bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Benzaldehyde as Anticorrosion Agent on Steel
Authors: Darmokoesoemo Handoko , Suyanto Suyanto , Anggara Leo Satya , Amenaghawon Andrew Nosakhare , Kusuma Heri Septya
Published: April 2018

Corrosion is one of the problems that is often found in daily life especially in petroleum and gas industry. Carboxymethyl chitosan- (CMC-) benzaldehyde was synthesized as corrosion inhibitor for steel. Corrosion rate was determined by potentiostatic polarization method in HCl 1 M. Dripping and coating, two different treatment, were used to drop and coat steel by CMC-benzaldehyde. The results showed that CMC-benzaldehyde could inhibit the corrosion rate of steel with concentration of 1 g, 3 g, 5 g, and 7 g in 60 mL of solvent. Coating steel with CMC-benzaldehyde with concentration of 7 g/60 mL of solvent and starch of 0.1 g/mL showed the highest efficiency to inhibit corrosion rate of steel. These treatments give corrosion efficiency of 99.8%.
The Effects of Hyperacute Serum on the Elements of the Human Subchondral Bone Marrow Niche
Authors: Simon Melinda , Major Bálint , Vácz Gabriella , Kuten Olga , Hornyák István , Hinsenkamp Adél , Kardos Dorottya , Bagó Marcell , Cseh Domonkos , Sárközi Adrienn , Horvathy Denes , Nehrer Stefan , Lacza Zsombor
Published: April 2018

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in laboratory experiments as well as in human cell therapy. Their culture requires animal sera like fetal calf serum (FCS) as essential supplementation; however, animal sera pose a risk for clinical applications. Human blood derivatives, for example, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) releasates, are potential replacements of FCS; however, it is unclear which serum variant has the best effect on the given cell or tissue type. Additionally, blood derivatives are commonly used in musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) or osteonecrosis as “proliferative agents” for the topical MSC pool. Hyperacute serum (HAS), a new serum derivative, has been designed to approximate the natural coagulation cascade with a single-step, additive-free preparation method. We investigated the effects of HAS on monolayer MSC cultures and in their natural niche, in 3D subchondral bone and marrow explants. Viability measurements, RT-qPCR evaluation for gene expression and flow cytometry for cell surface marker analysis were performed to compare the effects of FCS-, PRP-, or HAS-supplemented culture media. Monolayer MSCs showed significantly higher metabolic activity following 5 days’ incubation in HAS, and osteoblast-specific mRNA expression was markedly increased, while cells also retained their MSC-specific cell surface markers. A similar effect was observed on bone and marrow explants, which was further confirmed with confocal microscopy analysis. Moreover, markedly higher bone marrow preservation was observed with histology in case of HAS supplementation compared to FCS. These findings indicate possible application of HAS in regenerative solutions of skeletal diseases like OA or osteonecrosis.
CXCR4/CXCL12 Signaling and Protumor Macrophages in Primary Tumors and Sentinel Lymph Nodes Are Involved in Luminal B Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Raschioni Carlotta , Bottai Giulia , Sagona Andrea , Errico Valentina , Testori Alberto , Gatzemeier Wolfgang , Corsi Fabio , Tinterri Corrado , Roncalli Massimo , Santarpia Libero , Di Tommaso Luca
Published: April 2018

Luminal B breast cancers (BC) have a more aggressive behavior associated with a higher rate of tumor relapse and worse prognosis compared to luminal A tumors. In this study, we evaluated the involvement of specific epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition- (EMT-) and immune-related pathways in the dissemination of luminal B BC cells. The expression of 42 EMT- and immune-related genes was evaluated in matched sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) analyzed by the one-step nucleic acid amplification assay (OSNA) and primary tumors of 40 luminal B BC patients by gene array and immunohistochemistry. The results were validated in an independent group of 150 luminal B tumors by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and using gene expression data from 315 luminal B BC patients included in the Metabric dataset. We found that the expression of CXCR4 (p=3.28E−02) and CD163 (p=6.92E−03) was significantly upregulated in SLNs of recurrent luminal B BC patients. Luminal B primary tumors overexpressing CXCR4 were characterized by an increased expression of vimentin and a high content of CD163-positive macrophages. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed the correlation of CXCR4 with CXCL12, VIM, and CD163 expression and LN involvement. Our results suggest that the upregulation of the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway and the presence of protumor macrophages in the primary tumor and SLNs sustain the aggressiveness of an important subgroup of luminal B BC.
Enamel Microcracks Induced by Simulated Occlusal Wear in Mature, Immature, and Deciduous Teeth
Authors: Ijbara Manhal , Wada Kanae , Tabata Makoto J. , Wada Junichiro , Inoue Go , Miyashin Michiyo
Published: April 2018

