bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetics in the Neoliberal “Regime of Truth”
Authors: Dupras Charles , Ravitsky Vardit 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRecent findings in epigenetics have been attracting much attention from social scientists and bioethicists because they reveal the molecular mechanisms by which exposure to socioenvironmental factors, such as pollutants and social adversity, can influence the expression of genes throughout life. Most surprisingly, some epigenetic modifications may also be heritable via germ cells across generations. Epigenetics may be the missing molecular evidence of the importance of using preventive strategies at the policy level to reduce the incidence and prevalence of common diseases. But while this “policy translation” of epigenetics introduces new arguments in favor of public health strategies and policy‐making, a more “clinical translation” of epigenetics is also emerging. It focuses on the biochemical mechanisms and epigenetic variants at the origin of disease, leading to novel biomedical means of assessing epigenetic susceptibility and reversing detrimental epigenetic variants.In this paper, we argue that the impetus to create new biomedical interventions to manipulate and reverse epigenetic variants is likely to garner more attention than effective social and public health interventions and therefore also to garner a greater share of limited public resources. This is likely to happen because of the current biopolitical context in which scientific findings are translated. This contemporary neoliberal “regime of truth,” to use a term from Michel Foucault, greatly influences the ways in which knowledge is being interpreted and implemented. Building on sociologist Thomas Lemke's Foucauldian “analytics of biopolitics” and on literature from the field of science and technology studies, we present two sociological trends that may impede the policy translation of epigenetics: molecularization and biomedicalization. These trends, we argue, are likely to favor the clinical translation of epigenetics—in other words, the development of new clinical tools fostering what has been called “personalized” or “precision” medicine. In addition, we argue that an overemphasized clinical translation of epigenetics may further reinforce this biopolitical landscape through four processes closely related to neoliberal pathways of thinking: the internalization and isolation (aspects of liberal individualism) of socioenvironmental determinants of health and increased opportunities for commodification and technologicalization (aspects of economic liberalism) of health care interventions.
Effect of Adipocyte Secretome in Melanoma Progression and Vasculogenic Mimicry
Authors: Coelho Pedro , Almeida Joana , Prudêncio Cristina , Fernandes Rúben , Soares Raquel 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTObesity, favored by the modern lifestyle, acquired epidemic proportions nowadays. Obesity has been associated with various major causes of death and morbidity including malignant neoplasms. This increased prevalence has been accompanied by a worldwide increase in cutaneous melanoma incidence rates during the last decades. Obesity involvement in melanoma aetiology has been recognized, but the implicated mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we address this relationship and investigate the influence of adipocytes secretome on B16‐F10 and MeWo melanoma cell lines. Using the 3T3‐L1 adipocyte cell line, as well as ex vivo subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissue conditioned medium, we were able to show that adipocyte‐released factors play a dual role in increasing melanoma cell overall survival, both by enhancing proliferation and decreasing apoptosis. B16‐F10 cell migration and cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion capacity were predominantly enhanced in the presence of SAT and VAT released factors. Melanocytes morphology and melanin content were also altered by exposure to adipocyte conditioned medium disclosing a more dedifferentiated phenotype of melanocytes. In addition, exposure to adipocyte‐secreted molecules induced melanocytes to rearrange, on 3D cultures, into vessel‐like structures, and generate characteristic vasculogenic mimicry patterns. These findings are corroborated by the released factors profile of 3T3‐L1, SAT, and VAT assessed by microarrays, and led us to highlight the mechanisms by which adipose secretome from sub‐cutaneous or visceral depots promote melanoma progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1697–1706, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Polytyramine Nanoparticles to the Corrosion Protection of Copper
Authors: Farhadi Khalil , Banisaeid Sepideh , Jamali Arezu , Zebhi Hamid , Ghelichkhah Zahed , Khalili Hedayat , Abbasi Robab 
Published: December 2015

AbstractElectrochemical polymerization of tyramine was achieved on copper electrode surface from tyramine in 0.3 M oxalic acid (pH=1.2) solution by using cyclic voltammetry technique. The formation of polytyramine nanoparicles (PTN) were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), fourier transform infrared‐attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corrosion behavior of PTN coated copper was investigated by means of the change of open circuit potential with exposure time (Eocpt), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic polarization curves in 3.5 % NaCl solutions at room temperature. The obtained results showed the shift of corrosion potential toward positive values for electropolymerized copper and a significant decrease in corrosion current and corrosion rate in comparison with bare copper, so that the PTNs coating could be used as an important protection against corrosion of copper.
