bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Task Specific Exercises, Gait Training, and Visual Biofeedback on Equinovarus Gait among Individuals with Stroke: Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Khallaf Mohamed Elsayed , Gabr Ahmed Maher , Fayed Eman Elsayed
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose. Equinovarus foot is a common sign after stroke. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on correcting equinovarus gait among individuals with stroke.Subjects and Methods. Sixteen subjects with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to two equal groups (G1and G2). All the patients were at stage 4 of motor recovery of foot according to Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment without any cognitive dysfunction. E-med pedography was used to measure contact time, as well as force underneath hind and forefoot during walking. Outcome measures were collected before randomization, one week after the last session, and four weeks later. Participants in G1received task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback and a traditional physical therapy program was applied for participants in G2for 8 weeks.Results. Significant improvement was observed among G1patients (P≤0.05) which lasts one month after therapy termination. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between measurements of the participants in G2. Between groups comparison also revealed a significant improvement in G1with long lasting effect.Conclusion. The results of this study showed a positive long lasting effect of the task specific exercises, gait training, and visual biofeedback on equinovarus gait pattern among individuals with stroke.
Coronary Plaque Boundary Enhancement in IVUS Image by Using a Modified Perona-Malik Diffusion Filter
Authors: Anam S. , Uchino E. , Suetake N.
Published: November 2014

We propose a modified Perona-Malik diffusion (PMD) filter to enhance a coronary plaque boundary by considering the conditions peculiar to an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) image. The IVUS image is commonly used for a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The IVUS image is however very grainy due to heavy speckle noise. When the normal PMD filter is applied for speckle noise reduction in the IVUS image, the coronary plaque boundary becomes vague. For this problem, we propose a modified PMD filter which is designed in special reference to the coronary plaque boundary detection. It can then not only reduce the speckle noise but also enhance clearly the coronary plaque boundary. After applying the modified PMD filter to the IVUS image, the coronary plaque boundaries are successfully detected further by applying the Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy model. The accuracy of the proposed method has been confirmed numerically by the experiments.
Approximate Solutions for Flow with a Stretching Boundary due to Partial Slip
Authors: Filobello-Nino U. , Vazquez-Leal H. , Sarmiento-Reyes A. , Benhammouda B. , Jimenez-Fernandez V. M. , Pereyra-Diaz D. , Perez-Sesma A. , Cervantes-Perez J. , Huerta-Chua J. , Sanchez-Orea J. , Contreras-Hernandez A. D.
Published: November 2014

The homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is coupled with versions of Laplace-Padé and Padé methods to provide an approximate solution to the nonlinear differential equation that describes the behaviour of a flow with a stretching flat boundary due to partial slip. Comparing results between approximate and numerical solutions, we concluded that our results are capable of providing an accurate solution and are extremely efficient.
Mathematical Analysis of Hall Effect on Transient Hartman Flow about a Rotating Horizontal Permeable Surface in a Porous Medium under Inclined Magnetic Field
Authors: Suresh M. , Manglik A.
Published: November 2014

This paper proposes the exact solution for unsteady flow of a viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid past a impulsively started infinite horizontal surface which is rotating with an angular velocity embedded in a saturated porous medium under the influence of strong magnetic field with hall effect. Our study focuses on the change of direction of the external magnetic field on the flow system which leads to change in the flow behavior and skin frictional forces at the boundary. Systems of flow equations are solved using Laplace transform technique. The impacts of control parameters Hartman number, rotation of the system, hall effect, inclination of the magnetic field, and Darcy number on primary and secondary velocities are shown graphically, skin friction at horizontal boundary in tabular form. For validating our results, in the absence of permeability of the porous medium and inclination of the magnetic field the results are in good agreement with the published results.
Combining Interval Branch and Bound and Stochastic Search
Authors: Bunnag Dhiranuch
Published: November 2014

This paper presents global optimization algorithms that incorporate the idea of an interval branch and bound and the stochastic search algorithms. Two algorithms for unconstrained problems are proposed, the hybrid interval simulated annealing and the combined interval branch and bound and genetic algorithm. The numerical experiment shows better results compared to Hansen’s algorithm and simulated annealing in terms of the storage, speed, and number of function evaluations. The convergence proof is described. Moreover, the idea of both algorithms suggests a structure for an integrated interval branch and bound and genetic algorithm for constrained problems in which the algorithm is described and tested. The aim is to capture one of the solutions with higher accuracy and lower cost. The results show better quality of the solutions with less number of function evaluations compared with the traditional GA.
A Fourth-Order Collocation Scheme for Two-Point Interface Boundary Value Problems
Authors: Aitbayev Rakhim , Yergaliyeva Nazgul
Published: November 2014

