bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining Cryptography with EEG Biometrics
Authors: Damaševičius Robertas , Maskeliūnas Rytis , Kazanavičius Egidijus , Woźniak Marcin
Published: May 2018

Cryptographic frameworks depend on key sharing for ensuring security of data. While the keys in cryptographic frameworks must be correctly reproducible and not unequivocally connected to the identity of a user, in biometric frameworks this is different. Joining cryptography techniques with biometrics can solve these issues. We present a biometric authentication method based on the discrete logarithm problem and Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes, perform its security analysis, and demonstrate its security characteristics. We evaluate a biometric cryptosystem using our own dataset of electroencephalography (EEG) data collected from 42 subjects. The experimental results show that the described biometric user authentication system is effective, achieving an Equal Error Rate (ERR) of 0.024.
Pulse Wave Cycle Features Analysis of Different Blood Pressure Grades in the Elderly
Authors: Hu Xiao-Juan , Zhang Lei , Xu Jia-Tuo , Liu Bao-Cheng , Wang Jian-Ying , Hong Yan-Long , Tu Li-Ping , Cui Ji
Published: May 2018

Background and Objective. The same range of blood pressure values may reflect different vascular functions, especially in the elderly. Therefore, a single blood pressure value may not comprehensively reveal cardiovascular function. This study focused on identifying pulse wave features in the elderly that can be used to show functional differences when blood pressure values are in the same range. Methods. First, pulse data were preprocessed and pulse cycles were segmented. Second, time domain, higher‐order statistics, and energy features of wavelet packet decomposition coefficients were extracted. Finally, useful pulse wave features were evaluated using a feature selection and classifier design. Results. A total of 6,075 pulse wave cycles were grouped into 3 types according to different blood pressure levels and each group was divided into 2 categories according to a history of hypertension. The classification accuracy of feature selection in the 3 groups was 97.91%, 95.24%, and 92.28%, respectively. Conclusion. Selected features could be appropriately used to analyze cardiovascular function in the elderly and can serve as the basis for research on a cardiovascular risk assessment model based on Traditional Chinese Medicine pulse diagnosis.
Low-Copy Number Polymorphism in DEFA1/DEFA3 Is Associated with Susceptibility to Hospital-Acquired Infections in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Zhao Jialian , Gu Qiang , Wang Lifeng , Xu Weize , Chu Lihua , Wang Ya , Li Zhongwang , Wu Shuijing , Xu Jianguo , Hu Zhiyong , Shu Qiang , Fang Xiangming
Published: May 2018

DEFA1/DEFA3, genes encoding human neutrophil peptides (HNP) 1–3, display wide-ranging copy number variations (CNVs) and is functionally associated with innate immunity and infections. To identify potential associations between DEFA1/DEFA3 CNV and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), we enrolled 106 patients with HAIs and 109 controls in the intensive care unit (ICU) and examined their DEFA1/DEFA3 CNVs. DEFA1/DEFA3 copy number ranged from 2 to 16 per diploid genome in all 215 critically ill patients, with a median of 7 copies. In HAIs, DEFA1/DEFA3 CNV varied from 2 to 12 with a median of 6, which was significantly lower than that in controls (2 to 16 with a median of 8, p=0.017). Patients with lower DEFA1/DEFA3 copy number (CNV < 7) were far more common in HAIs than in controls (52.8% in HAIs versus 35.8% in controls; p=0.014; OR, 2.010; 95% CI, 1.164–3.472). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of DEFA1/DEFA3 CNV combined with clinical characteristics to predict the incidence of HAIs was 0.763 (95% CI 0.700–0.827), showing strong predictive ability. Therefore, lower DEFA1/DEFA3 copy number contributes to higher susceptibility to HAIs in critically ill patients, and DEFA1/DEFA3 CNV is a significant hereditary factor for predicting HAIs.
Current Advances on the Important Roles of Enhancer RNAs in Gene Regulation and Cancer
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Ding Mengting , Gao Qunjun , He Anbang , Liu Yuchen , Mei Hongbing
Published: May 2018

Revealing the gene regulation networks governing cancer initiation and development is necessary while it remains uncompleted. In recent years, enhancers have been reported to be widely transcribed, resulting in the generation of enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). Previous studies have reported that eRNAs are a subclass of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), which play a critical role in gene regulation and cancer development. These eRNAs can promote enhancer-promoter (E-P) looping formation by binding to other protein factors or propel expression of downstream protein-coding gene. In this review, we have focused on the characteristics of eRNAs and illustrated the biological function and potential mechanism of eRNAs in regulating gene expression and cancer development.
The Effect of Medium Chain Triglycerides on Time to Nutritional Ketosis and Symptoms of Keto-Induction in Healthy Adults: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: d C. Harvey Cliff J. , Schofield Grant M. , Williden Micalla , McQuillan Joseph A.
Published: May 2018

Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are ketogenic and might reduce adverse effects of keto-induction and improve time to ketosis and the tolerability of very low carbohydrate diets. This study investigates whether MCT supplementation improves time to nutritional ketosis (NK), mood, and symptoms of keto-induction. We compared changes in beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB), blood glucose, symptoms of keto-induction, and mood disturbance, in 28 healthy adults prescribed a ketogenic diet, randomised to receive either 30 ml of MCT, or sunflower oil as a control, three times per day, for 20 days. The primary outcome measured was the achievement of NK (≥0.5 mmol·L−1BOHB). Participants also completed a daily Profile of Mood States and keto-induction symptom questionnaire. MCT resulted in higher BOHB at all time points and faster time to NK, a result that failed to reach significance. Symptoms of keto-induction resulted from both diets, with a greater magnitude in the control group, except for abdominal pain, which occurred with greater frequency and severity in the MCT-supplemented diet. There was apossibly beneficialeffect on symptoms by MCT, but the effect on mood wasunclear. Based on these results, MCTs increase BOHB compared with LCT and reduce symptoms of keto-induction. It is unclear whether MCTs significantly improve mood or time to NK. The trial was registered by the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial RegistryACTRN12616001099415.
Vasogenic Cerebral Edema following CT Myelogram with Nonionic Omnipaque 300
Authors: Khodor Sara , Blumenthal Scott
Published: May 2018

Computed Tomography (CT) with myelogram is a relatively safe procedure. It requires the use of nonionic contrast agents which, unlike ionic contrast agents, have been associated with low complication rates. We report a case of a 69-year-old female who developed diffuse bilateral cerebral edema following a lumber myelogram with the use of intrathecal nonionic contrast agent Omnipaque (Iohexol) 300. We were able to find one other reported case of cerebral edema following the use of intrathecal nonionic contrast agent in the literature.
Semiautomatic Volumetry of Low Attenuation of Thoracic Aortic Plaques on Curved Planar Reformations Using MDCT Angiographic Data with 0.5 mm Collimation
Authors: Mizutani Kenji , Torimoto Izumi , Sekikawa Zenjiro , Nishii Toshiaki , Kawasaki Takashi , Kasama Keiichiro , Goto Takahisa , Takebayashi Shigeo
Published: May 2018

To evaluate the relationship of aortic low attenuation plaque volume (LAPV) on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the coronary arterial disease (CAD, ≥50% stenosis), severe (≥90% stenosis) CAD, hypertension, and long-term (≥10 years) hypertension. Curved planar reformations (CPR) of three segments (the ascending, the arch, and the upper descending aorta) of the thoracic aorta were generated with attenuation-dependent color codes to measure LAPV with 0~29 HU and total noncalcified plaque volume (TNPV) with 0~150 HU in 95 patients. Correlation coefficients were employed to assess the impact of each LAPV and TNPV on AAA, CAD, severe CAD, hypertension, and long-term hypertension. Each Mean LAPV/cm and TNPV/cm was statistically greater in the aortic arch than the ascending (p<0.001 on each) or the proximal descending segment (p<0.001 on each). LAPV in the aortic arch has moderate correlations with AAA, severe CAD, and long-term hypertension (r=0.643, 0.639, 0.662, resp.). Plaque volumes in each aortic segment can be measured clinically and the increasing LAPV in the arch may be a significant factor associated with the development of severe atherosclerosis underlying AAA, severe CAD, and long-term hypertension.
Diversity among Modern Tomato Genotypes at Different Levels in Fresh-Market Breeding
Authors: Bhattarai Krishna , Sharma Sadikshya , Panthee Dilip R.
Published: May 2018

Cultivated tomato has been in existence for about 400 years and breeding activities have been conducted for only eight decades. However, more than 10,000 tomato cultivars have already been developed. Ninety-one tomato genotypes were characterized for twenty-one morphological traits using developmental, vegetative, and fruit traits. Correlation, principal component, and cluster analysis between the traits were carried out. Higher correlations between fruit traits including fruit shape, fruit size, and fruit types were observed. These correlations indicate that specific fruit types require specific traits like branched inflorescence and a greater number of fruits per inflorescence are beneficial only for smaller fruit sizes like cherry and grape tomatoes. Contrastingly, traits like determinate growth habit and fruit maturity are preferred in all fruit types of tomato for better cultivation practices and longer production duration and hence showed lower correlations. Principal component analysis clustered tomato genotypes into three main clusters with multiple subgroups. Similar tomato genotypes were placed into one or more clusters confirming the results from correlation analysis. Involvement of private breeding programs in cultivar development has increased the competition on introgression of novel and desired traits across new cultivars. Understanding the diversity present in modern cultivars and potential traits identification in related wild species can enhance tomato diversity and improve quality and production.
Polymer-Stabilized Micelles Reduce the Drug Rapid Clearance In Vivo
Authors: Wen Shan-Ni , Chu Chih-Hang , Wang Yu-Chao , Huang Hsin-Ying , Wang Yu-Jing , Lin Jia-Yi , Lu Hsiao-Ting , Wang Sin-Jie , Yang Chung-Shi
Published: May 2018

