bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cervical cancer response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: MRI assessment compared with surgery
Authors: Gui Benedetta , Valentini Anna Lia , Miccò Maura , D'Agostino Giuseppe Roberto , Tagliaferri Luca , Zannoni Gian Franco , Fanfani Francesco , Manfredi Riccardo , Bonomo Lorenzo 
Published: December 2015

Background Imaging findings of residual cervical tumor after chemoradiotherapy can closely resemble those of post-irradiation inflammation. Purpose To determine the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating residual disease after chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC). Material and Methods Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 41 patients with histopathologically proven LACC (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage ≥IB2) who underwent MRI before and after chemoradiotherapy. At each examination, a qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of primary tumor, including tumor volume and signal intensity were assessed on T2-weighted (T2W) images. All patients had surgery after post-chemoradiotherapy MRI. MRI and histopathologic results were compared. Results All patients showed significant difference in tumor volume and signal intensity between pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy MRI ( P < 0.0001). According to pathology, 27/41 (66%) patients had true negative and 2/41 (5%) had true positive post-chemoradiotherapy MRI. Eleven out of 41 (27%) patients showed inflammation with false positive post-chemoradiotherapy MRI and 1/41 (2%) had a false negative post-chemoradiotherapy MRI. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of post-chemoradiotherapy MRI in predicting residual disease were 69%, 71%, 71%, 15%, and 96%, respectively. Conclusion The differentiation of residual tumor from post-irradiation inflammation with early post- chemoradiotherapy MRI (within 28–60 days) is difficult with a high risk of false positive results. Combination of qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis does not improve the accuracy. Conversely, post-chemoradiotherapy MRI has a high negative predictive value with a low risk of false negative results. The role of conventional MRI combined with functional techniques should be evaluated.
Arthroscopic Management of Dysplastic Hip Deformities
Authors: Larson Christopher M. , Ross James R. , Stone Rebecca M. , Samuelson Kathryn M. , Schelling Emma F. , Giveans M. Russell , Bedi Asheesh 
Published: December 2015

Background: Reports regarding arthroscopy for mild hip dysplasia have conflicting results. Hypothesis: Arthroscopy for borderline/mild hip dysplasia would lead to improved outcomes but be inferior to arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 88 hips (77 patients, 71% female; mean age, 33.9 years) with dysplastic radiographic findings were retrospectively reviewed at a mean follow-up of 26.0 months after hip arthroscopy. Specific procedures included labral repair (76%), labral debridement (23%), capsular repair/plication (82%), and femoral osteochondroplasty (72%). Radiographic parameters included lateral center-edge angle, neck-shaft angle, Tönnis angle, extrusion index, femoral head lateralization, and break in the Shenton line. Pre- and postoperative function were evaluated prospectively with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey, and visual analog scale for pain. The results of the dysplastic cohort were compared with an age-matched cohort of 231 hips without radiographic dysplasia that underwent arthroscopic FAI correction during the study period (mean follow-up, 22.7 months). Results: The mean lateral center-edge angle was 20.8° (range, 8.7°-24.5°), and the mean Tönnis angle was 11.0° (range, 0°-22.2°). At the time of final follow-up, the dysplastic cohort demonstrated a mean mHHS of 81.3 with a mean 15.6-point improvement in mHHS, compared with 88.4 and 24.4 points, respectively, in the FAI cohort ( P = .00044). The dysplastic cohort had 60.9% good/excellent results and 32.2% failures, compared with 81.2% good/excellent results and 10.5% failures for the FAI cohort ( P < .01). Failure was defined as an mHHS ≤70 or eventual pelvic/femoral osteotomy or total hip arthroplasty. Dysplastic hips that underwent capsular plication and labral repair had greater good/excellent results (73%) and mean latest mHHS (85), as well as lower failure rates (18%) compared with the remainder of the dysplastic cohort ( P < .05). Grade 4 chondral defects were predictive of lower scores ( P = .02). There were no other statistically significant differences for outcomes regarding sex, age, or radiographic parameters ( P > .05). There were no iatrogenic subluxations/dislocations. Conclusion: Arthroscopic management of mild to moderate acetabular dysplasia had inferior good/excellent results and higher failure rates when compared with an FAI cohort; therefore, isolated arthroscopic procedures in this population should be cautiously considered. These results were independent of patient sex. Labral repair and capsular plication resulted in better clinical outcomes in this mildly dysplastic cohort.
Prevalence of premature ovarian failure in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with immunosuppressive agents in Thailand
Authors: Akawatcharangura P , Taechakraichana N , Osiri M 
Published: December 2015

