bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young Adult and Usual Adult Body Mass Index and Multiple Myeloma Risk: A Pooled Analysis in the International Multiple Myeloma Consortium (IMMC)
Authors: Birmann Brenda M. , Andreotti Gabriella , De Roos Anneclaire J. , Camp Nicola J. , Chiu Brian C.H. , Spinelli John J. , Becker Nikolaus , Benhaim-Luzon Véronique , Bhatti Parveen , Boffetta Paolo , Brennan Paul , Brown Elizabeth E. , Cocco Pierluigi , Costas Laura , Cozen Wendy , de Sanjosé Silvia , Foretová Lenka , Giles Graham G. , Maynadié Marc , Moysich Kirsten , Nieters Alexandra , Staines Anthony , Tricot Guido , Weisenburger Dennis , Zhang Yawei , Baris Dalsu , Purdue Mark P.
Published: February 2017

Background: Multiple myeloma risk increases with higher adult body mass index (BMI). Emerging evidence also supports an association of young adult BMI with multiple myeloma. We undertook a pooled analysis of eight case–control studies to further evaluate anthropometric multiple myeloma risk factors, including young adult BMI.

Methods: We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis of usual adult anthropometric measures of 2,318 multiple myeloma cases and 9,609 controls, and of young adult BMI (age 25 or 30 years) for 1,164 cases and 3,629 controls.

Results: In the pooled sample, multiple myeloma risk was positively associated with usual adult BMI; risk increased 9% per 5-kg/m2 increase in BMI [OR, 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–1.14; P = 0.007]. We observed significant heterogeneity by study design (P = 0.04), noting the BMI–multiple myeloma association only for population-based studies (Ptrend = 0.0003). Young adult BMI was also positively associated with multiple myeloma (per 5-kg/m2; OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.3; P = 0.0002). Furthermore, we observed strong evidence of interaction between younger and usual adult BMI (Pinteraction <0.0001); we noted statistically significant associations with multiple myeloma for persons overweight (25–<30 kg/m2) or obese (30+ kg/m2) in both younger and usual adulthood (vs. individuals consistently <25 kg/m2), but not for those overweight or obese at only one time period.

Conclusions: BMI-associated increases in multiple myeloma risk were highest for individuals who were overweight or obese throughout adulthood.

Impact: These findings provide the strongest evidence to date that earlier and later adult BMI may increase multiple myeloma risk and suggest that healthy BMI maintenance throughout life may confer an added benefit of multiple myeloma prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 876–85. ©2017 AACR.
Global Cancer in Women: Burden and Trends
Authors: Torre Lindsey A. , Islami Farhad , Siegel Rebecca L. , Ward Elizabeth M. , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: February 2017

This review is an abbreviated version of a report prepared for the American Cancer Society Global Health department and EMD Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which was released at the Union for International Cancer Control World Cancer Congress in Paris in November 2016. The original report can be found at https://www.cancer.org/health-care-professionals/our-global-health-work/global-cancer-burden/global-burden-of-cancer-in-women.html. Staff in the Intramural Research Department of the American Cancer Society designed and conducted the study, including analysis, interpretation, and presentation of the review. The funding sources had no involvement in the study design, data analysis and interpretation, or preparation of the review.

There are striking disparities in the global cancer burden in women, yet few publications highlight cancer occurrence in this population, particularly for cancers that are not sex specific. This article, the first in a series of two, summarizes the current burden, trends, risk factors, prevention, early detection, and survivorship of all cancers combined and seven sites (breast, cervix, uterine corpus, ovary, colorectum, lung, and liver) that account for about 60% of the cancer burden among women worldwide, using data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Estimated 2012 overall cancer death rates in general are higher among women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than high-income countries (HICs), despite their lower overall incidence rates, largely due to inadequate access to early detection and treatment. For example, the top mortality rates are in Zimbabwe (147 deaths per 100,000) and Malawi (138). Furthermore, incidence rates of cancers associated with economic development (e.g., lung, breast, colorectum) are rising in several LMICs. The burden of cancer among women could be substantially reduced in both HICs and LMICs through broad and equitable implementation of effective interventions, including tobacco control, HPV and HBV vaccination, and screening (breast, cervix, and colorectum). Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 444–57. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Islami et al. in this CEBP Focus section, “Global Cancer in Women.”
Spatial Analysis of Regional Factors and Lung Cancer Mortality in China, 1973–2013
Authors: Shen Xiaoping , Wang Limin , Zhu Li
Published: February 2017

Background: China's lung cancer crude death rate has increased 6.9-fold from 1973 to 2014. During this time, the country experienced extremely rapid economic growth and social change. It is important to understand the effects of risk factors on lung cancer mortality (LCM) for better allocation of limited resources of cancer prevention and control in China.

Methods: Using three nationwide mortality surveys from 1973 to 2005, Global Health Data Exchange data in 2013, three nationwide smoking surveys from 1984 to 2013, four population censuses from 1964 to 2000, and other datasets, we have compiled datasets and developed spatial random effect models to assess the association of various area-level–contributing factors on LCM. Spatial scan statistics are used to detect high-risk clusters of LCM.

