bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Head and Neck Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma: A Curious Association with Second Primary Malignancy
Authors: Chan Richie Chiu‐Lung , Chan Jimmy Yu‐Wai 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveWe noticed that a significant proportion of our patients with head and neck mucoepidermoid carcinoma (HNMEC) had second primary malignancies. To our knowledge, such an association has never been described. The aim of our study is to elucidate the association between second primary malignancies and HNMEC.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary referral center.Subjects and MethodsWe included all patients with histologically proven HNMEC managed in the Department of Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, from January 2003 through December 2013. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.ResultsFifty‐seven patients with HNMEC were identified. Fourteen (24.6%) had second primary malignancies. The commonest second primary malignancy was nasopharyngeal carcinoma, followed by carcinoma of the thyroid. Second primary malignancies developed before HNMEC in 7 patients, with a mean interval of 196 months. Five patients had second primary malignancies after development of HNMEC, with a mean interval of 65 months. Two patients had synchronous second primary malignancies. Clinical patterns of patients with HNMEC with and without second primary malignancies were compared. Major salivary glands were more frequently affected among patients with second primary malignancies, while minor salivary glands were more frequently affected among those without secondary primary malignancies (P =. 032). Development of second primary malignancy was not found to affect the survival.ConclusionAbout one‐fourth of patients with HNMEC had a second primary malignancy. Major salivary glands were more frequently affected among patients with second primary malignancies. Development of second primary malignancy did not affect survival.
Differential Expression of Livin, Caspase‐3, and Second Mitochondria‐Derived Activator of Caspases in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Lin Hai , Lin Dong , Xiong Xisheng 
Published: September 2014

Background and ObjectivesThe pathogenesis of human chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains undetermined. Livin is a member of the inhibitor of the apoptosis protein family proteins. Caspase‐3 and second mitochondria‐derived activator of caspases (Smac) are critical in the induction of apoptosis. However, little is known about their roles in CRSwNP. We aimed to investigate the expression and role of Livin, caspase‐3, and Smac in CRSwNP.Study DesignBasic research and descriptive study.SettingFuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.MethodsThe immunohistochemistry method was employed for detecting Livin, caspase‐3, and Smac protein expression, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for assaying mRNA expression of Livin, caspase‐3, and Smac in CRSwNP and controls. Moreover, the effects of various stimulators on Livin were evaluated on human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) culture. Then, the effects of Livin on caspase‐3 and Smac were observed on the culture of HNECs.ResultsStronger protein and mRNA expression of Livin was observed in CRSwNP, especially eosinophilic CRSwNP, weaker protein and mRNA expression of caspase‐3 and Smac was observed in CRSwNP, and Livin expression was negatively related to caspase‐3 or Smac expression, respectively. Livin mRNA was augmented by interleukin (IL)–4, IL‐17A, and IL‐1β but suppressed by interferon‐γ. Caspase‐3 and Smac mRNA expression were inhibited by Livin.ConclusionsUpregulation of Livin and downregulation of caspase‐3 and Smac were observed in CRSwNP, especially in eosinophilic CRSwNP. Livin may exert its anti‐apoptosis effect by suppressing caspase‐3 and Smac in CRSwNP. IL‐4, IL‐17A, and IL‐1β may be critical for Livin expression.
Preoperative assessment of lung cancer patients: Evaluating guideline compliance (re-audit)
Authors: Jayia Parminderjit Kaur , Mishra Pankaj Kumar , Shah Raajul R , Panayiotou Andrew , Yiu Patrick , Luckraz Heyman 
Published: September 2014