Enamel wear, which is inevitable due to the process of mastication, is a process in which the microcracking of enamel occurs due to the surface contacting very small hard particles. When these particles slide on enamel, a combined process of microcutting and microcracking in the surface and subsurface of the enamel takes place. The aim of this study was to detect microscopic differences in the microcrack behavior by subjecting enamel specimens derived from different age groups (immature open-apex premolars, mature closed-apex premolars, and deciduous molars) to cycles of simulated impact and sliding wear testing under controlled conditions. Our findings indicated that the characteristics of the microcracks, including the length, depth, count, orientation, and relation to microstructures differed among the study groups. The differences between the surface and subsurface microcrack characteristics were most notable in the enamel of deciduous molars followed by immature premolars and mature premolars whereby deciduous enamel suffered numerous, extensive, and branched microcracks. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that enamel surface and subsurface microcracks characteristics are dependent on the posteruptive age with deciduous enamel being the least resistant to wear based on the microcrack behavior as compared to permanent enamel.
Guaranteed Cost Finite‐Time Control of Discrete‐Time Positive Impulsive Switched Systems
Authors: Liu Leipo , Xing Hao , Cao Xiangyang , Fu Zhumu , Song Shuzhong
Published: April 2018

This paper considers the guaranteed cost finite‐time boundedness of discrete‐time positive impulsive switched systems. Firstly, the definition of guaranteed cost finite‐time boundedness is introduced. By using the multiple linear copositive Lyapunov function (MLCLF) and average dwell time (ADT) approach, a state feedback controller is designed and sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee that the corresponding closed‐loop system is guaranteed cost finite‐time boundedness (GCFTB). Such conditions can be solved by linear programming. Finally, a numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Management of a Pregnancy with a Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas
Authors: Tanacan Atakan , Orgul Gokcen , Dogrul Ahmet Bülent , Aktoz Fatih , Abbasoglu Osman , Beksac M. Sinan
Published: April 2018

A 26-year-old primigravid patient, at 35 weeks and 2 days of gestation, was referred to Hacettepe University Hospital for pancreatic mass, giant cervical myoma, maternal systemic lupus erythematosus, thrombocytopenia, and onset of preterm labor. At 36 weeks and 1 day of gestation (6 days after admission to the hospital), regular uterine contractions started and cervical dilatation with effacement was observed. Because of breech presentation and giant cervical myoma, a cesarean section was performed on the primigravid patient under general anesthesia. Four months after the birth, subtotal pancreatectomy, partial gastrectomy, duodenectomy, cholecystectomy, and omentectomy (Whipple procedure) were performed. The pathologic diagnosis was of a solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas; the patient was discharged from hospital after ten days.
Dexamethasone-Activated MSCs Release MVs for Stimulating Osteogenic Response
Authors: Zhao Mingyan , Li Peng , Xu Haijia , Pan Qunwen , Zeng Rong , Ma Xiaotang , Li Zhanghua , Lin Hao
Published: April 2018

The extracellular microvesicles (MVs) are attracting much attention because they are found to be the key paracrine mediator participating in tissue regeneration. Dexamethasone (DXM) is widely accepted as an important regulator in tailoring the differentiation potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the effect of DXM on the paracrine signaling of MSCs remains unknown. To this point, we aimed to explore the role of DXM in regulating the paracrine activity of MSCs through evaluating the release and function of MSC-MVs, based on their physicochemical characteristics and support on osteogenic response. Results showed that DXM had no evident impact on the release of MSC-MVs but played a pivotal role in regulating the function of MSC-MVs. MVs obtained from the DXM-stimulated MSCs (DXM-MVs) increased MC3T3 cell proliferation and migration and upregulated Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteopontin (OPN) expression. The repair efficiency of DXM-MVs for femur defects was further investigated in an established rat model. It was found that DXM-MVs accelerated the healing process of bone formation in the defect area. Thus, we conclude that using DXM as stimuli to obtain functional MSCs-MVs could become a valuable tool for promoting bone regeneration.
A Novel p.G141R Mutation in ILDR1 Leads to Recessive Nonsyndromic Deafness DFNB42 in Two Chinese Han Families
Authors: Wang Xueling , Wang Longhao , Peng Hu , Yang Tao , Wu Hao
Published: April 2018

Genetic hearing impairment is highly heterogeneous. In this study, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) in two Chinese Han families identified a novel p.G141R homozygous mutation in ILDR1 as the genetic cause of the deafness. Consistent with the recessive inheritance, cosegregation of the p.G141R variant with the hearing loss was confirmed in members of both families by PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. SNP genotyping analysis suggested that those two families were not closely related. Our study showed that targeted NGS is an effective tool for diagnosis of genetic deafness and that p.G141R in ILDR1 may be a relatively frequent mutation for DFNB42 in Chinese Hans.
Allergic Rhinitis in Rats Is Associated with an Inflammatory Response of the Hippocampus
Authors: Yang Shasha , Wu Jing , Zhang Qinxiu , Li Xinrong , Liu Daien , Zeng Bin , Liu Zhiqing , Kang Haoran , Zhong Zhendong
Published: April 2018