A fourth-order accurate orthogonal spline collocation scheme is formulated to approximate linear two-point boundary value problems with interface conditions. The coefficients of the differential operator may have jump discontinuities at the interface point, a nodal point of the scheme. Existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution are proved. Optimal order error estimates in the maximum norm are obtained, and a superconvergence property of the numerical solution in the maximal nodal norm is proved. Numerical results are presented confirming the theoretical estimates.
Differentiation of Equine Mesenchymal Stromal Cells into Cells of Neural Lineage: Potential for Clinical Applications
Authors: Cruz Villagrán Claudia , Amelse Lisa , Neilsen Nancy , Dunlap John , Dhar Madhu
Published: November 2014

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are able to differentiate into extramesodermal lineages, including neurons. Positive outcomes were obtained after transplantation of neurally induced MSCs in laboratory animals after nerve injury, but this is unknown in horses. Our objectives were to test the ability of equine MSCs to differentiate into cells of neural lineagein vitro,to assess differences in morphology and lineage-specific protein expression, and to investigate if horse age and cell passage number affected the ability to achieve differentiation. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were obtained from young and adult horses. Following demonstration of stemness, MSCs were neurally induced and microscopically assessed at different time points. Results showed that commercially available nitrogen-coated tissue culture plates supported proliferation and differentiation. Morphological changes were immediate and all the cells displayed a neural crest-like cell phenotype. Expression of neural progenitor proteins, was assessed via western blot or immunofluorescence. In our study, MSCs generated from young and middle-aged horses did not show differences in their ability to undergo differentiation. The effect of cell passage number, however, is inconsistent and further experiments are needed. Ongoing work is aimed at transdifferentiating these cells into Schwann cells for transplantation into a peripheral nerve injury model in horses.
A High‐Precision Registration Technology Based on Bundle Adjustment in Structured Light Scanning System
Authors: Yuan Jianying , Wang Qiong , Jiang Xiaoliang , Li Bailin
Published: November 2014

The multiview 3D data registration precision will decrease with the increasing number of registrations when measuring a large scale object using structured light scanning. In this paper, we propose a high‐precision registration method based on multiple view geometry theory in order to solve this problem. First, a multiview network is constructed during the scanning process. The bundle adjustment method from digital close range photogrammetry is used to optimize the multiview network to obtain high‐precision global control points. After that, the 3D data under each local coordinate of each scan are registered with the global control points. The method overcomes the error accumulation in the traditional registration process and reduces the time consumption of the following 3D data global optimization. The multiview 3D scan registration precision and efficiency are increased. Experiments verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Long-Stroke Nanopositioning Stage Driven by Piezoelectric Motor
Authors: Wang Yong , Sun Fujun , Zhu Junhui , Pang Ming , Ru Changhai
Published: November 2014

This paper reported a biaxial nanopositioning stage single-driven by piezoelectric motor. The employed piezoelectric motor can perform two different driving modes, namely, AC drive mode to drive in long-stroke and at high-speed and DC scanning mode with the high-resolution of several nanometers, which satisfies the requirements of both long-stroke and nanoresolution. To compensate for the effects of the variable friction force and some unpredictable disturbances, a novel backward error compensation (BEC) positioning control method integrated of the two driving modes and a double closed-loop PID controller system are proposed to obtain a high-accuracy positional motion. The experiment results demonstrate that the nanopositioning stage with large travel range of 300 mm × 300 mm has a fine speed characteristic and resolution is 5 nm. In the experiments of different travels up to 15 mm, calibrated by a commercial laser vibrometer, the positioning accuracy is proved within 55 nm inx-axis and 40 nm iny-axis with standard deviation less than 40 nm inx-axis and 30 nm iny-axis and the final position locking can be limited to 10 nm, meeting the requirements of micromanipulation technology.
Binding Action and Emotion in First-Episode Schizophrenia
Authors: Ferri Francesca , Costantini Marcello , Salone Anatolia , Ebisch Sjoerd , De Berardis Domenico , Mazzola Viridiana , Arciero Giampiero , Ferro Filippo Maria , Di Giannantonio Massimo , Romani Gian Luca , Gallese Vittorio
Published: November 2014

Background/Aims: Several components of social cognition are compromised in schizophrenia (SCZ) from the early stage of the illness. In this study we first investigated whether mirror neuron-driven embodied simulation (mnES) is altered in first-episode SCZ. Second, we tested whether emotional cues impact on the mnES in SCZ patients. Methods: Twenty-two SCZ patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) observed goal-related actions in either a neutral or emotional context during functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Results: Observation of neutral action elicited a lower activity in the frontoparietal network in SCZ patients, as compared to HCs. Particularly, activation in the left inferior parietal lobule in response to the same condition negatively correlated with patients' self-experience disturbances. Moreover, observation of an action performed by an angry agent produced poorer neural activity in the right anterior insula in SCZ patients as compared to HCs. This difference was mostly due to the negative β-values shown by SCZ patients, which positively correlated with their empathy scores. No differences were found contingent upon the observation of an action performed by a happy agent. Conclusion: Our results show that emotional cues allow SCZ patients to partially recover mnES. However, their understanding of the emotional components of the actions of others will likely remain deficient.
The Two Sides of Vitamin E Supplementation
Authors: Ochi Hiroki , Takeda Shu
Published: November 2014

