Published: March 2015

Background: Skin prick test results are mostly reported as mean wheal diameter obtained with one concentration of allergen. Differences in technique between personnel causes variation in wheal size. The research question was whether the influence of differences in skin prick test technique among assistants and centers can be reduced by relating the allergen wheal response to that of histamine. Methods: Two methods for estimating skin reactivity, the method of Nordic Guidelines using histamine as a reference and the method of Brighton et al. [Clin Allergy 1979;9:591-596] not using histamine as a reference, were applied to data from two biological standardization trials, using the same batch of freeze-dried timothy pollen preparation. Results: The concentration defining the Nordic biological unit, defined as a concentration of allergen eliciting a wheal of the same size as that of histamine dihydrochloride 10 mg/ml, did not differ between the centers. When not using histamine as a reference, applying the method of Brighton et al., there was a 15-fold difference in the estimate of the biological activity between the trials that was eliminated by adjusting the allergen response to that of the histamine reference. Conclusions: To reduce the influence of differences in test technique among assistants and centers responses to allergen-induced skin prick tests should be compared to that of histamine.
Autism and Our Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Reddy Bhaskara Lakshmi , Saier Milton H.
Published: March 2015

Microbial products, released into the bloodstreams of mammals including humans, cross the blood-brain barrier and influence neurodevelopment. They can either promote or alleviate neurological disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This editorial describes how our microbiota influence our feelings, attitudes and mental states with particular reference to ASD.
The Serine Protease Inhibitor Camostat Mesilate Attenuates the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease through its Antioxidant Effects
Authors: Ueda Miki , Uchimura Kohei , Narita Yuki , Miyasato Yoshikazu , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Morinaga Jun , Hayata Manabu , Kakizoe Yutaka , Adachi Masataka , Miyoshi Taku , Shiraishi Naoki , Kadowaki Daisuke , Sakai Yoshiki , Mukoyama Masashi , Kitamura Kenichiro
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims: We have so far demonstrated the renoprotective effect of camostat mesilate (CM) in 5/6 nephrectomized rats at least partly through its antioxidant effect. However, precise mechanisms were not fully clarified. Therefore, we now examined the renoprotective and antioxidant mechanisms of CM by using the adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) rat model. Methods: In protocol 1, we analyzed the effect of CM on CKD. Rats were fed on a 0.75% adenine diet for 3 weeks to induce CKD followed by the experimental period with vehicle, CM, or hydralazine (HYD) treatment for 5 weeks. In protocol 2, we examined the safety of CM and HYD on the normal rats. In addition, we explored free radical scavenging activities of CM and its metabolites in vitro using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Results: CM, but not HYD, significantly reduced the serum creatinine levels, although both treatments showed similar reduction in the blood pressure. CM decreased mRNA expression and protein levels of fibrotic markers, the severity of renal fibrosis, the accumulation of oxidative stress, and the expression of NADPH oxidase components in the kidney. In the protocol 2, there were no statistically significant differences in general parameters except for the systolic blood pressure in HYD group. EPR study revealed that CM and its metabolites have potent hydroxyl radical scavenging activities in vitro. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that CM significantly ameliorates the progression of CKD partly through its antioxidant effect independently from its blood pressure-lowering effect. Our results suggest the possibility that CM could be a new therapeutic agent that could arrest the progression of CKD.
Primary Synovial Cell Sarcoma of the Kidney: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Vedana Marc , Fuenfschilling Maya , Tzankov Alexandar , Zellweger Tobias
Published: March 2015

Synovial cell sarcoma (SCS) of the kidney is a rare tumor entity with a poor prognosis. Morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics may overlap with other more common neoplasms of the kidney. Therefore, the diagnosis of primary renal SCS not only requires the exclusion of similar tumor types, but also a confirmation of SYT-SSX gene fusion using molecular techniques. The treatment comprises radical surgery, and, depending on age and health status, adjuvant chemotherapy in selected patients. Here, we present an elderly SCS patient in whom straightforward radical surgical treatment resulted in a sustained complete remission; it allowed us to perform a literature survey focusing on current diagnostic tools for SCS.
Testicular Metastasis in a Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Buck Dennis Andrew , Byrd Robert H. , Holmes Cynthia L. , Pollock Theodore
Published: March 2015

Testicular metastases are a rare finding. Typically, a testicular metastasis will present as a complication of progressive disease or as a primary sign of malignancy. Excluding lymphoma and leukemia, prostate cancer is the most common primary site that metastasizes to the testes. Testicular metastases resulting from squamous cell carcinoma of the lung have rarely been reported in previous literature. Here, we report a case of stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the lung with metastases to the brain and multiple bilateral lung lesions. Following palliative systemic chemotherapy, this patient was found to have a right testicular mass. Pathology reports confirmed that this was a testicular metastasis of squamous cell lung carcinoma origin.
Simultaneous Multichannel Signal Transfers via Chaos in a Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Soma Ken-ichiro , Mori Ryota , Sato Ryuichi , Furumai Noriyuki , Nara Shigetoshi
Published: March 2015