Micelles are self-assembled nanoscaled aggregates from amphiphilic unimers and can be used to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs. However, the dynamic exchanging of unimers between micelles and bulk solution often leads to micelle destabilization and subsequent leaking of the encapsulated substances. Thus, we incorporated a hydrophobic polymer into the micellar core for interlacing the unimers and stabilizing the micelle structure. The polymer-stabilized and non-polymer-stabilized micelles have similar physicochemical properties including small sizes (~35 nm), negative surface charges (~−35 mV), and high drug contents (~15%). Drugs encapsulated in polymer-stabilized micelles are released in a slower rate than are non-polymer-stabilized micelles. From in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, drugs loaded in polymer-stabilized micelles have lower clearance and higher plasma concentration and lower volume distribution than non-polymer-stabilized micelles have. In conclusion, polymer-stabilized micelles can reduce rapid drug clearance via strengthening of the micellar structure and increase in the available drug amount in plasma, thus broadening pharmaceutical applications of micelles.
The Role of Mannose-Binding Lectin Serum Level in Tubotympanic Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media
Authors: Darmawan Anton Budhi , Soesatyo Marsetyawan H. N. E. , Restuti Ratna Dwi , Surono Agus
Published: May 2018

Background. Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a common public health problem worldwide and a major cause of hearing impairment especially in developing countries. The role of Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL), a component of innate immunity, in CSOM has not been studied. The aim of the study was to examine whether MBL deficiency was more frequently present in cases group of tubotympanic CSOM patients rather than healthy subjects. Material and Methods. This was an analytic observational study. Subjects were enrolled in the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic at Margono Soekarjo Hospital, Purwokerto, Indonesia. An independent t-test was used to compare the mean of MBL serum concentration between tubotympanic CSOM subjects and control. Results. From 36 tubotympanic CSOM patients, there were 8 (22.22%) patients with MBL deficiency (MBL level < 100 ng/ml), while no deficiency was found in the control group. The mean of MBL level in cases group was 354.88 ng/ml, with the lowest level being 0.001 ng/ml and the highest level 690.24 ng/ml, while in the control group MBL level mean was 376.27 with the lowest level being 188.71 and the highest level 794.54 ng/ml. Conclusion. There was no significant difference of MBL serum level between tubotympanic CSOM and control group. However, the presence of subjects with MBL deficiency in the tubotympanic CSOM group might be considered as playing a role in the tubotympanic CSOM.
IoT Smart Home Adoption: The Importance of Proper Level Automation
Authors: Yang Heetae , Lee Wonji , Lee Hwansoo
Published: May 2018

The word “smart” has been used in various fields and is widely accepted to mean intelligence. Smart home service, one of the representative emerging technologies in the IoT era, has changed house equipment into being more intelligent, remote controllable, and interconnected. However, the intelligence and controllability of a smart home service are contradictory concepts, under certain aspects. In addition, the level of intelligence or controllability of a smart home service that users want may differ according to the user. As potential users of smart home services have diversified in recent years, providing the appropriate functions and features is critical to the diffusion of the service. Thus, this study examines the smart home service features that current users require and empirically evaluates the relationship between the critical factors and the adoption behavior with 216 samples from Korea. The moderating effect of personal characteristics on behavior is also tested. The results of the analysis provide various theoretical and practical implications.
Small but Heavy Role: MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Chen Erbao , Xu Xiaojing , Liu Ruiqi , Liu Tianshu
Published: May 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for 85–90% of primary liver cancer, is the fifth most common malignant tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, but the pathological mechanism of HCC is still not fully elucidated. miRNAs are evolutionarily endogenous small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression via posttranscriptional inhibition or target mRNA degradation in several diseases, especially human cancer. Therefore, discovering the roles of miRNAs is appealing to scientific researchers. Emerging evidence has shown that the aberrant expressions of numerous miRNAs are involved in many HCC biological processes. In hepatocarcinogenesis, miRNAs with dysregulated expression can exert their function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on their cellular target during the cell cycle, and in tumor development, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and progression of the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize current findings on miRNAs and assess their functions to explore the molecular mechanisms of tumor progression in HCC.
Finite-Time Optimization Stabilization for a Class of Constrained Switched Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Su Baili , Chunyu Dandan
Published: May 2018

This paper studies the finite-time stability problem of a class of switched nonlinear systems with state constraints and control constrains. For each subsystem, optimization controller is designed by choosing the appropriate Lyapunov function to stabilize the subsystem in finite time and the estimation of the region of attraction can be prescribed. For the whole switched nonlinear system, a suitable switched law is designed to ensure the following: (1) at the time of the transition, Lyapunov function’s value of the switched-in subsystem being less than the value of the last subsystem; (2) the finite-time stability of the whole close-loop system. Finally, a simulation example is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Transcatheter Coil Embolization of Single Coronary Artery Fistula Using the Occlusion Test
Authors: Takahashi Shin , Takizawa Yurie , Nakano Satoshi , Koizumi Junichi , Oyama Kotaro
Published: May 2018

