bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circadian Rhythms and Breast Cancer: The Role of Per2 in Doxorubicin-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Mitchell Megan I. , Engelbrecht Anna-Mart
Published: August 2015

Mammalian circadian rhythms form an integral physiological system allowing for the synchronisation of all metabolic processes to daily light/dark cycles, thereby optimising their efficacy. Circadian disruptions have been implicated in the onset and progression of various cancers, including those arising in the breast. Several links between the circadian protein Per2 and DNA damage responses exist. Aberrant Per2 expression results in potent downstream effects on both cell cycle and apoptotic targets, suggestive of a tumour suppressive role for Per2. Due to the severe dose limiting side effects associated with current chemotherapeutic strategies, including the use of doxorubicin, a need for more effective adjuvant therapies to increase cancer cell susceptibility has arisen. This study was therefore aimed at characterizing the role of Per2 in normal breast epithelia (MCF-12A) and in ER−breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and also at determining the role of Per2 in doxorubicin-induced cell death. In both cell lines Per2 protein expression displayed a 24-hour circadian rhythm in both cell lines. Per2 was located predominantly in the cytoplasm, with nuclear localization observed with lower cytoplasmic fluorescent intensities. Our results show that Per2 silencing effectively sensitizes the chemoresistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Gastric Subepithelial Tumors: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Lee Jin Sung , Kim Gwang Ha , Park Do Youn , Yoon Jong Min , Kim Tae Wook , Seo Jong Hun , Lee Bong Eun , Song Geun Am
Published: August 2015

Background and Aims. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been accepted as a treatment modality for gastrointestinal epithelial tumors. Recently, ESD has been applied to resect subepithelial tumors (SETs) in the gastrointestinal tract, but clinical evidence on its efficacy and safety is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ESD for gastric SETs and to assess possible predictive factors for incomplete resection. Patients and Methods. Between January 2006 and December 2013, a total of 49 patients with gastric SET underwent ESD at our hospital. Clinicopathologic characteristics of patients and SETs, therapeutic outcomes, complications, and follow-up outcomes were evaluated. Results. The overall rates of en bloc resection and complete resection were 88% (43/49) and 84% (43/49), respectively. Complete resection rates in tumors originating from the submucosal layer were significantly higher than those in tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer (90% versus 56%, P=0.028). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, tumor location (upper third: odds ratio [OR] 12.639, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.087–146.996, P=0.043) and layer of tumor origin (muscularis propria: OR 8.174, 95% CI 1.059–63.091, P=0.044) were independently associated with incomplete resection. Procedure-related bleeding and perforation rates were both 4%. No recurrence was observed in patients with complete resection at a median follow-up period of 29 months (range: 7–83 months). Conclusions. ESD is an effective, safe, and feasible treatment for gastric SETs. The frequency of incomplete resection increases in tumors located in the upper third of the stomach and in those originating from the muscularis propria layer.
Blood Contamination in Saliva: Impact on the Measurement of Salivary Oxidative Stress Markers
Authors: Kamodyová Natália , Baňasová Lenka , Janšáková Katarína , Koborová Ivana , Tóthová Ľubomíra , Stanko Peter , Celec Peter
Published: August 2015

Salivary oxidative stress markers represent a promising tool for monitoring of oral diseases. Saliva can often be contaminated by blood, especially in patients with periodontitis. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of blood contamination on the measurement of salivary oxidative stress markers. Saliva samples were collected from 10 healthy volunteers and were artificially contaminated with blood (final concentration 0.001–10%). Next, saliva was collected from 12 gingivitis and 10 control patients before and after dental hygiene treatment. Markers of oxidative stress were measured in all collected saliva samples. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and antioxidant status were changed in 1% blood-contaminated saliva. Salivary AOPP were increased in control and patients after dental treatment (by 45.7% and 34.1%,p<0.01). Salivary AGEs were decreased in patients after microinjury (by 69.3%,p<0.001). Salivary antioxidant status markers were decreased in both control and patients after dental treatment (p<0.05andp<0.01). One % blood contamination biased concentrations of salivary oxidative stress markers. Saliva samples with 1% blood contamination are visibly discolored and can be excluded from analyses without any specific biochemic detection of blood constituents. Salivary markers of oxidative stress were significantly altered in blood-contaminated saliva in control and patients with gingivitis after dental hygiene treatment.
Atypical Endobronchial Carcinoid with Postobstructive Pneumonia Obscuring the Diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Ali Robert , Baldeo Candice , Onyenekwe Jesse , Lala Roshan , Landa Cristian , Siddiqi Anwer
Published: August 2015

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously termed Wegener’s Granulomatosis, is an autoimmune small vessel vasculitis which is highly associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and has varied clinical manifestations. Diagnosis hinges on identifying a combination of clinical features of systemic vasculitis, positive ANCA serology, and histological evidence of necrotizing vasculitis, necrotizing glomerulonephritis, or granulomatous inflammation from a relevant organ biopsy. The American College of Rheumatology has also developed a classification criteria focusing specifically on nasal or oral inflammation, abnormal chest radiograph, and abnormal urinary sediment, along with granulomatous inflammation, which helps to distinguish GPA from other forms of systemic vasculitis. In the case presented below, the diagnosis of GPA was delayed as the patient had a concomitant atypical endobronchial carcinoid which predisposed to postobstructive pneumonia. Fortunately, the papular lesions that developed across her lower limbs prompted further investigations. The return of appropriate serology coincided with progression to alveolar hemorrhage, offering a more complete clinical picture, and when she responded to the combination of steroid, cyclophosphamide, and plasma exchange, the diagnosis of GPA was cinched.
Variant Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Patient with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Authors: Bishay R. H. , Paton J. , Abraham V.
Published: August 2015