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a major concern in personal and public health, which negatively affects emotions and behavior, leading to cognitive deficits, memory decline, poor school performance, anxiety, and depression. Several cellular and molecular mediators are released in the inflammatory process of AR and activate common neuroimmune mechanisms, involving emotionally relevant circuits and the induction of anxiety. Responsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to allergic processes have been reported, which may also include responsiveness of the hippocampus, cortex, and other brain regions. Here, we have used an optimized rat model of AR to explore whether the disease has a relationship with inflammatory responses in the hippocampus. AR was established in adult rats by ovalbumin sensitization, and the expression of various inflammatory substances in the hippocampus was measured by specific assays. Comparison between experimental and various control groups of animals revealed an association of AR with significant upregulation of substance P, microglia surface antigen (CD11b), glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the hippocampus. Thus, we hypothesize that the AR challenge may activate these inflammatory mediators in the hippocampus, which in turn contribute to the abnormal behavior and neurological deficits associated with AR.
Magnesium and Human Health: Perspectives and Research Directions
Authors: Al Alawi Abdullah M. , Majoni Sandawana William , Falhammar Henrik
Published: April 2018

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the body. It has several functions in the human body including its role as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymatic reactions. Several studies have shown that hypomagnesemia is a common electrolyte derangement in clinical setting especially in patients admitted to intensive care unit where it has been found to be associated with increase mortality and hospital stay. Hypomagnesemia can be caused by a wide range of inherited and acquired diseases. It can also be a side effect of several medications. Many studies have reported that reduced levels of magnesium are associated with a wide range of chronic diseases. Magnesium can play important therapeutic and preventive role in several conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, bronchial asthma, preeclampsia, migraine, and cardiovascular diseases. This review is aimed at comprehensively collating the current available published evidence and clinical correlates of magnesium disorders.
Targeting the Leukemia Antigen PR1 with Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Alatrash Gheath , Perakis Alexander A. , Kerros Celine , Peters Haley L. , Sukhumalchandra Pariya , Zhang Mao , Jakher Haroon , Zope Madhushree , Patenia Rebecca , Sergeeva Anna , Yi Shuhua , Young Ken H. , Philips Anne V. , Cernosek Amanda M. , Garber Haven R. , Qiao Na , Weng Jinsheng , St John Lisa S. , Lu Sijie , Clise-Dwyer Karen , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Ma Qing , Molldrem Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2018

Purpose: PR1 is a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 nonameric peptide derived from neutrophil elastase (NE) and proteinase 3 (P3). We have previously shown that PR1 is cross-presented by solid tumors, leukemia, and antigen-presenting cells, including B cells. We have also shown that cross-presentation of PR1 by solid tumors renders them susceptible to killing by PR1-targeting immunotherapies. As multiple myeloma is derived from B cells, we investigated whether multiple myeloma is also capable of PR1 cross-presentation and subsequently capable of being targeted by using PR1 immunotherapies.

Experimental Design: We tested whether multiple myeloma is capable of cross-presenting PR1 and subsequently becomes susceptible to PR1-targeting immunotherapies, using multiple myeloma cell lines, a xenograft mouse model, and primary multiple myeloma patient samples.

Results: Here we show that multiple myeloma cells lack endogenous NE and P3, are able to take up exogenous NE and P3, and cross-present PR1 on HLA-A2. Cross-presentation by multiple myeloma utilizes the conventional antigen processing machinery, including the proteasome and Golgi, and is not affected by immunomodulating drugs (IMiD). Following PR1 cross-presentation, we are able to target multiple myeloma with PR1-CTL and anti-PR1/HLA-A2 antibody both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions: Collectively, our data demonstrate that PR1 is a novel tumor-associated antigen target in multiple myeloma and that multiple myeloma is susceptible to immunotherapies that target cross-presented antigens. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3386–96. ©2018 AACR.
Towards Prevention of Breast Cancer: What Are the Clinical Challenges?
Authors: Borgquist Signe , Hall Per , Lipkus Isaac , Garber Judy E.
Published: April 2018