The case of a patient in whom hemodynamic and electrocardiographic studies using the occlusion test for coronary artery fistulas (CAF) were safely performed prior to catheter embolization is reported. A 1-year-old girl had a separate right coronary artery arising from a left single coronary artery that formed a significant coronary artery fistula to the right ventricle. Coronary steal by the large coronary artery fistula narrowed the left coronary artery. The right coronary artery branches could not be clearly identified due to an overlap with the fistula. Due to the long porous CAF, embolic procedures could cause serious complications. We confirmed the safety by performing an occlusion test of the CAF’s proximal blood vessels. Following total occlusion of the CAF for 10 minutes, pulmonary arterial pressure and aortic blood pressure were not significantly changed. No bradycardia, atrioventricular block, or ST changes were observed. Coil embolization treatment was performed safely. For patients with long distal CAF complicated with a single coronary artery, myocardial ischemia and conduction system disorders can be identified by performing the occlusion test before embolization.
Effect of Adding Chelating Agents on the Absorption of Zinc from Polluted Soil Sludge Textile Industrial Waste by Sunflower Plant (Helianthus annuusL.)
Authors: Wirosoedarmo Ruslan , Anugroho F. , Hanggara S. D. , Gustinasari Kiki
Published: May 2018

Textile industry caused the increase of the heavy metal Zn in soil in the form of sludge. Waste treatment by the phytoremediation method is one of the alternatives of environmental refinement with low cost and high effectiveness. This study used sunflower plants (Helianthus annuusL.) as a phytoremediator. The chelating agent EDTA was added in some treatment to increase the heavy metal absorption. The addition of 1.5 kg sludge on growth media inhibits the sunflower growth. T0K0 treatment has the most efficient result with a total Zn absorption of 101.74 mg/kg. T0K0 treatment was able to reduce Zn up to 96%. In 100% soil treatment, the EDTA additions decreased the ability of sunflower plants to absorb Zn metal in the phytoremediation process. However, in the 40% sludge treatment, the addition of EDTA did not affect the ability of sunflower plants to absorb the Zn metal in the phytoremediation process.
A LTS Approach to Control in Event-B
Authors: Peng Han , Du Chenglie , Rao Lei , Chen Fu
Published: May 2018

In Event-B, people need to use control variables to constrain the order of events, which is a time-consuming and error-prone process. This paper presents a method of combining labeled transition system and iUML-B to complete the behavior modeling of system, which is more convenient and practical for engineers who are accustomed to using the automaton to build a system behavior model. First, we use labeled transition system to establish the behavior model of the system. Then we simulate and verify the event traces of the labeled transition system behavior model. Finally, we convert labeled transition system model into iUML-B state machine and use it to generate the corresponding control flow model. We use Abrial’s bounded retransmission protocol to demonstrate the practicality of our approach. The simulation results show that the system behavior model generated by the iUML-B state machine has the same event trace as the corresponding labeled transition system model.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis with 18F-GE-180, a Radiotracer for Translocator Protein (TSPO)
Authors: Hellberg Sanna , Liljenbäck Heidi , Eskola Olli , Morisson-Iveson Veronique , Morrison Matthew , Trigg William , Saukko Pekka , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Knuuti Juhani , Saraste Antti , Roivainen Anne
Published: May 2018

Intraplaque inflammation plays an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) expression is upregulated in activated macrophages, representing a potential target to identify inflamed atherosclerotic plaques. We preclinically evaluated 18F-GE-180, a novel third-generation TSPO radioligand, in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Methods. Nine hypercholesterolemic mice deficient in low density lipoprotein receptor and apolipoprotein B48 (LDLR−/−ApoB100/100) and six healthy C57BL/6N mice were injected with 10 MBq of 18F-GE-180. Specificity of binding was demonstrated in three LDLR−/−ApoB100/100 mice by injection of nonradioactive reference compound of 18F-GE-180 before 18F-GE-180. Dynamic 30-minute PET was performed followed by contrast-enhanced CT, and the mice were sacrificed at 60 minutes after injection. Tissue samples were obtained for ex vivo biodistribution measurements, and aortas were cut into serial cryosections for digital autoradiography. The presence of macrophages and TSPO was studied by immunohistochemistry. The 18F-GE-180 retention in plaque areas with different macrophage densities and lesion-free vessel wall were compared. Results. The LDLR−/−ApoB100/100 mice showed large, inflamed plaques in the aorta. Autoradiography revealed significantly higher 18F-GE-180 retention in macrophage-rich plaque areas than in noninflamed areas (count densities 150 ± 45 PSL/mm2 versus 51 ± 12 PSL/mm2, p<0.001). Prominent retention in the vessel wall without plaque was also observed (220 ± 41 PSL/mm2). Blocking with nonradioactive GE-180 diminished the difference in count densities between macrophage-rich and noninflamed areas in atherosclerotic plaques and lowered the count density in vessel wall without plaque. Conclusion. 18F-GE-180 shows specific uptake in macrophage-rich areas of atherosclerotic plaques in mice. However, retention in atherosclerotic lesions does not exceed that in lesion-free vessel wall. The third-generation TSPO radioligand 18F-GE-180 did not show improved characteristics for imaging atherosclerotic plaque inflammation compared to previously studied TSPO-targeting tracers.
Exploring Project Complexity through Project Failure Factors: Analysis of Cluster Patterns Using Self‐Organizing Maps
Authors: Rodríguez Montequín Vicente , Villanueva Balsera Joaquín , Cousillas Fernández Sonia María , Ortega Fernández Francisco
Published: May 2018

