bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El laico en la Iglesia : ¿colaborador o corresponsable?
Authors: Martínez Saavedra Luis
Published: July 2016

El presente articulo quiere ser una respuesta medianamente fundada a diversas inquietudes que hemos ido recibiendo en el compartir cotidiano con laicos de diversas comunidades católicas dispersas en la IX Región de la Araucanía. A nuestro parecer, el núcleo central de un cierto malestar que se puede descubrir en ellos se encuentra en el aun marcado clericalismo de nuestra Iglesia católica. En efecto, si bien el Concilio Vaticano II quiso terminar con el clericalismo, en el último tiempo asistimos a un proceso de neoclericalismo que se instala por todas partes. Los laicos se sienten tratados como niños y utilizados por una institución que aman pero que se resiste a darles reales canales de participación corresponsable; se sienten bienvenidos cuando están dispuestos a hacer la voluntad del párroco, pero marginados cuando ejercen la crítica o exigen mayor participación en la toma de decisiones. Existe un gran descontento a la hora de evaluar los canales de comunión y participación pues, por lo general, los laicos son compelidos a una colaboración obediente y acrítica, en desmedro de una participación corresponsable como podría esperarse de su dignidad de hombres y mujeres adultos, discipulos y testigos, algunos de ellos por toda una vida, del Señor.
El rito del Nguillatún : identidad encarnada
Authors: Castro Pablo
Published: July 2016

El rito del Nguillatun constituye la representación ritual más importante del pueblo Mapuche. La totalidad de la sociedad Mapuche, la comunidades de vivos y difuntos, se hace presente en el Nguillatun dando vida a una representación simbólica compleja y poderosa a través de la cual los propios Mapuches se identifican a sí mismos y se constituyen diferenciadamente frente a los demás. María Catrileo define el Nguillatun como un "ritual que se realiza conforme a las tradiciones aprendidas de los antepasados para alabar, pedir o rogar a los cuatro dioses del wenu mapu (tierra de arriba) y mantener o restituir el bienestar y equilibrio de los habitantes del mapu (tierra)" (Catrileo 1995: 204). Nguillatun significa "rogativa" (nguillan: rogar, pedir, suplicar, implorar; tun: hacer, realizar), y aunque el verbo nguillan puede usarse en diferentes contextos, el termino Nguillatun siempre refiere a este rito particular.
Rol del Estado en el conflicto Mapuche
Authors: Lillo Rodrigo
Published: July 2016

El objeto de esta comunicación es presentar los elementos jurídicos que intervienen en la situación presentada como pueblo mapuche y expansión forestal. Elementos que se presentan como las manifestaciones de la relación conflictiva existente entre dos sistemas sociales opuestosldistintos, particularmente en lo referido a sus sistemas normativos. De esta forma, es posible abordar este dilema desde una perspectiva seria, y que nos habilite a plantear propuestas realistas. Nos situaremos desde la perspectiva del Estado, y la protección que brinda a las Tierras de los mapuches; luego, nos referiremos al caso de las empresas forestales, y su actuación respecto de las tierras indígenas; para, en definitiva, exponer acerca del conflicto específico del proceso por Ley de Seguridad del Estado que afecta a doce comuneros mapuches de las comunidades de Pichiloncoyan y Pilílmapu, que constituye un ejemplo paradigmático del tema que nos ocupa; y acerca de que rol ha jugado aquí -nuevamente- el Estado.
Interculturidad, tarea de todos
Authors: Queulo Renán
Published: July 2016

Como hombre creyente en Dios pienso que el me ha hecho caminar por distintos senderos y pasar por diversas situaciones en mi vida, en las que creo he podido descubrir mi vocación de entrega al servicio de mis hermanos campesinos, principalmente mapuches, en el significativo rol social de ser profesor rural. En efecto, en la actualidad ejerzo en una escuela particular subvencionada en la reducción AncapiÑancucheo de la comuna de Ercilla, a unos 120 km al norte de Temuco. Con una matricula de un 100% de estudiantes de origen mapuche provenientes de una realidad socio cultural marcada por altos niveles de pobreza, de alcoholismo y de cesantía. Dicho sea de paso, esta es la realidad de casi todas las escuelas y comunidades de nuestra comuna.
Qué esperamos los mapuches de la Iglesia?
Authors: Nahuelcura Domingo
Published: July 2016

No hay peor drama para un hombre y una mujer que el no sentirse querido y aceptado. En efecto, quien no se siente amado y acogido corre el riesgo de perder su razón de ser, su autoestima y hasta su dignidad de persona. Através de los años generaciones de mapuches han vivido la experiencia del rechazo y la marginación. En esta sociedad racista y clasista marcada por la economía liberal, ser moreno es difícil y ser moreno y mapuche lo es aun más. Ser mapuche en Temuco, en Chile y en nuestra Iglesia es un desafío que nos marca profundamente.
miR‐1273g‐3p modulates activation and apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells by directly targeting PTEN in HCV‐related liver fibrosis
Authors: Niu Xuemin , Fu Na , Du Jinghua , Wang Rongqi , Wang Yang , Zhao Suxian , Du Huijuan , Wang Baoyu , Zhang Yuguo , Sun Dianxing , Nan Yuemin
Published: July 2016