The dramatic increase in breast cancer incidence compels a paradigm shift in our preventive efforts. There are several barriers to overcome before prevention becomes an established part of breast cancer management. The objective of this review is to identify the clinical challenges for improved breast cancer prevention and discuss current knowledge on breast cancer risk assessment methods, risk communication, ethics, and interventional efforts with the aim of covering the aspects relevant for a breast cancer prevention trial. Herein, the following five areas are discussed: (i) Adequate tools for identification of women at high risk of breast cancer suggestively entitled Prevent! Online. (ii) Consensus on the definition of high risk, which is regarded as mandatory for all risk communication and potential prophylactic interventions. (iii) Risk perception and communication regarding risk information. (iv) Potential ethical concerns relevant for future breast cancer prevention programs. (v) Risk-reducing programs involving multileveled prevention depending on identified risk. Taken together, devoted efforts from both policy makers and health care providers are warranted to improve risk assessment and risk counseling in women at risk for breast cancer to optimize the prevention of breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 11(5); 255–64. ©2018 AACR.
Interpretation of Serum Gonadotropin Levels in Hyperprolactinaemia
Authors: Abbara Ali , Clarke Sophie A. , Nesbitt Alexander , Ali Sabreen , Comninos Alexander N. , Hatfield Emma , Martin Niamh M. , Sam Amir H. , Meeran Karim , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Hyperprolactinaemia is a common cause of amenorrhoea due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Prolactin is hypothesised to impede the reproductive axis through an inhibitory action at the hypothalamus. However, limited data exist to aid the interpretation of serum gonadotropins in the context of hyperprolactinaemia. Methods: Serum gonadotropin values were reviewed in 243 patients with elevated serum monomeric prolactin due to discrete aetiologies at a tertiary reproductive endocrine centre between 2012 and 2015. The cause of hyperprolactinaemia was categorised by an experienced endocrinologist/pituitary multidisciplinary team, unless superseded by histology. The most frequently encountered diagnoses were microprolactinoma (n = 88), macroprolactinoma (n = 46), non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) (n = 72), drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia (n = 22) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (n = 15). Results: In patients with prolactinoma and modestly raised serum prolactin levels (< 4,000 mU/L), increasingly FSH-predominant gonadotropin values were observed with rising prolactin level, consistent with a progressive reduction in hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility. Patients with prolactinoma and higher prolactin values (> 4,000 mU/L) were more likely to have a reduction in serum levels of both FSH and LH, consistent with direct pituitary gonadotrope dysfunction. Patients with macroadenoma and extremes of serum gonadotropin values (either serum FSH or LH > 8 IU/L) were more likely to have NFPA than prolactinoma. Patients with PCOS and hyperprolactinaemia had LH-predominant secretion in keeping with increased GnRH pulsatility despite a raised prolactin level. Conclusion: The pattern of gonadotropin secretion in patients with hyperprolactinaemia reflects the underlying aetiology.
Os primitivos: Mário de Andrade e Georges Bataille
Authors: Mata Larissa Costa da
Published: April 2018

Em 1943, Mário de Andrade publica na Revista da Academia Paulista de Letras o ensaio “Primitivos”, em que conceitua o termo baseado no filósofo e etnólogo francês Georges-Henri Luquet (1876-1965). Luquet teve a mesma obra (L’art primitif, 1930) resenhada por Georges Bataille na revista Documents (1930). Este texto reporta-se aos ensaios de Andrade e de Bataille buscando os traços da leitura do etnólogo nesses autores. Desse modo, lançaremos luz sobre duas abordagens distintas da noção de primitivo na modernidade: uma que se volta às culturas nativas ou não ocidentais como princípio de identidade e como afinidade estética (a partir de critérios como beleza, semelhança e gênese), e outra que concebe o retorno como uma heterogeneidade transgressiva (anti-humanista, informe).
O mensageiro
Authors: Zílio Carlos
Published: April 2018

Este texto resultou do convite de Ars ao artista Carlos Zilio para que nos desse um testemunho de seu convívio com Hubert Damisch, a quem conheceu em 1978, quando frequentou o seminário ministrado pelo teórico francês naquele ano.
Uma mulher, portanto: Le déjeuner sur l’herbe
Authors: Damisch Hubert
Published: April 2018

Escrito em 1992, o ensaio discute a obra de Manet, Le déjeuner sur l’herbe, exposta no Salon des Refusés de 1863, um divisor de águas no universo da arte moderna que assinala uma mudança radical na abordagem do nu feminino e da ideia do belo na tradição artística. Conforme nota o autor, embora a pintura empreste a narrativa do célebre Julgamento de Páris, gravura de c. 1510-20, na qual Marcantonio Raimondi transcrevera obra de Rafael, Manet provocativamente projeta os personagens da narrativa clássica em um ambiente contemporâneo, além disso conferindo à figura feminina principal um olhar desafiador e provocativo, que visa diretamente o observador. Recorrendo a conceitos psicanalíticos, Damisch observa como o nu resulta dessublimado dessa pintura.
Theory in Distress? On Being ‘Critical’ with Everything
Authors: Roubekas Nickolas P.
Published: April 2018

‘Religion’ is often, if not always, deemed a rather problematic category by critical theorists, who urge scholars to be more attentive to the genealogy and history of the category. As part of the review symposium ofTheory in a Time of Excess(2016), this review essay argues that ‘theory’ itself could be deemed problematic if we wish to be consistent in adopting such a critical stance, which can lead to several dead-ends when excluding other theoretical options and possibilities.
Positive Freedom and the Citizen in Athens
Authors: Campa Naomi T.
Published: April 2018

Freedom in democratic Athens is often understood as consisting of positive freedom in the public sphere in the form of political participation and negative freedom in the private sphere in the form of citizens doing ‘whatever they wish’. The original meaning of positive freedom, though, is more akin to self-mastery than political participation. By looking at phrases describing Athenians’ ability to do ‘whatever they wish’ from Herodotus to Aristotle, this article argues that the phrases instead express individual positive freedom in both private and public spheres. The democratic citizen is free because he is the author of his own actions. Individual autonomy stands in contrast to Spartan and Persian definitions of freedom, which focus on the external, negative freedom of the state. In addition to an ideological distinction, positive freedom also gives rise to the principle of voluntarism.
Plato’s Minos and the Euthyphro
Authors: Priou Alex
Published: April 2018