We propose neural network model that demonstrates the phenomenon of signal transfer between separated neuron groups via other chaotic neurons that show no apparent correlations with the input signal. The model is a recurrent neural network in which it is supposed that synchronous behavior between small groups of input and output neurons has been learned as fragments of high-dimensional memory patterns, and depletion of neural connections results in chaotic wandering dynamics. Computer experiments show that when a strong oscillatory signal is applied to an input group in the chaotic regime, the signal is successfully transferred to the corresponding output group, although no correlation is observed between the input signal and the intermediary neurons. Signal transfer is also observed when multiple signals are applied simultaneously to separate input groups belonging to different memory attractors. In this sense simultaneous multichannel communications are realized, and the chaotic neural dynamics acts as a signal transfer medium in which the signal appears to be hidden.
Seven Propositions on Sacramental Youth Catechesis in the Roman-Catholic Church
Authors: Lange Erlinde De , Roebben Bert
Published: March 2015

The present contribution intends to formulate seven propositions on sacramental youth catechesis that can be considered viable for the future of religious congregations. Its starting point is the humanisation of the young person in a Christian perspective in confrontation with the dynamics of Roman-Catholic sacraments. The research question is this: How can these sacraments still function and inspire young people in a modernized society? The propositions are rooted in modern Roman-Catholic theology and constitute a platform for discussion designed to explore the limits and possibilities of catechesis in Flanders and the Netherlands (Western-Europe). The ultimate challenge is to cope with the dialectic between the religious homelessness of young people on the one hand and the narrative and sacramental richness of the Christian tradition on the other. These propositions were generated in the confrontation between well-considered praxis (De Lange) and practical-theological research (Roebben).
Evoking Testimony Through Holy Listening: The Art of Interview as a Practice in Youth Ministry
Authors: Baker Dori Grinenko
Published: March 2015

The creation of listening communities is an urgent task for youth ministry in the post-modern era. People engaged in the quest for faithful living in a world of competing truths desperately need trusted listeners with whom to unfold their inner longings. This article proposes that such listening communities, created during research into the faith-lives of teens, might well be replicated through the intentional use of interviews as constructive sites for the production of self knowledge in the practice youth ministry.
Values and Significance: A case study uncovering the search for meaning among young people in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Dunlop Sarah
Published: March 2015

This paper will present a few of the results of qualitative, case study research conducted among students in six cities in Central and Eastern Europe. It will describe the use of images in interviews and how this enabled digging beyond cultural, customary religious belief to uncover a search for ultimate meaning and spirituality. A summary of the findings regarding the emerging values of the young people and their descriptions of what is significant to them in life will be related to Savage, Collins-Mayo and Mayo's research conducted in the UK, specifically to their theories of formative and transformative spirituality and the happy midi-narrative. The tension between a young person's actual situation and their dream about their ideal life will be discussed in terms of the research findings regarding the students' use of celebrity images in their living space. The young people's values, as they emerged from the research, will be contrasted with the values and practices of churches in this region, as seen through the young people's perceptions of traditional church and as articulated by local church leaders. The paper will include a short analysis of the current religious situation in former Soviet countries in light of the finding of the research..
Youth Ministry: Beyond 'Inside-Out' and 'Outside-In'
Authors: Vallabaraj Jerome
Published: March 2015

In this article, Jerome Vallabaraj considers Pete Ward's Inside-Out/Outside-In dichotomy of youth ministry and seeks to develop a further model of evangelisation and education in youth ministry. Vallabaraj writes specifically out of the Indian context but his findings and ideas have truly global connotations.
To See a World in a Grain of Sand: The Futile Attempt to Describe Youth Culture
Authors: Jones Karen
Published: March 2015

In this article, Dr Karen Jones invites us to embark upon a creative analysis of youth culture. Drawing primarily on sociological and cultural studies, Jones encourages us to look beyond group analysis and seek to engage primarily with the cluster of individuals that exist within that group.
Youth Spirituality - A Reality in Search of Expression
Authors: McQuillan Paul
Published: March 2015

The disaffection of youth with institutional church in both Australia and the U.K. has been well documented. A number of writers in the field point to a remarkable level of spirituality amongst youth. This paper examines the conflicts apparent between young people and church as a means of expression of their spirituality. Some research findings in Australian High Schools are presented. A research survey was designed to determine the level of recognition among senior students of the types of experiences to which some might give a religious interpretation. The level of experiential spirituality among the groups was remarkably high while church allegiance remained low. Some comparisons between youth culture in Australia and the U.K. are made by reference to reports published in each country.
Two new taxa of Melastomataceae Trib. Sonerileae: Phyllagathis rajah and Sonerila metallica from Batang Ai, Sarawak, Borneo
Authors: Lin Che-Wei , Chen Chien-Fan , Yang T.Y. ALECK
Published: March 2015