MicroRNA (miRNA) play a pivotal role in the development of liver fibrosis. However, the functions of miRNA in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related liver fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we systematically analyzed the microarray data of the serum miRNA in patients with HCV‐induced hepatic fibrosis. Among 41 dysregulated miRNA, miR‐1273g‐3p was the most significantly upregulated miRNA and correlated with the stage of liver fibrosis. Overexpression of miR‐1273g‐3p could inhibit translation of PTEN, increase the expression of α‐SMA, Col1A1, and reduce apoptosis in HSCs. Hence, we conclude that miR‐1273g‐3p might affect the activation and apoptosis of HSCs by directly targeting PTEN in HCV‐related liver fibrosis.
Reduced levels of Dusp3/Vhr phosphatase impair normal spindle bipolarity in an Erk1/2 activity‐dependent manner
Authors: Tambe Mahesh Balasaheb , Narvi Elli , Kallio Marko
Published: July 2016

Dual specificity phosphatase‐3 (Dusp3/Vhr) regulates cell cycle progression by counteracting the effects of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (Mapk) Erk1/2 and Jnk. Despite the known upregulation of Dusp3 at M phase in mammalian cells, its mitotic functions are poorly characterized. Here, we report that loss of Dusp3 by RNAi leads to the formation of multipolar spindles in human mitotic cancer cells in an Erk1/2‐dependent manner. In the phosphatase‐silenced cells, the normal bipolar spindle structure was restored by chemical inhibition of Erk1/2 and ectopic overexpression of Dusp3. We propose that at M phase Dusp3 keeps Erk1/2 activity in check to facilitate normal mitosis.
NF90 is a novel influenza A virus NS1‐interacting protein that antagonizes the inhibitory role of NS1 on PKR phosphorylation
Authors: Li Ting , Li Xi , Zhu WenFei , Wang HuiYu , Mei Lin , Wu ShaoQiang , Lin XiangMei , Han XueQing
Published: July 2016

NF90 is a novel host antiviral factor that regulates PKR activation and stress granule formation in influenza A virus (IAV)‐infected cells, but the precise mechanisms by which it operates remain unclear. We identified NF90 as a novel interacting protein of IAV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1). The interaction was dependent on the RNA‐binding properties of NS1. NS1 associated with NF90 and PKR simultaneously; however, the interaction between NF90 and PKR was restricted by NS1. Knockdown of NF90 promoted inhibition of PKR phosphorylation induced by NS1, while coexpression of NF90 impeded reduction of PKR phosphorylation and stress granule formation triggered by NS1. In summary, NF90 exerts its antiviral activity by antagonizing the inhibitory role of NS1 on PKR phosphorylation.
The role of pyroxenite in basalt genesis: Melt‐PX, a melting parameterization for mantle pyroxenites between 0.9 and 5 GPa
Authors: Lambart Sarah , Baker Michael B. , Stolper Edward M.
Published: July 2016

Geochemical and isotopic data suggest that the source regions of oceanic basalts may contain pyroxenite in addition to peridotite. In order to incorporate the wide range of compositions and melting behaviors of pyroxenites into mantle melting models, we have developed a new parameterization, Melt‐PX, which predicts near‐solidus temperatures and extents of melting as a function of temperature and pressure for mantle pyroxenites. We used 183 high‐pressure experiments (25 compositions; 0.9–5 GPa; 1150–1675°C) to constrain a model of melt fraction versus temperature from 5% melting up to the disappearance of clinopyroxene for pyroxenites as a function of pressure, temperature, and bulk composition. When applied to the global set of experimental data, our model reproduces the experimental F values with a standard error of estimate of 13% absolute; temperatures at which the pyroxenite is 5% molten are reproduced with a standard error of estimate of 30°C over a temperature range of ~500°C and a pressure range of ~4 GPa. In conjunction with parameterizations of peridotite melting, Melt‐PX can be used to model the partial melting of multilithologic mantle sources—including the effects of varying the composition and the modal proportion of pyroxenite in such source regions. Examples of such applications include calculations of isentropic decompression melting of a mixed peridotite + pyroxenite mantle; these show that although the potential temperature of the upwelling mantle plays an important role in defining the extent of magma production, the composition and mass fraction of the pyroxenite also exert strong controls.
Assessing GFDL high‐resolution climate model water and energy budgets from AMIP simulations over Africa
Authors: Tian Di , Pan Ming , Jia Liwei , Vecchi Gabriel , Wood Eric F.
Published: July 2016