Background Guidelines have been issued for the management of lung cancer patients in the United Kingdom. However, compliance with these national guidelines varies in different thoracic units in the country. We set out to evaluate our thoracic surgery practice and compliance with the national guidelines. Methods An initial audit in 2011 showed deficiencies in practice, thus another audit was conducted to check for improvements in guideline compliance. A retrospective study was carried out over a 12-month period from January 2013 to January 2014 and included all patients who underwent radical surgical resection for lung cancer. Data were collected from computerized records. Results Sixty-eight patients had radical surgery for lung cancer between January 2013 and January 2014. Four patients were excluded from the analysis due to incomplete records. Our results showed improvements in our practice compared to our initial audit. More patients underwent surgery within 4 weeks of computed tomography and positron-emission tomography scanning. An improvement was noticed in carbon monoxide transfer factor measurements. Areas for improvement include measurement of carbon monoxide transfer factor in all patients, a cardiology referral in patients at risk of cardiac complications, and the use of a global risk stratification model such as Thoracoscore. Conclusion Guideline-directed service delivery provision for lung cancer patients leads to improved outcomes. Our results show improvement in our practice compared to our initial audit. We aim to liaise with other thoracic surgery units to get feedback about their practice and any audits regarding adherence to the British Thoracic Society and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
Low heat pain thresholds in migraineurs between attacks
Authors: Schwedt Todd J , Zuniga Leslie , Chong Catherine D 
Published: September 2014

Background/Objective Between attacks, migraine is associated with hypersensitivities to sensory stimuli. The objective of this study was to investigate hypersensitivity to pain in migraineurs between attacks. Methods Cutaneous heat pain thresholds were measured in 112 migraineurs, migraine free for ≥48 hours, and 75 healthy controls. Pain thresholds at the head and at the arm were compared between migraineurs and controls using two-tailed t-tests. Among migraineurs, correlations between heat pain thresholds and headache frequency, allodynia symptom severity, and time interval until next headache were calculated. Results Migraineurs had lower pain thresholds than controls at the head (43.9℃ ± 3.2℃ vs. 45.1℃ ± 3.0℃, p = 0.015) and arm (43.2℃ ± 3.4℃ vs. 44.8℃ ± 3.3℃, p < 0.001). There were not significant correlations between pain thresholds and headache frequency or allodynia symptom severity. For the 41 migraineurs for whom time to next headache was known, there were positive correlations between time to next headache and pain thresholds at the head ( r = 0.352, p = 0.024) and arm ( r = 0.312, p = 0.047). Conclusions This study provides evidence that migraineurs have low heat pain thresholds between migraine attacks. Mechanisms underlying these lower pain thresholds could also predispose migraineurs to their next migraine attack, a hypothesis supported by finding positive correlations between pain thresholds and time to next migraine attack.
Social Work Literature Searching
Authors: McGinn Tony , Taylor Brian , McColgan Mary , McQuilkan Janice 
Published: September 2014

Objectives: To compare the performance of a range of search facilities; and to illustrate the execution of a comprehensive literature search for qualitative evidence in social work. Context: Developments in literature search methods and comparisons of search facilities help facilitate access to the best available evidence for social workers. Method: The performance of 14 databases and web search engines was appraised, by applying a search formula for articles relating to perpetrators of intimate partner violence and the process of change. Results: Seventy-two out of seventy-eight relevant articles were found on just six of the search facilities used. Social Services Abstracts performed the best. Web search engines did not contribute any unique hits. Conclusion: The need to use a range of databases was confirmed. Databases have performed inconsistently across case studies to date. New approaches to pilot-testing facilities and search terms proved useful. Accessing qualitative evidence to inform practice must become more straightforward.
Improving the Readability of Online Foot and Ankle Patient Education Materials
Authors: Sheppard Evan D. , Hyde Zane , Florence Mason N. , McGwin Gerald , Kirchner John S. , Ponce Brent A. 
Published: September 2014

Background: Previous studies have shown the need for improving the readability of many patient education materials to increase patient comprehension. This study’s purpose was to determine the readability of foot and ankle patient education materials and to determine the extent readability can be improved. We hypothesized that the reading levels would be above the recommended guidelines and that decreasing the sentence length would also decrease the reading level of these patient educational materials. Methods: Patient education materials from online public sources were collected. The readability of these articles was assessed by a readability software program. The detailed instructions provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were then used as a guideline for performing edits to help improve the readability of selected articles. The most quantitative guideline, lowering all sentences to less than 15 words, was chosen to show the effect of following the NIH recommendations. Results: The reading levels of the sampled articles were above the sixth to seventh grade recommendations of the NIH. The MedlinePlus website, which is a part of the NIH website, had the lowest reading level (8.1). The articles edited had an average reduction of 1.41 grade levels, with the lowest reduction in the Medline articles of 0.65. Conclusion: Providing detailed instructions to the authors writing these patient education articles and implementing editing techniques based on previous recommendations could lead to an improvement in the readability of patient education materials. Clinical Relevance: This study provides authors of patient education materials with simple editing techniques that will allow for the improvement in the readability of online patient educational materials. The improvement in readability will provide patients with more comprehendible education materials that can strengthen patient awareness of medical problems and treatments.
Heterogeneity in venous disease practice patterns amongst primary healthcare practitioners
Authors: Dua Anahita , Desai Sapan S , Heller Jennifer A 
Published: September 2014