In the field of project management, complexity is closely related to project outcomes and hence project success and failure factors. Subjectivity is inherent to these concepts, which are also influenced by sectorial, cultural, and geographical differences. While theoretical frameworks to identify organizational complexity factors do exist, a thorough and multidimensional account of organizational complexity must take into account the behavior and interrelatedness of these factors. Our study is focused on analyzing the combinations of failure factors by means of self‐organizing maps (SOM) and clustering techniques, thus getting different patterns about the project managers perception on influencing project failure causes and hence project complexity. The analysis is based on a survey conducted among project manager practitioners from all over the world to gather information on the degree of influence of different factors on the projects failure causes. The study is cross‐sectorial. Behavioral patterns were found, concluding that in the sampled population there are five clearly differentiated groups (clusters) and at least three clear patterns of answers. The prevalent order of influence is project factors, organization related factors, project manager and team members factors, and external factors.
Glycosylation of Recombinant Anticancer Therapeutics in Different Expression Systems with Emerging Technologies
Authors: Nadeem Tariq , Khan Mohsin Ahmad , Ijaz Bushra , Ahmed Nadeem , Rahman Zia ur , Latif Muhammad Shahzad , Ali Qurban , Rana Muhammad Adeel
Published: May 2018

Glycosylation, a posttranslational modification, has a major role in recombinant anticancer therapeutic proteins, as most of the approved recombinant therapeutics are glycoproteins. The constant amino acid sequence of therapeutics determines the enzymatic activity, while the presence of glycans influences their pharmacokinetics, solubility, distribution, serum half-life, effector function, and binding to receptors. Glycoproteins expressed in different expression systems acquire their own oligosaccharides, which increases the protein diversity. The heterogeneity of glycans creates hurdles in downstream processing, ultimately leading to variable anticancer therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, glycoproteins require an appropriate expression system to obtain structurally and functionally identical glycans, as in humans. In many expression systems, the N-glycosylation pathway remains conserved in the endoplasmic reticulum, but divergence is observed when the protein enters the Golgi complex. Hence, in recent decades, numerous approaches have been adopted to engineer the Golgi's N-glycosylation pathway to attain human-like glycans. Several researchers have tried to engineer the N-glycosylation pathway of expression systems. In this review, we examine the glycosylation pattern in various expression systems, along with emerging technologies for glycosylation engineering of anticancer therapeutic drugs. Cancer Res; 78(11); 2787–98. ©2018 AACR.
Antidepressant Use and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Kiridly-Calderbank Jenna F. , Sturgeon Susan R. , Kroenke Candyce H. , Reeves Katherine W.
Published: May 2018

Background: Some prior studies have reported reduced colorectal cancer risk among individuals using antidepressant medications, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Yet most studies have not considered the potential role of depression or other confounders in their analyses.

Methods: We utilized prospectively collected data from 145,190 participants in the Women's Health Initiative, among whom 2,580 incident colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed. Antidepressant use and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and follow-up study visits. Cox proportional hazards regression models with adjustment for depressive symptoms and other covariates were utilized to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between antidepressant use and colorectal cancer.

Results: Antidepressant use was reported by 6.9% of participants at baseline, with SSRIs the most common class of antidepressant used. In multivariable analyses, including adjustment for depressive symptomology, we observed no statistically significant association between antidepressant use overall (HR = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.75–1.09) or with SSRIs specifically (HR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.85–1.37) and colorectal cancer risk. A borderline significant reduction in colorectal cancer risk was observed for use of tricyclic antidepressants (HR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.56–1.04). Severe depressive symptoms were independently associated with a 20% increased risk of colorectal cancer (HR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09–1.48). Results were similar for separate evaluations of colon and rectal cancer.

Conclusions: We observed no evidence of an association between antidepressant use, overall or by therapeutic class, and colorectal cancer risk.

Impact: These results suggest that antidepressants may not be useful as chemopreventive agents for colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(8); 892–8. ©2018 AACR.
Smoking and Cutaneous Melanoma: Findings from the QSkin Sun and Health Cohort Study
Authors: Dusingize Jean Claude , Olsen Catherine M. , Pandeya Nirmala , Thompson Bridie S. , Webb Penelope M. , Green Adele C. , Neale Rachel E. , Whiteman David C.
Published: May 2018

Background: Previous studies suggest that smokers have lower risks of cutaneous melanoma than nonsmokers, but data from population-based prospective studies are scarce. We investigated associations between smoking and melanoma in a cohort study purpose-designed to investigate skin cancer outcomes.

Methods: Participants with no prior history of melanoma (n = 38,697) completed a risk factor survey at baseline (2011). Patients were followed through linkage to the cancer registry. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between smoking (including intensity, duration, time since quitting) and melanoma using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, accounting for death as a competing event.

Results: During a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, invasive melanomas developed in 247 participants. Compared with never smokers, former smokers (but not current smokers) had lower risks of invasive melanoma (HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.57–1.01). Among former smokers, risks were lower with greater quantity of cigarettes smoked (HR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56–0.98 per 10 cigarettes/day). No association was observed with duration of smoking while longer time since quitting was associated with a relative risk of melanoma that was not significantly different from the null (HR 1.18; 95% CI, 0.91–1.51, for every 10 years since quitting).