Synthesis of Amino Acid‐comprising Sialyltransferase Inhibitors and Their Antimetastatic Activities against Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fu Chih‐Wei , Chang Kai‐Hsuan , Jen Ya Ching , Chang Tzu Ting , Li Wen‐Shan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe amino acid‐containing lithocholic acids (LCA) represent a new class of human sialyltransferase (ST) inhibitors. In this study, we have reported their design, synthesis, and inhibitory activity against human STs. Among these derivatives, D‐Glu‐LCA 7, L‐Asp‐L‐Asp‐LCA 13, and L‐Asp‐L‐Asp‐Gly‐Gly‐LCA 22 with specific amino acid sequence were the most active ones with IC50 values of 2.3–5.6 and 4.2‐6.2 μM toward α‐2,3‐ST and α‐2,6‐ST, respectively. The current study demonstrates that the new class of ST in‐ hibitors inhibit cell migration in breast cancer cells by preventing closure of the wound rather than involv‐ ing a direct antiproliferative effect.
Utilization and effectiveness of pharmacotherapy for Tobacco use following admission for exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Melzer Anne C. , Feemster Laura C. , Collins Margaret P. , Au David H. 
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUNDPatients admitted for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly continue to smoke. The utilization and effectiveness of tobacco cessation medications after discharge is largely unknown. We sought to examine whether pharmacologic treatment of tobacco use following admission for COPD was associated with smoking cessation at 6 to 12 months.METHODSMultivariable logistic regression analysis of a cohort of 1334 smokers, discharged from hospital with a COPD exacerbation between 2005 and 2012, identified administratively within the Veterans Affairs Veterans Integrated Service Network‐20, adjusted for variables chosen a priori. Our primary exposure was treatment with any 1 or combination of smoking cessation medications within 90 days of discharge determined from pharmacy records, with the outcome of smoking cessation at 6 to 12 months after discharge.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTSFour hundred fifty (33.7%) of the patients were dispensed a smoking cessation medication, with 53.4% receiving a nicotine patch alone. Overall, 19.8% of patients reported quitting smoking at 6 to 12 months. Compared to those not receiving medications, the odds of quitting were not greater among patients dispensed any single or combination of smoking cessation medications within 90 days of discharge (odds ratio [OR]: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74‐1.04). Among patients treated with medications compared to nicotine patch alone, varenicline (OR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.48‐4.05) was associated with increased odds of cessation, and short‐acting nicotine replacement therapy alone (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.51‐0.85) was associated with decreased odds of cessation.CONCLUSIONSTreatment was provided to a minority of subjects and was not associated with cessation, with potential differences observed in effectiveness between medications. Systems‐based changes may improve delivery of this key intervention. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:257–263. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Systematic Review of Physiologic Monitor Alarm Characteristics and Pragmatic Interventions to Reduce Alarm Frequency
Authors: Paine Christine Weirich , Goel Veena V. , Ely Elizabeth , Stave Christopher D. , Stemler Shannon , Zander Miriam , Bonafide Christopher P. 
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUNDAlarm fatigue from frequent nonactionable physiologic monitor alarms is frequently named as a threat to patient safety.PURPOSETo critically examine the available literature relevant to alarm fatigue.DATA SOURCESArticles published in English, Spanish, or French between January 1980 and April 2015 indexed in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov.STUDY SELECTIONArticles focused on hospital physiologic monitor alarms addressing any of the following: (1) the proportion of alarms that are actionable, (2) the relationship between alarm exposure and nurse response time, and (3) the effectiveness of interventions in reducing alarm frequency.DATA EXTRACTIONWe extracted data on setting, collection methods, proportion of alarms determined to be actionable, nurse response time, and associations between interventions and alarm rates.DATA SYNTHESISOur search produced 24 observational studies focused on alarm characteristics and response time and 8 studies evaluating interventions. Actionable alarm proportion ranged from <1% to 36% across a range of hospital settings. Two studies showed relationships between high alarm exposure and longer nurse response time. Most intervention studies included multiple components implemented simultaneously. Although studies varied widely, and many had high risk of bias, promising but still unproven interventions include widening alarm parameters, instituting alarm delays, and using disposable electrocardiographic wires or frequently changed electrocardiographic electrodes.CONCLUSIONSPhysiologic monitor alarms are commonly nonactionable, and evidence supporting the concept of alarm fatigue is emerging. Several interventions have the potential to reduce alarms safely, but more rigorously designed studies with attention to possible unintended consequences are needed. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:136–144. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Adjoint sensitivity analysis of the T, Π, and L types of microstripline low noise amplifiers