Vitamin E is a lipid-soluble antioxidant that inhibits lipid peroxidation by scavenging reactive oxygen species, and it is thought to protect against the aging process. Indeed, it is one of the most popular supplements in the US. However, recent studies have revealed that vitamin E has dual effects on the aging process. We discovered that α-tocopherol, the major form of vitamin E in the body, stimulates osteoclast fusion and bone resorption as well as induces an osteoporosis-like phenotype in rodents. Clinical intervention trials have also demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin E is neutral or even harmful for preventing age-related diseases in humans. Therefore, the role of vitamin E as an ‘anti-ager' has been called into question. This review outlines the present understanding of the role of vitamin E in age-related disease prevention.
Expression Patterns of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein Isoforms in Medulloblastoma Subtypes and Clinical Correlation
Authors: Narayan Reshma , Shastry Arun H. , Thota Balaram , Sampath Somanna , Thennarasu Kandavel , Arivazhagan Arimappamagan , Santosh Vani
Published: November 2014

Background: Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are known to be differentially expressed in brain tumours. The role of some IGFBPs in malignant CNS tumours, except glioblastoma, is unknown. We evaluated the protein expression of 3 IGFBP isoforms (IGFBP-2, -3, -5) in medulloblastoma and correlated them with histological subtypes and clinical parameters. Methods: The expression of IGFBP-2, -3 and -5 was analysed in 67 samples of medulloblastoma by immunohistochemistry and correlated with histological subtypes and patient prognosis. Results: IGFBP-3 expression was seen in 37.3% of cases and IGFBP-5 expression in 80.6% of cases. IGFBP-2 expression was totally absent in medulloblastoma. The extent of IGFBP-3 expression was higher in anaplastic when compared to classical and desmoplastic subtypes (p < 0.05). IGFBP-5 expression was significantly higher in classical and anaplastic subtypes when compared to desmoplastic medulloblastoma (p < 0.05). No influence of IGFBPs on survival was noted. Conclusions: This is the first study to report expression of 3 cancer-related biomarkers - IGFBP-2, -3, -5 in medulloblastoma. Significantly higher extents of expression of IGFBP-3 in large cell variant and IGFBP-5 in classical and anaplastic subtypes suggest a plausible role of these molecules in specific molecular pathways of medulloblastoma.
Virtual Sonography for Novice Sonographers: Usefulness of SYNAPSE VINCENT® with Pre-Check Imaging of Tumor Location
Authors: Ogawa Chikara , Minami Yasunori , Morioka Yumiko , Noda Akiyo , Arasawa Soichi , Izuta Masako , Kubo Atsushi , Matsunaka Toshihiro , Tamaki Noriyuki , Shibatouge Mitsushige , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of a virtual ultrasound (US) imaging device as a tool to assist novice sonographers. Materials and Methods: A prospective blinded pilot study was conducted involving patients with liver lesions. Two sonographers and 2 medical doctors with less than 5 years of experience performed US examinations. The time needed to detect liver lesions on US and the success rate for detecting liver lesions with and without using the virtual US imaging device SYNAPSE VINCENT® (Fujifilm Medical Co., Tokyo, Japan) before US examination were evaluated. Results: Thirty-two patients with the following 42 liver lesions were included: liver cyst (n = 24), hemangioma (n = 8), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 6), and liver metastasis (n = 4). The maximal diameter of these lesions ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 cm (mean ± SD, 0.8 ± 0.4). The average time for detecting liver lesions on US was 47.8 s (range, 7-113) with VINCENT and 112.9 s (range, 14-313) without VINCENT before US examination. There were significant differences in the duration of US examination with and without VINCENT (p = 0.0002, Student's t test). The rates for accurately detecting liver lesions were 100 and 76.2% (16/21) in US beginners with and without VINCENT, respectively. Significantly higher detection rates were found in the US beginners who used VINCENT compared to those who did not use VINCENT (p = 0.047, Fisher's exact test). Conclusion: Before US examination, a reference with VINCENT could contribute to the successful detection of liver lesions and could be time-saving for US beginners.
Combination Guidance of Contrast-Enhanced US and Fusion Imaging in Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Poor Conspicuity on Contrast-Enhanced US/Fusion Imaging
Authors: Minami Tomohiro , Minami Yasunori , Chishina Hirokazu , Arizumi Tadaaki , Takita Masahiro , Kitai Satoshi , Yada Norihisa , Inoue Tatsuo , Hagiwara Satoru , Ueshima Kazuomi , Nishida Naoshi , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: November 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the combination guidance of contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and fusion imaging in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with poor conspicuity on B-mode US and CEUS/fusion imaging. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, which included 356 patients with 556 HCCs that were inconspicuous on B-mode US. A total of 192 patients with 344 HCCs, 123 patients with 155 HCCs, and 37 patients with 57 HCCs underwent RFA under CEUS guidance, fusion imaging guidance, and the combination of CEUS and fusion imaging guidance. Results: The average number of treatment sessions was 1.1 (range: 1-2) in the CEUS guidance group, 1.1 (range: 1-2) in the fusion imaging guidance group, and 1.1 (range: 1-3) in the combination of CEUS and fusion imaging guidance group. Treatment analysis did not reveal significantly more RFA treatment sessions in the combination guidance group than in the other groups (p = 0.97, Student's t test). During the follow-up period (1.1-85.3 months, mean ± SD, 43.2 ± 59.5), the 3-year local tumor progression rates were 4.9, 7.2, and 5.9% in the CEUS guidance group, the fusion imaging guidance group, and the combination guidance group, respectively (p = 0.84, log-rank test). Conclusion: In spite of selection bias, session frequency and local tumor progression were not different under the combination guidance with CEUS and fusion imaging in RFA. The combination of fusion imaging and CEUS guidance in RFA therapy is an effective treatment for HCC with poor conspicuity on B-mode US and CEUS/fusion imaging.
Mental Symptoms and Drug Use in Maintenance Treatment with Slow-Release Oral Morphine Compared to Methadone: Results of a Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Verthein Uwe , Beck Thilo , Haasen Christian , Reimer Jens
Published: November 2014