We report a 72-year-old female patient with diffuse large B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with previous treatment with standard chemotherapy presenting as an acute, ascending, sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Nerve conduction studies and lumbar puncture supported a rare, but ominous, axonal variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) known as acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), which is distinguished from the more common, acute demyelinating forms of GBS. Previous reports have largely focused on toxicities secondary to chemo- or radiotherapy as a major contributor to the development of acute neuropathies in malignancy. Clinicians should also be mindful of direct neoplastic invasion or, less commonly, paraneoplastic phenomenon, as alternative mechanisms, the latter possibly reflecting immune dysregulation in particularly aggressive lymphomas. At the time of writing, this is the first report in the literature of an axonal variant of GBS in a patient with diffuse large B cell NHL. A discussion regarding common and uncommon neuropathies in haematological malignancies is made, with a brief review of the anecdotal evidence supporting a paraneoplastic association with GBS or its variant forms in the setting of lymphoma.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Novel Factors Conferring Resistance to Topoisomerase II Poisons in Cancer
Authors: Wijdeven Ruud H. , Pang Baoxu , van der Zanden Sabina Y. , Qiao Xiaohang , Blomen Vincent , Hoogstraat Marlous , Lips Esther H. , Janssen Lennert , Wessels Lodewyk , Brummelkamp Thijn R. , Neefjes Jacques
Published: August 2015

The topoisomerase II poisons doxorubicin and etoposide constitute longstanding cornerstones of chemotherapy. Despite their extensive clinical use, many patients do not respond to these drugs. Using a genome-wide gene knockout approach, we identified Keap1, the SWI/SNF complex, and C9orf82 (CAAP1) as independent factors capable of driving drug resistance through diverse molecular mechanisms, all converging on the DNA double-strand break (DSB) and repair pathway. Loss of Keap1 or the SWI/SNF complex inhibits generation of DSB by attenuating expression and activity of topoisomerase IIα, respectively, whereas deletion of C9orf82 augments subsequent DSB repair. Their corresponding genes, frequently mutated or deleted in human tumors, may impact drug sensitivity, as exemplified by triple-negative breast cancer patients with diminished SWI/SNF core member expression who exhibit reduced responsiveness to chemotherapy regimens containing doxorubicin. Collectively, our work identifies genes that may predict the response of cancer patients to the broadly used topoisomerase II poisons and defines alternative pathways that could be therapeutically exploited in treatment-resistant patients. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4176–87. ©2015 AACR.
Effects of Astragaloside IV Against the TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells by Promoting Smad 7 Expression
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Zhenghong , He Weiming , Xu Lingdong , Wang Jing , Shi Jun , Sheng Meixiao
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims: To investigate the effect of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in peritoneal mesothelial cells with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods: EMT of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HMrSV5) was induced using 2 ng/ml TGF-β1. Cells were randomly divided into a vehicle group, a vehicle group with AS-IV, a TGF-β1 treated group, and a TGF-β1 treated group receiving varied doses of AS-IV or NAC. Real-time quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of genes and proteins associated with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and EMT. DCFH-DA was used to detect the generation of ROS in HMrSV5 cells, and a transwell migration assay was used to verify the capacity of AS-IV to inhibit EMT in HMrSV5 cells. Lentiviruses were used as carriers for the overexpression or knockdown of the Smad7 gene. Results: Expression levels of E-cadherin (epithelial marker) was decreased and vimentin, α-SMA (EMT markers) and collagen I (extracellular matrix protein) phospho-Smad2/3, Snail1 and Snail2 was increased significantly in the TGF-β1-treated HMrSV5 cells. AS-IV was associated with downregulated expression of vimentin and phospho-Smad2/3 in a dose-dependent manner, while the expression of Smad7 increased. Silenced or forced expression of Smad7 verified its role in the inhibitory effect of AS-IV on TGF-β1-induced EMT in HMrSV5 cells. Conclusion: AS-IV effectively promotes the upregulation of Smad7 in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway during the EMT of HMrSV5 cells, indicating its potential therapeutic effect for the control of PF.
Retrospective Rescreening of Negative Cervical Cytology Samples Preceding Histologically Proven CIN2-3 and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Educational Opportunity to Understand and Prevent Laboratory Errors
Authors: Feoli Francesco , Renard Christine , Abouyahia Meryme , De Wind Roland , Larsimont Denis , Arbyn Marc
Published: August 2015