Conclusions: We observed complex associations between smoking and melanoma, with some suggestion that former smokers had lower risks than never or current smokers. The apparent inverse association among former smokers may be due to residual confounding, although surveillance bias or biological effects cannot be excluded entirely.

Impact: Smoking does not increase the risk of cutaneous melanoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(8); 874–81. ©2018 AACR.
Myeloid Sarcoma with Megakaryoblastic Differentiation Arising in the Conjunctiva
Authors: Jakobiec Frederick A. , Wolkow Natalie , Zakka Fouad R. , Rubin Peter A.D.
Published: May 2018

An 87-year-old woman not known to have either a lymphoma or leukemia developed a left multinodular, fish-flesh superior epibulbar and forniceal mass. A biopsy disclosed a blastic tumor with scattered multinucleated immature megakaryoblasts. Immunophenotyping of bone marrow cells revealed strong positivity for CD7, CD31, CD43, CD45, CD61, and CD117; CD71, myeloperoxidase, and lysozyme were also positive in scattered cells. Forty percent of the neoplastic cells were Ki-67 positive. Cytogenetic studies indicated a trisomy 8 (associated with worse prognosis) and a t(12; 17) translocation. Desmin, smooth muscle actin, pancytokeratin, CAM 5.2, adipophilin, tryptase, S100, SOX10, MART1, and E-cadherin were negative, ruling out a nonhematopoietic tumor. The conjunctival lesion was diagnosed as a myeloid sarcoma with megakaryoblastic differentiation, a rare variant. It probably arose from a myelodysplastic syndrome. This is the first case of its type to develop in the conjunctiva.
Peripheral Microvascular Abnormalities Detected by Wide-Field Fluorescein Angiography in Eyes with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Yasuda Yusuke , Hirano Yoshio , Esaki Yuya , Tomiyasu Taneto , Suzuki Norihiro , Yasukawa Tsutomu , Yoshida Munenori , Ogura Yuichiro
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To evaluate the location of microvascular abnormalities using wide-field fluorescein angiography (WFFA) and investigate the impact on visual outcome in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: Forty eyes of 39 patients (24 males and 15 females with an average age of 71 years) were retrospectively reviewed. One patient had BRVO bilaterally. WFFA was performed in all patients to evaluate perfusion status and detect microvascular abnormalities. The WFFA images were divided into 3 zones: zone 1, posterior pole; zone 2, mid-periphery; zone 3, far periphery, in order to document the presence of microvascular abnormalities. Scatter retinal photocoagulation (PC) was performed for retinal neovascularization (NV) and/or widespread nonperfused areas (NPAs). Results: The incidence of microvascular abnormalities in zone 3 was significantly (p < 0.0001) less than in zones 1 and 2. The presence of larger NPAs in zone 1, but not in zone 3, was associated with the incidence of NV and vitreous hemorrhage. The presence of peripheral lesions and the application of PC did not affect the visual outcome. Conclusion: The presence of peripheral abnormalities or scatter PC for NPAs did not affect the visual outcome in eyes with BRVO.
Morphological Identification of Hair Recovered from Feces for Detection of Cannibalism in Eastern Chimpanzees
Authors: Walker Christopher S. , Walker Kara K. , Paulo Gabo , Pusey Anne E.
Published: May 2018

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are primarily frugivorous but consume a variable amount of meat from a variety of organisms, including other chimpanzees. Cannibalism is rare, usually follows lethal aggression, and does not occur following natural deaths. While chimpanzee cannibalism has been documented at multiple sites, many instances of this behavior go unrecorded. Identification of chimpanzee remains in feces, however, can provide indirect evidence of cannibalism. Hair, in particular, typically passes through the gastrointestinal tract undamaged and is commonly used for purposes of identification in wildlife forensics. Here we test the hypothesis that eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) guard hair morphology can be reliably distinguished from the hairs of their most common prey species. Methods and results are presented in the context of a case study involving a suspected chimpanzee infanticide from Gombe, Tanzania. We find that chimpanzee guard hair morphology is unique among tested mammals and that the presence of abundant chimpanzee hair in feces is likely the result of cannibalism and not incidental ingestion from grooming or other means. Accordingly, morphological analysis of guard hairs from feces is a promising, cost-effective tool for the determination of cannibalistic acts in chimpanzees.
Intraindividual Variation of Meiotic Recombination Parameters in Pig Spermatocytes: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Mary Nicolas , Ferchaud Stéphane , Barasc Harmonie , Calgaro Anne , Bonnet Nathalie , Ducos Alain , Pinton Alain
Published: May 2018