Background: Opioid maintenance treatment is the option of choice to stabilize opioid-dependent patients. Whilst efficacy of methadone and buprenorphine has been studied extensively, fewer data on slow-release oral morphine are available. Aims: This study analyzes the effects of slow-release oral morphine compared to methadone with regard to self-reported mental symptoms, drug use and satisfaction with treatment. Methods: The study was carried out as an open-label randomized crossover trial in 14 treatment sites in Switzerland and Germany. It comprised 2 crossover periods of 11 weeks each. For measuring mental symptoms, the Symptom Checklist-27 (SCL-27) was used. Drug and alcohol use was assessed by the number of consumption days, and treatment satisfaction by a visual analogue scale. Results: A total of 157 patients were included for the analyses (per-protocol sample). Statistically significantly better outcomes for morphine as compared to methadone treatment were found for overall severity of mental symptoms (SCL-27 Global Severity Index), as well as 5 of the 6 syndrome groups of the SCL-27, and for treatment satisfaction. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to drug or alcohol use between groups. Conclusions: This study supports positive effects of slow-release oral morphine compared to methadone on patient-reported outcomes such as mental symptoms and treatment satisfaction with comparable effects on concomitant drug use. Slow-release oral morphine represents a meaningful alternative to methadone for treatment of opioid dependence.
Utility of Alpha-Blockade in a Hypotensive Pheochromocytoma Patient with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wahab Norasyikin A. , Zainudin Suehazlyn , AbAziz Aini , Kamaruddin Nor Azmi
Published: November 2014

Objective: The aim of this case study is to emphasize the importance of α-blockade in managing a rare complication of an untreated pheochromocytoma. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 41-year-old man with previous bilateral pheochromocytoma presented with chest pain. He was suffering from cardiac failure and persistent hypotension requiring an inotrope. Cardiac markers, an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram confirmed acute myocardial infarct with poor ejection fraction and global hypokinesia. An 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scan showed progressive left suprarenal and organ of Zuckerkandl pheochromocytomas. Blood pressure stabilisation proved challenging but was achieved by titrating an incremental dose of α-blocker against a tapering inotropic dose. Conclusion: This case showed the efficacy of an α-blocker despite persistent hypotension in a patient with pheochromocytoma-induced cardiomyopathy.
Routine Bioimpedance-Derived Volume Assessment for All Hypertensives: A New Paradigm
Authors: Covic Adrian , Voroneanu Luminita , Goldsmith David
Published: November 2014

Hypertension is one of the most common worldwide diseases. Is linked with increased morbidity and mortality and amplified costs to society; in this context, preventing and treating hypertension is an imperative public health challenge. Unidentified, clinically unapparent volume expansion is an important cause for hypertension. Optimization of fluid status was associated with an improvement in BP control, a substantial regression of the left ventricular mass index, arterial stiffness and better survival rate in several cohorts. Clinical assessment of hydration status is an inaccurate clinical science. Bioimpedance provides a noninvasive and reliable, simple, reproducible technology for diagnosing subclinical fluid accumulation. Several small studies and a recent meta-analysis performed in patients with resistant hypertension reported an improved BP control in the impedance treated group compared with the group of patients treated as per clinical judgment alone. A combined approach (using both sphygmomanometers and bioimpedance) and individualized antihypertensive treatment in hypertensive's patients it seems probable to improve BP control and possibly end organ damage. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Iatrogenic Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes after Fetoscopic Laser Ablative Surgery
Authors: Maggio Lindsay , Carr Stephen R. , Watson-Smith Debra , OʼBrien Barbara M. , Lopes Vrishali , Muratore Christopher S. , Luks Francois I.
Published: November 2014

