bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a systematic review of the effects of interventions to inform or educate caregivers about childhood vaccination in low and middle-income countries
Authors: Lukusa Lungeni A , Mbeye Nyanyiwe N , Adeniyi Folasade B , Wiysonge Charles S
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Despite their proven effectiveness in reducing childhood infectious diseases, the uptake of vaccines remains suboptimal in low and middle-income countries. Identifying strategies for transmitting accurate vaccine information to caregivers would boost childhood vaccination coverage in these countries. The purpose of this review is to assess the effects on childhood vaccination coverage of interventions for informing or educating caregivers about the importance of vaccines in low and middle-income countries, as defined by the World Bank.

Methods and analysis

Eligible study designs include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) as well as non-randomised controlled trials (non-RCTs). We will conduct a comprehensive search of both peer-reviewed and grey literature available up to 31 May 2015. We will search PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, prospective trial registries and reference lists of relevant publications. Two authors will independently screen the search output, retrieve full texts of potentially eligible studies and assess the latter against predefined inclusion criteria. Disagreements between the two authors will be resolved through consensus and arbitration by a third author. We will pool data from studies with homogenous interventions and outcomes, using random-effects meta-analysis. We will assess statistical heterogeneity using the χ2test of homogeneity (with signiﬁcance defined at the 10% α-level) and quantify it using Higgins’ inconsistency index. We will explore the cause of any observed statistical heterogeneity using subgroup analysis, with subgroups defined by study design (RCTs vs non-RCTs) and type of intervention (information vs educational interventions).

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed systematic review will collect and analyse secondary data that are not associated with individuals. The review will make a significant contribution to the knowledge base of interventions for improving childhood vaccination coverage in low and middle-income countries.

Protocol registration number

PROSPERO, CRD42014010141.
Implications of spatial contraction for density dependence and conservation in a depressed population of anadromous fish
Authors: Atlas William I. , Buehrens Thomas W. , McCubbing Don J.F. , Bison Robert , Moore Jonathan W.
Published: July 2015

Changes in density-independent mortality can alter the spatial extent of populations through patch extinction and colonization, and spatial contraction may alter population productivity and compensatory capacity. Here, we analyze a time series of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) abundance and examine the hypothesis that spatial contraction can decrease compensatory capacity. Over the last 20 years, steelhead in the Keogh River have declined by an order of magnitude because of a period of poor smolt-to-adult survival. Low abundance has been associated with more depressed production of out-migrating smolts than would be expected based on traditional models of compensatory dynamics. Patterns of juvenile density over time show changes in the spatial distribution of the population. We developed a spatially explicit population model to explore spatial structure and juvenile recruitment under varying marine survival. Results suggest that spatial contraction during a period of poor marine survival can strengthen density-dependent population regulation, reducing smolt production at the watershed scale. Our results highlight that spatial contraction can alter the fundamental density-dependent relationships that define population dynamics, recovery trajectories, and sustainable harvest levels of spatially structured populations.
Controlling of group velocity via terahertz signal radiation in a defect medium doped by four-level InGaN/GaN quantum dot nanostructure
Authors: Jafarzadeh Hossein , Sangachin Elnaz Ahmadi , Asadpour Seyyed Hossein
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we propose a novel scheme for controlling the group velocity of transmitted and reflected pulse from defect medium doped with four-level InGaN/GaN quantum dot nanostructure. Quantum dot nanostructure is designed numerically by Schrödinger and Poisson equations which solve self consistently. By size control of quantum dot and external voltage, one can design a four-level quantum dot with appropriate energy levels which can be suitable for controlling the group velocity of pulse transmission and reflection from defect slab with terahertz signal field. It is found that in the presence and absence of terahertz signal field the behaviors of transmission and reflection pulses are completely different. Moreover, it is shown that for strong terahertz signal field, by changing the thickness of the slab, simultaneous peak and dip for transmission and reflection pulse are obtained.
Effect of length and negative differential resistance behavior in conjugated molecular wire tetrathiafulvalene devices
Authors: Zhang Xiaojiao , Chen Keqiu , Long Mengqiu , He Jun , Gao Yongli
Published: July 2015

The electronic transport properties of molecular devices constructed by conjugated molecular wire tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) have been studied by applying nonequilibrium Green’s functions in combination with the density-functional theory. Two molecular junctions with different wire lengths have been considered. The results show that the current–voltage curves of TTF devices can be modulated by the length of the molecular wire and negative differential resistance behaviors are observed in these systems. The mechanisms have been proposed for the length effect and negative differential resistance behavior.
Quantum teleportation in a three-qubit Heisenberg chain with Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya interaction
Authors: Xi Yu-Xing , Huang Yan-Xia
Published: July 2015

The quantum teleportation via thermally entangled states of three-qubit Heisenberg spin chains with Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya (DM) interactions under a homogeneous magnetic field has been investigated. It is found that average fidelity and critical temperature depend on not only temperature, magnetic field, but also coupling coefficients, and DM interactions. What is more, we also find that average fidelity has little to do with entanglement.
Macroscopic degeneracy and order in the 3D plaquette Ising model
Authors: Johnston Desmond A. , Mueller Marco , Janke Wolfhard
Published: July 2015