This study assessed surface water and energy budgets in Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations of a coupled atmosphere‐land model developed by Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AM2.5)). The AM2.5 water and energy budget variables were compared with four reanalyses data sets and an observational‐based reference, the Variable Infiltration Capacity model simulations forced by Princeton Global Meteorological Forcing (PGF/VIC) over 20 year period during 1991–2010 in nine African river basins. Results showed that AM2.5 has closed water and energy budgets. However, the discrepancies between AM2.5 and other data sets were notable in terms of their long‐term averages. For the water budget, the AM2.5 mostly overestimated precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff compared to PGF/VIC and reanalyses. The AM2.5, reanalyses, and PGF/VIC showed similar seasonal cycles but discrepant amplitudes. For the energy budget, while the AM2.5 has relatively consistent net radiation with other data sets, it generally showed higher latent heat, lower sensible heat, and lower Bowen ratio than reanalyses and PGF/VIC. In addition, the AM2.5 water and energy budgets terms mostly had the smallest interannual variability compared to both reanalyses and PGF/VIC. The spatial differences of long‐term mean precipitation, runoff, evapotranspiration, and latent heat between AM2.5 and other data sets were reasonably small in dry regions. On average, AM2.5 is closer to PGF/VIC than R2 and 20CR are to PGF/VIC but is not as close as Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications and Climate Forecast System Reanalysis to PGF/VIC. The bias in AM2.5 water and energy budget terms may be associated with the excessive wet surface and parameterization of moisture advection from ocean to land.
Individual, Housing, and Neighborhood Predictors of Psychological Integration Among Vulnerably Housed and Homeless Individuals
Authors: Ecker John , Aubry Tim
Published: July 2016

The current longitudinal study evaluated the individual, housing, and neighborhood characteristics predictive of feeling psychologically integrated within one's neighborhood among a population of homeless and vulnerably housed individuals. Participants were recruited at homeless shelters, meal programs, and rooming houses in Ottawa, Canada and participated in three in‐person interviews, each approximately 1 year apart. Prospective and cross‐sectional predictors of psychological integration at Follow‐up 1 and Follow‐up 2 were examined. There were 397 participants at baseline, 341 at Follow‐up 1 and 320 at Follow‐up 2. A hierarchical multiple regression uncovered several significant predictors of psychological integration. The most salient and common predictors were being older, having greater social support, living in high quality housing, and residing in a neighborhood with a positive impact. Implications for service provision and policy advancements are discussed.
Liver transplantation for mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy
Authors: De Giorgio Roberto , Pironi Loris , Rinaldi Rita , Boschetti Elisa , Caporali Leonardo , Capristo Mariantonietta , Casali Carlo , Cenacchi Giovanna , Contin Manuela , D'Angelo Roberto , D'Errico Antonietta , Gramegna Laura Ludovica , Lodi Raffaele , Maresca Alessandra , Mohamed Susan , Morelli Maria Cristina , Papa Valentina , Tonon Caterina , Tugnoli Vitaliano , Carelli Valerio , D'Alessandro Roberto , Pinna Antonio Daniele
Published: July 2016

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a fatal, recessive disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding thymidine phosphorylase, leading to reduced enzymatic activity, toxic nucleoside accumulation, and secondary mitochondrial DNA damage. Thymidine phosphorylase replacement has been achieved by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a procedure hampered by high mortality. Based on high thymidine phosphorylase expression in the liver, a 25‐year‐old severely affected patient underwent liver transplantation. Serum levels of toxic nucleosides rapidly normalized. At 400 days of follow‐up, the patient's clinical conditions are stable. We propose liver transplantation as a new therapy for MNGIE. Ann Neurol 2016;80:448–455
Transthyretin amyloid neuropathy has earlier neural involvement but better prognosis than primary amyloid counterpart: an answer to the paradox?
Authors: Loavenbruck Adam J. , Singer Wolfgang , Mauermann Michelle L. , Sandroni Paola , B. Dyck P. James , Gertz Morie , Klein Christopher J. , Low Phillip A.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To systematically compare transthyretin with primary amyloid neuropathy to define their natural history and the underlying mechanisms for differences in phenotype and natural history.

Methods

All patients with defined amyloid subtype and peripheral neuropathy who completed autonomic testing and electromyography at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1993 and 2013 were included. Medical records were reviewed for time of onset of defined clinical features. The degree of autonomic impairment was quantified using the composite autonomic severity scale. Comparisons were made between acquired and inherited forms of amyloidosis.

Results

One hundred one cases of amyloidosis with peripheral neuropathy were identified, 60 primary and 41 transthyretin. Twenty transthyretin cases were found to have Val30Met mutations; 21 had other mutations. Compared to primary cases, transthyretin cases had longer survival, longer time to diagnosis, higher composite autonomic severity scale scores, greater reduction of upper limb nerve conduction study amplitudes, more frequent occurrence of weakness, and later non‐neuronal systemic involvement. Four systemic markers (cardiac involvement by echocardiogram, weight loss > 10 pounds, orthostatic intolerance, fatigue) in combination were highly predictive of poor survival in both groups.

Interpretation

These findings suggest that transthyretin has earlier and greater predilection for neural involvement and more delayed systemic involvement. The degree and rate of systemic involvement is most closely related to prognosis. Ann Neurol 2016;80:401–411
Somatosensory attention identifies both overt and covert awareness in disorders of consciousness
Authors: Gibson Raechelle M. , Chennu Srivas , Fernández‐Espejo Davinia , Naci Lorina , Owen Adrian M. , Cruse Damian
Published: July 2016

Objective

Some patients diagnosed with disorders of consciousness retain sensory and cognitive abilities beyond those apparent from their overt behavior. Characterizing these covert abilities is crucial for diagnosis, prognosis, and medical ethics. This multimodal study investigates the relationship between electroencephalographic evidence for perceptual/cognitive preservation and both overt and covert markers of awareness.