Recent exploration and field collections in Batang Ai, southwest Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia, has resulted in the discovery of two new taxa, Phyllagathis rajah and Sonerila metallica (Melastomataceae). Taxonomic descriptions, detailed photographs, line drawings and a comparison table are provided to distinguish them from morphologically similar species.
A note on scale morphology in Collembola
Authors: HAWES TIMOTHY C. , GREENSLADE PENELOPE
Published: March 2015

Many Collembola (e.g. Entomobryidae: Tomoceridae) are characterised by a ‘clothing’ (sensu Salmon 1941) of scales. These scales confer a metallic-silver colour, which, when the scales catch the light, renders an iridescence to the surface of these hexapods. The functional significance of these scales is incompletely understood, although there is some evidence that they contribute to predator evasion (Bauer & Pfeiffer 1991). Their presence or absence is a fundamental taxonomic character for many genera, while more specifically, their morphology has been widely used as a species-specific character since the first studies in Collembola systematics (Beck 1873; Salmon 1941). From an evolutionary perspective, scales represent a derivation of cuticular setae (André 1988) that has been adopted independently by different taxa. For example, a study by Zhang et al. (2014) has recently demonstrated the independent origin of scales at least five times in the family Entomobryidae. This note briefly draws attention to previously unrecognised complexity in scale presence and architecture in Collembola at the level of individual species. An informed recognition of this complexity is recommended for future taxonomy.
Rapidly rule out acute myocardial infarction by combining copeptin and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein with cardiac troponin
Authors: Jacobs Leo HJ , van Borren Marcel , Gemen Eugenie , van Eck Martijn , van Son Bas , Glatz Jan FC , Daniels Marcel , Kusters Ron
Published: March 2015

Background

The rapid exclusion of acute myocardial infarction in patients with chest pain can reduce the length of hospital admission, prevent unnecessary diagnostic work-up and reduce the burden on our health-care systems. The combined use of biomarkers that are associated with different pathophysiological aspects of acute myocardial infarction could improve the early diagnostic assessment of patients presenting with chest pain.

Methods

We measured cardiac troponin I, copeptin and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein concentrations in 584 patients who presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain. The diagnostic performances for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and NSTEMI were calculated for the individual markers and their combinations. Separate calculations were made for patients presenting to the emergency department <3 h, 3–6 h and 6–12 h after chest pain onset.

Results

For ruling out acute myocardial infarction, the net predictive values (95% CI) of cardiac troponin I, copeptin and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein were 90.4% (87.3–92.9), 84% (79.8–87.6) and 87% (83.5–90), respectively. Combining the three biomarkers resulted in a net predictive value of 95.8% (92.8–97.8). The improvement was most pronounced in the early presenters (<3 h) where the combined net predictive value was 92.9% (87.3–96.5) compared to 84.6% (79.4–88.9) for cardiac troponin I alone. The area under the receiver operating characteristic for the triple biomarker combination increased significantly ( P < 0.05) compared to that of cardiac troponin I alone (0.880 [0.833–0.928] vs. 0.840 [0.781–0.898], respectively).

Conclusions

Combining copeptin, heart-type fatty acid-binding protein and cardiac troponin I measurements improves the diagnostic performance in patients presenting with chest pain. Importantly, in patients who present early (<3 h) after chest pain onset, the combination improves the diagnostic performance compared to the standard cardiac troponin I measurement alone.
Faecal calprotectin as a marker for oesophago-gastric cancer
Authors: Vincent Zoe , Hornby Steve , Ball Susan , Sanders Grant , Ayling Ruth M
Published: March 2015

Background

Faecal calprotectin has been shown to be useful as a non-invasive screening test to differentiate functional from organic bowel disease, and it has been noted to be elevated in colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to describe concentrations of faecal calprotectin in patients with oesophago-gastric cancer and investigate any potential discriminatory power of the test.

Patients

Faecal calprotectin was measured in samples from 39 patients with known oesophago-gastric cancer and in 191 samples from control subjects.

Results

The median calprotectin concentration was < 20 µg/g (range <  20–421 µg/g) in control subjects and 97 µg/g (range < 20–940 µg/g) in patients with oesophago-gastric cancer (P < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve gave an area under the ROC curve of 0.84 and a sensitivity of 76.9% (95% CI: 63.7–90.1%) and specificity of 88.0% (95% CI: 83.3–92.6%) at a cutoff of 50 µg/g.

Conclusion

Faecal calprotectin is elevated in patients with cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study suggests that calprotectin may be promising in discriminating cancer patients from controls, but further work is required to explore any potential role of faecal calprotectin in screening for, or diagnosis of, oesophago-gastric cancer.