Objectives: We aimed to analyze the false-negative (FN) liquid-based cytology diagnoses from the 5 years preceding all the 2013 histologically proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2-3 and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to propose corrective actions. Study Design: This was a retrospective, blinded rescreening (‘5-year look-back') of liquid-based cytology samples with negative categorizations, which occurred before histologically proven CIN2-3 and SCC. Results: The FN rate was 7.8% (21/256 samples preceding CIN2-3 and 0/13 samples preceding SCC). Slides confirmed as ‘negative', ‘interpretation error' and ‘screening error', respectively, were 3.3% (9/269), 2.6% (7/269) and 1.9% (5/269). In 9/12 cases, error was associated with small atypical cells. In 7/12 cases, these diagnostic cells were less than 5/10 HPF. Inflammation and prominent reactive changes were present in 5/12 cases. Five patients had a positive clinical history. In 2 cases, there were multiple-cell-layer artifacts. Dense groups of small blue atypical cells were missed in 2 other cases. Dotting was imprecise in 6/7 samples. Conclusion: Considering the above results, we specifically reoriented our continuous education activities, focusing rapid rescreening on scanty, isolated, small, atypical cells and dense cell groups. Prior to final diagnosis, pathologists should systematically review the entire surface of the dotted slides, with special attention being devoted to slides with multiple cell layers and tridimensional groups.
Long-Term Mortality among Hospitalized Non-ICU Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Referred to Nephrology
Authors: Ruiz-Criado Jorge , Ramos-Barron Maria-Angeles , Fernandez-Fresnedo Gema , Rodrigo Emilio , De Francisco Angel-Luis Martin , Arias Manuel , Gomez-Alamillo Carlos
Published: August 2015

Background: Epidemiological studies of acute kidney injury (AKI) have focused on patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), and several have studied hospitalized non-ICU patients, but analysis of patients referred to Nephrology is sparse. We analyzed factors associated with short- and long-term morbimortality among hospitalized non-ICU patients with AKI who were referred to Nephrology. Methods: A retrospective study with data prospectively collected from 170 non-ICU patients, with referral to the Nephrology Unit, recruited over a 4-year period, was performed. AKI was classified according to the criteria based on risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function and end-stage kidney disease (RIFLE). Risk factors that could influence prognosis of AKI and long-term mortality were analyzed at admission. Early on, 1- and 10-year mortalities were correlated with AKI RIFLE class, clinical and demographic characteristics. Results: Most patients were >65 years, with multiple comorbidities and frequent drug intake history. Median Charlson score was 6. Twenty-five percent of patients with previously unknown chronic kidney disease (CKD) were diagnosed with CKD during the study. Dialysis was required in 13.5% of patients. Hospital deaths were 22.4% and significantly associated with older age, RIFLE class L, higher peak serum creatinine, oliguria and decreased serum albumin levels. One-year (38.8%) and 10-year (68.8%) mortalities were significantly associated with age, prior cardiovascular disease, prior CKD and RIFLE class L. According to the Cox proportional hazard model, age, prior CKD and RIFLE class L were independent risk factors of death at 1 and 10 years. Conclusions: AKI in hospitalized non-ICU patients is associated with high early and late mortality. This study increases our understanding of AKI among this specific population and can improve their management.
Leap of Faith: Does Serum Luteinizing Hormone Always Accurately Reflect Central Reproductive Neuroendocrine Activity?
Authors: Moenter Suzanne M.
Published: August 2015

The function of the central aspects of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has been assessed in a number of ways including direct measurements of the hypothalamic output and indirect measures using gonadotropin release from the pituitary as a bioassay for reproductive neuroendocrine activity. Here, methods for monitoring these various parameters are briefly reviewed and then examples presented of both concordance and discrepancy between central and peripheral measurements, with a focus on situations in which elevated gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurosecretion is not reflected accurately by pituitary luteinizing hormone release. Implications for the interpretation of gonadotropin data are discussed.
Mosses of Tikehau Atoll (Tuamotu Archipelago, South Pacific)
Authors: Kuc Marian
Published: August 2015

Six moss species found on Tikehau Atoll in the Tuamoto Archipelago of French Polynesia are discussed in the context of their habitats and distribution. Selected ecological observations and some bryo-geobotanical problems are considered.
Effects of Meteorological and Ancillary Data, Temporal Averaging, and Evaluation Methods on Model Performance and Uncertainty in a Land Surface Model
Authors: Ménard Cécile B. , Ikonen Jaakko , Rautiainen Kimmo , Aurela Mika , Arslan Ali Nadir , Pulliainen Jouni
Published: August 2015

A single-model 16-member ensemble is used to investigate how external model factors can affect model performance. Ensemble members are constructed with the land surface model (LSM) Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES), with different choices of meteorological forcing [in situ, NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR)/CFSv2, or Water and Global Change (WATCH) Forcing Data ERA-Interim (WFDEI)] and ancillary datasets (in situ or remotely sensed), and with four time step modes. Effects of temporal averaging are investigated by comparing the hourly, daily, monthly, and seasonal ensemble performance against snow depth and water equivalent, soil temperature and moisture, and latent and sensible heat fluxes from one forest site and one clearing in the boreal ecozone of Finnish Lapland. Results show that meteorological data are the largest source of uncertainty; differences in ancillary data have little effect on model results. Although generally informative and representative, aggregated performance metrics fail to identify “right results for the wrong reasons”; to do so, scrutinizing of time series and of interactions between variables is necessary. Temporal averaging over longer intervals improves metrics—with the notable exception of bias, which increases—by reducing the effects of internal data and model variability on model response. Model evaluation during shoulder seasons (fall minus spring) identifies weaknesses in the reanalyses datasets that conventional seasonal performance (winter minus summer) neglects. In view of the importance of snow on the range of results obtained with the same model, let alone identical simulations using different temporal averaging, it is recommended that systematic evaluation, quantification of errors, and uncertainties in snow-covered regions be incorporated in future efforts to standardize evaluation methods of LSMs.
Toward a Culturally and Contextually Sensitive Understanding of Resilience
Authors: Theron Linda C.
Published: August 2015

