bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The risk of secondary cancer in nasopharyngeal carcinoma paediatric patients due to intensity modulated radiotherapy and mega‐voltage cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Sherif Reham S , Attalla Ehab M , Elshemey Wael M , Madian Noha G 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionThere is a growing interest in the study of radiation‐induced secondary cancer. The aim of this work is (i) to estimate the peripheral doses attributable to intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and mega‐voltage cone beam computed tomography (MV‐CBCT) for some organs at risk (OARs) which surround the target being treated (Nasopharynx) in paediatric patients. (ii) To estimate the risk of radiation‐induced secondary cancers attributable to patient setup verification imaging dose using MV‐CBCT for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) in paediatric patients and comparing it with that attributable to the therapeutic dose using IMRT.MethodsIntensity modulated radiotherapy treatment planning of 10 NPC paediatric patients was carried out on KonRad release 2.2.23. The additional radiation doses to the patients attributable to MV‐CBCT were calculated also using Xio Version 4.4. A paediatric phantom and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used to measure the patient doses attributable to IMRT. These doses were then compared with the calculated doses. The risk of induced secondary cancers attributable to IMRT and MV‐CBCT was calculated and compared to each other.ResultsThe absorbed doses (mean dose) for the OARs (Brain, Brain stem, spinal cord, thyroid, oesophagus, mandible, heart, optic nerve, lung and eye) were higher for the therapeutic dose than for the imaging dose used in the verification of patient position before and during the treatment. The risk of induced secondary cancers in thyroid, oesophagus and lung (the only organs from the OARs which have tabulated values for risk calculations) was higher for therapeutic dose (7.29 ± 0.73%, 2.62 ± 0.17% and 6.76 ± 0.87%, respectively) than for verification imaging dose (0.14 ± 0.00%, 0.06 ± 0.00%, 0.10 ± 0.03% respectively).ConclusionThe risk of secondary cancers attributable to verification imaging dose using MV‐CBCT is very small compared to therapeutic dose using IMRT. Therefore, it is important to focus on the risk of secondary cancers attributable to therapeutic dose especially when using IMRT, where the produced leakage radiation is considerably high compared to some other techniques (such as conformal radiotherapy).
Clinical Validation of Reduced Alcohol Consumption After Treatment for Alcohol Dependence Using the World Health Organization Risk Drinking Levels
Authors: Witkiewitz Katie , Hallgren Kevin A. , Kranzler Henry R. , Mann Karl F. , Hasin Deborah S. , Falk Daniel E. , Litten Raye Z. , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Anton Raymond F. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a highly prevalent public health problem associated with considerable individual and societal costs. Abstinence from alcohol is the most widely accepted target of treatment for AUD, but it severely limits treatment options and could deter individuals who prefer to reduce their drinking from seeking treatment. Clinical validation of reduced alcohol consumption as the primary outcome of alcohol clinical trials is critical for expanding treatment options. One potentially useful measure of alcohol treatment outcome is a reduction in the World Health Organization (WHO, International Guide for Monitoring Alcohol Consumption and Related Harm. Geneva, Switzerland, 2000) risk levels of alcohol use (very high risk, high risk, moderate risk, and low risk). For example, a 2‐shift reduction in WHO risk levels (e.g., high risk to low risk) has been used by the European Medicines Agency (2010, Guideline on the Development of Medicinal Products for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence. UK) to evaluate nalmefene as a treatment for alcohol dependence (AD; Mann et al. 2013, Biol Psychiatry 73, 706–13).MethodsThe current study was a secondary data analysis of the COMBINE study (n = 1,383; Anton et al., ) to examine the association between reductions in WHO risk levels and reductions in alcohol‐related consequences and mental health symptoms during and following treatment in patients with AD.ResultsAny reduction in WHO risk drinking level during treatment was associated with significantly fewer alcohol‐related consequences and improved mental health at the end of treatment and for up to 1 year posttreatment. A greater reduction in WHO risk drinking level predicted a greater reduction in consequences and greater improvements in mental health.ConclusionsChanges in WHO risk levels appear to be a valid end point for alcohol clinical trials. Based on the current findings, reductions in WHO risk drinking levels during treatment reflect meaningful reductions in alcohol‐related consequences and improved functioning.