Results: LCM is higher in urban and more industrialized areas (RR = 1.17) compared with those in rural areas. The level of industrial development's effect is higher for men, which accounts for about 70% of all LCM. Smoking is positively associated with regional variation of LCM rates, and the effect is higher for women than for men.

Conclusions: The geographic pattern of high LCM in China is different from that of Western countries. LCM is positively associated with higher socioeconomic status, with more urbanized areas at a higher level of industrial development.

Impact: There is a need to further explore additional risk in the high-risk clusters. The study is about China, but this situation may happen in other countries experiencing rapid industrialization and other developing countries. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 569–77. ©2017 AACR.

See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Geospatial Approaches to Cancer Control and Population Sciences.”
Changes in the Glycosylation of Kininogen and the Development of a Kininogen-Based Algorithm for the Early Detection of HCC
Authors: Wang Mengjun , Sanda Miloslav , Comunale Mary Ann , Herrera Harmin , Swindell Charles , Kono Yuko , Singal Amit G. , Marrero Jorge , Block Timothy , Goldman Radoslav , Mehta Anand
Published: February 2017

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the greatest increase in mortality among all solids tumors in the United States related to low rates of early tumor detection. Development of noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of HCC may reduce HCC-related mortality.

Methods: We have developed an algorithm that combines routinely observed clinical values into a single equation that in a study of >3,000 patients from 5 independent sites improved detection of HCC as compared with the currently used biomarker, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), by 4% to 20%. However, this algorithm had limited benefit in those with AFP <20 ng/mL. To that end, we have developed a secondary algorithm that incorporates a marker, fucosylated kininogen, to improve the detection of HCC, especially in those with AFP <20 ng/mL and early-stage disease.

Results: The ability to detect early-stage AFP-negative (AFP <20 ng/mL) HCC increased from 0% (AFP alone) to 89% (for the new algorithm). Glycan analysis revealed that kininogen has several glycan modifications that have been associated with HCC, but often not with specific proteins, including increased levels of core and outer-arm fucosylation and increased branching.

Conclusions: An algorithm combining fucosylated kininogen, AFP, and clinical characteristics is highly accurate for early HCC detection.

Impact: Our biomarker algorithm could significantly improve early HCC detection and curative treatment eligibility in patients with cirrhosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(5); 795–803. ©2017 AACR.
Vascular CXCR4 Expression Promotes Vessel Sprouting and Sensitivity to Sorafenib Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Jing , Liang Jing , Meng Ya-Ming , Yan Jing , Yu Xing-Juan , Liu Chao-Qun , Xu Li , Zhuang Shi-Mei , Zheng Limin
Published: February 2017

Purpose: C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is known to be involved in both developmental and adult angiogenesis; however, its role in tumor angiogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, the role of vascular CXCR4 in regulating vascular structure in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was assessd, and the clinical value of CXCR4 was explored.

Experimental Design: The expression of CXCR4 in HCC was determined by IHC and immunofluorescence. Characteristics of CXCR4+ cells were determined by in vitro and mice experiments. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to determine the correlation of CXCR4 expression with prognosis.

Results: We found that CXCR4 is selectively expressed on a fraction of tumor endothelial cells (TECs) in HCC tissues, but not on the hepatic endothelium in peritumoral area. High levels of CXCR4 on TECs tended to develop a sinusoidal vasculature in tumors and predicted poor prognosis for patients with HCC. CXCR4+ endothelial cells (EC) displayed the functional features of tip cells, with increased expression of tip cell–related markers. Functional studies revealed that CXCR4 could directly promote vessel sprouting in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, sorafenib treatment reduced the frequency of CXCR4+ ECs in culture and inhibited the formation of sinusoidal vasculature and growth of CXCR4High xenograft tumors. Moreover, high CXCR4 vascular density in resected tumor tissues before sorafenib treatment was associated with prolonged survival in patients with advanced HCC treated with sorafenib.

Conclusions: These data revealed that CXCR4 is a novel HCC vascular marker for vessel sprouting and could serve as a potential therapeutic target and a predictive factor for sorafenib treatment in patients with HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4482–92. ©2017 AACR.
Long-Term Responders on Olaparib Maintenance in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Clinical and Molecular Characterization
Authors: Lheureux Stephanie , Lai Zhongwu , Dougherty Brian A. , Runswick Sarah , Hodgson Darren R. , Timms Kirsten M. , Lanchbury Jerry S. , Kaye Stan , Gourley Charlie , Bowtell David , Kohn Elise C. , Scott Claire , Matulonis Ursula , Panzarella Tony , Karakasis Katherine , Burnier Julia V. , Gilks C. Blake , O'Connor Mark J. , Robertson Jane D. , Ledermann Jonathan , Barrett J. Carl , Ho Tony W. , Oza Amit M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose: Maintenance therapy with olaparib has improved progression-free survival in women with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), particularly those harboring BRCA1/2 mutations. The objective of this study was to characterize long-term (LT) versus short-term (ST) responders to olaparib.