Extant theories of resilience, or the process of adjusting well to adversity, privilege the voices of minority-world young people. Consequently, the resilience of marginalized, majority-world youth is imperfectly understood, and majority-world social ecologies struggle to facilitate resilience in ways that respect the insights of majority-world youth and their cultural and contextual positioning. Accordingly, this article makes audible, as it were, the voices of 181 rural, Black, South African adolescents with the purpose of explicating which resilience-supporting processes characterize their positive adjustment to disadvantaged life-worlds, and how contextual and cultural realities shape such processes. Deductive and inductive analyses of a narrative and visual data set, generated in the qualitative phase of an explanatory mixed-methods study, revealed that universally occurring resilience-supporting mechanisms inform positive adjustment. Importantly, which mechanisms these youth prioritized, and the form these mechanisms take, are shaped by contextual realities of absent men and commonplace suffering, and a cultural reality of strong women, human and spiritual care, and valorization of education. Attention to these adolescents’ voices not only prompts specific, culturally and contextually relevant leverage points for resilience but also reinforces the importance of attending to young people’s preferred pathways of resilience in order to understand and champion resilience in socially just ways.
A case study of regulatory confusion: Paid parental leave and public servants
Authors: Williamson Sue
Published: August 2015

Australian policy on paid parental leave (PPL) has been highly controversial in recent years. While a universal PPL scheme become operative in 2011 under the Australian Labor Party, alternative policies continued to be proposed by the leader of the Liberal Party. These ranged from an expanded, comparatively generous PPL scheme, to one which would maintain the status quo, to a scheme with lesser provisions than are currently available. This article examines the PPL policy which would have provided the most generous entitlements to employees, and considers how public servants may have fared had it been introduced. The proposal would have meant that public servants would no longer have been able to access PPL provisions in their industrial instruments, but would only have been entitled to the legislated provisions. This article assesses whether public servants may have gained or lost under such a change, and then considers the broader issue of the most appropriate avenues to regulate public sector employment conditions. While a rare opportunity for enhanced PPL has been lost, this may be the best outcome in ensuring that unions can continue to bargain collectively for this important provision and ongoing improvements to it.
Junction problem for rigid and Timoshenko elastic inclusions in elastic bodies
Authors: Khludnev AM , Faella L , Popova TS
Published: August 2015

This paper concerns an equilibrium problem for a two-dimensional elastic body with a thin Timoshenko elastic inclusion and a thin rigid inclusion. It is assumed that the inclusions have a joint point and we analyze a junction problem for these inclusions. The existence of solutions is proved and the different equivalent formulations of the problem are discussed. In particular, the junction conditions at the joint point are found. A delamination of the elastic inclusion is also assumed. In this case, the inequality-type boundary conditions are imposed at the crack faces to prevent a mutual penetration between the crack faces. We investigate the convergence to infinity and zero of a rigidity parameter of the elastic inclusion. It is proved that in the limit, we obtain a rigid inclusion and a zero rigidity inclusion (a crack).
Catching Up to the CCSS
Authors: Quebec Fuentes Sarah , Switzer J. Matt , Jimerson Jo Beth
Published: August 2015

This case provides principals and principal licensure candidates an opportunity to delve into the nuances of supervising teachers in content areas, which may be unfamiliar, and to explore strategies for increasing knowledge about the structures and emphases of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The case presents issues related to curriculum, instructional leadership strategies, professional learning networks, and supervision and evaluation of teachers. It can also be a springboard for connecting principals and licensure candidates with resources to deepen familiarity with best practice research in mathematics instruction.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of plasma amyloid 1-42 and tau as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shanthi Keerthanaa Balasubramanian , Krishnan Sreeram , Rani P
Published: August 2015

Objective:

Amyloid 1-42 (Aβ42) and tau in cerebrospinal fluid are currently used as markers for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Conflicting reports exist regarding their plasma levels in Alzheimer’s disease patients. A meta-analysis was performed to statistically validate the use of plasma Aβ42 and tau as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods:

Different databases were searched using the search key: (amyloid OR amyloid1-42 OR Aβ42) AND (tau OR total tau) AND plasma AND (alzheimer’s OR alzheimer’s disease), and for databases not accepting boolean search, records were retrieved using the search key: plasma + amyloid + tau + alzheimer’s. A total of 1880 articles for Aβ42 and 1508 articles for tau were shortlisted. The abstracts were screened, and 69 articles reporting plasma Aβ42 levels and 6 articles reporting plasma tau were identified. After exclusion, 25 studies reporting plasma Aβ42 and 6 studies reporting total tau were analysed in Review Manager version 5.2 using weighted mean difference method, and the bias between studies was assessed using the funnel plot.

Results:

Plasma Aβ42 and tau did not vary significantly between Alzheimer’s disease patients and controls. The funnel plot showed that there was no bias between studies for Aβ42, while possible bias existed for tau due to availability of limited studies.