The Mini Alcohol Craving Experience Questionnaire: Development and Clinical Application
Authors: Coates Jason M. , Gullo Matthew J. , Feeney Gerald F.X. , Kavanagh David J. , Young Ross McD. , Dingle Genevieve A. , May Jon , Andrade Jackie , Statham Dixie J. , Connor Jason P. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundStandardized alcohol craving scales are rarely used outside of research environments despite recognized clinical utility. Scale length is a key barrier to more widespread application. A brief measure of alcohol craving is needed to improve research and treatment of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). Grounded in the Elaborated Intrusion Theory of Desire, the Alcohol Craving Experience (ACE) Questionnaire comprises two 11‐item self‐report scales that assess past‐week frequency and maximum strength of alcohol craving. This study aimed to create a brief version of the ACE while maintaining psychometric integrity and clinical utility.MethodsPatients attending a university hospital alcohol and drug outpatient service for the treatment of AUD completed the ACE as part of a questionnaire battery. Three patient samples were utilized: 519 patients with pretreatment and outcome data, 228 patients with pretreatment data, and 66 patients who completed the ACE at treatment sessions 1 and 2.ResultsThe Frequency scale of the ACE possessed greater clinical utility and predictive validity than the Strength scale. Revision of the Frequency measure produced a 5‐item “Mini Alcohol Craving Experience” (MACE) Questionnaire. Satisfactory validity (construct, predictive, concurrent, convergent, and incremental) and reliability (internal and test–retest) were maintained. A 1 standard deviation increase in pretreatment MACE score was associated with a 54 percentage increase in the odds of patient lapse or dropout.ConclusionsThe MACE provides a brief, theoretically, and psychometrically robust measure of alcohol craving suitable for use with AUD populations in time‐limited clinical and research settings.
Maternal–fetal cholesterol transport in the second half of mouse pregnancy does not involve LDL receptor‐related protein 2
Authors: Zwier M. V. , Baardman M. E. , van Dijk T. H. , Jurdzinski A. , Wisse L. J. , Bloks V. W. , Berger R. M. F. , DeRuiter M. C. , Groen A. K. , Plösch T. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimLDL receptor‐related protein type 2 (LRP2) is highly expressed on both yolk sac and placenta. Mutations in the corresponding gene are associated with severe birth defects in humans, known as Donnai–Barrow syndrome. We here characterized the contribution of LRP2 and maternal plasma cholesterol availability to maternal–fetal cholesterol transport and fetal cholesterol levels in utero in mice.MethodsLrp2+/− mice were mated heterozygously to yield fetuses of all three genotypes. Half of the dams received a 0.5% probucol‐enriched diet during gestation to decrease maternal HDL cholesterol. At E13.5, the dams received an injection of D7‐labelled cholesterol and were provided with 1‐13C acetate‐supplemented drinking water. At E16.5, fetal tissues were collected and maternal cholesterol transport and fetal synthesis quantified by isotope enrichments in fetal tissues by GC‐MS.ResultsThe Lrp2 genotype did not influence maternal–fetal cholesterol transport and fetal cholesterol. However, lowering of maternal plasma cholesterol levels by probucol significantly reduced maternal–fetal cholesterol transport. In the fetal liver, this was associated with increased cholesterol synthesis rates. No indications were found for an interaction between the Lrp2 genotype and maternal probucol treatment.ConclusionMaternal–fetal cholesterol transport and endogenous fetal cholesterol synthesis depend on maternal cholesterol concentrations but do not involve LRP2 in the second half of murine pregnancy. Our results suggest that the mouse fetus can compensate for decreased maternal cholesterol levels. It remains a relevant question how the delicate system of cholesterol transport and synthesis is regulated in the human fetus and placenta.
Tauopathy with hippocampal 4‐repeat tau immunoreactive spherical inclusions: a report of three cases
Authors: Kovacs Gabor G. , Kwong Linda K. , Grossman Murray , Irwin David J. , Lee Edward B. , Robinson John L. , Suh Eunran , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Lee Virginia M. , Trojanowski John Q. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTauopathies are a major group of neurodegenerative proteinopathies characterized by the accumulation of abnormal and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins in the brain. Tau pathology is characterized as 3R (repeat) or 4R predominant or mixed 3R and 4R type. Here we report three cases lacking mutations in the microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) gene with unusual tau pathology. The age at onset and duration of illness, respectively, were 63 and 20 years (male), 67 and 5 years (female) and 72 and 20 years (female). The clinical presentation was compatible with a diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in two subjects and with cognitive decline in all three subjects. Common neuropathological features included neuronal loss in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus associated with spherical basophilic Pick body‐like inclusions showing 4R tau immunoreactivity, which was supported by the detection of predominantly 4R tau species by Western blot examination. In addition, accumulation of tau immunoreactive argyrophilic astrocytes in the hippocampus and amygdala and oligodendroglial coiled bodies in the hippocampal white matter were observed. These morphologies appeared in combination with Alzheimer disease‐related pathology and subcortical tau pathology compatible with PSP. Together with a single case report in the literature, our observations on these three cases expand the spectrum of previously described tauopathies. We suggest that this tauopathy variant with hippocampal 4R tau immunoreactive spherical inclusions might contribute to the cognitive deficits in the patients reported here. The precise definition of the clinicopathological relevance of these unusual tau pathologies merits further study.