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that affects most women of reproductive age. The prevalence of premature ovarian failure (POF) in SLE patients is higher than that in the general population. However, the data on this condition are limited in Asian countries. Objectives To determine the prevalence and associated factors of POF in SLE patients who received immunosuppressive therapy. Methods Women aged 18–40 years who were diagnosed with SLE according to the 1997 revised criteria for the classification of SLE or patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis were evaluated. All patients had received at least one of the following immunosuppressive agents: cyclophosphamide (CYC), azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, chlorambucil or cyclosporine for more than six months. POF was diagnosed in those who had sustained amenorrhea for more than six consecutive months, with a level of estradiol ≤ 110 pmol/L (30 pg/mL) and follicle stimulating hormone ≥40 IU/L. Results Ninety two SLE patients were included in this study. Mean age at enrollment was 30 ± 6.9 years and disease duration was 103 ± 67.5 months. The mean Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) damage index was 1.7 ± 1.7. Seventy five patients (82%) had lupus nephritis. Sixty four patients (70%) received CYC. Eleven patients (12%) with POF were observed. For the binary logistic regression model, CYC cumulative dosage of more than 10 g was the only independent risk factor of POF (hazard ratio 17.0, 95%CI 1.96–147.72, p = 0.01). Conclusions From our data, 12% of SLE patients developed POF. A cumulative dose of CYC of more than 10 g was the only risk factor for POF. To prevent these events, systematic evaluation and early recognition of POF should be promoted in the care of SLE patients.
(Re)Animated Pasts
Authors: Martinez Shantel 
Published: December 2015

I am dislocated. I am fragmented. I am mixed-raced. Utilizing Moraga’s (1984) theory of the flesh, I reflect on my childhood as a mixed-race child trying to find her “place” both in the family and in society. Neither looking like my mother nor of my father, my body becomes/is constantly surveyed for “proof” that I “belong.” But what does belonging look it? What does it feel like? What does longing to belong mean? In this article, I explore the notions of “ghosts” and “haunting” as metaphors of diaspora and trauma within a fragmented childhood.
Ultrasonographic anatomy of the healthy southern tigrina (Leopardus guttulus) abdomen: comparison with domestic cat references
Authors: Müller Thiago R , Marcelino Raquel S , de Souza Livia P , Teixeira Carlos R , Mamprim Maria J 
Published: December 2015

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the normal abdominal echoanatomy of the tigrina and to compare it with the abdominal echoanatomy of the domestic cat. Reference intervals for the normal abdominal ultrasonographic anatomy of individual species are important for accurate diagnoses and interpretation of routine health examinations. The hypothesis was that the echoanatomy of the tigrina was similar to that of the domestic cat. Methods Eighteen clinically healthy tigrina were selected for abdominal ultrasound examination, in order to obtain normal parameters of the bladder, spleen, adrenal gland, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, liver and gall bladder, and Doppler parameters of liver and kidney vessels. Results The splenic parenchyma was consistently hyperechoic to the kidneys and liver. The liver, kidneys and spleen had similar echotexture, shape and dimensions when compared with the domestic cat. The gall bladder was lobulated and surrounded by a clearly visualized thin, smooth, regular echogenic wall. The adrenal glands had a bilobulated shape. The urinary bladder had a thin echogenic wall. The Doppler parameters of the portal vein and renal artery were similar to the domestic cat. Conclusions and relevance The results support the hypothesis that the ultrasonographic parameters of the abdominal viscera of the southern tigrina are similar to those of the domestic cat.
Dirofilaria immitis exposure status in client-owned cats with or without lower airway/lung-associated signs: case-control study in a canine heartworm-endemic area
Authors: Lin Chung-Hui , Lo Pei-Ying , Tsai Han-Ju , Wang Lih-Chiann , Liaw Bor-Song , Hsieh Olivia F , Chang Yeong-Shuenn , Tsai Yi-Chin , Yu Szu-Ching , Chueh Ling-Ling 
Published: December 2015