Experimental Design: A comparative molecular analysis of Study 19 (NCT00753545), a randomized phase II trial assessing olaparib maintenance after response to platinum-based chemotherapy in HGSOC, was conducted. LT response was defined as response to olaparib/placebo >2 years, ST as <3 months. Molecular analyses included germline BRCA1/2 status, three-biomarker homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) score, BRCA1 methylation, and mutational profiling. Another olaparib maintenance study (Study 41; NCT01081951) was used as an additional cohort.

Results: Thirty-seven LT (32 olaparib) and 61 ST (21 olaparib) patients were identified. Treatment was significantly associated with outcome (P < 0.0001), with more LT patients on olaparib (60.4%) than placebo (11.1%). LT sensitivity to olaparib correlated with complete response to chemotherapy (P < 0.05). In the olaparib LT group, 244 genetic alterations were detected, with TP53, BRCA1, and BRCA2 mutations being most common (90%, 25%, and 35%, respectively). BRCA2 mutations were enriched among the LT responders. BRCA methylation was not associated with response duration. High myriad HRD score (>42) and/or BRCA1/2 mutation was associated with LT response to olaparib. Study 41 confirmed the correlation of LT response with olaparib and BRCA1/2 mutation.

Conclusions: Findings show that LT response to olaparib may be multifactorial and related to homologous recombination repair deficiency, particularly BRCA1/2 defects. The type of BRCA1/2 mutation warrants further investigation. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4086–94. ©2017 AACR.
Modulating Therapeutic Activity and Toxicity of Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Antibody–Drug Conjugates with Self-Immolative Disulfide Linkers
Authors: Pillow Thomas H. , Schutten Melissa , Yu Shang-Fan , Ohri Rachana , Sadowsky Jack , Poon Kirsten Achilles , Solis Willy , Zhong Fiona , Del Rosario Geoffrey , Go Mary Ann T. , Lau Jeffrey , Yee Sharon , He Jintang , Liu Luna , Ng Carl , Xu Keyang , Leipold Douglas D. , Kamath Amrita V. , Zhang Donglu , Masterson Luke , Gregson Stephen J. , Howard Philip W. , Fang Fan , Chen Jinhua , Gunzner-Toste Janet , Kozak Katherine K. , Spencer Susan , Polakis Paul , Polson Andrew G. , Flygare John A. , Junutula Jagath R.
Published: February 2017

A novel disulfide linker was designed to enable a direct connection between cytotoxic pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) drugs and the cysteine on a targeting antibody for use in antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). ADCs composed of a cysteine-engineered antibody were armed with a PBD using a self-immolative disulfide linker. Both the chemical linker and the antibody site were optimized for this new bioconjugation strategy to provide a highly stable and efficacious ADC. This novel disulfide ADC was compared with a conjugate containing the same PBD drug, but attached to the antibody via a peptide linker. Both ADCs had similar efficacy in mice bearing human tumor xenografts. Safety studies in rats revealed that the disulfide-linked ADC had a higher MTD than the peptide-linked ADC. Overall, these data suggest that the novel self-immolative disulfide linker represents a valuable way to construct ADCs with equivalent efficacy and improved safety. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 871–8. ©2017 AACR.
Resistance Mechanism against Trastuzumab in HER2-Positive Cancer Cells and Its Negation by Src Inhibition
Authors: Jin Mei Hua , Nam Ah-Rong , Park Ji Eun , Bang Ju-Hee , Bang Yung-Jue , Oh Do-Youn
Published: February 2017

Trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast and gastric cancers. Several resistance mechanisms against anti-HER2 therapy have been proposed. Src activation has been suggested to be responsible for the resistance of HER2-positive breast cancer. In our study, we generated four trastuzumab-resistant (HR) cancer cell lines from HER2-amplified gastric and biliary tract cancer cell lines (SNU-216, NCI-N87, SNU-2670, and SNU-2773). Elevated Src phosphorylation was detected in SNU2670HR and NCI-N87HR cell lines, but not in SNU216HR or SNU2773HR cell lines. In SNU216HR and SNU2773HR cell lines, phospho-FAK (focal adhesion kinase) was elevated. Bosutinib as a Src inhibitor suppressed growth, cell-cycle progression, and migration in both parental and HR cell lines. Specifically, Src interacted with FAK to affect downstream molecules such as AKT, ERK, and STAT3. Bosutinib showed more potent antitumor effects in Src-activated HR cell lines than parental cell lines. Taken together, this study suggests that Src inhibition may be an effective measure to overcome trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 1145–54. ©2017 AACR.
Psoriasis and Obesity
Authors: Jensen Peter , Skov Lone
Published: February 2017

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis consisting of a genetic component, immune dysfunction, and environmental factors. It is associated with numerous comorbidities including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Evidence suggests that obesity is a risk factor for incident psoriasis, aggravates existing psoriasis, and that weight reduction may improve the severity of psoriasis in overweight individuals. Excess body weight may interfere with the medical treatment used in psoriasis and adds to the cardiovascular risk profile in these patients, which underscores the importance of effective weight control regimens. In this review we examine the current literature with regard to the association between obesity and psoriasis.
Impaired Pulmonary Function in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Balci Didem Didar , Celik Ebru , Genc Sebahat , Çelik Muhammet Murat , Inan Mehmet Ugur
Published: February 2017