Introduction: To describe the incidence and risk factors for iatrogenic premature preterm rupture of membranes (iPPROM) after fetoscopic laser surgery for the twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of all patients who have undergone fetoscopic laser surgery at a single fetal treatment center since 2000. We defined iPPROM as spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of labor prior to 34 weeks of gestation. The iPPROM cohort was compared to the cohort without iPPROM for several preoperative, operative, and delivery characteristics. Results: Ninety-two consecutive patients were reviewed. The overall rate of iPPROM was 18.5% (n = 17). The rates of iPPROM within 1 and 4 weeks were 5.4 and 10.9%, respectively. The median interval from surgery to delivery was significantly shorter in the iPPROM group (21 vs. 62 days, p = 0.01). The mean gestational age at delivery (27.0 vs. 31.1 weeks, p = 0.02) was lower in the iPPROM group. No other characteristics studied differed significantly between the groups. Discussion: The incidence of iPPROM was substantially lower than in recent multicenter reports; however, no risk factors of iPPROM could be identified. Whether this is related to variations in surgical or anesthetic management will require further investigation.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor-Producing Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site
Authors: Yasui Hirotoshi , Sato Kazuhide , Takeyama Yoshihiro , Ando Akira , Kato Toshio , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Fukui Yasutaka , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Gonda Hideo , Suzuki Ryujiro
Published: November 2014

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-producing nonhematopoietic malignancies have been reported in various organs and are associated with a poor clinical outcome. Moreover, carcinoma of unknown primary site (CUP) is an uncommon malignancy that occurs in about 2-6% of cancer patients. CUP also has a poor prognosis due to its missing profile. Since both G-CSF-producing carcinoma and CUP are rare, G-CSF-producing CUP (GCSF-CUP) is considered to have an even poorer prognosis and is seldom encountered. Herein, we report the case of a GCSF-CUP patient. A 75-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of cervical lymphadenopathy. Multiple bulky lymph nodes without a primary site were revealed by image analysis. His complete blood count showed leukocytosis, and his blood chemistry panel indicated highly elevated levels of G-CSF. Although the patient was treated with combination chemotherapy of carboplatin, paclitaxel, bevacizumab and erlotinib, he died of intestinal perforation due to tumor invasion 23 days after the start of the therapy. An autopsy confirmed that the tumor was positive for anti-G-CSF antibody, but the primary site was still not detected.
Management of von Hippel-Lindau Disease: An Interdisciplinary Review
Authors: Schmid Sabine , Gillessen Silke , Binet Isabelle , Brändle Michael , Engeler Daniel , Greiner Jeannette , Hader Claudia , Heinimann Karl , Kloos Patrik , Krek Willy , Krull Ina , Stoeckli Sandro J. , Sulz Michael C. , van Leyen Karin , Weber Johannes , Rothermundt Christian , Hundsberger Thomas
Published: November 2014

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominantly inherited tumour predisposition syndrome with an incidence of 1:36,000 newborns, the estimated prevalence in Europe is about 1-9/100,000. It is associated with an increased risk of developing various benign and malignant tumours, thus affecting multiple organs at different time points in the life of a patient. Disease severity and diversity as well as age at first symptoms vary considerably, and diagnostic delay due to failure of recognition is a relevant issue. The identification of a disease-causing VHL germline mutation subsequently allows family members at risk to undergo predictive genetic testing after genetic counselling. Clinical management of patients and families should optimally be offered as an interdisciplinary approach. Prophylactic screening programs are a cornerstone of care, and have markedly improved median overall survival of affected patients. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the heterogeneous manifestations of the VHL syndrome and to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges characteristic for this orphan disease. A comprehensive update of the underlying genetic and molecular principles is additionally provided. We also describe how the St. Gallen VHL multidisciplinary group is organised as an example of interdisciplinary cooperation in a tertiary hospital in Switzerland.
Antiangiogenic Agents Combined with Chemotherapy in the First-Line Treatment of Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Overall and Histology Subgroup-Specific Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Cao Feifei , Wang Yan , Wang Shuang , Zhong Diansheng
Published: November 2014

Aim: This study investigated the overall and histology subtype-specific results of antiangiogenic agents combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for the first-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Literature retrieval, trial selection, data collection, and statistical analysis were performed according to the Cochrane Handbook. The outcome measures were tumor response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse effects. Results: 13 randomized controlled trials comprising 5,451 patients were included. The meta-analysis showed a higher response rate (risk ratio (RR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.74) and a significantly prolonged PFS (hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% CI 0.66-0.85) and OS (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.98) in the groups combining antiangiogenic agents with chemotherapy versus the chemotherapy alone groups. In the histology subgroup analysis, treatment with antiangiogenic agents plus chemotherapy significantly improved the RR, PFS, and OS as compared with the chemotherapy groups in patients with nonsquamous NSCLC, but not in those with squamous NSCLC. The risk of grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia, hypertension, bleeding, proteinuria, rash, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, anorexia, and febrile neutropenia was significantly increased in the antiangiogenic agent combination groups as compared with the chemotherapy groups. Conclusion: The use of antiangiogenic agents in addition to chemotherapy is a valid option for the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC. The benefit is restricted to patients with nonsquamous-cell tumors.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Test Performed on Liquid-Based Cytology Lung Samples: Experience of an Academic Referral Center
Authors: Bellevicine Claudio , Malapelle Umberto , Vigliar Elena , de Luca Caterina , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: November 2014