The purely plaquette 3D Ising Hamiltonian with the spins living at the vertices of a cubic lattice displays several interesting features. The symmetries of the model lead to a macroscopic degeneracy of the low-temperature phase and prevent the definition of a standard magnetic order parameter. Consideration of the strongly anisotropic limit of the model suggests that a layered, “fuki-nuke” order still exists and we confirm this with multi-canonical simulations. The macroscopic degeneracy of the low-temperature phase also changes the finite-size scaling corrections at the first-order transition in the model and we see this must be taken into account when analyzing our measurements.
First-principles study of the atomic structure and edge state of zigzag carbon nanoscrolls
Authors: Dong Hai-Xia , Gong Bai-Hua , Fang Dang-Qi , Zhang Yang , Zhang Er-Hu , Zhang Sheng-Li
Published: July 2015

The atomic structure and edge state of zigzag carbon nanoscrolls (ZCNSs) are investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The results show a non-monotonic dependence of the total energy of ZCNS on the surface curvature due to a competition between the elasticity and the van der Waals interactions in a scroll. The edge states can be tuned by using different forms of edge hydrogenation and inner radius. It is found that the edge state range of monohydrogenated ZCNSs is smaller than that of monohydrogenated zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons (ZGNRs), which is also verified using the tight-binding approximation. With the different edge hydrogenations, ZCNSs prefer the [Formula: see text] hybridization more than the [Formula: see text] one. Our present study could suggest the possibility of adjusting the electronic properties of ZCNSs and may provide potential applications in the electronic devices.
Review on the application of nanostructure materials in solar cells
Authors: Afshar Elham N. , Xosrovashvili Georgi , Rouhi Rasoul , Gorji Nima E.
Published: July 2015

In recent years, nanostructure materials have opened a promising route to future of the renewable sources, especially in the solar cells. This paper considers the advantages of nanostructure materials in improving the performance and stability of the solar cell structures. These structures have been employed for various performance/energy conversion enhancement strategies. Here, we have investigated four types of nanostructures applied in solar cells, where all of them are named as quantum solar cells. We have also discussed recent development of quantum dot nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes enabling quantum solar cells to be competitive with the conventional solar cells. Furthermore, the advantages, disadvantages and industrializing challenges of nanostructured solar cells have been investigated.
The Einstein–Klein–Gordon–AdS system for general boundary conditions
Authors: Holzegel Gustav , Warnick Claude M.
Published: July 2015

We construct unique local solutions for the spherically-symmetric Einstein–Klein–Gordon–anti-de Sitter (AdS) system subject to a large class of initial and boundary conditions including some considered in the context of the AdS-CFT correspondence. The proof relies on estimates developed for the linear wave equation by the second author and involves a careful renormalization of the dynamical variables, including a renormalization of the well-known Hawking mass. For some of the boundary conditions considered this system is expected to exhibit rich global dynamics, including the existence of hairy black holes. This paper furnishes a starting point for such global investigations.
$\mathcal{W}(a,b)$ Lie Conformal Algebra and Its Conformal Module of Rank One
Authors: Xu Ying , Yue Xiaoqing
Published: July 2015

For any complex parameters a, b, let [Formula: see text] be the Lie algebra with basis {Li,Hi | i ∈ ℤ} and relations [Li,Lj]=(j-i)Li+j, [Li,Hj]=(a+j+bi)Hi+j and [Hi,Hj]=0. In this paper, we construct the [Formula: see text] conformal algebra for some a, b and its conformal module of rank one.
On Mixed Multiplicities of Good Filtrations
Authors: Viet Duong Quoc , Dinh Le Van
Published: July 2015

This paper interprets mixed multiplicities of good filtrations as Hilbert-Samuel multiplicities, and shows that (𝜀1,…,𝜀m)-superficial sequences in [16] (2007) and superficial sequences in [15] (1973) are weak-(FC)-sequences in [19] (2000). As consequences, we not only obtain generalized results for mixed multiplicities of ideals in [15, 16, 19] but also get an improvement of [19, Theorem 3.4] that seems to account well for the essence of [16, Theorem 1.4].
Skew Derivations with Power Central Values on Commutators
Authors: Chen Hung-Yuan
Published: July 2015

Let R be a prime ring with center [Formula: see text], δ: R → R a nonzero skew derivation, and n a fixed positive integer. In this paper, we show that R is a commutative ring if (i) [δ([x,y]),[x,y]]n = 0 for all x, y ∈ R or (ii) [Formula: see text] for all x ∈ R, except some specific cases.
Derivations and Automorphism Group of Original Deformative Schrödinger-Virasoro Algebra
Authors: Jiang Qifen , Wang Song
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we determine the derivation algebra and the automorphism group of the original deformative Schrödinger-Virasoro algebra, which is the semi-direct product Lie algebra of the Witt algebra and its tensor density module Ig(a,b).
Deletion of nuclear factor-κB p50 upregulates fatty acid utilization and contributes to an anti-obesity and high-endurance phenotype in mice
Authors: Minegishi Yoshihiko , Haramizu Satoshi , Misawa Koichi , Shimotoyodome Akira , Hase Tadashi , Murase Takatoshi
Published: July 2015

The transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) plays an important role in regulating physiological processes such as immunity and inflammation. In addition to this primary role, NF-κB interacts physically with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors regulating lipid metabolism-related gene expression and inhibits their transcriptional activity. Therefore, inhibition of NF-κB may promote fatty acid utilization, which could ameliorate obesity and improve endurance capacity. To test this hypothesis, we attempted to elucidate the energy metabolic status of mice lacking the p50 subunit of NF-κB (p50 KO mice) from the tissue to whole body level. p50 KO mice showed a significantly lower respiratory quotient throughout the day than did wild-type (WT) mice; this decrease was associated with increased fatty acid oxidation activity in liver and gastrocnemius muscle of p50 KO mice. p50 KO mice that were fed a high-fat diet were also resistant to fat accumulation and adipose tissue inflammation. Furthermore, p50 KO mice showed a significantly longer maximum running time compared with WT mice, with a lower respiratory exchange ratio during exercise as well as higher residual muscle glycogen content and lower blood lactate levels after exercise. These results suggest that p50 deletion facilitates fatty acid catabolism, leading to an anti-obesity and high-endurance phenotype of mice and supporting the idea that NF-κB is an important regulator of energy metabolism.
Experimental Study on Steel to FRP Bonded Lap Joints in Marine Applications
Authors: Özes Çiçek , Neşer Nurhan
Published: July 2015

Steel structures coated with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have gained wide acceptance in marine industry due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, good protection from environmental degradation, and impact loads. In this study, adhesive bonding performance of single-lap bonded joints composed of steel coated with FRP has been investigated experimentally for three different surface roughness and two epoxy types. Single-lap bonded joints have been tested under tensile loading. The adhesive bonding performance has been evaluated by calculating the strain energy values. The results reveal that the surface roughness of steel has a significant effect on the bonding performance of steel to FRP combinations and the performance of the resin can be improved by using the primer in an economical way.
Molecular Events Linking Oxidative Stress and Inflammation to Insulin Resistance andβ-Cell Dysfunction
Authors: Keane Kevin Noel , Cruzat Vinicius Fernandes , Carlessi Rodrigo , de Bittencourt Paulo Ivo Homem , Newsholme Philip
Published: July 2015

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide, a consequence of the alarming rise in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Oxidative stress and inflammation are key physiological and pathological events linking obesity, insulin resistance, and the progression of type 2 DM (T2DM). Unresolved inflammation alongside a “glucolipotoxic” environment of the pancreatic islets, in insulin resistant pathologies, enhances the infiltration of immune cells which through secretory activity cause dysfunction of insulin-secretingβ-cells and ultimately cell death. Recent molecular investigations have revealed that mechanisms responsible for insulin resistance associated with T2DM are detected in conditions such as obesity and MetS, including impaired insulin receptor (IR) signalling in insulin responsive tissues, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The aim of the present review is to describe the evidence linking oxidative stress and inflammation with impairment of insulin secretion and action, which result in the progression of T2DM and other conditions associated with metabolic dysregulation.
Chlorpyrifos Induces the Expression of the Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Cycle Activator BZLF-1 via Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Zhao Ling , Xie Fei , Wang Ting-ting , Liu Meng-yu , Li Jia-la , Shang Lei , Deng Zi-xuan , Zhao Peng-xiang , Ma Xue-mei
Published: July 2015

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are among the most widely used synthetic chemicals for the control of a wide variety of pests, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by OPs may be involved in the toxicity of various pesticides. Previous studies have demonstrated that a reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) could be induced by oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated whether OPs could reactivate EBV through ROS accumulation. The Raji cells were treated with chlorpyrifos (CPF), one of the most commonly used OPs. Oxidative stress indicators and the expression of the EBV immediate-early gene BZLF-1 were determined after CPF treatment. Our results show that CPF induces oxidative stress as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level, accompanied by an increase in ROS production, DNA damage, glutathione (GSH) level, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity. Moreover, CPF treatment significantly enhances the expression of BZLF-1, and the increased BZLF-1 expression was ameliorated by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) incubation. These results suggest that OPs could contribute to the reactivation of the EBV lytic cycle through ROS induction, a process that may play an important role in the development of EBV-associated diseases.
An Impulsively Controlled Three-Species Prey-Predator Model with Stage Structure and Birth Pulse for Predator
Authors: Hu Yanyan , Yan Mei , Xiang Zhongyi
Published: July 2015

We investigate the dynamic behaviors of a two-prey one-predator system with stage structure and birth pulse for predator. By using the Floquet theory of linear periodic impulsive equation and small amplitude perturbation method, we show that there exists a globally asymptotically stable two-prey eradication periodic solution when the impulsive period is less than some critical value. Further, we study the permanence of the investigated model. Our results provide valuable strategy for biological economics management. Numerical analysis is also inserted to illustrate the results.
Principal Components of Superhigh-Dimensional Statistical Features and Support Vector Machine for Improving Identification Accuracies of Different Gear Crack Levels under Different Working Conditions
Authors: Wang Dong , Tsui Kwok-Leung , Tse Peter W. , Zuo Ming J.
Published: July 2015