Meiotic recombination parameters like crossover (CO) rate or synaptonemal complex (SC) length are known to vary strongly between individuals and between cells from the same individual. The origins of this variability remain elusive, and little is known about the variations that might occur between different samples and/or over time within the same individual. To document this question, pachytene cells from 3 boars of the Large White breed were analyzed twice, at a 1-year interval, using immunocytological techniques. CO rate, SC length, and MLH1 inter-foci distances varied significantly between the 3 individuals. CO rate and SC length differed significantly between the 2 sampling periods for 1 individual. However, no significant differences were observed between the 2 samples for CO distribution and inter-foci distances in the 3 boars studied.
Dexamethasone Implant as Sole Therapy in Sympathetic Ophthalmia
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M.
Published: May 2018

We present the case of a 46-year-old woman with sympathetic ophthalmia occurring 27 years after complicated juvenile cataract surgeries. The patient declined systemic immunosuppressive therapy. Dexamethasone implant in the sympathizing eye allowed good visual recovery up to 18 months of follow-up with a total of 6 implants. Intraocular pressure rise was controlled medically. This is a unique report of sympathetic ophthalmia treated solely with slow-release dexamethasone implant without systemic therapies.
Hospitalizations in Children with a Penicillin Allergy Label: An Assessment of Healthcare Impact
Authors: Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Araújo Luís , Freitas Alberto , Delgado Luís
Published: May 2018

Background: Beta-lactam allergy is overdiagnosed. Diagnosis of penicillin allergy has been associated with a greater use of hospital resources and an increased risk of antibiotic-resistant infections, although this issue remains poorly studied in children. We aimed to compare patient characteristics and use of hospital resources in hospitalized children with and without a record of penicillin allergy. Methods: We identified all hospitalizations in children labelled as being allergic to penicillin in a database containing all hospitalizations in Portuguese public hospitals between 2000 and 2014, and compared these with a similar number of age-, sex-, and main diagnosis-matched hospitalizations without a penicillin allergy label. Comparisons were made for length of hospital stay, comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index), in-hospital mortality, and hospitalization costs. Results: We identified 1,718 hospitalizations corresponding to children labelled as penicillin-allergic. Compared with patients without such a label, these children had longer hospital stays (mean 5 vs. 4 days, p = 0.03) and a higher comorbidity index (mean 0.11 vs. 0.09, p < 0.001). Hospitalization costs were also higher (EUR 2,071 vs. 1,798), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.12). Conclusions: Hospitalizations of children labelled as allergic to penicillin are associated with longer hospital stays, more comorbidities, and a tendency towards higher hospitalization costs. An accurate diagnosis of penicillin allergy based on clinical history and confirmatory tests is therefore essential in all paediatric patients.
Does 100% Rapid Review Improve Cervical Cancer Screening?
Authors: Queiroz Filho José , Eleutério, Jr. José , Ney Cobucci Ricardo , de Oliveira Crispim Janaina Cristiana , Giraldo Paulo César , Gonçalves Ana Katherine
Published: May 2018

Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate 100% rapid review (100% RR) as a useful tool to detect false negative (FN) results. Study Design: A sample of 8,677 swabs was investigated; the unsatisfactory and negative results were referred to 100% RR, concordant results were taken as the final diagnosis, while the discordant results were debated in a consensus meeting to reach a conclusion. The positive results were examined by 2 cytologists. The data were entered into SAS statistical software, and the agreement of the 100% RR results with the final diagnosis was tested with the weighted kappa statistic. Results: There was a significant increase in unsatisfactory results from 348 to 1,927, and of positive results from 174 to 349. On the other hand, there was a substantial decrease in negative results from 8,155 to 6,401. Assessing the relative risk of FN results in smears that were not referred to quality control (100% RR) revealed the following results: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), 2.93; low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 2.72; high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion/atypical squamous cells – cannot exclude HSIL (HSIL/ASC-H), 2.25. Evaluating by age group, a higher risk for LSIL (4.90) and ASC-US (3.85) was observed in patients aged under 25 years, whereas patients between 25 and 64 years and those over 64 years presented a higher risk for HSIL and ASC-H: 2.46 and 2.75, respectively. Conclusion: 100% RR is an effective screening tool for FN results in countries where molecular tests for DNA-HPV and prophylactic vaccines are not available in cervical cancer screening programs.
Limb-Bud and Heart Attenuates Growth and Invasion of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells and Predicts Survival Outcome
Authors: Deng Mingming , Yu Ruoxi , Wang Shuo , Zhang Ye , Li Zhi , Song Huicong , Liu Bofang , Xu Ling , Wang Ximing , Zhang Zhe , Lv Qingjie , Wang Xiaonan , Che Xiaofang , Qu Xiujuan , Liu Yunpeng , Hu Xuejun
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: The transcription cofactor limb-bud and heart (LBH) is involved in embryonic development. However, its role in human lung cancer, especially lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), remains unclear. Methods: A public database and tissue microarray (TMA) were used to compare differences in LBH expression and its relationship with clinical characteristics. Tissue from an additional 70 LUAD patients with follow-up records was used to explore the correlation of LBH expression with prognosis. Cellular and molecular studies validated the role of LBH in LUAD growth and invasion. Results: LBH was significantly down-regulated in lung cancer tissue samples and was correlated with the prognosis and clinical characteristics of lung cancer patients based on a public database and TMA. Survival analysis revealed that LBH-negative expression was associated with poor overall survival of LUAD patients (P = 0.021). Cox regression analysis showed that LBH expression status was a favorable independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio = 0.120, 95% confidence interval = 0.016–0.894, P = 0.039). LBH knockdown accelerated LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis indicated that LBH was significantly related to the cell adhesion pathway. Western blot analysis confirmed that LBH could regulate the expression of integrin family members (integrin-α1, integrin-α2, integrin-α4, integrin-αv, and integrin-β4). Conclusion: Our data suggest that LBH plays an important role in lung cancer. Importantly, LBH is an independent prognostic factor in LUAD and can attenuate cell growth and invasion. LBH may be a potential prognostic biomarker in LUAD patients.
Relato de experiência sobre os processos educativos de uma oficina de piano em grupo para crianças
Authors: Silva Bianca Viana Monteiro da , Machado Simone Gorete
Published: May 2018