At the start of Plato’s Minos an anonymous comrade argues that the variability of law according to time and place undermines the claim that it conveys moral truth. But by the end he has accepted Minos as the greatest of lawgivers because of his education by Zeus. How does he manage to slide so quickly from the moral laxity of conventionalism to the moral absolutism of divine revelation? Guided by this question, the author considers how the two divergent parts of the Minos form one whole, and so what Plato suggests is the common basis to conventionalism and piety. Plato’s Minos thus ends up having an unexpectedly close relationship to his Euthyphro.
First record of the genus Ptilocerus in the Australian Region, with the description of two new species (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: MALIPATIL M. B.
Published: April 2018

The assassin bugs of the genus Ptilocerus Gray, 1831 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Holoptilinae) occurring in the Australian Region are reviewed for the first time, resulting in the description of two new species, viz., P. spangenbergi sp. nov. (Queensland and Northern Territory, Australia) and P. papuensis sp. nov. (Papua New Guinea). The latter species differs from P. fuscus Gray, 1831 (the type-species of genus Ptilocerus) in a couple of major external morphological characters, hence its tentative placement in the genus Ptilocerus is discussed. A key for the separation of the two new species is provided.
Two new species of the crangonid genus Metacrangon Zarenkov, 1965 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) from the Okinawa Trough, Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , CHEN CHONG , WATANABE HIROMI KAYAMA
Published: April 2018

Two new species of the crangonid shrimp genus Metacrangon Zarenkov, 1965, are described and illustrated on the basis of materials collected from the Okinawa Trough, Ryukyu Islands, southern Japan, during diving operations of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs): M. ryukyu n. sp. from off Iheya Island, at depth of 986 m; and Metacrangon kaiko n. sp. from NE of Yonaguni Island, at depth of 2205 m. The two new species resemble members of the M. munita (Dana, 1852) species group, but are both characteristic in having setose dactyli on pereopods 4 and 5. Some minor differences in morphology and genetic analysis using partial sequences of the barcoding mitochondrial COI gene support the recognition of the two new species. Holotypes of the two new species were collected from hydrothermally influenced areas, representing a previously unknown habitat for species of Metacrangon.
The Dissipation of Kinetic Energy in the Lofoten Basin Eddy
Authors: Fer Ilker , Bosse Anthony , Ferron Bruno , Bouruet-Aubertot Pascale
Published: April 2018

Ocean microstructure, current, and hydrography observations from June 2016 are used to characterize the turbulence structure of the Lofoten Basin eddy (LBE), a long-lived anticyclone in the Norwegian Sea. The LBE had an azimuthal peak velocity of 0.8 m s−1 at 950-m depth and 22-km radial distance from its center and a core relative vorticity reaching −0.7f (f is the local Coriolis parameter). When contrasted to a reference station in a relatively quiescent part of the basin, the LBE was significantly turbulent between 750 and 2000 m, exceeding the dissipation rates ε in the reference station by up to two orders of magnitude. Dissipation rates were elevated particularly in the core and at the rim below the swirl velocity maximum, reaching 10−8 W kg−1. The sources of energy for the observed turbulence are the background shear (gradient Richardson number less than unity) and the subinertial energy trapped by the negative vorticity of the eddy. Idealized ray-tracing calculations show that the vertical and lateral changes in stratification, shear, and vorticity allow subinertial waves to be trapped within the LBE. Spectral analysis shows increased high-wavenumber clockwise-polarized shear variance in the core and rim regions, consistent with downward-propagating near-inertial waves (vertical wavelengths of order 100 m and energy levels 3 to 10 times the canonical open-ocean level). The energetic packets with a distinct downward energy propagation are typically accompanied with an increase in dissipation levels. Based on these summer observations, the time scale to drain the volume-integrated total energy of the LBE is 14 years.
Effect of Coronary Collaterals on Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cui Kongyong , Lyu Shuzheng , Song Xiantao , Yuan Fei , Xu Feng , Zhang Min , Zhang Mingduo , Wang Wei , Zhang Dongfeng , Tian Jinfan
Published: April 2018

The impact of coronary collaterals on the prognosis in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the era of coronary revascularization remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of coronary collateral on clinical outcomes, especially mortality (≥6 months), in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI. Eligible observational studies were selected by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to August 9, 2017. Overall, 14 observational studies involving 10 411 patients were included. Coronary collaterals were found to reduce the risk of long-term mortality (≥6 months; risk ratio [RR]: 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.76) as well as in-hospital plus 30-day mortality (RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47-0.78) in patients undergoing PCI for STEMI. In addition, pooling the risk-adjusted or propensity-matched data showed a significant reduction in long-term mortality (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49-0.95) and in-hospital plus 30-day mortality (RR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.55) in patients with collateral circulation. However, no significant difference was found in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization between the 2 groups. Therefore, it was found that coronary collaterals have a beneficial effect on long-term survival (≥6 months) as well as in-hospital plus 30-day survival in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI.
One Chance for Your Best First Impression: Tips for New Pharmacists
Authors: Marwitz Kathryn K. , Hertig John B. , Weber Robert J.
Published: April 2018