Gears are widely used in gearbox to transmit power from one shaft to another. Gear crack is one of the most frequent gear fault modes found in industry. Identification of different gear crack levels is beneficial in preventing any unexpected machine breakdown and reducing economic loss because gear crack leads to gear tooth breakage. In this paper, an intelligent fault diagnosis method for identification of different gear crack levels under different working conditions is proposed. First, superhigh-dimensional statistical features are extracted from continuous wavelet transform at different scales. The number of the statistical features extracted by using the proposed method is 920 so that the extracted statistical features are superhigh dimensional. To reduce the dimensionality of the extracted statistical features and generate new significant low-dimensional statistical features, a simple and effective method called principal component analysis is used. To further improve identification accuracies of different gear crack levels under different working conditions, support vector machine is employed. Three experiments are investigated to show the superiority of the proposed method. Comparisons with other existing gear crack level identification methods are conducted. The results show that the proposed method has the highest identification accuracies among all existing methods.
Symmetry and the Arrow of Time in Theoretical Black Hole Astrophysics
Authors: Garofalo David
Published: July 2015

While the basic laws of physics seem time-reversal invariant, our understanding of the apparent irreversibility of the macroscopic world is well grounded in the notion of entropy. Because astrophysics deals with the largest structures in the Universe, one expects evidence there for the most pronounced entropic arrow of time. However, in recent theoretical astrophysics work it appears possible to identify constructs with time-reversal symmetry, which is puzzling in the large-scale realm especially because it involves the engines of powerful outflows in active galactic nuclei which deal with macroscopic constituents such as accretion disks, magnetic fields, and black holes. Nonetheless, the underlying theoretical structure from which this accreting black hole framework emerges displays a time-symmetric harmonic behavior, a feature reminiscent of basic and simple laws of physics. While we may expect such behavior for classical black holes due to their simplicity, manifestations of such symmetry on the scale of galaxies, instead, surprise. In fact, we identify a parallel between the astrophysical tug-of-war between accretion disks and jets in this model and the time symmetry-breaking of a simple overdamped harmonic oscillator. The validity of these theoretical ideas in combination with this unexpected parallel suggests that black holes are more influential in astrophysics than currently recognized and that black hole astrophysics is a more fundamental discipline.
Effects of Myeloperoxidase-Induced Oxidation on Antiatherogenic Functions of High-Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Kameda Takahiro , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Yano Kouji , Usami Yoko , Miyazaki Akari , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Kawasaki Kenji , Sugano Mitsutoshi , Kubota Tetsuo , Tozuka Minoru
Published: July 2015

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has protective effects against the development of atherosclerosis; these effects include reverse cholesterol transport, antioxidant ability, and anti-inflammation. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) secreted by macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions generates tyrosyl radicals in apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) molecules, inducing the formation of apoA-I/apoA-II heterodimers through the tyrosine-tyrosine bond in HDL. Functional characterization of HDL oxidized by MPO could provide useful information about the significance of apoA-I/apoA-II heterodimers measurement. We investigated the effects of MPO-induced oxidation on the antiatherogenic functions of HDL as described above. The antioxidant ability of HDL, estimated as the effect on LDL oxidation induced by copper sulfate, was not significantly affected after MPO oxidation. HDL reduced THP-1 monocyte migration by suppressing the stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MPO-oxidized HDL also showed inhibition of THP-1 chemotaxis, but the extent of inhibition was significantly attenuated compared to intact HDL. MPO treatment did not affect the cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL from [3H]-cholesterol-laden macrophages derived from THP-1 cells. The principal effect of MPO oxidation on the antiatherogenic potential of HDL would be the reduction of anti-inflammatory ability, suggesting that measurement of apoA-I/apoA-II heterodimers might be useful to estimate anti-inflammatory ability of HDL.
Assessment of Population Exposure to Coarse and Fine Particulate Matter in the Urban Areas of Chennai, India
Authors: Prasannavenkatesh Ramachandran , Andimuthu Ramachandran , Kandasamy Palanivelu , Rajadurai Geetha , Subash Kumar Divya , Radhapriya Parthasarathy , Ponnusamy Malini
Published: July 2015

Research outcomes from the epidemiological studies have found that the course (PM10) and the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are mainly responsible for various respiratory health effects for humans. The population‐weighted exposure assessment is used as a vital decision‐making tool to analyze the vulnerable areas where the population is exposed to critical concentrations of pollutants. Systemic sampling was carried out at strategic locations of Chennai to estimate the various concentration levels of particulate pollution during November 2013–January 2014. The concentration of the pollutants was classified based on the World Health Organization interim target (IT) guidelines. Using geospatial information systems the pollution and the high‐resolution population data were interpolated to study the extent of the pollutants at the urban scale. The results show that approximately 28% of the population resides in vulnerable locations where the coarse particulate matter exceeds the prescribed standards. Alarmingly, the results of the analysis of fine particulates show that about 94% of the inhabitants live in critical areas where the concentration of the fine particulates exceeds the IT guidelines. Results based on human exposure analysis show the vulnerability is more towards the zones which are surrounded by prominent sources of pollution.
Noncoding RNAs, Emerging Regulators of Skeletal Muscle Development and Diseases
Authors: Nie Mao , Deng Zhong-Liang , Liu Jianming , Wang Da-Zhi
Published: July 2015