Objectives Heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) is a recently recognised pathological manifestation in cats caused by Dirofilaria immitis exposure. This study aimed to estimate the percentage of cats at risk of developing HARD in a heartworm-endemic area (Taipei, Taiwan), and to test the correlation of heartworm exposure and the presence of lower airway/lung clinical signs (LA/L signs). Methods This was a prospective case-control study. The study design called for the enrolment of at least 80 cats with LA/L signs and at least 80 cats without such clinical signs in a 1 year period. The D immitis antibody seroprevalence of the two cohorts was compared. Results From February 2014 to January 2015, 187 client-owned cats were prospectively enrolled: 83 clinical cases with LA/L signs and 104 cats without such signs. Antibody seropositivity was approximately twice as frequent in cats with LA/L signs (13.3%) than in cats without signs (7.8%) (odds ratio [OR] 1.814); nevertheless, no statistically significant difference between the two cohorts ( P = 0.22) was found. We used 41 frozen samples from free-roaming cats to examine the possibility of different exposure rates to mosquito bites between client-owned cats and stray cats, finding the seroprevalence to be 7.5% in free-roaming cats – a result not statistically different to that in client-owned cats ( P = 0.60). Outdoor access was a significant risk factor for heartworm exposure in client-owned cats (OR 3.748; P = 0.03); however, living entirely indoors did not provide complete protection from exposure/infection. Conclusions and relevance Our results did not show statistically significant differences in antibody seroprevalence between cats with and without LA/L signs. LA/L signs were not always present under conditions of natural exposure. However, exposure to D immitis is not rare among client-owned cats, suggesting that heartworm prophylactics should be a part of routine care in all cats living in areas endemic for canine heartworm.
Genomic Profile of Fatigued Men Receiving Localized Radiation Therapy
Authors: Hsiao Chao-Pin , Reddy Swarnalatha Y. , Chen Mei-Kuang , Saligan Leorey N. 
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore gene expression changes in fatigued men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving localized external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Methods: Fatigue was measured in 40 men with prostate cancer (20 receiving EBRT and 20 controls on active surveillance) using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue (FACT-F). EBRT subjects were followed from baseline to midpoint and end point of EBRT, while controls were seen at one time point. EBRT subjects were categorized into high- and low-fatigue groups based on change in FACT-F scores from baseline to EBRT completion. Full genome microarray was performed from peripheral leukocyte RNA to determine gene expression changes related to fatigue phenotypes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the most differentially expressed gene in the microarray experiment. Results: At baseline, mean FACT-F scores were not different between EBRT subjects (44.3 ± 7.16) and controls (46.7 ± 4.32, p = .24). Fatigue scores of EBRT subjects decreased at treatment midpoint (38.6 ± 9.17, p = .01) and completion (37.6 ± 9.9, p = .06), indicating worsening fatigue. Differential expression of 42 genes was observed between fatigue groups when EBRT time points were controlled. Membrane-spanning four domains, subfamily A, member ( MS4A1) was the most differentially expressed gene and was associated with fatigue at treatment end point ( r = −.46, p = .04). Conclusion: Fatigue intensification was associated with MS4A1 downregulation, suggesting that fatigue during EBRT may be related to impairment in B-cell immune response. The 42 differentially expressed fatigue-related genes are associated with glutathione biosynthesis, γ-glutamyl cycle, and antigen presentation pathways.
Evaluation of a cloud-based local-read paradigm for imaging evaluations in oncology clinical trials for lung cancer
Authors: Sueoka-Aragane Naoko , Kobayashi Naomi , Bonnard Eric , Charbonnier Colette , Yamamichi Junta , Mizobe Hideaki , Kimura Shinya 
Published: December 2015