Methods

Fourteen patients with severe brain injuries were evaluated with an electroencephalographic vibrotactile attention task designed to identify a hierarchy of residual somatosensory and cognitive abilities: (1) somatosensory steady‐state evoked responses, (2) bottom‐up attention orienting (P3a event‐related potential), and (3) top‐down attention (P3b event‐related potential). Each patient was also assessed with a clinical behavioral scale and 2 functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments of covert command following.

Results

Six patients produced only sensory responses, with no evidence of cognitive event‐related potentials. A further 8 patients demonstrated reliable bottom‐up attention‐orienting responses (P3a). No patient showed evidence of top‐down attention (P3b). Only those patients who followed commands, whether overtly with behavior or covertly with functional neuroimaging, also demonstrated event‐related potential evidence of attentional orienting.

Interpretation

Somatosensory attention‐orienting event‐related potentials differentiated patients who could follow commands from those who could not. Crucially, this differentiation was irrespective of whether command following was evident through overt external behavior, or through covert functional neuroimaging methods. Bedside electroencephalographic methods may corroborate more expensive and challenging methods such as functional neuroimaging, and thereby assist in the accurate diagnosis of awareness. Ann Neurol 2016;80:412–423
Truncating mutations in APP cause a distinct neurological phenotype
Authors: Klein Steven , Goldman Alexander , Lee Hane , Ghahremani Shahnaz , Bhakta Viraj ,   UCLA Clinical Genomics Center, Nelson Stanley F. , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A.
Published: July 2016

Dominant missense mutations in the amyloid β (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) gene have been implicated in early onset Alzheimer disease. These mutations alter protein structure to favor the pathologic production of Aβ. We report that homozygous nonsense mutations in APP are associated with decreased somatic growth, microcephaly, hypotonia, developmental delay, thinning of the corpus callosum, and seizures. We compare the phenotype of this case to those reported in mouse models and demonstrate multiple similarities, strengthening the role of amyloid precursor protein in normal brain function and development. Ann Neurol 2016;80:456–460
Challenges to neurology residency education in today's health care environment
Authors: Bega Danny , Krainc Dimitri
Published: July 2016

Residency training has had to adapt to higher patient volumes, increased complexity of medical care, and the commercialized system of health care. These changes have led to a concerning culture shift in neurology. We review the relationship between the emerging health care delivery system and residency training, highlighting issues related to duty hours and work‐life balance, the changing technological landscape, high patient volumes, and complex service obligations. We propose that the current challenges in health care delivery offer the opportunity to improve neurology residency through faculty development programs, bringing teaching back to the bedside, increasing resident autonomy, utilizing near‐peer teaching, and rewarding educators who facilitate an environment of inquiry and scholarship, with the ultimate goal of better alignment between education and patient care. Ann Neurol 2016;80:315–320
Acute flaccid myelitis: A clinical review of US cases 2012–2015
Authors: Messacar Kevin , Schreiner Teri L. , Van Haren Keith , Yang Michele , Glaser Carol A. , Tyler Kenneth L. , Dominguez Samuel R.
Published: July 2016

This review highlights clinical features of the increasing cases of acute flaccid paralysis associated with anterior myelitis noted in the United States from 2012 to 2015. Acute flaccid myelitis refers to acute flaccid limb weakness with spinal cord gray matter lesions on imaging or evidence of spinal cord motor neuron injury on electrodiagnostic testing. Although some individuals demonstrated improvement in motor weakness and functional deficits, most have residual weakness a year or more after onset. Epidemiological evidence and biological plausibility support an association between enterovirus D68 and the recent increase in acute flaccid myelitis cases in the United States. Ann Neurol 2016;80:326–338
Estimation of the diversity between DNA calorimetric profiles, differential melting curves and corresponding melting temperatures
Authors: Chang Chun‐Ling , Fridman Alexander S. , Grigoryan Inessa E. , Galyuk Elena N. , Murashko Oleg N. , Hu Chin‐Kun , Lando Dmitri Y.
Published: July 2016

The Poland–Fixman–Freire formalism was adapted for modeling of calorimetric DNA melting profiles, and applied to plasmid pBR 322 and long random sequences. We studied the influence of the difference (HGC−HAT) between the helix‐coil transition enthalpies of AT and GC base pairs on the calorimetric melting profile and on normalized calorimetric melting profile. A strong alteration of DNA calorimetrical profile with HGC−HAT was demonstrated. In contrast, there is a relatively slight change in the normalized profiles and in corresponding ordinary (optical) normalized differential melting curves (DMCs). For fixed HGC−HAT, the average relative deviation (S) between DMC and normalized calorimetric profile, and the difference between their melting temperatures (Tcal−Tm) are weakly dependent on peculiarities of the multipeak fine structure of DMCs. At the same time, both the deviation S and difference (Tcal−Tm) enlarge with the temperature melting range of the helix‐coil transition. It is shown that the local deviation between DMC and normalized calorimetric profile increases in regions of narrow peaks distant from the melting temperature.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus and myasthenia gravis, associated with inflammatory pseudotumor‐like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma: response to rituximab
Authors: Wang Lifang , Deng Hui , Mao Mei
Published: July 2016