A healthy and independent life requires skeletal muscles to maintain optimal function throughout the lifespan, which is in turn dependent on efficient activation of processes that regulate muscle development, homeostasis, and metabolism. Thus, identifying mechanisms that modulate these processes is of crucial priority. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), have emerged as a class of previously unrecognized transcripts whose importance in a wide range of biological processes and human disease is only starting to be appreciated. In this review, we summarize the roles of recently identified miRNAs and lncRNAs during skeletal muscle development and pathophysiology. We also discuss several molecular mechanisms of these noncoding RNAs. Undoubtedly, further systematic understanding of these noncoding RNAs’ functions and mechanisms will not only greatly expand our knowledge of basic skeletal muscle biology, but also significantly facilitate the development of therapies for various muscle diseases, such as muscular dystrophies, cachexia, and sarcopenia.
Benign Recurrent Sixth (Abducens) Nerve Palsy following Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination
Authors: Bourtoulamaiou Areti , Yadav Sohraab , Nayak Harish
Published: July 2015

Benign, isolated, recurrent sixth nerve palsy is rare in children. It may be associated with febrile viral illness and vaccination in exceptional circumstances although this is a diagnosis of exclusion. Here, we present the case of a 2-year-old Caucasian girl who developed recurrent 6th nerve palsy following vaccination with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. No underlying pathology was identified following extensive investigations and followup. There is limited data available on the pathophysiology of vaccination-related nerve palsies. As with all previous reports of cranial nerve palsies following vaccination, there was complete resolution in this case. Long term followup with repeated physical examination and investigations is warranted to avoid missing severe pathology and operating unnecessarily.
Innate Immune Defenses in Human Tuberculosis: An Overview of the Interactions betweenMycobacterium tuberculosisand Innate Immune Cells
Authors: Sia Jonathan Kevin , Georgieva Maria , Rengarajan Jyothi
Published: July 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious global public health problem that results in up to 2 million deaths each year. TB is caused by the human pathogen,Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb), which infects primarily innate immune cells patrolling the lung. Innate immune cells serve as barometers of the immune response against Mtb infection by determining the inflammatory milieu in the lungs and promoting the generation of adaptive immune responses. However, innate immune cells are also potential niches for bacterial replication and are readily manipulated by Mtb. Our understanding of the early interactions between Mtb and innate immune cells is limited, especially in the context of human infection. This review will focus on Mtb interactions with human macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and NK cells and detail evidence that Mtb modulation of these cells negatively impacts Mtb-specific immune responses. Furthermore, this review will emphasize important innate immune pathways uncovered through human immunogenetic studies. Insights into the human innate immune response to Mtb infection are necessary for providing a rational basis for the augmentation of immune responses against Mtb infection, especially with respect to the generation of effective anti-TB immunotherapeutics and vaccines.
A Major Complication in Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Upper Calyceal Perforation with Extrarenal Migration of Stone Fragments due to Increased Intrarenal Pelvic Pressure
Authors: Akbulut Fatih , Ucpinar Burak , Savun Metin , Kucuktopcu Onur , Ozgor Faruk , Simsek Abdulmuttalip , Gurbuz Gokhan
Published: July 2015

Micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and efficient technique for appropriate sized stones. It is performed through a 4.85 Fr all-seeing needle and stones are fragmented into dust, without the need for tract dilatation, unlike other percutaneous nephrolithotomy types. Even though micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy has many advantages, increase in intrapelvic pressure during surgery may cause rare but serious complications. Herein we report a case of micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in a 20-year-old woman with a 20 mm right renal pelvis stone and present an undesired outcome of this complication, upper calyceal perforation. Right lower calyceal access was performed with 4.85 Fr all-seeing needle and 2 cm renal pelvis stone was fragmented by 272 μm Holmium-Yag laser system. Upper calyceal perforation and infrahepatic accumulation of stone fragments were detected by fluoroscopy during the surgery. Postoperative imagings revealed perirenal urinoma, perirenal and infrahepatic stone fragments, and lower calyceal stone fragments inside the system. On second postoperative day, minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy and double J catheter insertion procedures were applied for effective drainage and stone clearance. Risk of calyceal perforation and urinoma formation, due to increased intrapelvic pressure during micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy, should be kept in mind.
On Stability of Linear Barbashin Type Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Gil’ Michael
Published: July 2015