Background: Psoriasis is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is no study on the spirometric pulmonary function testing in patients with psoriasis. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the spirometric parameters in patients with psoriasis and controls. Methods: Ninety-six patients with psoriasis and 60 sex- and age-matched control subjects were included in this study. Spirometric pulmonary function testing, including percent forced vital capacity (FVC%), percent forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1%), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of FVC (FEF25-75%), and FEV1/FVC ratio, was performed in all study subjects. Results: The mean FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75% were significantly lower in the psoriasis patients than in the controls (82.4 ± 6.3 vs. 90.7 ± 10.7, p < 0.001, and 86.7 ± 24.2 vs. 94.8 ± 23.0, p = 0.04, respectively). Both FEV1/FVC ratio and FEF25-75% were significantly associated with the presence of psoriasis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively). Conclusion: Psoriasis patients had lower mean FEV1/FVC ratios and FEF25-75%, compared with the control subjects. FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75% are independently associated with the presence of psoriasis.
Nutritional Recovery after Open and Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Multicenter Comparative Trial (CCOG1204)
Authors: Matsushita Hidenobu , Tanaka Chie , Murotani Kenta , Misawa Kazunari , Ito Seiji , Ito Yuichi , Kanda Mitsuro , Mochizuki Yoshinari , Ishigure Kiyoshi , Yaguchi Toyohisa , Teramoto Jin , Nakayama Hiroshi , Kawase Yoshihisa , Fujiwara Michitaka , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: February 2017

Background: Little information from prospective clinical trials is available on the influences of surgical approaches on postoperative body compositions and nutritional status. We designed a prospective non-randomized trial to compare postoperative chronological changes in body composition and nutritional status between laparoscopic and open distal gastrectomy for stage I gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Body compositions and nutritional indicators in blood tests were measured at the baseline and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th postoperative months (POM). The primary end point was the decrease relative to the baseline in the body muscle mass at POM 6. Results: Ninety-six patients for the laparoscopic group and 52 for the open group were eligible for data analysis. No significant differences were found in any baseline demographics, body compositions, and nutritional indicators between the groups. The changes of body muscle mass at POM 6 were similar in both groups. Overall, no significant differences between the groups were observed in any of the body composition and nutritional indicators during the first year after surgery. Conclusions: Postoperative body compositions and nutritional status were not affected by surgical approaches during the first 12 months after surgery in patients who underwent distal gastrectomy for stage I GC.
A Potential Oligogenic Etiology of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Lili , Bainbridge Matthew Neil , Tan Yanli , Willerson James T. , Marian Ali J.
Published: February 2017

Rationale:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a prototypic single-gene disease caused mainly by mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins. Despite the remarkable advances, the causal genes in ≈40% of the HCM cases remain unknown, typically in small families and sporadic cases, wherein cosegregation could not be established.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that the missing causal genes in HCM is, in part, because of an oligogenic cause, wherein the pathogenic variants do not cosegregate with the phenotype.

Methods and Results:

A clinically affected trio with HCM underwent clinical evaluation, electrocardiography, echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and whole exome sequencing. Pathogenic variants in the whole exome sequencing data were identified using established algorithms. Family members were genotyped by Sanger sequencing and cosegregation was analyzed. The siblings had a severe course, whereas the mother had a mild course. Variant analysis showed that the trio shared 145 heterozygous pathogenic variants in 139 genes, including 2 in cardiomyopathy genes
TTN
and
ALPK3
. The siblings also had the pathogenic variant p.Ala13Thr variant in
MYL2
, a known gene for HCM. The sibling’s father also carried the p.Ala13Thr variant, in whom an unambiguous diagnosis of HCM could not be made because of concomitant severe aortic stenosis. The
TTN
variant segregated with HCM, except in a 7-year-old boy, who had a normal phenotype. The
ALPK3
variant, shared by the affected trio, did not segregate with the phenotype.

Conclusions:

We posit that a subset of HCM might be oligogenic caused by multiple pathogenic variants that do not perfectly cosegregate with the phenotype.
Hypertension in Pregnancy and Offspring Cardiovascular Risk in Young Adulthood
Authors: Alsnes Ingvild V. , Vatten Lars J. , Fraser Abigail , Bjørngaard Johan Håkon , Rich-Edwards Janet , Romundstad Pål R. , Åsvold Bjørn O.
Published: February 2017