Conclusion:

This analysis pinpoints that plasma Aβ42 and tau could not serve as reliable markers independently for diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and a cohort study with age, sex and apolipoprotein E correction is warranted for their possible use as Alzheimer’s disease markers.
Contribution of Germline Mutations in the RAD51B, RAD51C, and RAD51D Genes to Ovarian Cancer in the Population
Authors: Song Honglin , Dicks Ed , Ramus Susan J. , Tyrer Jonathan P. , Intermaggio Maria P. , Hayward Jane , Edlund Christopher K. , Conti David , Harrington Patricia , Fraser Lindsay , Philpott Susan , Anderson Christopher , Rosenthal Adam , Gentry-Maharaj Aleksandra , Bowtell David D. , Alsop Kathryn , Cicek Mine S. , Cunningham Julie M. , Fridley Brooke L. , Alsop Jennifer , Jimenez-Linan Mercedes , Høgdall Estrid , Høgdall Claus K. , Jensen Allan , Kjaer Susanne Krüger , Lubiński Jan , Huzarski Tomasz , Jakubowska Anna , Gronwald Jacek , Poblete Samantha , Lele Shashi , Sucheston-Campbell Lara , Moysich Kirsten B. , Odunsi Kunle , Goode Ellen L. , Menon Usha , Jacobs Ian J. , Gayther Simon A. , Pharoah Paul D.P.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to estimate the contribution of deleterious mutations in the RAD51B, RAD51C, and RAD51D genes to invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in the population and in a screening trial of individuals at high risk of ovarian cancer.

Patients and Methods

The coding sequence and splice site boundaries of the three RAD51 genes were sequenced and analyzed in germline DNA from a case-control study of 3,429 patients with invasive EOC and 2,772 controls as well as in 2,000 unaffected women who were BRCA1/BRCA2 negative from the United Kingdom Familial Ovarian Cancer Screening Study (UK_FOCSS) after quality-control analysis.

Results

In the case-control study, we identified predicted deleterious mutations in 28 EOC cases (0.82%) compared with three controls (0.11%; P < .001). Mutations in EOC cases were more frequent in RAD51C (14 occurrences, 0.41%) and RAD51D (12 occurrences, 0.35%) than in RAD51B (two occurrences, 0.06%). RAD51C mutations were associated with an odds ratio of 5.2 (95% CI, 1.1 to 24; P = .035), and RAD51D mutations conferred an odds ratio of 12 (95% CI, 1.5 to 90; P = .019). We identified 13 RAD51 mutations (0.65%) in unaffected UK_FOCSS participants (RAD51C, n = 7; RAD51D, n = 5; and RAD51B, n = 1), which was a significantly greater rate than in controls (P < .001); furthermore, RAD51 mutation carriers were more likely than noncarriers to have a family history of ovarian cancer (P < .001).

Conclusion

These results confirm that RAD51C and RAD51D are moderate ovarian cancer susceptibility genes and suggest that they confer levels of risk of EOC that may warrant their use alongside BRCA1 and BRCA2 in routine clinical genetic testing.
Reviews Books
Authors: Frank Zoë June , Lerner Sarah E. , Lordan Tom , Ward Caleb Andrew , Warfield Lizzie , Wolfman Archie
Published: August 2015

Continental Strangers: German Exile Cinema, 1933–1951, Gerd Gemünden, (2014) New York: Columbia University, 296pp., ISBN: 9780231166799 (pbk), $30.00, ISBN: 9780231166782 (cloth), $90.00

Technology and Desire: The Transgressive Art of Moving Images, Rania Gaafar and Martin Schulz, (2014) Bristol, UK: Intellect, 350pp., ISBN: 9781841504612 (pbk), $43.00

The Cinema of Alexander Sokurov: Figures of Paradox, Jeremi Szaniawski, (2014) New York: Wallflower Press, 256pp., ISBN: 9780231167352 (pbk), $25.00

The Cinema of Michael Winterbottom: Borders, Intimacy, Terror, Bruce Bennett, (2013) New York: Wallflower Press, 224pp., ISBN: 9780231167376 (pbk), $25.00, ISBN: 9780231167369 (hbk), $75.00

Finding Ourselves at the Movies: Philosophy for a New Generation, Paul W. Kahn, (2013) New York: Columbia University Press, 256pp., ISBN: 9780231164382 (hbk), $35.99, ISBN: 9780231164382 (ebook), $34.99

Two Bicycles: The Work of Jean-Luc Godard and Anne-Marie Miéville, Jerry White, (2013) Ontario: Wilfred Laurier University Press, 202pp., ISBN: 9781554589357 (pbk), $39.99
Rol mediador docente en la comprensión de textos
Authors: García Sandra Milena
Published: August 2015

Este artículo resultado de investigaciónanaliza las relaciones que emergen entre el rol mediador del docente y la lectura de textos expositivos, el uso de estrategias metacognitivas se plantea como una herramienta didáctica útil para la formación de lectores autónomos desde el diseño de  investigación - acción  se muestran transformaciones significativas en las interacciones de aula asociadas al mejoramiento de la comprensión lectora de un grupo de estudiantes de educación media.