We consider the Barbashin type equation∂u(t,x)/∂t=c(t,x)u(t,x)+∫01k(t,x,s)u(t,s)ds+f(t,x)   (t>0; 0≤x≤1),wherec(·, ·),k(·, ·, ·), andf(·, ·)are given real functions andu(·, ·)is unknown. Conditions for the boundedness of solutions of this equation are suggested. In addition, a new stability test is established for the corresponding homogeneous equation. These results improve the well-known ones in the case when the coefficients are differentiable in time. Our approach is based on solution estimates for operator equations. It can be considered as the extension of the freezing method for ordinary differential equations.
Phase I Clinical Pharmacology Study of F14512, a New Polyamine-Vectorized Anticancer Drug, in Naturally Occurring Canine Lymphoma
Authors: Tierny Dominique , Serres François , Segaoula Zacharie , Bemelmans Ingrid , Bouchaert Emmanuel , Pétain Aurélie , Brel Viviane , Couffin Stéphane , Marchal Thierry , Nguyen Laurent , Thuru Xavier , Ferré Pierre , Guilbaud Nicolas , Gomes Bruno
Published: July 2015

Purpose: F14512 is a new topoisomerase II inhibitor containing a spermine moiety that facilitates selective uptake by tumor cells and increases topoisomerase II poisoning. F14512 is currently in a phase I/II clinical trial in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. The aim of this study was to investigate F14512 potential in a new clinical indication. Because of the many similarities between human and dog lymphomas, we sought to determine the tolerance, efficacy, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship of F14512 in this indication, and potential biomarkers that could be translated into human trials.

Experimental Design: Twenty-three dogs with stage III–IV naturally occurring lymphomas were enrolled in the phase I dose-escalation trial, which consisted of three cycles of F14512 i.v. injections. Endpoints included safety and therapeutic efficacy. Serial blood samples and tumor biopsies were obtained for PK/PD and biomarker studies.

Results: Five dose levels were evaluated to determine the recommended dose. F14512 was well tolerated, with the expected dose-dependent hematologic toxicity. F14512 induced an early decrease of tumoral lymph node cells, and a high response rate of 91% (21/23) with 10 complete responses, 11 partial responses, 1 stable disease, and 1 progressive disease. Phosphorylation of histone H2AX was studied as a potential PD biomarker of F14512.

Conclusions: This trial demonstrated that F14512 can be safely administered to dogs with lymphoma resulting in strong therapeutic efficacy. Additional evaluation of F14512 is needed to compare its efficacy with standards of care in dogs, and to translate biomarker and efficacy findings into clinical trials in humans. Clin Cancer Res; 21(23); 5314–23. ©2015 AACR.
SPARC Expression Did Not Predict Efficacy of nab-Paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine or Gemcitabine Alone for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer in an Exploratory Analysis of the Phase III MPACT Trial
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Plaza Carlos , Musteanu Monica , Illei Peter , Brachmann Carrie B. , Heise Carla , Pierce Daniel , Lopez-Casas Pedro P. , Menendez Camino , Tabernero Josep , Romano Alfredo , Wei Xinyu , Lopez-Rios Fernando , Von Hoff Daniel D.
Published: July 2015

Purpose: nab-Paclitaxel plus gemcitabine was superior to gemcitabine alone for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) in the phase III MPACT trial. This study evaluated the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) levels with efficacy as an exploratory endpoint.

Experimental Design: Patients with previously untreated MPC (N = 861) received nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine or gemcitabine alone. Baseline SPARC level was measured in the tumor stroma and epithelia (archival biopsies) and plasma. Experiments were performed in pancreatic cancer mouse models in which SPARC was intact or deleted.

Results: SPARC was measured in the tumor stroma of 256 patients (30%), the tumor epithelia of 301 patients (35%), and plasma of 343 patients (40%). Stroma-evaluable samples were from metastases (71%), from the pancreas (11%), or of unidentifiable origin (insufficient tissue to determine; 17%). For all patients, stromal SPARC level [high (n = 71) vs. low (n = 185)] was not associated with overall survival (OS; HR, 1.019; P = 0.903); multivariate analysis confirmed this lack of association. There was no association between stromal SPARC level and OS in either treatment arm. Neither tumor epithelial SPARC nor plasma SPARC was associated with OS. Results from a SPARC knockout mouse model treated with nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine revealed no correlation between SPARC expression and tumor progression or treatment efficacy.

Conclusions: SPARC levels were not associated with efficacy in patients with MPC. This exploratory analysis does not support making treatment decisions regarding nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine or gemcitabine alone in MPC based on SPARC expression. Clin Cancer Res; 21(21); 4811–8. ©2015 AACR.
Translating Pembrolizumab to Clinical Practice: Speak Immunology and Learn Fast!
Authors: van Elsas Andrea , van Eenennaam Hans , Haanen John B.
Published: July 2015

T-cell checkpoint inhibitors treat the cancer patient's immune system potentially inducing significant long-term survival. Pembrolizumab demonstrates clinical activity in patients diagnosed with melanoma and other cancers. Its mode of action suggests a rationale for combination with other treatment modalities, urging oncologists to brush up their knowledge of immunology. Clin Cancer Res; 21(19); 4251–3. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Patnaik et al., p. 4286
Emerging Agents and New Mutations in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Ayeni Deborah , Politi Katerina , Goldberg Sarah B.
Published: July 2015

Third-generation mutant-specific EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors are showing robust clinical activity, particularly in lung cancers harboring the EGFRT790M mutation, yet acquired resistance to these agents emerges. Additional mutations in EGFR can confer resistance that, depending on their genomic context, could determine new drug sensitivities of the cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res; 21(17); 3818–20. ©2015 AACR.