Key Clinical Message

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune blistering disease associated with neoplasms. The disease is most commonly of lymphoproliferative origin and presents high mortality. We describe a patient with PNP and myasthenia gravis associated with inflammatory pseudotumor‐like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, as well as the response to rituximab.
A diffuse‐interface modeling for liquid solution–solid gel phase transition of physical hydrogel with nonlinear deformation
Authors: Li Hua , Wu Tao
Published: July 2016

A diffuse‐interface model is presented in this paper for simulation of the evolution of phase transition between the liquid solution and solid gel states for physical hydrogel with nonlinear deformation. The present domain covers the gel and solution states as well as a diffuse interface between them. They are indicated by the crosslink density in such a way that the solution phase is identified as the state when the crosslink density is small, while the gel as the state if the crosslink density becomes large. In this work, a novel order parameter is thus defined as the crosslink density, which is homogeneous in each distinct phase and smoothly varies over the interface from one phase to another. In this model, the constitutive equations, imposed on the two distinct phases and the interface, are formulated by the second law of thermodynamics, which are in the same form as those derived by a different approach. The present constitutive equations include a novel Ginzburg–Landau type of free energy with a double‐well profile, which accounts for the effect of crosslink density. The present governing equations include the equilibrium of forces, the conservations of mass and energy, and an additional kinetic equation imposed for phase transition, in which nonlinear deformation is considered. The equilibrium state is investigated numerically, where two stable phases are observed in the free energy profile. As case studies, a spherically symmetrical solution‐gel phase transition is simulated numerically for analysis of the phase transition of physical hydrogel.
Comparison of tree transpiration under wet and dry canopy conditions in a Costa Rican premontane tropical forest
Authors: Aparecido Luiza Maria Teophilo , Miller Gretchen R. , Cahill Anthony T. , Moore Georgianne W.
Published: July 2016

Spatial and temporal variation in wet canopy conditions following precipitation events can influence processes such as transpiration and photosynthesis, which can be further enhanced as upper canopy leaves dry more rapidly than the understory following each event. As part of a larger study aimed at improving land surface modelling of evapotranspiration processes in wet tropical forests, we compared transpiration among trees with exposed and shaded crowns under both wet and dry canopy conditions in central Costa Rica, which has an average 4200 mm annual rainfall. Transpiration was estimated for 5 months using 43 sap flux sensors in eight dominant, ten midstory and eight suppressed trees in a mature forest stand surrounding a 40‐m tower equipped with micrometeorological sensors. Dominant trees were 13% of the plot's trees and contributed around 76% to total transpiration at this site, whereas midstory and suppressed trees contributed 18 and 5%, respectively. After accounting for vapour pressure deficit and solar radiation, leaf wetness was a significant driver of sap flux, reducing it by as much as 28%. Under dry conditions, sap flux rates (Js) of dominant trees were similar to midstory trees and were almost double that of suppressed trees. On wet days, all trees had similarly low Js. As expected, semi‐dry conditions (dry upper canopy) led to higher Js in dominant trees than midstory, which had wetter leaves, but semi‐dry conditions only reduced total stand transpiration slightly and did not change the relative proportion of transpiration from dominant and midstory. Therefore, models that better capture forest stand wet–dry canopy dynamics and individual tree water use strategies are needed to improve accuracy of predictions of water recycling over tropical forests. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous speciation analysis of inorganic nitrogen with the use of ion chromatography in highly salinated environmental samples
Authors: Kurzyca Iwona , Niedzielski Przemyslaw , Frankowski Marcin
Published: July 2016

We present the development of a method for the simultaneous determination of inorganic nitrogen species in oxidized (NO2–, NO3–) and reduced (NH4+) forms using ion chromatography with diode‐array detection (205, 208, and 425 nm, respectively). The oxidized forms were determined directly after the separation in the anion exchanger, while the reduced form was determined in the column hold‐up time after derivatization with the Nessler reagent. The use of an appropriate modifier (Seignette reagent) and mobile phase (NaCl) enabled the determination of inorganic nitrogen species in highly salinated environmental samples (water, sediments). Moreover, low detection limits were obtained of 0.04 mg/L for NH4+ and 0.006 and 0.005 mg/L for NO2– and NO3–, respectively. The analysis of environmental samples indicated NH4+ contents of up to 1161 ± 47 mg/kg and NO3– of up to 148 ± 6 mg/kg for sediment samples, as well as the NH4+ concentrations of up to 0.98 ± 0.10 mg/L, NO2– of up to 24 ± 1 mg/L and NO3– of up to 20 ± 1 mg/L for water samples.
Separation of microRNA 21 as a cancer marker from glioblastoma cell line using molecularly imprinted polymer coated on silica nanoparticles
Authors: Hashemi‐Moghaddam Hamid , Kashi Mansooreh , Mowla Seyed Javad , Nouraee Nazila
Published: July 2016