Background: New practitioner pharmacists enter the workplace with an array of knowledge and skills ready to engage in patient care. However, obtaining a first postgraduate position or earning a desired promotion poses a challenge when the candidate pool is filled with many similarly skilled professionals. Objective: Educate new practitioner pharmacists on ways to pitch their new skills and make a memorable first impression among their competition. Methods: This article aims to (1) enhance their career prospects by practicing their soft skills, (2) develop strategies to build credibility and creating a personal brand and (3) describe efforts to showcase their professional identity. Conclusions: Preceptors and mentors can help by providing effective feedback to new pharmacists in efforts to improve performance and enhance soft skills.
Engine Speed–Independent Acoustic Signature for Vehicles
Authors: Göksu Hüseyin
Published: April 2018

A vehicle, when running, makes a complex sound emission from the engine, the exhaust, the air conditioner, and other mechanical parts. Analysis of this sound for the purpose of vehicle identification is an interesting practice which has security- and transportation-related applications. Engine speed variation, which causes shifts in the frequency content of the emissions, makes Fourier-based methods ineffective in terms of providing a stable signature for the vehicle. We search for an engine speed–independent acoustic signature for the vehicle, and for this purpose, we propose wavelet packet analysis rather than traditional time- or frequency-domain methods. Wavelet packet analysis, by providing arbitrary time–frequency resolution, enables analyzing signals of stationary and non-stationary nature. It has better time representation than Fourier analysis and better high-frequency resolution than wavelet analysis. Under varying engine speed, sound emissions are recorded from four cars and analyzed by wavelet packet analysis. Wavelet packet analysis subimages are further analyzed to obtain feature vectors in the form of log energy entropy, norm entropy, and energy. These feature vectors are fed into a classifier, multilayer perceptron, for evaluation. While norm entropy achieves a classification rate of 100%, log energy entropy and energy achieves classification rates of 99.26% and 97.79%, respectively. These results indicate that, wavelet packet analysis along with norm entropy and multilayer perceptron provides an accurate vehicle-specific acoustic signature independent of the engine speed.
The new mandate and work of ICRP Committee 4
Authors: Cool D.A.
Published: April 2018

Committee 4 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) is charged with the development of principles and recommendations on radiological protection of people and the environment in all exposure situations. For the term beginning in July 2017, the Committee has a total of 18 members from 12 countries. The programme of work includes a wide range of activities in five major thematic areas. The first is the consolidation and preparation of reports elaborating application of the system of protection in existing exposure situations. Second is the continuation of work on emergency exposure situations, and ICRP updates to recommendations in light of the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Third is examination of fundamentals of protection recommendations, including the ethical principles underlying the recommendations and application of those principles in practical decision making. Fourth is the new area of integration of protection of the environment into the system of protection. Finally, Committee 4 continues work to prepare specific topical reports on subjects in which additional information is useful to understand and apply the Commission’s recommendations in particular circumstances.
Normativism and realism within contemporary democratic constitutionalism
Authors: Fabbrizi Valerio
Published: April 2018

The renewed interest on political realism can offer a new reading of the traditional dichotomy between normative and realist conception of constitutionalism. The purpose of this article is to analyse this renewed discussion, especially by focusing on the relationship between “political realism” and “political constitutionalism,” in the light of some theorists and authors—such as Richard Bellamy and Jeremy Waldron. After a brief introduction in which political realism will be discussed, especially through Bernard Williams’ reinterpretation, the article proposes a rereading of democratic constitutionalism from the classical dichotomy between normativism and realism in political theory. The focus will be set on three key issues: 1. Richard Bellamy’s constitutional theory in a realist perspective; 2. An insight of legal constitutionalism under a normative banner; 3. A brief conclusion in which the risks of a majoritarian and populist constitutionalism will be discussed.
The AAA + ATPase Thorase is neuroprotective against ischemic injury
Authors: Zhang Jianmin , Yang Jia , Wang Huaishan , Sherbini Omar , Keuss Matthew J , Umanah George KE , Pai Emily Ling-Lin , Chi Zhikai , Paldanius Kaisa MA , He Wei , Wang Hong , Andrabi Shaida A , Dawson Ted M , Dawson Valina L
Published: April 2018