See related articles by Ercan et al., p. 3913 and Niederst et al., p. 3924
Cardiac Troponin T and Hydration Status as Prognostic Markers in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hoppe Krzysztof , Schwermer Krzysztof , Klysz Patrycja , Radziszewska Dorota , Sawatiuk Peter , Baum Ewa , Kaczmarek Jolanta , Roszak Magdalena , Kaluzna Malgorzata , Lindholm Bengt , Pawlaczyk Krzysztof , Oko Andrzej
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to assess cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and hydration state as cardiovascular (CV) risk markers in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Two hundred and forty one patients were divided according to HD vintage into two groups: SV (HD ≤24 months) and LV. Water balance was assessed with overhydration (OH%; bioimpedance analysis) and daily diuresis (DD); CV dysfunction with cTnT and heart ultrasound; nutrition with subjective global assessment (SGA), cholesterol (TC) and albumin. SV had lower OH% (2.8 vs. 3.5, p < 0.05) and higher DD (1,161 vs. 637 ml, p < 0.001), while LV had higher cTnT (0.1 ± 0.04 vs. 0.1 ± 0.07 ng/ml, p < 0.05) and lower interventricular septum thickness (IVS; 13.4 vs. 14.5 mm, p < 0.05). Nutritional state as reflected by lower TC was worse in LV (184.7 vs. 169.5 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Mortality was higher in patients in the LV group (15 vs. 27 deaths, p < 0.05). OH% correlated inversely with albumin (r = -0.36, p < 0.001), TC (r = -0.31, p < 0.001) and cTnT (r = -0.4, p < 0.001). cTnT correlated positively with IVS (r = 0.39, p < 0.001), SGA (r = 0.23, p = 0.001) and mortality rate (r = 0.21, p < 0.01), and negatively with DD (r = -0.34, p < 0.001) and albumin (r = -0.25, p < 0.001). Longer dialysis vintage associates with CV dysfunction, overhydration and increased mortality, which may be predicted with OH% and cTnT. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco' at http://www.karger.com/?doi=376603.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction Using the Novel 1,444-nm Nd:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Gynecomastia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yoo Kwang Ho , Bae Jung Min , Won Chae Young , Chung Yu Seok , Goo Boncheol , Rho Yong Kwan , Kim Gyong Moon , Lee Jongwon , Ahn Byeong Heon , Kim Beom Joon
Published: July 2015

Background: Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) is currently widely used to reduce localized fat. A novel Nd:YAG laser that uses a wavelength of 1,444 nm, which is better absorbed by fat, has recently been introduced. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 1,444-nm Nd:YAG LAL for the treatment of gynecomastia. Patients and Methods: Thirteen Korean male patients (20-28 years, mean age 23 years) diagnosed with gynecomastia were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated by LAL with 1,444-nm Nd:YAG laser (100 µs pulse width, 40 Hz frequency, 300 mJ pulse energy and 12 W power with continuous emission) after tumescent anesthetic infiltration and were then evaluated. Outcome was assessed using the following 4 methods: (1) clinical assessment with photographs obtained before and 12 weeks after LAL treatment, (2) comparison of pre- and postoperative patient chest circumferences, (3) computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate changes in breast thickness and (4) a patient satisfaction survey at the end of the study. Results: After 12 weeks, most patients (84.5%) showed an improvement greater than 50%. Mean chest circumference was significantly reduced from 109.6 ± 8.2 to 101.2 ± 4.4 cm 12 weeks after LAL (p < 0.001). CT scans showed a significant reduction in mean breast thickness from 22.7 ± 3.2 to 15.6 ± 2.4 mm (p = 0.016). Side effects (pain, edema, numbness and ecchymosis) were minimal and disappeared shortly after the first manifestation. Conclusion: Gynecomastia can be safely treated with 1,444-nm Nd:YAG LAL to reduce fatty tissue and total breast volume.
Integrated Allergy and Asthma Prevention and Care: Report of the MeDALL/AIRWAYS ICPs Meeting at the Ministry of Health and Care Services, Oslo, Norway
Authors: Lødrup Carlsen Karin C. , Haahtela Tari , Carlsen Kai-Håkon , Smith Anders , Bjerke Marianne , Wickman Magnus , Keil Thomas , Ballereau Stéphane , Bedbrook Anna , Bergström Anna , Nawjin Martijn C. , Pinart Mariona , Skrindo Ingebjørg , Xu Cheng J. , De Carlo Giuseppe , Anto Josep M. , Bousquet Jean
Published: July 2015

Allergic diseases and asthma are increasing in prevalence globally. They can start early in life and many persist. It is important to prevent, detect and control these diseases early on and throughout life, so as to promote active and healthy ageing. The translational activities of MeDALL (Mechanisms of the Development of Allergy; EU FP7) are of great importance and include the deployment of successful allergy programmes. The Finnish Allergy Plan is a prototype for the prevention and control of severe allergic diseases. It has been considered for deployment to Norway by the Ministry of Health and Care Services in the frame of AIRWAYS ICPs (Integrated Care Pathways for Airway Diseases), a programme of Action Plan B3 of the EIP on AHA (European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing). Deployment of the Finnish and Norwegian Plans will make use of the scaling-up strategy of the EIP on AHA in regions in the European Union, and the WHO GARD (Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases) globally. The regional deployment in Norway serves as a model of a national plan for the use of the EIP on AHA scaling-up strategy in other regions.
In vivo Recordings from Low-Frequency Nucleus Laminaris in the Barn Owl
Authors: Palanca-Castan Nicolas , Köppl Christine
Published: July 2015