In this study for the first time, microRNA was separated on the basis of affinity for a phase made using molecular imprinting technology. We describe the synthesis and preliminary testing of molecularly imprinted polymers for separation of the microRNA 21 from the lysate obtained from brain cancer cell line. A new molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized using microRNA 21 and dopamine as the template and functional monomer, respectively. Dopamine was polymerized on the surface of silica nanoparticles. A control polymer, or nonimprinted polymer, was prepared under the same conditions without the use of the template molecule. The synthesized polymer was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and its morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. To compare the performance of this polymer, the results were compared with trizol extraction as a routine method of RNA extraction. The proposed method was applied for separation of microRNA 21 from cell lysate and its specificity was validated with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique.
Neuromuscular transmission and muscle fatigue changes by nanostructured oxygen
Authors: Ivannikov Maxim V. , Sugimori Mutsuyuki , Llinás Rodolfo R.
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Oxygen (O2) nanobubbles offer a new method for tissue oxygenation. The effects of O2 nanobubbles on transmission at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) and muscle function were explored in murine diaphragm. Methods: Electrophysiological parameters, NMJ ultrastructure, muscle force, and muscle fatigue were studied during superfusion with solutions with different oxygen levels or oxygen nanobubbles. Results: High frequency nerve stimulation of muscles superfused with O2 nanobubble solution slowed neurotransmission decline over those with either control or hyperoxic solution. O2 nanobubble solution increased the amplitude of evoked end plate potentials and quantal content but did not affect spontaneous activity. Electron microscopy of stimulated O2 nanobubble treated NMJs showed accumulation of large synaptic vesicles and endosome‐like structures. O2 nanobubble solution had no effects on isometric muscle force, but it significantly decreased fatigability and maximum force recovery time in nerve stimulated muscles. Conclusions: O2 nanobubbles increase neurotransmission and reduce the probability of neurotransmission failure in muscle fatigue. Muscle Nerve 55: 555–563, 2017
Interleaved neuromuscular electrical stimulation: Motor unit recruitment overlap
Authors: Wiest Matheus J. , Bergquist Austin J. , Schimidt Helen L. , Jones Kelvin E. , Collins David F.
Published: July 2016

Introduction: In this study, we quantified the “overlap” between motor units recruited by single pulses of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) delivered over the tibialis anterior muscle (mNMES) and the common peroneal nerve (nNMES). We then quantified the torque produced when pulses were alternated between the mNMES and nNMES sites at 40 Hz (“interleaved” NMES; iNMES). Methods: Overlap was assessed by comparing torque produced by twitches evoked by mNMES, nNMES, and both delivered together, over a range of stimulus intensities. Trains of iNMES were delivered at the intensity that produced the lowest overlap. Results: Overlap was lowest (5%) when twitches evoked by both mNMES and nNMES produced 10% peak twitch torque. iNMES delivered at this intensity generated 25% of maximal voluntary dorsiflexion torque (11 Nm). Discussion: Low intensity iNMES leads to low overlap and produces torque that is functionally relevant to evoke dorsiflexion during walking. Muscle Nerve 55: 490–499, 2017
Cancer and dementia: an exploratory study of the experience of cancer treatment in people with dementia
Authors: Courtier Nick , Milton Rebecca , King Amanda , Tope Rosie , Morgan Susan , Hopkinson Jane
Published: July 2016

Objective

Patients with comorbid cancer and dementia have poorer outcomes than those without dementia. We observe oncology teams managing patients with dementia and memory loss and explore these patients' needs and experiences of outpatient cancer services.

Methods

A single site investigation of case study design to examine practices in four clinics using multi‐methods of data collection: retrospective note review, observation, interviews, and recorded consultations. A framework analytic approach identifies themes within and across cases.

Results

Thirty‐three clinical encounters with patients with memory loss were observed. Ten consultations were audio‐recorded and 16 individuals interviewed (n = 6 patients‐carer dyads, n = 1 lone patient, and n = 5 staff). Medical records were reviewed for 338 cases. Cancer referrals did not document memory health, so clinicians rely on patient/carer disclosure to identify patients with memory problems. In practice, the problem often remains hidden. Treating teams who do become aware of memory difficulties are unsure how to support patients, but marked memory loss can limit treatment options and preclude radical intent. Carers are key facilitators of successful cancer consultations and management. Their support needs are largely unrecognized.

Conclusions

Training that educates cancer teams on how to identify and support individuals with memory problems before and during treatment and recognize the carer role may facilitate complex cancer care and help reduce inequalities of outcomes.
Exploring stigma as a barrier to cancer service engagement with breast cancer survivors in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Meacham Elizabeth , Orem Jackson , Nakigudde Gertrude , Zujewski Jo Anne , Rao Deepa
Published: July 2016

Objective

To understand the role of stigma in the delay of cancer service engagement by women with breast cancer in Kampala, Uganda.

Background

Women in Sub‐Saharan African countries are twice as likely to die from cancer as women in high‐income countries, which is largely attributable to late diagnosis. While breast cancer‐related stigma has been identified in Sub‐Saharan Africa, limited research focuses on how stigma impacts the behavior of breast cancer patients in Uganda.

Methods

This qualitative study used a grounded theory approach to examine illness narratives from 20 breast cancer survivors in Uganda, gathered through semistructured interviews.

Results

Thematic analysis showed that perceived and internalized stigma associated with breast cancer influenced care engagement throughout illness, delaying engagement and inhibiting treatment completion. Women identified key factors for overcoming stigma including acceptance of diagnosis, social support, and understanding of breast cancer.