Women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are at increased lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease. We examined the offspring’s cardiovascular risk profile in young adulthood and their siblings’ cardiovascular risk profile. From the HUNT study (Nord-Trøndelag Health Study) in Norway, 15 778 participants (mean age: 29 years), including 210 sibling groups, were linked to information from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Blood pressure, anthropometry, serum lipids, and C-reactive protein were assessed. Seven hundred and six participants were born after exposure to maternal hypertension in pregnancy: 336 mothers had gestational hypertension, 343 had term preeclampsia, and 27 had preterm preeclampsia. Offspring whose mothers had hypertension in pregnancy had 2.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.8–3.5) mm Hg higher systolic blood pressure, 1.5 (0.9–2.1) mm Hg higher diastolic blood pressure, 0.66 (0.31–1.01) kg/m
2
higher body mass index, and 1.49 (0.65–2.33) cm wider waist circumference, compared with offspring of normotensive pregnancies. Similar differences were observed for gestational hypertension and term preeclampsia. Term preeclampsia was also associated with higher concentrations of non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.14 mmol/L, 0.03–0.25) and triglycerides (0.13 mmol/L, 0.06–0.21). Siblings born after a normotensive pregnancy had nearly identical risk factor levels as siblings born after maternal hypertension. Offspring born after maternal hypertension in pregnancy have a more adverse cardiovascular risk profile in young adulthood than offspring of normotensive pregnancies. Their siblings, born after a normotensive pregnancy, have a similar risk profile, suggesting that shared genes or lifestyle may account for the association, rather than an intrauterine effect. All children of mothers who have experienced hypertension in pregnancy may be at increased lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.
ZNF307 (Zinc Finger Protein 307) Acts as a Negative Regulator of Pressure Overload–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Yu Chang-Jiang , Liang Chen , Li Yu-Xia , Hu Qing-Qing , Zheng Wei-Wan , Niu Na , Yang Xu , Wang Zi-Rui , Yu Xiao-Di , Zhang Bao-Long , Song Bin-Lin , Zhang Zhi-Ren
Published: February 2017

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a key risk factor for heart failure. We found that the protein expression levels of the ZNF307 (zinc finger protein 307) were significantly increased in heart samples from both human patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and mice subjected to aortic banding. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the role of ZNF307 in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and to explore the signal transduction events that mediate the effect of ZNF307 on cardiac hypertrophy, using cardiac-specific ZNF307 transgenic (ZNF307-TG) mice and ZNF307 global knockout (ZNF307-KO) mice. The results showed that the deletion of ZNF307 potentiated aortic banding–induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cardiac dysfunction; however, the aortic banding–induced cardiac hypertrophic phenotype was dramatically diminished by ZNF307 overexpression in mouse heart. Mechanistically, the antihypertrophic effects mediated by ZNF307 in response to pathological stimuli were associated with the direct inactivation of NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) signaling and blockade of the nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunit p65. Furthermore, the overexpression of a degradation-resistant mutant of IκBα (IκBα
S32A/S36A
) reversed the exacerbation of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction shown in aortic banding–treated ZNF307-KO mice. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that ZNF307 ameliorates pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB–signaling pathway.
Anatomical changes to the wood of Croton sonderianus (Euphorbiaceae) when charred at different temperatures
Authors: Gasson Peter , Cartwright Caroline , Leme Claudia Luizon Dias
Published: February 2017

Wood retains most of its anatomical characteristics when charred, but charring temperature determines the appearance of the resulting charcoal and this depends largely on the proportions and distribution of the constituent vessels, fibres and parenchyma, as well as moisture content. This study describes the structural changes in the charcoal of the wood of Croton sonderianus Muell. Arg. at two temperatures, 400 °C or 600 °C. This species is an important source of charcoal in the caatinga of the northeast part of Brazil. The samples were heated for ten minutes to reach treatment temperature, charred for two hours at either 400 °C or 600 °C and then left to cool to ambient temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Our observations showed that most of the changes occurred when charcoal was produced at 600 °C, but the qualitative features necessary for identification were retained. At this temperature, cells lost their circular shape, became angular and occasionally amorphous, the middle lamella disappeared and the walls of adjacent cells coalesced, cell walls became thinner, and the prismatic crystals developed cracks and became porous. Our findings are compared with those for two previously studied Mimosa species which have an entirely different anatomy.
Fossil wood with dimorphic fibers from the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of India – the oldest fossil Connaraceae?
Authors: Baas Pieter , Manchester Steven R. , Wheeler Elisabeth A. , Srivastava Rashmi
Published: February 2017

Wood of Connaroxylon dimorphum (Connaraceae, Oxalidales) from the Deccan Intertrappean Beds of India (KPg Boundary 65–67 MY BP) is described. It is characterized by parenchyma-like fiber bands alternating with normal fibers, septate and nonseptate fibers, vessel-ray pits with strongly reduced borders, uniseriate rays of square and upright cells, and radial tubules in the center of ray cells that are arranged in a herringbone pattern. The overall wood anatomy strongly resembles Melastomataceae p. p., Lagerstroemia p. p. (Lythraceae) and Connarus (Connaraceae). However, the shared radial tubules of Connarus and the fossil strongly tilt the evidence of botanical affinities towards this genus. This would represent the second and by far the oldest fossil wood record of the Connaraceae, also considerably older than the earliest fossil records of the family’s other plant parts, and one of the oldest fossils of the order Oxalidales.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of Cercospora spp. from Northern Thailand
Authors: NGUANHOM JEERAPA , CHEEWANGKOON RATCHADAWAN , GROENEWALD JOHANNES Z. , BRAUN UWE , TO-ANUN CHAIWAT , CROUS PEDRO W.
Published: February 2017