Authors: Demirel Salih , Güneş Filiz , Mahouti Peyman 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIn this work, the sensitivities of the Gain GT, noise figure F, magnitudes and phases of the input Γin and output Γout reflection coefficients of low noise amplifier are carried out analytically with respect to the matching mirostrips' widths and lengths depending upon the position and the configuration types, using adjoint network method via wave approach for different types of matching networks. Thus, not only these analytical gradient expressions can be implemented with either the gradient‐based or non‐gradient optimization algorithms even simple metaheuristic algorithm for a high‐speed and improved design of the microstrip amplifiers but at the same time the tolerance limitations of the designs can be provided depending on type of the matching network. As a case study, performance sensitivities of the T, Π, L types of microstrip low noise amplifier with the design target parameters of GTmax, Fmin and |Γin| = 0.3 with the operation bandwidth of 10–18 GHz are worked out and compared with results of the numerical perturbation and chain sensitivity matrix methods. Furthermore, performance sensitivity characteristics of the microstrip lines for all types of amplifier circuits are given, and comparisons are made among microstrip lines at the same positions along the operation bandwidths. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Administration duration influences the effects of low‐magnitude, high‐frequency vibration on ovariectomized rat bone
Authors: Qing Fangzhu , Xie Pengfei , Liem Yacincha Selushia , Chen Ying , Chen Xuening , Zhu Xiangdong , Fan Yujiang , Yang Xiao , Zhang Xingdong 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTLow‐magnitude, high‐frequency vibration (LMHFV) has been proposed as a non‐drug anti‐osteoporosis treatment. However, the influence of administration duration on its effect is seldom investigated. In this study, the effect of 16‐week LMHFV (0.3 g, 30 Hz, 20 min/day) on the bone mineral densities (BMDs), bone mechanical properties, and cellular responses of osteoporotic and healthy rats was examined by in vivo peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), fracture tests, cell assays, and mRNA quantification. Forty‐eight adult rats were equally assigned to sham surgery (SHM), sham surgery with LMHFV (SHM+V), ovariectomy (OVX), and ovariectomy with LMHFV (OVX+V) groups. At week 8, LMHFV ameliorated ovariectomy‐induced deterioration of trabecular bone, with a significantly higher tibia trabecular BMD (+11.2%) being noted in OVX+V rats (vs. OVX). However, this positive effect was not observed at later time points. Furthermore, 16 weeks of LMHFV caused significant reductions in the vertebral mean BMD (−13.0%), trabecular BMD (−15.7%), and maximum load (−21.5%) in OVX+V rats (vs. OVX). Osteoblasts derived from osteoporotic rat bone explants showed elevated BSP and OSX mRNA expression induced by LMHFV on day 1. However, no further positive effect on osteoblastic mRNA expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, or calcium deposition was observed with prolonged culture time. A higher ratio of RANKL/OPG induced by LMHFV suggests that osteoclastogenesis may be activated. Together, these results demonstrate that administration duration played an important role in the effect of LMHFV. Early exposure to LMHFV can positively modulate osteoporotic bone and osteoblasts; however, the beneficial effect seems not to persist over time. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1147–1157, 2016.
The distribution and climatic implications of periglacial landforms in eastern Australia
Authors: Slee Adrian , Shulmeister James 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTMapping of over 4000 block deposits and scree slopes in eastern Australia is used to determine the extent of past strong freeze–thaw activity. Freeze–thaw landforms are common in the high country as far north as 30°S. There is a clear association between the locations of relict periglacial landforms and areas that receive more than 50 modern frost days. We infer about 10.5 °C cooling north of 35°S in the Diving Range, about 9 °C in the Australian Alps and about 5 °C in Tasmania during the phases when the lowest block deposits were active. An unexpected observation is the importance of precipitation in the distribution of block deposits north of 35°S. Here, the majority of block deposits have a southerly or westerly aspect, and lie in a narrow modern precipitation band of ca. 900–1050 mm. To the east, high‐elevation areas appear to have weaker diurnal oscillations limiting freeze–thaw activity. To the west, block deposits are absent, probably due to insufficient moisture to drive freeze–thaw processes. We cannot define specific last glaciation precipitation but the maintenance of a strong east–west precipitation gradient during glacial times is consistent with the maintenance of onshore easterlies during cold periods.