 
La escritura en un programa posgradual: mitos y realidades. Una experiencia transformadora
Authors: Moreno Cardozo Sandra Maritza , Hernández Barbosa Rubinsten
Published: August 2015

Se describe y analiza el desarrollo de un curso taller sobre la escritura en un programa posgradual. La propuesta didáctica toma en cuenta no solo las dificultades identificadas en los estudiantes en la etapa de diagnóstico, que tienen orígenes diversos, sino también las expectativas de los propios estudiantes y del programa. Se describen y analizan los resultados del curso taller considerando cuatro fases de su puesta en marcha: diagnóstico, diseño, desarrollo y evaluación. Los resultados permiten anotar que los estudiantes resignifican sus concepciones acerca de la escritura y avanzan en la comprensión de esta como un proceso intelectual enmarcado en las prácticas sociodiscursivas, aspecto determinante para que los maestros se replanteen la manera como abordan la escritura en su propio ejercicio docente y como miembros de una comunidad académica.
Entrevista Dr.Carlos Javier Mosquera
Authors: Mosquera Carlos Javier , Castiblanco Olga
Published: August 2015

El cambio didáctico y la epistemología
Desarrollo de la competencia argumentativa a través de la toma de decisiones en el abordaje de la cuestión sociocientífica “uso y comercialización del PVC”
Authors: Achury Lady Carolina , Alvarez Hoyos Jenny
Published: August 2015

Se presenta el diseño y la puesta a punto de una estrategia de intervención didáctica con la implementación de una secuencia didáctica aplicada en estudiantes de grado undécimo de un colegio público de la ciudad de Bogotá-Colombia. Utilizamos una perspectiva de investigación cualitativa usando categorías de análisis adoptadas, contextualizadas y ampliadas a partir del trabajo de Driver y Newton citado por Moreno y Martínez (2009) y la toma de decisiones propuesta por Janis y Mann (1977); Wheeler y Janis (1980)  en Maguregi, (2010).  Buscamos aumentar la comprensión de la viabilidad de esta estrategia en términos de la articulación de la competencia argumentativa en la toma de decisiones; mediante el abordaje de la cuestión sociocientífica “uso y comercialización del Policloruro de Vinilo (PVC)”. En un primer momento se analizan las concepciones de los estudiantes frente a los polímeros, específicamente al PVC, con el objetivo de establecer algunos parámetros que permitan mejorar la secuencia a implementar. Posteriormente, se presentan los resultados obtenidos en la actividad llamada “La controversia” en donde se discutió una noticia que fue publicada en un periódico nacional sobre el PVC como un plástico nocivo para la salud y el medio ambiente, así como videos relacionados con el uso del PVC, analizando el nivel de argumentación en los estudiantes.

 
Imaginarios sociales sobre el maestro hombre en la educación de la primera infancia en el centro Acunar Arte…Sanos de Sonrisas
Authors: Rios Rodriguez Gabriel Jaime , Rios Rodriguez Gabriel Jaime , Rozo Vargas Cristina Alejandra
Published: August 2015

Este articulo da cuenta de un proceso investigativo de carácter cualitativo-interpretativo, este fue dispuesto con el fin de develar los imaginarios sociales que tienen los padres de familia y maestros sobre el maestro hombre en la educación para la primera infancia, desde un contexto específico, una institución pública de la ciudad de Bogotá dedicada a la atención integral de niños y niñas en primera infancia de la capital Colombiana. Se hace referencia principalmente  a los hallazgos obtenidos a partir del análisis de los autores, a partir de los diálogos construidos en dos instrumentos principales, la encuesta y la entrevista, realizada a maestros y padres de familia que se enfrentan a una circunstancia poco tradicional como lo es el maestro-hombre como encargado de un aula de este tipo. Y por último describe a criterio del grupo investigador los imaginarios hallados en el transcurso del proceso adelantado en el marco de la Especialización en Infancia Cultura y Desarrollo de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas.

 
Caracterización fisicoquímica de cuarzo en el municipio de La Playa de Belén, departamento de Norte de Santander
Authors: Hoyos Palacio Lina Marcela , Espinel Blanco Edwin , Quintero Martínez Yeixon
Published: August 2015

El cuarzo es un silicato, se presenta en una gran variedad de condiciones geológicas, aparece en muchas rocas ígneas y metamórficas, y es un constituyente principal de pegmatitas graníticas. Entre los minerales, el cuarzo es el más próximo a un compuesto químico puro y tiene propiedades físicas constantes. Debido a sus aplicaciones y usos, se convierte en un material que contribuye a mejorar las condiciones de vida del hombre, por tal razón se hace evidente la necesidad de conocer sus propiedades para proponer aplicaciones óptimas. Este trabajo describe las propiedades físicas y químicas del cuarzo en el municipio de La Playa de Belén, departamento de Norte de Santander, Colombia, mediante el uso de técnicas elementales. Se utilizan las técnicas de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (MEB) con analizador de energías dispersas (EDS), difracción de rayos X (DRX), análisis termogravimétrico (TGA) y diferencial termogravimétrico (DTG). Con este análisis se obtuvieron las características composicionales, químicas, morfológicas y se evaluó el comportamiento térmico de acuerdo con la composición.
Dendritic cell defects in primary immunodeficiency disorders
Authors: Burns Siobhan O.
Published: August 2015

Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen-presenting cells that play a key role in linking the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. In vitro, DC perform critical functions such as antigen uptake and processing, priming of naïve T cells and production of cytokines to regulate other immune cells. In vivo experimental systems support a central role for DC in inducing protective immune responses but the effect of DC deficiency in existing whole animal models is smaller than would be predicted. Studies of human primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) have significantly advanced our understanding of the development and function of other immune cells and provide some important information about DC. Although only a small number of rare monogenic PID that cause DC deficiency have been described to date, impaired DC function forms part of the immunophenotype of several PID and is likely to contribute to clinical presentation. This review focuses on what is known so far about the role of DC in PID and what implications this has for basic DC biology.
The Influence of Microbiological Quality of Water Resources in Dairy Goat Farms
Authors: Iancu Ramona Maria
Published: August 2015

Water pollution is an essential component for the farmers in managing their agriculture fams. In almost all cases, without the chemical and microbiological analysis of water samples, the effect is damaging the animals and also the consumers. The study was carried out in Sibiu region of Romania, along Hârtibaciu River, and includes four farms, averaging 250 goats with different production system. Difficulties in ensuring quality milk, derived from various sources of contamination, the quality of water is directly depended on the maintenance of water suply. The foreign substances or microorganisms sometimes don’t affect the appearance or taste of the water, but can influence the health of animals and of course the quality of dairy products. This study was made to analyse the microbiological quality of water resources of the farmers, knowing that this is a major factor which influence the guality of the milk. The bacteriological tests were made onto Agar medium culture in petri dishes and were incubated at 37°C for 48h. Based on the microbiologicaly tests of the Hârtibaciu River resource, we could analyse the quality of the milk, too. The results of this study was presented and discused with the farmers and it was the starting point for them in changing their breeding technology, looking forward to improve their dairy production. A better quality of goat milk will be the main purpose of this study knowing that the farmers successed in their business
The Influence of Storage Time on the Yield of Alcohol Extraction from Marc
Authors: Balteş Mihaela
Published: August 2015

The influence of time on the yield of alcohol extraction from marc stored monitored and interpreted for 10, respectively 20, 40, 60 and 80 days was investigated. The distillation of diffusion juice obtained through two fermentation variants led to the conclusion that a longer storage time leads to a drastic decrease of the alcohol level in marc. Thus, this valuable sub product evaporates, i.e. is lost. It was clear that the results were strongly connected, although the procedure differs from the point of view of the order of the technological succession.
Antimicrobial Effect of Escherichia Coli on Essential Oils Derived from Romanian Aromatic Plants
Authors: Şandru Daniela Maria
Published: August 2015

This paper investigates the antimicrobial action of Escherichia coli ATCCR CRM-8739TM on the following essential oils: Teucrium marum, Pinus sylwestris, Thymus vulgaris, Salviae aethedaroleum, Cinnamomum aromaticum, Hippophae rhamnoides, Lavandula angustifolia, Abies alba, Zingiber officinale, Anethum graveolens, Coriandrum sativum, Origanum vulgare, extracted industrialy from romanian plants, using the diffusion disc method. The most intense activity was observed at the essential oil of Cinnamomum aromaticum (cinnamon) and the mildest activity was observed at Zingiber officinale (ginger). Many of the essential oils tested exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity, as Teucrium marum, Thymus vulgaris, Hippophae rhamnoides, Lavandula angustifolia,Coriandrum sativum. The lowest antibacterial activity was exhibited on Pinus sylwestris, Salviae aethedaroleum, Zingiber officinale and Anethum graveolens.
Trabecular coating on curved alumina substrates using a novel bioactive and strong glass-ceramic
Authors: Baino Francesco , Vitale-Brovarone Chiara
Published: August 2015

In the last few years, optimal fixation of orthopaedic implants evolved to preserve host bone and enhance tissue integration by surface modifications, including the use of coatings with bioactive ceramics. In this work, we fabricated a novel bone-like porous bioactive glass-ceramic coating on curved alumina substrates; good joining between the two components was possible due to the interposition of a glass-derived dense interlayer. The mechanical properties of the porous glass-ceramic, which mimics the 3-D pore architecture of cancellous bone, are adequate for load-bearing applications (compressive strength of 19 MPa and fracture energy around 6.5×10
Core/Clad Phosphate Glass Fibres Containing Iron and/or Titanium
Authors: Ahmed Ifty , Shaharuddin S. S. , Sharmin N. , Furniss D. , Rudd C.
Published: August 2015

Phosphate glasses are novel amorphous biomaterials due to their fully resorbable characteristics, with controllable degradation profiles. In this study, phosphate glasses containing titanium and/or iron were identified to exhibit sufficiently matched thermal properties (glass transition temperature, thermal expansion coefficient and viscosity) which enabled successful co-extrusion of glass billets to form a core/clad preform. The cladding composition for the core/clad preforms were also reversed. Fe clad and Ti clad fibres were successfully drawn with an average diameter of between 30~50 μm. The average cladding annular thickness was estimated to be less than 2 μm. Annealed core/clad fibres were degraded in PBS for a period of 27 days. The strength of the Fe clad fibres appeared to increase from 303 ± 73 MPa to 386 ± 45 MPa after nearly 2 weeks in the dissolution medium (phosphate buffered solution) before decreasing by day 27. The strength of the Ti clad fibres revealed an increase from 236 ± 53 MPa to 295 ± 61 MPa when compared at week 3. The tensile modulus measured for both core/clad fibres ranged between 51 GPa to 60 GPa. During the dissolution study, Fe clad fibres showed a peeling mechanism compared to the Ti clad fibres.
An investigation into a contactless photoplethysmographic mobile application to record heart rate post-exercise: Implications for field testing
Authors: Peart Daniel J. , Shaw Matthew P. , Rowley Chris G.
Published: August 2015

Study aim: the aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of a contactless photoplethysmographic mobile application (CPA) to record post-exercise heart rate and estimate maximal aerobic capacity after the Queen’s College Step Test. It was hypothesised that the CPA may present a cost effective heart rate measurement tool for educators and practitioners with limited access to specialised laboratory equipment.