The genus Cercospora represents a group of important plant pathogenic fungi with a wide geographic distribution, being commonly associated with leaf spots on a broad range of plant hosts. The goal of the present study was to conduct a morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Cercospora spp. occurring on various plants growing in Northern Thailand, an area with a tropical savannah climate, and a rich diversity of vascular plants. Sixty Cercospora isolates were collected from 29 host species (representing 16 plant families). Partial nucleotide sequence data for two gene loci (ITS and cmdA), were generated for all isolates. Results from this study indicate that members of the genus Cercospora vary regarding host specificity, with some taxa having wide host ranges, and others being host-specific. Based on cultural, morphological and phylogenetic data, four new species of Cercospora could be identified: C. glycinicola (from Glycine max), C. cyperacearum and C. cyperina (from Cyperus alternifolius), and C. musigena (from Musa sp.). The most common Cercospora sp. found in Northern Thailand was C. cf. malloti, which occurred on a wide host range. Several collections could not be resolved to species level due to the lack of reference cultures and DNA data for morphologically similar species. Further collections from other countries are needed to help resolve the taxonomy of some species complexes occurring on various plant hosts in Thailand.
Synopsis of Couepia (Chrysobalanaceae) in Costa Rica, with a description of two new species
Authors: Santamaría-Aguilar Daniel A. , Lagomarsino Laura P.
Published: February 2017

We provide a synopsis to the Costa Rican species of Couepia (Chrysobalanaceae), including a description of two new species: C. hallwachsiae and C. janzenii.
Dwarves on the roof of the world: A taxonomic revision of the Himalayan Lasiocaryeae Weigend (Boraginaceae)

Authors: CHACÓN JULIANA , SIWAKOTI MOHAN , HILGER HARTMUT H. , WEIGEND MAXIMILIAN
Published: February 2017

Recent molecular studies have contributed significantly to our understanding of the systematics and phylogeny of Boraginaceae. A morphologically interesting placement within this plant family is the sister-group relationship between two Himalayan genera of dwarf annuals (Lasiocaryum and Microcaryum) and the genera Trichodesma and Caccinia, a clade that is sister to the remainder of tribe Cynoglosseae. This study investigates the systematics, taxonomy and relationships of Lasiocaryum and Microcaryum and compares it with other, morphologically similar genera, Setulocarya and Chionocharis. Together, Lasiocaryum, Microcaryum, Setulocarya and Chionocharis include seven species as currently recognized. However, morphological studies show that the monotypic Setulocarya should be treated as a synonym of Lasiocaryum munroi while L. ludlowii is best placed within L. trichocarpum, leading to a total of five species within this clade. Sequences from three chloroplast markers and one nuclear region generated for four of the five species here recognized confirm the monophyly of the clade Chionocharis [Microcaryum + (Lasiocaryum trichocarpum + L. munroi)]. This exclusively Himalayan lineage is morphologically homogeneous, and consists of tiny annual herbs and perennial cushion plants with small, turbinate to oblong-ovoid, pubescent or rugulate nutlets.
Neotypification of the name Schoenus asper, the basionym of Fimbristylis aspera (Cyperaceae, Abildgaardieae)
Authors: HASSEMER GUSTAVO
Published: February 2017

Fimbristylis Vahl (1805: 285) (Cyperaceae, Abildgaardieae) is a genus that includes about 300 species concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions (Goetghebeur 1998, Ghamkhar et al. 2007), whose taxonomy is still problematic (Reutemann et al. 2009).
Pyrenochaetopsis tabarestanensis (Cucurbitariaceae, Pleosporales), a new species isolated from rice farms in north Iran
Authors: PAPIZADEH MOSLEM , SOUDI MOHAMMAD REZA , AMINI LEILA , WIJAYAWARDENE NALIN N. , HYDE KEVIN D.
Published: February 2017

A pyrenochaeta-like species was isolated from soil in rice farms in Mazandaran Province (formerly Tabarestan), Iran. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU, LSU, ITS, β-tubulin and actin sequence data showed that the new collection clustered with species in Pyrenochaetopsis sensu stricto. In morphology, phylogeny and physiological characters, the new strains are distinct from other species, thus, they are introduced as a new species viz. P. tabarestanensis. Illustrations, descriptions and taxonomic notes are provided for P. tabarestanensis. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationships of Pyrenochaeta and Pyrenochaetopsis species in Cucurbitariaceae is discussed.
Aspidistra zhenganensis (Asparagaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China
Authors: WANG YONG , XU WEN-FEN , HE SHUN-ZHI
Published: February 2017

In October 2016, an investigation at Guizhou province, Zhengan county, revealed some plants of Aspidistra Ker-Gawler (1822: 628) with freshly opened flowers widespread on limestone hillsides. This species was identified as new for science after studying relevant literature (Li 2004, He et al. 2011, Tillich 2014, Vislobokov et al. 2014, 2016, Lin et al. 2015, Liu et al. 2015, Xu et al. 2015a, 2015b, Pan et al. 2016, Zhou et al. 2016, Liang et al. 2016, Liu et al. 2016, LÝ et al. 2016).
Two new genera and two new species of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) from North Bengal, India
Authors: CHAKRABARTI SAMIRAN , SUR SURAJIT , ROY SOURAV , SARKAR SANJAY
Published: February 2017