Este artigo é um relato de experiência sobre o projeto de extensão para crianças Oficina de Piano em Grupo, realizado por duas integrantes do grupo de pesquisa Música e Educação. As aulas foram oferecidas no Laboratório de Piano em Grupo, com duração de uma hora por semana, durante um semestre. A oficina teve por objetivo ofertar aulas de piano na modalidade de ensino coletivo para as crianças interessadas da comunidade, a fim de oferecer uma vivência em questões teóricas musicais atreladas à prática de tocar piano.
A atuação de Almirante e Pixinguinha na condução do programa radiofônico O Pessoal da Velha Guarda (1947-1952): escolha de repertório e arranjos para orquestra popular
Authors: Fontenele Ana Lúcia
Published: May 2018

O presente artigo aborda a atuação de Almirante e Pixinguinha na condução do repertório e dos arranjos realizados por Pixinguinha para a orquestra popular do programa radiofônico O Pessoal da Velha Guarda. O programa tinha como objetivo divulgar estilos musicais não veiculados pela mídia da década de 1940, época em que outros estilos musicais despontavam, alguns deles com grande influência da música estrangeira, como o bolero e o samba-canção. Alguns pesquisadores da música popular no Brasil da época, como também intelectuais e compositores, manifestavam-se com relação a tal fato, como também buscavam formas de divulgar o repertório de músicas consideras por eles como de “raiz”, como também a música folclórica de várias regiões do Brasil. O cantor e produtor radiofônico Almirante, juntamente com os músicos que integravam a equipe de alguns de seus programas das décadas de 1930 e 1940, como os programas Curiosidade Musicais e Orquestras e Músicos do Brasil, concentraram-se na concepção e efetivação do programa O Pessoal da Velha Guarda, que foi transmitido na Rádio Tupi do Rio de Janeiro, no período de 1947 a 1952. No palco desse programa de auditório exibiam-se músicos e cantores que integravam um grupo regional de choro e a orquestra popular liderada por Pixinguinha.
X‐Ray Exposure in Cardiac Electrophysiology: A Retrospective Analysis in 8150 Patients Over 7 Years of Activity in a Modern, Large‐Volume Laboratory
Authors: Casella Michela , Dello Russo Antonio , Russo Eleonora , Catto Valentina , Pizzamiglio Francesca , Zucchetti Martina , Majocchi Benedetta , Riva Stefania , Vettor Giulia , Dessanai Maria Antonietta , Fassini Gaetano , Moltrasio Massimo , Tundo Fabrizio , Vignati Carlo , Conti Sergio , Bonomi Alice , Carbucicchio Corrado , Di Biase Luigi , Natale Andrea , Tondo Claudio
Published: May 2018

Background

Only a few studies have systematically evaluated fluoroscopy data of electrophysiological and device implantation procedures. Aims of this study were to quantify ionizing radiation exposure for electrophysiological/device implantation procedures in a large series of patients and to analyze the x‐ray exposure trend over years and radiation exposure in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation considering different technical aspects.

Methods and Results

We performed a retrospective analysis of all electrophysiological/device implantation procedures performed during the past 7 years in a modern, large‐volume laboratory. We reported complete fluoroscopy data on 8150 electrophysiological/device implantation procedures (6095 electrophysiological and 2055 device implantation procedures); for each type of procedure, effective dose and lifetime attributable risk of cancer incidence and mortality were calculated. Over the 7‐year period, we observed a significant trend reduction in fluoroscopy time, dose area product, and effective dose for all electrophysiological procedures (
P
<0.001) and a not statistically significant trend reduction for device implantation procedures. Analyzing 2416 atrial fibrillation ablations, we observed a significant variability of fluoroscopy time, dose area product and effective dose among 7 different experienced operators (
P
<0.0001) and a significant reduction of fluoroscopy use over time (
P
<0.0001) for all of them. Considering atrial fibrillation ablation techniques, fluoroscopy time was not different (
P
= 0.74) for radiofrequency catheter ablation in comparison with cryoablation, though cryoablation was still associated with higher dose area product and effective dose values (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Electrophysiological procedures involve a nonnegligible x‐ray use, leading to an increased risk of malignancy. Awareness of radiation‐related risk, together with technological advances, can successfully optimize fluoroscopy use.