Objectives: In this study we reviewed our practice of lung cancer epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutational testing in an academic centralized laboratory setting, where direct smears and liquid-based cytology (LBC) slides represent the most frequent cytological specimens received. The aim was to assess the differences, if any, between these sample types in terms of DNA yield, adequacy rates and overall EGFR testing performance. Study Design: A total of 362 cases were retrieved - received from January 2012 to January 2014 for EGFR testing - including 204 LBC specimens and 158 smears. Exon 19 deletions and the L858R point mutation in exon 21, detected by fragment assay and TaqMan assay, respectively, were confirmed by direct sequencing or by high-resolution melting. Results: Although the direct smears showed a higher DNA yield (60.94 vs. 23.07 ng/µl) and were more frequently cell-rich (54%) than the LBC slides (31.4%), the differences in adequacy (direct smears: 97.4%; LBCs: 94.1%) and in mutant rate (direct smears: 10.3%; LBCs: 14.0%) between the two sample types did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Not only direct smears but also LBC slides represent an effective preparation and storage medium for cytological material to be used for EGFR molecular testing.
The Effects of Chronic Subcutaneous Administration of an Investigational Kisspeptin Analog, TAK-683, on Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Pulse Generator Activity in Goats
Authors: Yamamura Takashi , Wakabayashi Yoshihiro , Sakamoto Kohei , Matsui Hisanori , Kusaka Masami , Tanaka Tomomi , Ohkura Satoshi , Okamura Hiroaki
Published: November 2014

The continuous activation of the kisspeptin receptor by its agonists causes the abrogation of kisspeptin signaling, leading to decreased pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Employing this phenomenon as a tool for probing kisspeptin action, this study aimed to clarify the role of kisspeptin in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generation in goats. We examined the effects of chronic administration of TAK-683, an investigational kisspeptin analog, on LH secretion, GnRH immunostaining, pituitary responses to exogenous GnRH, and GnRH pulse generator activity, reflected by a characteristic increase in multiple-unit activity (MUA volley). An osmotic pump containing TAK-683 was subcutaneously implanted on day 0. TAK-683 treatment dose-dependently suppressed pulsatile LH secretion on day 1. Higher doses of chronic TAK-683 profoundly suppressed pulsatile LH secretion but had little effect on GnRH immunostaining patterns and pituitary responses to GnRH on day 5. In ovariectomized goats, MUA volleys occurred at approximately every 30 min on day -1. On day 5 of chronic TAK-683 administration, pulsatile LH secretion was markedly suppressed, whereas MUA volleys were similar to those observed on day -1. Male pheromones and senktide (neurokinin B receptor agonist) induced an MUA volley but had no effect on LH secretion during chronic TAK-683 administration. The results indicate that the chronic administration of a kisspeptin analog profoundly suppresses pulsatile LH secretion without affecting GnRH content, pituitary function or GnRH pulse generator activity, and they suggest an indispensable role for kisspeptin signaling in the cascade driving GnRH/LH pulses by the GnRH pulse generator.
Women as Migrants and Missionaries
Authors: Uchem Rose
Published: November 2014

There are some commonalities in the experiences of women, migrants and missionaries.In many cultures of the world marriage makes women leave home, father, mother,brothers, sisters and land “for the sake of the gospel (of love);” though with less assuranceof the manifold blessings and eternal bliss promised the missionary (Mark 10:29).Again like migrants, women leave their own family home and go and make anotherhome in another land. In a few cases, marriage and migration bring improved socialstatus for some though not for others. However, when things go wrong whether in thefamily or in the community women, like migrants, get the blame and the shame fromthe wider population. While always free in theory to go back to their original homes, inreality just as migrants and missionaries, women are not all that free to move at will.Intricate social, economic and psychological ties bind many and limit their options forescape. Against this background and from a gender perspective, this paper examinesthe missiological significance of women’s experiences in a given Nigerian immigrantChristian community in the United States of America.
“Ain’t I a Child of God?”
Authors: McLean-Farrell Janice A.
Published: November 2014

In recent years much has been written about new immigrants to the us, and how they are adapting and adjusting to life within their new context. In the majority of these studies, attention has been given to examining residential patterns, employment trends, and the “coming of age” experiences of the second generation. What is noticeably absent however, has been the role that home life and religious institutions play within this process of adjustment/adaptation of the immigrants, especially for youth. In this paper, I will address this oversight by arguing that because the home and church contexts are constructed within a migration framework that also governs the lives of immigrants, they provide us with an important lens through which to examine the adaptation process. By analyzing qualitative research data collected amongst West Indian immigrant immigrants in New York City, I will propose that the home and religious contexts assist immigrants and the second generation in constructing and articulating matters of gender, while simultaneously shaping the way in which they live out their Christian faith and conduct mission in the wider society.
Spiritual Geopolitics
Authors: Henneton Lauric
Published: November 2014