Localization of sound sources relies on 2 main binaural cues: interaural time differences (ITD) and interaural level differences. ITD computing is first carried out in tonotopically organized areas of the brainstem nucleus laminaris (NL) in birds and the medial superior olive (MSO) in mammals. The specific way in which ITD are derived was long assumed to conform to a delay line model in which arrays of systematically arranged cells create a representation of auditory space, with different cells responding maximally to specific ITD. This model conforms in many details to the particular case of the high-frequency regions (above 3 kHz) in the barn owl NL. However, data from recent studies in mammals are not consistent with a delay line model. A new model has been suggested in which neurons are not topographically arranged with respect to ITD and coding occurs through assessment of the overall response of 2 large neuron populations - 1 in each brainstem hemisphere. Currently available data comprise mainly low-frequency (<1,500 Hz) recordings in the case of mammals and higher-frequency recordings in the case of birds. This makes it impossible to distinguish between group-related adaptations and frequency-related adaptations. Here we report the first comprehensive data set from low-frequency NL in the barn owl and compare it to data from other avian and mammalian studies. Our data are consistent with a delay line model, so differences between ITD processing systems are more likely to have originated through divergent evolution of different vertebrate groups.
25-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retained Lens Fragments in Complicated Cataract Surgery
Authors: Scupola Andrea , Abed Edoardo , Sammarco Maria Grazia , Grimaldi Gabriela , Sasso Paola , Parrilla Rosa , Traina Salvatore , Blasi Maria Antonietta
Published: July 2015

Purpose: To verify the efficacy of 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for the management of posteriorly dislocated lens material after complicated cataract extraction and to determine in what patients this approach offers the optimal benefit in terms of efficacy and safety, considering the amount of retained nuclear material and the duration of surgery. Methods: Forty eyes of 40 patients with retained lens fragments undergoing early (within 1 week) or late (within >1 week) 25-gauge PPV were retrospectively reviewed. The amount of dislocated nuclear material was graded by the surgeon intraoperatively, and the patients were divided into two groups according to the nuclear grading: group A (≤50% dropped nucleus) and group B (>50% dropped nucleus). The presence of brunescent nuclear pieces was considered. The outcomes measured included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative complications such as retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema (CME) and postoperative ocular hypertension or hypotonia. Results: The patients had a mean age of 78 years. The mean preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA was 0.57 ± 0.24 (20/80). A significant positive correlation was found between nuclear material grade and PPV duration (R2 = 0.81, p < 0.0001). None of the patients had dislocation of brunescent nuclear pieces. On postoperative day 1, the mean postoperative intraocular pressure was 16.75 ± 2.7 mm Hg, with no case of ocular hypotonia. At 6 months of follow-up, the mean logMAR BCVA improved to 0.23 ± 0.3 (20/32). Retinal detachment developed in 4 patients (10%), occurring only in patients of group B (p < 0.002). Four patients with late PPV developed postoperative CME, with no case of CME among patients with early vitrectomy (p = 0.014). Conclusion: Removal of dislocated lens fragments after complicated cataract surgery can be effectively managed with 25-gauge PPV, although it appears to be most efficient for cases with a limited amount of dislocated lens material. In consideration of the higher rate of retinal detachment observed in cases of prolonged PPV time, the expected duration of surgery should be taken into account when choosing the best surgical approach. Visual outcomes are not affected by the timing of PPV, whereas early vitrectomy seems to prevent the onset of inflammatory macular edema.
A Case of Tuberculous Granulomatous Panniculitis without Vasculitis
Authors: Alipour Tehrany Yassaman , Toutous-Trellu Laurence , Trombert Véronique , Reny Jean-Luc , Kaya Gürkan , Prendki Virginie
Published: July 2015

We report a case of tuberculous granulomatous panniculitis without vasculitis in an 87-year-old female patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. One month after starting chemotherapy with chlorambucil and prednisone she presented superficial erythematous plaques on the anterior side of the left leg. Three weeks later erythematous painless deep nodules appeared on the left popliteal fossa and on the left thigh. Cutaneous biopsy revealed granulomatous panniculitis without caseation necrosis or vasculitis. Polymerase chain reaction for Mycobacterium tuberculosis revealed positivity in the skin. The final diagnosis was reactivation of latent tuberculosis (TB) induced by deep immunosuppression associated with chemotherapy and haematological disease. Tuberculous granulomatous panniculitis without vasculitis is a rare presentation of cutaneous TB and may be part of the heterogeneous histopathologic spectrum of erythema induratum of Bazin (nodular vasculitis). Our case shows that the diagnosis of cutaneous TB requires the correlation of clinical findings with histopathology and microbiological tests.