Design, synthesis and pharmacophoric model building of new 3‐alkoxymethyl/3‐phenyl indole‐2‐carboxamides with potential antiproliferative activity
Authors: Abdelrahman Mostafa H. , Aboraia Ahmed S. , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Elsadek Bakheet E. M. 
Published: December 2016

Novel 3‐alkoxymethyl/3‐phenyl indole‐2‐carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity. Most of the tested compounds showed moderate to excellent activity against the tested cell lines (MCF7 and HCT116). 3‐Phenyl substitution on indole with p‐piperidinyl phenethyl 24a and p‐dimethylamino phenethyl 24c exhibited anticancer activity against MCF7 with IC50 of 0.13 and 0.14 μm, respectively. Further mechanistic study of the most active compounds through their action on cell cycle showed disturbance in cell cycle progression and cell cycle arrest. For future development of this series of compounds, pharmacophore study was conducted which indicated that the enhancement of the activity could be achieved through the addition of acceptor or donating groups to the already‐present indole nucleus.
Talking with young children about concussions: an exploratory study
Authors: Kroshus E. , Gillard D. , Haarbauer‐Krupa J. , Goldman R. E. , Bickham D. S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundConcussion education for children early in their participation in organized sport may help shape lasting attitudes about concussion safety. However, existing programming and research focus on older ages.MethodsQualitative interviews about concussions were conducted with twenty children between the ages of six and eight. Structural, descriptive and pattern coding were used to organize the transcribed interviews and identify emergent themes.ResultsEighteen of the participants indicated that they had heard of the word concussion, with 12 describing the injury as related to the brain or head. The most frequently described mechanisms of injury were impacts to the head or falls, and symptoms tended to be somatic, such as generalized pain. The most frequently endorsed strategy to avoid sustaining a concussion was to ‘follow the rules.’ Multiple participants referenced parents as an informal source of information about concussions.ConclusionsWhile most participants demonstrated some awareness about concussions, there were clear knowledge gaps that can be addressed with developmentally appropriate concussion education programming. Consistent with their developmental stage, interventions targeted at children in this age range may be most successful if they use basic logic, concrete ideas, provide rules to be followed and engage parents in dissemination.
Assessment by airway ellipticity on cine‐MRI to differentiate severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Kojima Tsukasa , Kawakubo Masateru , Nishizaka Mari K. , Rahmawati Anita , Ando Shin‐ichi , Chishaki Akiko , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Nagao Michinobu 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is assessed by the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) determined from polysomnography (PSG). However, PSG requires a specialized facility with well‐trained specialists and takes overnight. Therefore, simple tools, which could distinguish severe OSA, have been needed before performing PSG.ObjectivesWe propose the new index using cine‐MRI as a screening test to differentiate severe OSA patients, who would need PSG and proper treatment.MethodsThirty‐six patients with suspected OSA (mean age 54.6 y, mean AHI 52.6 events/h, 33 males) underwent airway cine‐MRI at the fourth cervical vertebra level during 30 s of free breathing and PSG. The minimum airway ellipticity (AE) in 30 s duration was measured, and was defined as the severity of OSA. Patients were divided into severe OSA, not‐severe OSA, and normal groups, according to PSG results. The comparison of AE between any two of the three groups was performed by Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut‐off of AE for identifying severe OSA patients.ResultsThe minimum AE for severe OSA was significantly lower than that for not‐severe OSA and normal (severe, 0.17 ± 0.16; not severe, 0.31 ± 0.17; normal, 0.38 ± 0.19, P < .05). ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff of the minimum AE 0.21 identified severe OSA patients, with an area under the curve of 0.75, 68% sensitivity, and 83% specificity.ConclusionAE is a feasible quantitative index, and a promising screening test for detecting severe OSA patients.
Human capital and life satisfaction in economic transition
Authors: Silver Hannah C. , Caudill Steven B. , Mixon Franklin G. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis study explores the life satisfaction of Egyptians – with a particular focus on the impact of higher education on happiness – both before and after that country's Arab Spring of 2011. Ordered logit results point to positive and significant relationships between life satisfaction and both perceived high incomes and the human capital variable, good health, for the pre‐ and post‐Arab Spring periods in Egypt, thus confirming prior studies of transition economies. For a second human capital variable – secondary education – the results indicate a positive and significant relationship with happiness in pre‐Arab Spring Egypt, while that relationship for post‐Arab Spring Egypt is negative and significant. This particular finding is probably the result of the failure of educated Egyptians to achieve a better life despite their investments in human capital – due to the lack of opportunity that accompanied the failure of the country's Arab Spring to change the political and social environment.