Changing trends in the clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Kwon Hyemi , Kim Won Gu , Sung Tae‐Yon , Jeon Min Ji , Song Dong Eun , Lee Yu‐Mi , Yoon Jong Ho , Chung Ki‐Wook , Hong Suck Joon , Baek Jung Hwan , Lee Jeong Hyun , Kim Tae Yong , Shong Young Kee , Kim Won Bae 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundThe early detection of papillary thyroid cancer has contributed to the increase in the incidence and improved clinical outcomes. However, recent changes of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) over time remain unclear. We evaluated changes of the clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with MTC in recent years.MethodsA total of 109 MTC patients were classified based on the year of initial surgery: 1996–2000 (n = 14), 2001–2006 (n = 39), and 2007–2011 (n = 56).ResultsThe primary tumor size significantly decreased and the proportion of microMTCs (size ≤1 cm) increased over time (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of patients with cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis significantly decreased (P = 0.037), and the ratio of metastatic LNs significantly decreased (P = 0.011). Disease‐free survival (DFS) rate of patients was significantly improved over time (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in DFS between microMTC and macroMTC patients. However, more advanced LN stage patients demonstrated more recurrences (P < 0.001). Especially, there were significantly more recurrences in patients with N1b diseases in comparison with patients without cervical LN metastases (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe prognosis of MTC patients has significantly improved in recent years. These changes could be associated with the early diagnosis before development of lateral and extensive cervical LN metastases. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:152–158. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Failing as doorman and disc jockey at the same time: Amygdalar dysfunction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Diederich Nico J. , Goldman Jennifer G. , Stebbins Glenn T. , Goetz Christopher G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn Braak's model of ascending degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), involvement of the amygdala occurs simultaneously with substantia nigra degeneration. However, the clinical manifestations of amygdalar involvement in PD have not been fully delineated. Considered a multitask manager, the amygdala is a densely connected “hub,” coordinating and integrating tasks ranging from prompt, multisensorial emotion recognition to adequate emotional responses and emotional tuning of memories. Although phylogenetically predisposed to handle fear, the amygdala handles both aversive and positive emotional inputs. In PD, neuropathological and in vivo studies suggest primarily amygdalar hypofunction. However, as dopamine acts as an inverted U‐shaped amygdalar modulator, medication‐induced hyperactivity of the amygdala can occur. We propose that amygdalar (network) dysfunction contributes to reduced recognition of negative emotional face expressions, impaired theory of mind, reactive hypomimia, and impaired decision making. Similarly, impulse control disorders in predisposed individuals, hallucinations, anxiety, and panic attacks may be related to amygdalar dysfunction. When available, we discuss amygdala‐independent trigger mechanisms of these symptoms. Although dopaminergic agents have mostly an activation effect on amygdalar function, adaptive and compensatory network changes may occur as well, but these have not been sufficiently explored. In conclusion, our model of amygdalar involvement brings together several elements of Parkinson's disease phenomenology heretofore left unexplained and provides a framework for testable hypotheses in patients during life and in autopsy analyses. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A quasi‐optimal coarse problem and an augmented Krylov solver for the variational theory of complex rays
Authors: Kovalevsky Louis , Gosselet Pierre 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe variational theory of complex rays (VTCR) is an indirect Trefftz method designed to study systems governed by Helmholtz‐like equations. It uses wave functions to represent the solution inside elements, which reduces the dispersion error compared with classical polynomial approaches, but the resulting system is prone to be ill‐conditioned. This paper gives a simple and original presentation of the VTCR using the discontinuous Galerkin framework, and it traces back the ill‐conditioning to the accumulation of eigenvalues near zero for the formulation written in terms of wave amplitude. The core of this paper presents an efficient solving strategy that overcomes this issue. The key element is the construction of a search subspace where the condition number is controlled at the cost of a limited decrease of attainable precision. An augmented LSQR solver is then proposed to solve efficiently and accurately the complete system. The approach is successfully applied to different examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proxy measures of vitamin D status – season and latitude – correlate with adverse outcomes after bariatric surgery in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2001–2010: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Peterson L. A. , Canner J. K. , Cheskin L. J. , Prokopowicz G. P. , Schweitzer M. A. , Magnuson T. H. , Steele K. E. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate the association between adverse surgical outcomes following bariatric surgery and proxy measures of vitamin D (VitD) status (season and latitude) in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).BackgroundObesity is an independent risk factor for VitD deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng ml−1). VitD deficiency compounds the chronic inflammation of obesity, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery. Epidemiology has long used season and latitude as proxies for group VitD, as VitD status is largely determined by sun exposure, which is greatest during summer and at the Equator.MethodsWe assessed proxy measures of group VitD status. We compared surgeries in VitD Summer (July to September), Winter (January to March), and Fall/Spring (October to December and April to June) and in the North (≥37°N) vs. the South (<37°N).ResultsWe identified 932,091 bariatric surgeries; 81.2% were women and 74.4% were white. Sex was unequally distributed by season (p = 0.005). Median age was 43.0 years (all groups). Most surgeries occurred in the North (64.8%). Adverse outcome rates ranged from 0.01% (wound infections) to 39.4% [prolonged length of stay {LOS}]. Season was inversely associated with wound infection (p = 0.018) and dehiscence (p = 0.001). Extended LOS was inversely correlated with season (p < 0.001). These relationships held after adjustment. Prolonged LOS (p < 0.001) and any complication (p = 0.108) were more common in the North.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated a graded relationship between seasonality and adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery. The association was strongest for dehiscence and prolonged LOS. These relationships held when using latitude. A prospective study measuring pre‐operative 25(OH)D concentration would strengthen the case for causality in adverse surgical outcomes.