Materials and Methods: seventeen participants (eleven males and six females, 28 ± 9 years, 75.5 ± 15.5 kg, 173.6 ± 9.8 cm) had their heart rate measured immediately after the 3-min test simultaneously using the CPA, a wireless heart rate monitor (HRM) and manually via palpation of the radial artery (MAN).

Results: both the CPA and MAN measurements had high variance compared to the HRM (CV = 31 and 11% respectively, ES = 1.79 and 0.65 respectively), and there were no significant correlations between the methods. Maximal oxygen consumption was estimated 17% higher in CPA compared to HRM (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: in conclusion it is recommended that field practitioners should exercise caution and assess the accuracy of new freely available technologies if they are to be used in practice.
A Genealogy of State Sovereignty
Authors: Zucca Lorenzo
Published: August 2015

A genealogical account of state sovereignty explores the ways in which the concept has emerged, evolved, and is in decline today. Sovereignty has a theological foundation, and is deeply bound up with the idea of God, in particular a voluntarist God, presented as being capable of intervening directly in the world. Religious conflicts in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries forced the separation between religion and politics, and opened the space for the emergence of a national state endowed with sovereignty which has dominated the world until now. Today’s rise of international and transnational obligations challenges the conventional understanding of state sovereignty, which cannot account for the normative density of the global order and the corresponding decline of state-based political authority. In order to explain that, I contrast two competing understandings of state sovereignty: a static one and a dynamic one. The static understanding regards sovereignty as absolute within the state territory. The dynamic understanding regards sovereignty as evolutionary: according to this account, the state is just one possible form that sovereignty can take. I conclude by suggesting that the dynamic understanding of state sovereignty is better suited to explaining the decline of state sovereignty.
Establishment of Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated transformation system for Phomopsis asparagi, the pathogen of asparagus stem blight / Asparagus (Kuşkonmaz) pas hastalığına neden olan Phomopsis asparagi için Agrobacterium tumefaciens’e dayalı transformasyon sistemi geliştirilmesi
Authors: Yang Ying-Qing , Lan Bo , Jian Yan-Li , Hu Shui-Xiu , Chang Dong-Dong , Zhang Shun-Liang , Li Xiang-Min
Published: August 2015

Objective: The transformation system for the asparagus stem blight pathogen Phomopsis asparagi (Sacc.) Bubak has not yet been reported. In the present study, we intend to achieve and optimize the genetic transformation of P. asparagi. This study aims at establishing the foundation for understanding the pathogenic mechanism of P. asparagi, which will be of great theoretical and practical significance.

Methods: The Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system for P. asparagi was constructed at three aspects, i.e. condition optimization, insertion verification and transformant stability.

Results: The optimal conditions for this ATMT system were as follows: 8 h of pre-induction, 48 h of co-culture, 200 μmol/L AS in ISM, co-culture at 25-28°C and pH 5.6-5.8 of ISM at the co-culture phase. The PCR result of the hph gene revealed that an expected band of about 500 bp was amplified from all the 10 transformants selected at random, and the PCR result of the Vir gene revealed that an expected band of about 730 bp was amplified from the four strains of A. tumefacien as positive controls, whereas no corresponding DNA band could be amplified from the 10 transformants. The results of the two PCR amplifications clearly showed that T-DNA was indeed inserted into the genome of target isolate FJ2. The stability result revealed that transformants still displayed high resistance to hygromycin B and could grow normally after subculture for five generations.

Conclusion: A stable and efficient ATMT transformation system for P. asparagus was constructed systematically, in which a high transformation rate was achieved. For improving this system, the trasformation conditions were optimized through gradient experiments, T-DNA insertion was verified through dual PCR and the insertion segment containing hph gene in the transformant was proved hereditary stable through subculture. This system layed a foundation for the research on pathogenic mechanism and pathogenicity-related genes of P. asparagi.
Sudden Death in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Cohle SD , Graham MA
Published: August 2015

Hemodialysis patients may die suddenly and unexpectedly from a number of causes. These may be divided into those deaths due directly to and occurring during hemodialysis, those deaths occurring while the patient is not undergoing dialysis, and those deaths that may occur at any time. The first group includes brain herniation, air embolism, acute hemorrhage as a result of machine malfunction or fistula rupture, electrocution, cardiac arrhythmia caused by hypokalemia, complications of subclavian intravenous catheter insertion, third-degree heart block as a result of triglyceride emulsion, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) or hyperkalemia caused by overheated dialysate. The second group includes deaths due to pericardial tamponade because of effusion and suicidal causes of death (exsanguination, electrolyte imbalance as a result of excessive intake of salt, fluid, or potassium) as well as more conventional methods of suicide. The last category includes people dying of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, and internal hemorrhage. Investigation of these deaths, including pertinent historical, laboratory, and autopsy data and investigation of dialysis equipment, is discussed.