Entrepreneurship in the shadows
Authors: Tumen Semih 
Published: December 2016

AbstractI develop a dynamic model of forward‐looking entrepreneurs, who decide whether to operate in the formal economy or informal economy and choose how much to invest in their businesses, taking government policy as given. The government has access to two policy tools: taxes on formal business activity and enforcement (or policing) discouraging informality. The main focus of the paper is on transitional dynamics under different initial wealth levels. Whether an initially small business will be trapped in the informal economy and remain small forever or grow quickly and become a large formal business depends on tax and enforcement policies. High tax rates accompanied by loose enforcement – which is mostly the case in less‐developed countries (LDCs) – induce tax avoidance, discourage investment in formal businesses, and drive the entrepreneurial activity towards the informal sector even though the initial wealth level is high. Lowering taxes on formal activity joined with strict enforcement can help reducing the magnitude of poverty traps in LDCs – such as the MENA region, Latin America and developing Asia.
Long‐distance dispersal of non‐native pine bark beetles from host resources
Authors: CHASE KEVIN D. , KELLY DAVE , LIEBHOLD ANDREW M. , BADER MARTIN K.‐F. , BROCKERHOFF ECKEHARD G. 
Published: December 2016

1. Dispersal and host detection are behaviours promoting the spread of invading populations in a landscape matrix. In fragmented landscapes, the spatial arrangement of habitat structure affects the dispersal success of organisms.2. The aim of the present study was to determine the long distance dispersal capabilities of two non‐native pine bark beetles (Hylurgus ligniperda and Hylastes ater) in a modified and fragmented landscape with non‐native pine trees. The role of pine density in relation to the abundance of dispersing beetles was also investigated.3. This study took place in the Southern Alps, New Zealand. A network of insect panel traps was installed in remote valleys at known distances from pine resources (plantations or windbreaks). Beetle abundance was compared with spatially weighted estimates of nearby pine plantations and pine windbreaks.4. Both beetles were found ≥25 km from the nearest host patch, indicating strong dispersal and host detection capabilities. Small pine patches appear to serve as stepping stones, promoting spread through the landscape. Hylurgus ligniperda (F.) abundance had a strong inverse association with pine plantations and windbreaks, whereas H. ater abundance was not correlated with distance to pine plantations but positively correlated with distance to pine windbreaks, probably reflecting differences in biology and niche preferences. Host availability and dispersed beetle abundance are the proposed limiting factors impeding the spread of these beetles.5. These mechanistic insights into the spread and persistence of H. ater and H. ligniperda in a fragmented landscape provide ecologists and land managers with a better understanding of factors leading to successful invasion events, particularly in relation to the importance of long‐distance dispersal ability and the distribution and size of host patches.
Dental students' ability to locate emergency equipment‐lessons learned from aviation
Authors: Pinsky H. M. , Le J. M. , Sweier D. G. , Marti K. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the dental student's ability to locate medical emergency equipment/items at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry clinic.MethodsA total of 138 second‐year dental students (traditional group) participated in this study as part of a simulation‐based medical emergencies rotation course held during the winter term of 2014 and 2015. Without prior training, students were tested on their ability to locate nine predetermined items on the clinic floor using a self‐reported checklist. Six months later, a convenience sample of 18 students (novel group) from the same cohort were later trained on their location and retested individually.ResultsOf the 138 students tested, only 10.14% students could locate seven of the nine items when compared to 100% in the novel group. Only 5.07% of students in the traditional group could locate all items initially, compared with 72.22% students in the novel group.ConclusionWhilst our students have lecture‐based knowledge about medical emergencies, the results of our study identified a gap of knowledge of emergency equipment/item location amongst students. Therefore, an intervention performed with a similar group of second‐year dental students supported that proper training may be used to achieve retention of knowledge. Based on our “novel group” results, we have incorporated targeted training in the dental curriculum that leads to students being better prepared in locating emergency equipment/items. This study suggests that other populations, such as faculty or staff, may also benefit from hands‐on training.
Vaginal myxoma in a Kathiawari horse
Authors: Venkataramanan R. , Sreekumar C. , Krishnakumar S. , Anil Kumar R. , Selvaraj J. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryThis case report describes a rare case of vaginal myxoma in a Kathiawari mare. The tumour, located on the left lateral vaginal wall, measured approximately 20 cm in diameter and resulted in dysuria, inappetance and loss of condition of the animal. Surgical enucleation of the tumour via a vaginal approach resulted in uneventful recovery of the horse. Based on the gross and histopathological observations, the tumour was diagnosed as a myxoma.