Two new genera and two new species of eriophyoid mites viz., Propeaciota genusetosis n. gen. and n. sp. infesting Acer sp. (Aceraceae) and Spinaephyes alnus n. gen. and n. sp. infesting Alnus nepalensis D. Don (Betulaceae) are described in the tribe Tegonotini (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) from North Bengal, India. Aciota secundum Flechtmann et al.1995 is re-assigned (n. comb.) to Propeaciota. Relationships of the new genera with other eriophyoid genera are discussed.
Three new species of trigonopoid Platynotina (Tenebrionidae: Pedinini) from the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve, South Africa
Authors: KAMIŃSKI MARCIN JAN
Published: February 2017

Three new species representing closely related genera of the trigonopoid Platynotina are described from the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve in South Africa: Atrocrates kandai sp. nov., A. smithi sp. nov. and Schelodontes baviaanskloofensis sp. nov. Based on newly acquired material, the taxonomic concept of Atrocrates is verified. Phylogenetic relationships between Atrocrates and Schelodontes are briefly discussed.
Simulium (Gomphostilbia) lemborense, a new black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Flores, Indonesia
Authors: TAKAOKA HIROYUKI , SOFIAN-AZIRUN MOHD , CHEN CHEE DHANG , LAU KOON WENG , HALIM MUHAMMAD RASUL ABDULLAH , LOW VAN LUN , YA’COB ZUBAIDAH , ABDULLAH NURUL ASHIKIN , SUANA I. WAYAN
Published: February 2017

Simulium (Gomphostilbia) lemborense sp. nov. is described based on adults, pupae and mature larvae from Flores, in the eastern part of the Sunda Archipelago, Indonesia. This new species is placed in the Simulium batoense species-group of the subgenus Gomphostilbia Enderlein, representing the most eastern distribution record for the group. This new species is characterized by a narrow female frons and pupal gill with eight filaments, of which two filaments of the ventral pair are three to four times as long as the six other filaments. Taxonomic notes are provided to distinguish this new species from related species.
Oceanic Impetus for Convective Onset of the Madden–Julian Oscillation in the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Rydbeck Adam V. , Jensen Tommy G.
Published: February 2017

A theory for intraseasonal atmosphere–ocean–atmosphere feedback is supported whereby oceanic equatorial Rossby waves are partly forced in the eastern Indian Ocean by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), reemerge in the western Indian Ocean ~70 days later, and force large-scale convergence in the atmospheric boundary layer that precedes MJO deep convection. Downwelling equatorial Rossby waves permit high sea surface temperature (SST) and enhance meridional and zonal SST gradients that generate convergent circulations in the atmospheric boundary layer. The magnitude of the SST and SST gradient increases are 0.25°C and 1.5°C Mm−1 (1 megameter is equal to 1000 km), respectively. The atmospheric circulations driven by the SST gradient are estimated to be responsible for up to 45% of the intraseasonal boundary layer convergence observed in the western Indian Ocean. The SST-induced boundary layer convergence maximizes 3–4 days prior to the convective maximum and is hypothesized to serve as a trigger for MJO deep convection. Boundary layer convergence is shown to further augment deep convection by locally increasing boundary layer moisture. Warm SST anomalies facilitated by downwelling equatorial Rossby waves are also associated with increased surface latent heat fluxes that occur after MJO convective onset. Finally, generation of the most robust downwelling equatorial Rossby waves in the western Indian Ocean is shown to have a distinct seasonal distribution.
Framingham Risk Score as a Prognostic Predictor of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chang Young-Soo , Choi Ji Eun , Ahn Jungmin , Ryu Nam-Gyu , Moon Il Joon , Hong Sung Hwa , Cho Yang-Sun , Chung Won-Ho
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Predicting the prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) remains challenging. This investigation aimed to apply Framingham Risk Scores (FRS) to assess the combination of prognostic factors following ISSHL and investigate the predictive role of FRS in patients with multiple comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Study design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

Twenty-one patients presenting with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and multiple comorbidities were surveyed. Framingham Risk Score was calculated, and patients were assigned into high-risk (FRS ≥20%) and low-risk (FRS <20%) groups. Mean pure tone audiometry (PTA) threshold of both groups and hearing outcomes following established criteria were investigated. All patients were treated with the same protocol of oral methylprednisolone.

Results:

Overall successful recovery rate (complete + marked recovery) was 23.81%. The mean PTA threshold of the low-risk group showed significant improvement (mean PTA ± standard error, SE: pretreatment, 73.23 ± 11.80; posttreatment, 54.89 ± 10.25, P = .002), while the high-risk group did not show significant improvement in mean PTA threshold (mean PTA ± SE: pretreatment, 71.94 ± 11.77; posttreatment, 68.89 ± 12.81, P = .73).

Conclusion:

Framingham Risk Scores may be useful in predicting outcomes for ISSHL patients with multiple comorbidities.
Factors Associated With Infectious Laryngitis: A Retrospective Review of 15 Cases
Authors: Thomas Carissa M. , Jetté Marie E. , Clary Matthew S.
Published: February 2017

Objectives:

To identify the culturable microbes associated with infectious laryngitis and outline effective treatment strategies.