Background Although tumor response evaluated with radiological imaging is frequently used as a primary endpoint in clinical trials, it is difficult to obtain precise results because of inter- and intra-observer differences. Purpose To evaluate usefulness of a cloud-based local-read paradigm implementing software solutions that standardize imaging evaluations among international investigator sites for clinical trials of lung cancer. Material and Methods Two studies were performed: KUMO I and KUMO I Extension. KUMO I was a pilot study aiming at demonstrating the feasibility of cloud implementation and identifying issues regarding variability of evaluations among sites. Chest CT scans at three time-points from baseline to progression, from 10 patients with lung cancer who were treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, were evaluated independently by two oncologists (Japan) and one radiologist (France), through a cloud-based software solution. The KUMO I Extension was performed based on the results of KUMO I. Results KUMO I showed discordance rates of 40% for target lesion selection, 70% for overall response at the first time-point, and 60% for overall response at the second time-point. Since the main reason for the discordance was differences in the selection of target lesions, KUMO I Extension added a cloud-based quality control service to achieve a consensus on the selection of target lesions, resulting in an improved rate of agreement of response evaluations. Conclusion The study shows the feasibility of imaging evaluations at investigator sites, based on cloud services for clinical studies involving multiple international sites. This system offers a step forward in standardizing evaluations of images among widely dispersed sites.
Book Review: Irfan Habib, Prehistory and Irfan Habib, The Indus Civilization
Authors: Korisettar Ravi 
Published: December 2015

Irfan Habib, Prehistory, 9th edition, People’s History of India Series (New Delhi: Aligarh Historian Society, Tulika Books) 2012, pp. x + 76, ₹ 130 (Paperback). Irfan Habib, The Indus Civilization, 7th edition, People’s History of India Series (New Delhi: Aligarh Historian Society, Tulika Books), 2011, pp. x + 111, ₹ 300 (Paperback).
Book Review: Irfan Habib and Vijay Kumar Thakur, The Vedic Age and the Coming of Iron, Krishna Mohan Shrimali, The Age of Iron and the Religious Revolution, c. 700–350 BC, Irfan Habib and Vivekanand Jha, Mauryan India and Irfan Habib, Post-Mauryan India, c. 200 BC–AD 300: A Political and Economic History
Authors: Roy Kumkum 
Published: December 2015

Irfan Habib and Vijay Kumar Thakur, The Vedic Age and the Coming of Iron, c. 1500–700 BC, A People’s History of India, Vol. 3 (New Delhi: Aligarh Historians Society, Tulika Books), 2014 (7th edition, paperback), pp. viii + 100, ₹ 175. Krishna Mohan Shrimali, The Age of Iron and the Religious Revolution, c. 700–350 BC, A People’s History of India, Vol. 4 (New Delhi: Aligarh Historians Society, Tulika Books), 2013 (5th edition, paperback), pp. xiii + 160, ₹ 230. Irfan Habib and Vivekanand Jha, Mauryan India, A People’s History of India, Vol. 5 (New Delhi: Aligarh Historian’s Society, Tulika Books), 2011 (5th edition, paperback), pp. x + 189, ₹ 260. IRFAN HABIB, Post-Mauryan India, c. 200 BC–AD 300: A Political and Economic History, A People’s History of India, Vol. 6 (New Delhi: Aligarh Historians Society, Tulika Books), 2013 (2nd edition, paperback), pp. xii + 148, ₹ 240.
Lin− CD34hi CD117int/hi FcεRI+ cells in human blood constitute a rare population of mast cell progenitors
Authors: Dahlin Joakim S. , Malinovschi Andrei , Öhrvik Helena , Sandelin Martin , Janson Christer , Alving Kjell , Hallgren Jenny 
Published: December 2015