Conclusion

The growing burden of mortality associated with breast cancer in Uganda can be mitigated by improving early detection and treatment engagement through interventions which account for key psychosocial barriers such as stigma.
Sociodemographic inequalities in barriers to cancer pain management: a report from the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors‐II (SCS‐II)
Authors: Stein Kevin D. , Alcaraz Kassandra I. , Kamson Chelsey , Fallon Elizabeth A. , Smith Tenbroeck G.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Research has increasingly documented sociodemographic inequalities in the assessment and management of cancer‐related pain. Most studies have focused on racial/ethnic disparities, while less is known about the impact of other sociodemographic factors, including age and education. We analyzed data from a large, national, population‐based study of cancer survivors to examine the influence of sociodemographic factors, and physical and mental health comorbidities on barriers to cancer pain management.

Methods

The study included data from 4707 cancer survivors in the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors‐II, who reported experiencing pain from their cancer. A multilevel, socioecological, conceptual framework was used to generate a list of 15 barriers to pain management, representing patient, provider, and system levels. Separate multivariable logistic regressions for each barrier identified sociodemographic and health‐related inequalities in cancer pain management, controlling for years since diagnosis, disease stage, and cancer treatment.

Results

Two‐thirds of survivors reported at least 1 barrier to pain management. While patient‐related barriers were most common, the greatest disparities were noted in provider‐ and system‐level barriers. Specifically, inequalities by race/ethnicity, education, age, and physical and mental health comorbidities were observed.

Conclusion

Findings indicate survivors who were nonwhite, less educated, older, and/or burdened by comorbidities were most adversely affected. Future efforts in research, clinical practice, and policy should identify and/or implement new strategies to address sociodemographic inequalities in cancer pain management.
“Our people has got to come to terms with that”: changing perceptions of the digital rectal examination as a barrier to prostate cancer diagnosis in African‐Caribbean men
Authors: Seymour‐Smith Sarah , Brown David , Cosma Georgina , Shopland Nicholas , Battersby Steven , Burton Andy
Published: July 2016

Objective

African‐Caribbean men in the United Kingdom in comparison with other ethnicities have the highest incidence rate of prostate cancer. Psychosocial aspects related to screening and presentation impact on men's behavior, with previous studies indicating a range of barriers. This study explores one such barrier, the digital rectal examination (DRE), due to its prominence within UK African‐Caribbean men's accounts.

Methods

African‐Caribbean men with prostate cancer (n = 10) and without cancer (n = 10) were interviewed about their perceptions of DRE. A synthetic discursive approach was employed to analyze the data.

Results

Findings illustrate that an interpretative repertoire of homophobia in relation to the DRE is constructed as having an impact upon African‐Caribbean men's uptake of prostate cancer screening. However, the discursive focus on footing and accountability highlight deviations from this repertoire that are built up as pragmatic and orient to changing perceptions within the community.

Conclusions

Health promotion interventions need to address the fear of homophobia and are best designed in collaboration with the community.
Morbidity of curative cancer surgery and suicide risk
Authors: Jayakrishnan Thejus T. , Sekigami Yurie , Rajeev Rahul , Gamblin T. Clark , Turaga Kiran K.
Published: July 2016

Importance

Curative cancer operations lead to debility and loss of autonomy in a population vulnerable to suicide death. The extent to which operative intervention impacts suicide risk is not well studied.

Objective

To examine the effects of morbidity of curative cancer surgeries and prognosis of disease on the risk of suicide in patients with solid tumors.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from 2004 to 2011; multilevel systematic review.

Setting

General US population.

Participants

Participants were 482 781 patients diagnosed with malignant neoplasm between 2004 and 2011 who underwent curative cancer surgeries.

Main outcomes and measures

Death by suicide or self‐inflicted injury.

Results

Among 482 781 patients that underwent curative cancer surgery, 231 committed suicide (16.58/100 000 person‐years [95% confidence interval, CI, 14.54‐18.82]). Factors significantly associated with suicide risk included male sex (incidence rate [IR], 27.62; 95% CI, 23.82‐31.86) and age >65 years (IR, 22.54; 95% CI, 18.84‐26.76). When stratified by 30‐day overall postoperative morbidity, a significantly higher incidence of suicide was found for high‐morbidity surgeries (IR, 33.30; 95% CI, 26.50‐41.33) vs moderate morbidity (IR, 24.27; 95% CI, 18.92‐30.69) and low morbidity (IR, 9.81; 95% CI, 7.90‐12.04). Unit increase in morbidity was significantly associated with death by suicide (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.03; P = .02) and decreased suicide‐specific survival (hazards ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.03, P = .01) in prognosis‐adjusted models.

Conclusions

In this sample of cancer patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, patients that undergo high‐morbidity surgeries appear most vulnerable to death by suicide. The identification of this high‐risk cohort should motivate health care providers and particularly surgeons to adopt screening measures during the postoperative follow‐up period for these patients.
Group‐based trajectory modeling of fear of disease recurrence among women recently diagnosed with gynecological cancers
Authors: Manne Sharon L. , Myers‐Virtue Shannon , Kissane David , Ozga Melissa L. , Kashy Deborah A. , Rubin Stephen C. , Rosenblum Norman G. , Heckman Carolyn J.
Published: July 2016

Objective

Fear of cancer recurrence is an important clinical phenomenon and is associated with decrements in life domains. The study goals were to characterize patterns of global fear of recurrence (FOR) and 4 domains of fear (health, role, womanhood, and death worry) over time in women who were diagnosed with gynecological cancer and to identify demographic, medical, and psychological predictors of FOR.