Neuronal preconditioning in vitro or in vivo with a stressful but non-lethal stimulus leads to new protein expression that mediates a profound neuroprotection against glutamate excitotoxicity and experimental stroke. The proteins that mediate neuroprotection are relatively unknown and under discovery. Here we find that the expression of the AAA + ATPase Thorase is induced by preconditioning stimulation both in vitro and in vivo. Thorase provides neuroprotection in an ATP-dependent manner against oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) neurotoxicity or glutamate N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in vitro. Knock-down of Thorase prevents the establishment of preconditioning induced neuroprotection against OGD or NMDA neurotoxicity. Transgenic overexpression of Thorase provides neuroprotection in vivo against middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced stroke in mice, while genetic deletion of Thorase results in increased injury in vivo following stroke. These results define Thorase as a neuroprotective protein and understanding Thorase signaling could offer a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurologic disorders.
Benefit of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Surgically Staged Stage I-II Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Köse Mehmet Faruk , Garipagaoglu Melahat , Kayikçioğlu Fulya , Yalvaç Serdar , Adli Mustafa , Koçak Zafer , Boran Nurettin , Haberal AM , Cakmak Ahmet
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

This study was performed to determine the treatment outcomes and patterns of failure following external beam therapy in patients with pathological stage I-II endometrial carcinoma.

Study design

Eighty-three patients with stage I-II endometrial carcinoma surgically staged who were found to have high risk factors and who received postoperative radiation therapy are the subject of this report. High risk factors were: histologic grade II-III, depth of myometrial invasion (DMI) ≥1/2, stage II, poor prognostic histology (clear cell, papillary serous cell) and lymphovascular invasion.

Results

Recurrences were observed in six patients. The recurrences were located in the vagina (1), lung (2), liver (1), and paraaortic lymph nodes (1). Five of the six recurrences were stage IC and II. The overall survival (OS), cause-specific survival (CSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at five years were 82.9%, 85.0% and 81.3%, respectively. DMI, grade, age and cervical stromal invasion had a significant impact on CSS.

Conclusion

Adjuvant radiotherapy decreases the rate of relapse in pathologically staged high-risk stage I-II endometrial carcinoma patients. After reviewing the other studies on this subject we conclude that vaginal cuff brachytherapy alone could be used in stage IA grade III and stage IB grade I-II patients because the recurrence rate is low; pelvic radiotherapy + vaginal cuff brachytherapy should be used for stage IC-II disease. Distant metastases occurred in five of our patients and represent a significant type of failure.
Characterization of Tumor-Associated Antigens on Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Using Monoclonal Antibody 3F8E3
Authors: Pichan Deepika , Thomas M. Loui , Damodaran Anita , Fakih Abdul R. , Chiplunkar Shubhada V.
Published: April 2018

Tumor associated antigen (TAA) on oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was characterized using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) 3F8E3. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a varying degree of reactivity of MAb 3F8E3 to TAA on oral tumor cells. Pretreatment of SCC cells with pronase and trypsin annulled the reactivity of MAb 3F8E3. Sodium metaperiodate (NaIO4) and neuraminidase marginally enhanced the binding of 3F8E3 on oral SCC cells. The studies indicate that the TAA recognized by MAb 3F8E3 on oral tumors is a protein moiety. On Western blotting MAb 3F8E3 showed reactivity to proteins with a molecular weight of 60-66 kDa on oral tumor lysates. MAb 3F8E3 reacted strongly to recombinant human hsp60 and 70 in ELISA. The results suggest that MAb 3F8E3 may react to an epitope expressed on a family of heat shock proteins.
Rectal Neurogenic Sarcoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rosati Gerardo , Chiacchio Rosistella , Rossi Antonio , Dinota Angelo , Manzione Luigi
Published: April 2018

A neurogenic sarcoma without NF-1 was discovered in a 73-year-old woman in the anorectal region, an unusual site for these tumors. The tumor was of high-grade malignancy and deeply located with mesorectal infiltration; it did not originate from a major nerve. We presume an origin from less differentiated neural crest cells and present a review of the literature on the best treatment for these neoplasms.
Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients with Malignant Dysphagia
Authors: Brunelli Cinzia , Mosconi Paola , Boeri Paolo , Gangeri Laura , Pizzetti Paolo , Cerrai Federico , Schicchi Angelo , Apolone Giovanni , Tamburini Marcello
Published: April 2018

Background

In the last 10 years of clinical research there has been increasing interest in the evaluation of quality of life. Several generic and specific instruments have been developed for this purpose. EORTC QLQ C-30 is a cancer-specific questionnaire translated into various languages and validated in several European countries including Italy, where the impact of malignant disease on different areas of quality of life is poorly documented.

Methods

The EORTC QLQ C-30 was administered to 109 patients referred to the endoscopy division of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, for endoscopic palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia to test its characteristics in terms of acceptability and clinical validity.

Results

In this group of patients the impact of advanced esophageal cancer was highly evident for Emotional and Physical Functioning, Fatigue and Global QoL scales. Dysphagia is a serious problem for many patients; there is a correlation between grade of dysphagia and four QoL dimensions.

Conclusions

QoL assessment is an important tool to evaluate the adequate management of patients with esophageal cancer. The EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire proved to be valid and reliable also in this population.
Preoperative Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Mancino Gennaro , Bozzetti Federico , Schicchi Angelo , Schiavo Marcello , Spinelli Pasquale , Andreola Salvatore
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

There is a need to assess the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the diagnosis and staging of gastric cancer, especially in the early and very advanced stages of the disease when the therapeutic approach is still controversial.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 79 patients with gastric cancer in order to compare the stage defined by preoperative EUS with that assessed histopathologically. All patients underwent laparotomy for final diagnosis, staging, and eventually treatment. The results of EUS were correlated with the histologic findings of the resected specimens.