Key Points
Human Lin− CD34hi CD117int/hi FcεRI+ cells in blood constitute mast cell progenitors. Asthmatics with reduced lung function have an increased frequency of circulating mast cell progenitors.
Variation in NAT2 acetylation phenotypes is associated with differences in food-producing subsistence modes and ecoregions in Africa
Authors: Podgorná Eliška , Diallo Issa , Vangenot Christelle , Sanchez-Mazas Alicia , Sabbagh Audrey , Černý Viktor , Poloni Estella S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundDietary changes associated to shifts in subsistence strategies during human evolution may have induced new selective pressures on phenotypes, as currently held for lactase persistence. Similar hypotheses exist for arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) mediated acetylation capacity, a well-known pharmacogenetic trait with wide inter-individual variation explained by polymorphisms in theNAT2gene. The environmental causative factor (if any) driving its evolution is as yet unknown, but significant differences in prevalence of acetylation phenotypes are found between hunter-gatherer and food-producing populations, both in sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide, and between agriculturalists and pastoralists in Central Asia. These two subsistence strategies also prevail among sympatric populations of the African Sahel, but knowledge onNAT2variation among African pastoral nomads was up to now very scarce. Here we addressed the hypothesis of different selective pressures associated to the agriculturalist or pastoralist lifestyles having acted on the evolution ofNAT2by sequencing the gene in 287 individuals from five pastoralist and one agriculturalist Sahelian populations.ResultsWe show that the significantNAT2genetic structure of African populations is mainly due to frequency differences of three major haplotypes, two of which are categorized as decreased function alleles (NAT2*5BandNAT2*6A), particularly common in populations living in arid environments, and one fast allele (NAT2*12A), more frequently detected in populations living in tropical humid environments. This genetic structure does associate more strongly with a classification of populations according to ecoregions than to subsistence strategies, mainly because most Sahelian and East African populations display little to no genetic differentiation between them, although both regions hold nomadic or semi-nomadic pastoralist and sedentary agriculturalist communities. Furthermore, we found significantly higher predicted proportions of slow acetylators in pastoralists than in agriculturalists, but also among food-producing populations living in the Sahelian and dry savanna zones than in those living in humid environments, irrespective of their mode of subsistence.ConclusionOur results suggest a possible independent influence of both the dietary habits associated with subsistence modes and the chemical environment associated with climatic zones and biomes on the evolution ofNAT2diversity in sub-Saharan African populations.
Alteration of the foot center of pressure trajectory by an unstable shoe design
Authors: Khoury Mona , Haim Amir , Herman Amir , Rozen Nimrod , Wolf Alon 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundUnstable sole designs have been used as functional or therapeutic tools for improving body stability during locomotion. It has been suggested that the narrow base of support under the feet generate perturbations that challenge the instability of different joints during motion, thereby forcing the body to modify its movement in order to maintain a stable gait. The purpose of the present study was to explore the correlation between the stability of the footwear‐device and the magnitude of perturbation conveyed during gait.MethodsVarious levels of dynamic instability were achieved using a novel foot‐worn platform with two adjustable convex rubber elements attached to its sole. A total of 20 healthy male adults underwent direct in‐shoe pressure measurements while walking with the footwear device. Foot center of pressure (COP) and stride to stride variability measures were extracted to examine the correlation between the magnitude of the instability and the imposed perturbations during gait.ResultsA counterintuitive but significant correlation was found between stride to stride variability and the instability of the biomechanical elements. Moreover, there was significant correlation between the instability of the elements and the perturbations found in the COP trajectory. The linear model describing this correlation was found to be statistically significant.ConclusionThere was significantly negative correlation between the level of instability induced by the shoe design and the amount of perturbations conveyed during gait. This suggests that the external perturbation must remain within a certain range limit. Exceeding this limit can negatively affect the treatment and probably lead to opposite results.
The LINC complex component Sun4 plays a crucial role in sperm head formation and fertility
Authors: Pasch Elisabeth , Link Jana , Beck Carolin , Scheuerle Stefanie , Alsheimer Manfred 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTLINC complexes are evolutionarily conserved nuclear envelope bridges, physically connecting the nucleus to the peripheral cytoskeleton. They are pivotal for dynamic cellular and developmental processes, like nuclear migration, anchoring and positioning, meiotic chromosome movements and maintenance of cell polarity and nuclear shape. Active nuclear reshaping is a hallmark of mammalian sperm development and, by transducing cytoskeletal forces to the nuclear envelope, LINC complexes could be vital for sperm head formation as well. We here analyzed in detail the behavior and function of Sun4, a bona fide testis-specific LINC component. We demonstrate that Sun4 is solely expressed in spermatids and there localizes to the posterior nuclear envelope, likely interacting with Sun3/Nesprin1 LINC components. Our study revealed that Sun4 deficiency severely impacts the nucleocytoplasmic junction, leads to mislocalization of other LINC components and interferes with the formation of the microtubule manchette, which finally culminates in a globozoospermia-like phenotype. Together, our study provides direct evidence for a critical role of LINC complexes in mammalian sperm head formation and male fertility.