Methods:

This is a retrospective chart review of adult patients with persistent dysphonia plus evidence of laryngeal inflammation who underwent biopsy for culture at a tertiary care medical center. Demographic factors, symptoms as reported on validated patient assessment tools, past medical history, social history, culture results, and treatment duration and response were reviewed.

Results:

Fifteen patients with infectious laryngitis were included in this study. Culture results demonstrated Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and “normal respiratory flora.” In most patients, multiple courses of prolonged antibiotics were needed to treat MSSA or MRSA. Infections associated with other microbes resolved with a single course of antibiotics.

Conclusions:

In this population, infectious laryngitis is defined as colonization with bacteria not found in the previously characterized laryngeal microbiome of benign vocal fold lesions. In suspected cases of infectious laryngitis, culture is recommended, by biopsy if needed. For MSSA- and MRSA-associated laryngitis, an extended course of antibiotics may be necessary for symptom improvement and resolution of laryngeal inflammation. However, the optimal treatment regimen has yet to be defined and will require larger, prospective studies.
Betting the House: Teacher Investment, Identity, and Attrition in Urban Schools
Authors: Dunn Alyssa Hadley , Downey C. Aiden
Published: February 2017

This study explores the impetus for and impact of four urban teachers’ extracurricular investments. Framing teacher investment as work voluntarily undertaken with an eye toward bringing about a highly desired, yet highly uncertain, end, we argue that the outcome of these often-hidden investments have identity and career implications for teachers. Through a comparison of two case studies in the southeast and northeast United States, we investigate why and how teachers come to invest themselves in particular extracurricular projects, the identity implications of the investments, and how the ultimate outcome of the investments may influence their decision to stay in or leave the profession. Findings reveal that teachers’ extracurricular investments—either in individual students or whole-school projects—are intimately tied to their identities and career trajectories. Implications are offered for research, teacher education, and policy.
Thermal dimensioning of manufacturing moulds with multiple resistively heated zones for composite processing
Authors: Weiland JS , Hubert P , Hinterhölzl RM
Published: February 2017

Multi-zonal, electrically heated moulds for composite processing offer the potential of a direct heat introduction with low thermal lag and high energy efficiency. However, appropriate thermal dimensioning of these tools requires the consideration of the thermal response of the tool itself as well as the thermal and cure behaviour of the part, which is to date mostly estimated based on experience. To realize the full potential of this tool class, a numerical method is presented to determine a sound partitioning of the designated heating area utilizing 3D finite element cure simulation. Further, a cure simulation model of an application case is set up and validated. The capability of the numerical method to significantly increase the temperature accuracy and the degree of cure homogeneity are demonstrated in an evaluation of the numerically improved application case. Finally, the effect of the tool material on the zone allocations and temperature accuracy is studied.
Lessons from near real-time forecasting of irregular leadership changes
Authors: Ward Michael D , Beger Andreas
Published: February 2017

Since 2014, we have been producing regular six-month forecasts of the probability of irregular leadership changes – coups, rebellions, protests that result in state leader changes – for most countries in the world for the Political Instability Task Force (PITF). During 2015, we issued new forecasts each month, with a delay as short as five days and no longer than two weeks into each six-month forecasting window. This article describes the approach we use to generate our forecasts and presents several examples of how we present forecasts. The forecasts are derived from a statistical ensemble of seven thematic models, each based on a split-population duration model that aims to capture a specific argument or related set of covariates. This approach is modular in that thematic models can be swapped out or new models integrated, and it lessens the need for generalist ‘kitchen sink’ models. Together, the models achieve high out-of-sample accuracy. Based on our experience, we draw conclusions about the practical, policy, and scientific aspects of this and similar undertakings. These include thoughts on how to evaluate and present forecasts, the potential role of ensembles in model comparison, the role of ensembles and prediction in causal research, and considerations for future efforts in forecasting and predictive modeling.
The shape of things to come? Expanding the inequality and grievance model for civil war forecasts with event data
Authors: Chiba Daina , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede
Published: February 2017

We examine if dynamic information from event data can help improve on a model attempting to forecast civil war using measures reflecting plausible motivation and grievances. Buhaug, Cederman, and Gleditsch predict the risk of civil war using a horizontal inequality model with measures reflecting motivation and relevant group characteristics at the country level. The predictions from their model outperform in an out-of-sample forecast conventional country-level models of civil war, emphasizing vertical inequality and country characteristics. However, most grievance measures change little over time. We surmise that a model reflecting potential motivation for conflict can be improved with more dynamic information on mobilization and the behavior of actors. Our conjecture receives some support in the empirical analysis, where we consider both conflict onset and termination over territorial and governmental incompatibilities in the Uppsala/PRIO Armed Conflict Data, and find some evidence that event data can help improve forecasts. Moreover, models with the original grievance measures do better than purely event based models, supporting our claim that both structure and event based components can add value to conflict prediction models. However, the contribution of events to improving predictive power is modest and not entirely consistent, and some types of conflict events seem easier to forecast than others.