Results

In the uT1 group, which corresponds to early gastric cancer, the diagnosis was histologically confirmed in 85.7% of the cases. In patients with advanced tumors defined as uT3-uT4, i.e., tumors infiltrating the serosa or neighboring structures, the diagnostic concordance was 91.1%. In contrast, concordance for less advanced lesions confined to the muscular layer was only 31.2%. As regards the lymph nodes, they were defined metastatic in 31 patients and confirmed to be histologically involved in 77.4%. In contrast, when the lymph nodes were assessed as negative at EUS, they proved to be metastatic in more than half the cases.

Conclusions

From the data it appears that EUS has proven to be valuable in correctly staging most of the patients. EUS shows not only tumor depth and local spread but also the passage from a pathologic to a normal wall and lymph node metastasis. EUS appears to represent an important advance in the staging and follow-up of patients with gastric cancer. Instruments and techniques will continue to evolve, but the next level of research should be designed to show that the improved staging provided by EUS has clinical utility and can affect patient outcome. It is noteworthy that the highest accuracy of EUS has been shown in those conditions (uT1 and uT3-4) which currently are under consideration for a therapeutic approach that differs from the standard one.
Feasibility of a Cell Kinetic-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial in Axillary Node-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Volpi Annalisa , Nanni Oriana , Vecci Anna Maria , Naldi Stefania , Bernardi Livia , Marri Liliana , Fedeli Stefano Luzi , Serra Patrizia , Amadori Dino
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Accumulated information on biologic prognostic indicators and predictors of response to different types of treatment in patients with different tumor characteristics has made it possible to design clinical protocols on biologic bases. Among cell proliferation indices, the thymidine labelling index (TLI) has proved to be an independent and consistent prognostic indicator over time. Moreover, experimental and retrospective analyses of clinical studies have revealed a direct relation between TLI and response to chemotherapy. On the basis of the results, a prospective clinical protocol on axillary node-negative breast cancer was activated in Italy in 1989.

Methods

Patients with low TLI tumors were treated with local-regional therapy alone, whereas patients with high TLI tumors were randomized to receive local-regional therapy followed or not by adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of 6 cycles of CMF.

Results and Conclusions

The present paper reports on the feasibility of a prospective clinical protocol based on a subgroup of patients with specific pathologic (node negative) and biologic (rapidly proliferating) breast cancers. However, patient eligibility was only 11%.
Hemangiosarcoma of the Breast Followed by Term Pregnancy
Authors: Marana Heitor R.C. , de Andrade Jurandyr M. , Prado-Filho Francisco Cyro Reis de C. , Llorach-Velludo Maria Angeles Sanches , da Cunha Sergio Pereira , Bighetti Sergio
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

Primary angiosarcoma of the breast is an unusual neoplasm which is generally associated with a dismal prognosis. Given the poor prognosis and the predominance in the third and fourth decades of life when fertility tends to decrease, reports of term pregnancies after treatment of this disease are rare.

Methods and study design

We report a case of angiosarcoma of the breast in a 17-year-old patient with a recurrent breast nodule treated by local surgery only. After three years of follow-up without evidence of disease recurrence she became pregnant.

Results

A girl weighing 2,430 g was delivered at 38 weeks and two days. The patient has been free of disease for five years now.

Conclusions

Our experience of the present case shows the lack of full information about this tumor. Pregnancy does not seem to interfere negatively with the course of the disease.
Information and Awareness of Diagnosis and Progression of Cancer in Adult and Elderly Cancer Patients
Authors: Caruso Anita , Di Francesco Bianca , Pugliese Patrizia , Cinanni Vincenzo , Corlito Anna
Published: April 2018

Aims and background

The present study examines the effects of physicians’ attitudes towards providing information about diagnosis and progression of disease to cancer patients. The aims of the study were to: a) establish how many patients (subdivided into an adult and an elderly group) were informed and how many were aware of the diagnosis and progression of disease; b) identify possible significant differences between the two groups as regards information and awareness of disease; c) determine possible significant differences between information about diagnosis and disease progression and between awareness of diagnosis and progression within each group, and d) identify the patients’ real needs.

Methods and study design

A total of 311 adults and 92 elderly cancer patients were enrolled in the study. A semi-structured clinical interview was employed to assess the “information'’ and “awareness'’ variables and the patients’ needs. Statistical analyses were made with the chi squared test.

Results

Significant differences were observed between the two groups as regards information and awareness of diagnosis. Within each group, we found significant differences between information about diagnosis and progression and between awareness of diagnosis and progression. The principle needs expressed in both groups were to have clear information and emotional containment.

Conclusions

The results of the study showed that physicians informed a greater number of adult than elderly patients and more often during the early rather than in the more advanced stages of the disease.