This article is an attempt at reconceptualizing “Anglo-French relations” in seventeenth-century northeastern America by testing the concept of “spiritual geopolitics” (and its limits) in the case of the Anglo-French “interface” in northeastern America. Spiritual geopolitics is defined as the impact of confessional identities on geopolitical thinking and actions. Building on a binary religio-diplomatic context of the 16th and early 17th-century, the article first makes the case for Puritan spiritual geopolitics, consisting in a revision of familiar events through a new geopolitical lens. It then moves on to French anti-Protestant geopolitical thinking applied to North America, in particular in the second half of the century. While the first two sections argue that documentary evidence confirm “spiritual geopolitics” as a legitimate lens, the third section puts forward instances of religious border-crossing that plead in favor of a more nuanced, multilayered, concept of spiritual geopolitics in the period before the beginning of “Imperial Wars”.
In Search of the White Idyll
Authors: Silverman Aaron J.
Published: November 2014

The Haitian Revolutionary Era prompted Virginian elites to reconsider their revolutionary commitment to manumission. In 1782 Virginia became the first and only North American plantation society to liberalize manumission, but rescinded the bill in 1806, and forbid permanent residence to newly freed ex-slaves. As a result, white Virginians turned to colonization as the solution to the problem of liberalism in a slavery society. In rejecting the possibility of a free and multiracial society, Virginia elites resurrected social colonialism, and relegated slavery to the new national body politic.
The species of the Chthonius heterodactylus group (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the eastern Alps and the Carpathians
Authors: GARDINI GIULIO
Published: November 2014

The species of the subgenus Chthonius (Chthonius) C.L. Koch, 1843 displaying a sigmoid fixed chelal finger from the Eastern Alps and the Carpathians, assigned to the informal heterodactylus species-group, are revised and a key given for their identification. The following species are present in this area: Chthonius cavernarum Ellingsen, 1909 (Italy, Romania, Slovenia), C. heterodactylus Tömösváry, 1882 (Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine), C. hungaricus Mahnert, 1981 (Hungary, Romania, Slovakia), C. lessiniensis Schawaller, 1982 (Italy), C. pusillus Beier, 1947 (Austria, Slovenia) and C. raridentatus Hadži, 1930 (Austria, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia). The following synonymies are proposed: Chthonius diophthalmus Daday, 1889, C. (C.) orthodactylus gracilis Beier, 1935, C. (C.) ksenemani Hadži, 1939 and C. (C.) leruthi Beier, 1939 are junior subjective synonyms of C. heterodactylus Tömösváry, 1882 (n. syn.); C. (C.) pivai Gardini, 1991 is a junior subjective synonym of C. (C.) lessiniensis Schawaller, 1982 (n. syn.); C. (C.) ellingseni Beier, 1939, C. (C.) brandmayri Callaini, 1986 and C. (C.) jalzici Ćurčić, 1988 are junior subjective synonyms of C. (C.) raridentatus Hadži, 1930 (n. syn.). Lectotypes are designated for C. cavernarum Ellingsen, 1909 and C. (C.) ellingseni Beier, 1939. Chthonius (C.) pusillus is newly recorded from Slovenia, C. (C.) hungaricus and Mundochthonius carpaticus Rafalski, 1948 are newly recorded from Romania, and the presence of C. (C.) cavernarum in Italy is confirmed.
Mites of the genus Paracoroptes Lavoipierre, 1955 (Acariformes: Psoroptidae)—skin parasites of the African monkeys of the family Cercopithecidae (Primates)
Authors: BOCHKOV ANDRE V , GROOTAERT PATRICK
Published: November 2014

Two new species of Paracoroptes Lavoipierre, 1955 (Acariformes: Psoroptidae: Paracoroptinae) are described: Paracoroptes miopithecus sp. n. from Miopithecus talapoin (Schreber) and Paracoroptes piliocolobus sp. n. from Piliocolobus badius (Kerr) (Primates: Cercopithecidae)—both are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A key to all 6 species of the genus is provided and host-parasite relationships of its representatives are discussed.
Weather Forecasting Using GPU-Based Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Schalkwijk Jerôme , Jonker Harmen J. J. , Siebesma A. Pier , Van Meijgaard Erik
Published: November 2014

Since the advent of computers midway through the twentieth century, computational resources have increased exponentially. It is likely they will continue to do so, especially when accounting for recent trends in multicore processors. History has shown that such an increase tends to directly lead to weather and climate models that readily exploit the extra resources, improving model quality and resolution. We show that Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) models that utilize modern, accelerated (e.g., by GPU or coprocessor), parallel hardware systems can now provide turbulence-resolving numerical weather forecasts over a region the size of the Netherlands at 100-m resolution. This approach has the potential to speed the development of turbulence-resolving numerical weather prediction models.
Combining Electrolysis and Electroporation for Tissue Ablation
Authors: Phillips Mary , Rubinsky Liel , Meir Arie , Raju Narayan , Rubinsky Boris
Published: November 2014