Method

One hundred eighteen women participating in the usual care arm of a randomized trial completed the Concerns about Recurrence scale as well as measures of depressive symptoms, cancer‐specific distress, coping, coping efficacy, and social network responses at 4 time points. The majority of the sample was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.

Results

Group‐based trajectory modeling identified subgroups of women with high‐stable (49.1%), high‐decreasing (25.3%), and low‐stable (25.5%) trajectories for global FOR. For role worries, 3 similar group trajectories were identified. For health worries, modeling identified subgroups with high‐decreasing (19.1%) and low‐increasing (80.9%) trajectories. For womanhood worries, modeling identified subgroups with high‐increasing (15.7%) and low‐decreasing (84.2%) trajectories. Young age, metastatic cancer, depression, cancer distress, holding back, and lower coping efficacy were associated with the high‐stable global FOR and at least 1 domain of FOR.

Conclusion

Almost half of the women recently diagnosed with gynecological cancer evidence persistently elevated FOR over the 6‐month period postdiagnosis. Psychological interventions to reduce FOR may be more effective if they focus on teaching patients coping skills, as well as greater comfort expressing cancer‐specific concerns to others.
Establishment of Reporter Lines for Detecting Fragile X Mental Retardation (FMR1) Gene Reactivation in Human Neural Cells
Authors: Li Meng , Zhao Huashan , Ananiev Gene E. , Musser Michael T. , Ness Kathryn H. , Maglaque Dianne L. , Saha Krishanu , Bhattacharyya Anita , Zhao Xinyu
Published: July 2016

Human patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide unique opportunities for disease modeling and drug development. However, adapting hiPSCs or their differentiated progenies to high throughput assays for phenotyping or drug screening has been challenging. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and a major genetic cause of autism. FXS is caused by mutational trinucleotide expansion in the FMR1 gene leading to hypermethylation and gene silencing. One potential therapeutic strategy is to reactivate the silenced FMR1 gene, which has been attempted using both candidate chemicals and cell-based screening. However, molecules that effectively reactivate the silenced FMR1 gene are yet to be identified; therefore, a high throughput unbiased screen is needed. Here we demonstrate the creation of a robust FMR1-Nluc reporter hiPSC line by knocking in a Nano luciferase (Nluc) gene into the endogenous human FMR1 gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing method. We confirmed that luciferase activities faithfully report FMR1 gene expression levels and showed that neural progenitor cells derived from this line could be optimized for high throughput screening. The FMR1-Nluc reporter line is a good resource for drug screening as well as for testing potential genetic reactivation strategies. In addition, our data provide valuable information for the generation of knockin human iPSC reporter lines for disease modeling, drug screening, and mechanistic studies.
Efficient Regeneration of Human Vα24+ Invariant Natural Killer T Cells and Their Anti-Tumor Activity In Vivo
Authors: Yamada Daisuke , Iyoda Tomonori , Vizcardo Raul , Shimizu Kanako , Sato Yusuke , Endo Takaho A. , Kitahara Genta , Okoshi Momoko , Kobayashi Midori , Sakurai Maki , Ohara Osamu , Taniguchi Masaru , Koseki Haruhiko , Fujii Shin-ichiro
Published: July 2016

Reprogramming of antigen-specific T lymphocytes into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their subsequent re-differentiation has enabled expansion of functional T lymphocytes in vitro, thus opening up new approaches for immunotherapy of cancer and other diseases. In this study, we have established a robust protocol to reprogram human invariant NKT (Vα24+ iNKT) cells, which have been shown to act as cellular adjuvants and thus exert anti-tumor activity in mice and humans, and to re-differentiate the iNKT cell-derived iPSCs into functional iNKT cells. These iPSC-derived iNKT cells (iPS-Vα24+ iNKT cells) can be activated by ligand-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) and produce a large amount of interferon-γ upon activation, as much as parental Vα24+ iNKT cells, but exhibit even better cytotoxic activity against various tumor cell lines. The iPS-Vα24+ iNKT cells possess significant anti-tumor activity in tumor-bearing mice and can activate autologous NK cells upon activation by ligand-pulsed DCs in the NOG mouse model in vivo, further extending their therapeutic potential. This study thus provides a first proof of concept for the clinical application of human iPS-Vα24+ iNKT cells for cancer immunotherapy.
Notable Carrier Risks for Individuals Having Two Copies of SMN1 in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Families with 2‐copy Alleles: Estimation Based on Chinese Meta‐analysis Data
Authors: Wei Xianda , Tan Hu , Yang Pu , Zhang Rui , Tan Bo , Zhang Yue , Mei Libin , Liang Desheng , Wu Lingqian
Published: July 2016

Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease mainly caused by homozygous deletion of SMN1. The 2‐copy SMN1 allele may present in the families of SMA patients with homozygous deletion of SMN1, one of whose parents has two SMN1 copies. In such families, individuals having two SMN1 copies still have a chance to be “2 + 0” carriers. In this study, the risks for the parents, fetuses and other siblings having two SMN1 copies to be “2 + 0” carriers were estimated based on Chinese meta‐analysis data and turned out to be rather striking. Our findings would help to optimize genetic counseling regarding spinal muscular atrophy.