Electrolytic ablation is a method that operates by delivering low magnitude direct current to the target region over long periods of time, generating electrolytic products that destroy cells. This study was designed to explore the hypothesis stating that electrolytic ablation can be made more effective when the electrolysis-producing electric charges are delivered using electric pulses with field strength typical in reversible electroporation protocols. (For brevity we will refer to tissue ablation protocols that combine electroporation and electrolysis as E2.) The mechanistic explanation of this hypothesis is related to the idea that products of electrolysis generated by E2 protocols can gain access to the interior of the cell through the electroporation permeabilized cell membrane and therefore cause more effective cell death than from the exterior of an intact cell. The goal of this study is to provide a first-order examination of this hypothesis by comparing the charge dosage required to cause a comparable level of damage to a rat liver, in vivo, when using either conventional electrolysis or E2 approaches. Our results show that E2 protocols produce tissue damage that is consistent with electrolytic ablation. Furthermore, E2 protocols cause damage comparable to that produced by conventional electrolytic protocols while delivering orders of magnitude less charge to the target tissue over much shorter periods of time.
Role of MYD88 in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma diagnosis and pathogenesis
Authors: Rossi Davide
Published: November 2014

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a distinct B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder primarily characterized by bone marrow infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells. When LPL produces a serum monoclonal immunoglobulin of the IgM class, it is termed Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). The differential diagnosis between LPL and other types of morphologically similar B-cell tumors that may also have plasmacytic differentiation and/or secretion of IgM paraproteins is not always clear-cut based solely on the pathologic and phenotypic features of the tumor. Although the current treatments for LPL/WM are initially effective in inducing responses in most patients, they are not curative and show decreasing efficacy with repeated administrations, ultimately resulting in the selection of a chemoresistant clone. Next-generation sequencing studies have identified somatic mutations of MYD88, a key component of the Toll-like receptor signaling machinery, in ∼90% of LPL/WM. Deregulated MYD88 signaling promoted by mutations sustains tumor cell survival in LPL/WM, demonstrating that they are gain-of-function driver events in this lymphoma. This review discusses the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying MYD88 mutations in LPL/WM, the role of MYD88 mutations as molecular biomarker for the refinement of diagnosis and the improvement classification of LPL/WM, and novel targeted therapeutic strategies for LPL/WM based on the pharmacological manipulation of MYD88 signaling to which this lymphoma is addicted.
Mutations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and how they affect therapy choice: focus on NOTCH1, SF3B1, and TP53
Authors: Zent Clive S. , Burack W. Richard
Published: November 2014

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a relatively small number of recurrent genetic defects. These can be evaluated by clinically available methods such as fluorescent in situ hybridization and targeted sequencing approaches to provide data that can be very helpful in prognostication and planning of treatment. Acquired defects in the p53 pathway, activating mutations of NOTCH1, and dysfunctional mutations of SF3B1 and BIRC3 identify patients with higher risk of progressive disease, poorer responses to conventional chemoimmunotherapy, and shorter survival. Risk stratification using these data can identify patients with aggressive CLL who require careful monitoring and are unlikely to have durable responses to chemoimmunotherapy at disease progression. Patients with defective DNA damage repair mechanisms because of p53 dysfunction should be considered for non-chemotherapy-based regimens including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, BCL2 inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and immunological therapies including allogeneic transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor-targeted T cells. Conversely, patients with no high-risk mutations can usually be monitored for a prolonged time and are likely to have durable responses to chemoimmunotherapy at disease progression. New technologies for genetic analysis such as targeted next-generation sequencing have the potential to make these analyses cheaper, faster, and more widely available. Comprehensive genetic analysis of patients both at diagnosis and before treatment for progressive disease could become an integral component of care for CLL.
Treating acute myeloid leukemia in older adults
Authors: Wang Eunice S.
Published: November 2014

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a disease of older adults, with a median age of 67 years at presentation. In the past, only a third of older patients (defined as individuals older than 60-65 years of age) with AML received definitive therapy for their disease due to concerns about their overall fitness and potential treatment-related mortality. However, compelling epidemiological data have shown unequivocally that older AML patients up to 80 years old both tolerate and survive longer after therapy than their untreated counterparts. Current therapeutic options for elderly individuals with AML include intensive chemotherapy with a cytarabine and anthracycline backbone, hypomethylating agents (decitabine and azacitidine), low-dose cytarabine, investigational agents, and supportive care with hydroxyurea and transfusions. Over the last few years, there has been increasing debate regarding the appropriate therapeutic approach to take in older adults given the diversity of the geriatric patient population and heterogeneous AML disease biology. This article discusses how performance status, comorbidities, disease characteristics, quality of life concerns, and long-term treatment goals affect the selection of appropriate therapy for older adults with AML. Risks and benefits of each treatment approach based on the most recent medical literature are discussed. Finally, a treatment algorithm summarizing these data and incorporating geriatric assessment and molecular and cytogenetic markers predictive of therapeutic response is proposed to aid in the clinical decision-making process.