Introduction This study aimed to describe the practice patterns of primary healthcare practitioners who diagnose and manage venous disease to determine differences in clinical evaluation of disease, recognition of venous ulcers, and referral patterns. Methods A survey was distributed at the August 2011 Primary Care Medical Conference (Pri-Med) in Baltimore, Maryland. Pri-med is a medical education company that caters to the continued professional development needs of a variety of physicians. Results A total of 305 surveys were completed. Of the respondents, 91% were physicians and 9% were advanced level practitioners. In all, 93% prescribed compression stockings as first-line treatment. Heterogeneous referral patterns were reported with 81% referring to vascular surgery, 25% to a vein clinic, 10% to interventional radiology, and 3% to interventional cardiology. Up to 35% responded that they met resistance (did not have their referral accepted) when attempting referral to a vascular surgery colleague. There was substantial variation when asked about the treatment of deep vein thrombosis with 88% starting anticoagulation therapy, 54% prescribing compression stockings, 40% doing a thrombophilia workup, and 25% referring for lytic therapy. Conclusion Diagnosis and management aptitude of venous disease is highly variable. Further grassroots education is required to improve diagnosis and treatment in patients with chronic venous disease.
Age effects on tinnitus and hearing loss in CBA/CaJ mice following sound exposure
Authors: Longenecker Ryan J. , Chonko Kurt T. , Maricich Steve M. , Galazyuk Alexander V. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Tinnitus is a maladaptive neuropathic condition that develops in humans and laboratory animals following auditory insult. In our previous study we demonstrated that sound exposure leads to development of behavioral evidence of tinnitus in a sample of exposed mice. However, this tinnitus mouse model did not account for long-term maladaptive plasticity or aging, factors that are commonly linked to the human tinnitus population. Therefore the same group of mice was monitored for tinnitus for 360 days post exposure. Tinnitus was assessed behaviorally by measuring gap-induced pre-pulse suppression of the acoustic startle (GPIAS). Cochlear histology was performed on both control (unexposed) and experimental mice to determine whether sound exposure caused any evident cochlear damage. We found that 360 days after exposure the vast majority of exposed mice exhibited similar gap detection deficits as detected at 84 days post exposure. These mice did not demonstrate significant loss of inner/outer hair cells or spiral ganglion neurons compared to the control sample. Lastly, we demonstrated that GPIAS deficits observed in exposed animals were unlikely exclusively caused by cochlear damage, but could be a result of central auditory maladaptive plasticity. We conclude that CBA/CaJ mice can be considered a good animal model to study the possible contribution of age effects on tinnitus development following auditory insult.
Stepwise enhancement of catalytic performance of haloalkane dehalogenase LinB towards β-hexachlorocyclohexane
Authors: Moriuchi Ryota , Tanaka Hiroki , Nikawadori Yuki , Ishitsuka Mayuko , Ito Michihiro , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Tsuda Masataka , Damborsky Jiri , Prokop Zbynek , Nagata Yuji 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Two haloalkane dehalogenases, LinBUT and LinBMI, each with 296 amino acid residues, exhibit only seven amino acid residue differences between them, but LinBMI’s catalytic performance towards β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) is considerably higher than LinBUT’s. To elucidate the molecular basis governing this difference, intermediate mutants between LinBUT and LinBMI were constructed and kinetically characterized. The activities of LinBUT-based mutants gradually increased by cumulative mutations into LinBUT, and the effects of the individual amino acid substitutions depended on combination with other mutations. These results indicated that LinBUT’s β-HCH degradation activity can be enhanced in a stepwise manner by the accumulation of point mutations.
Detecting misinformation in online social networks using cognitive psychology
Authors: Kumar K P Krishna , Geethakumari G 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe paper explores the use of concepts in cognitive psychology to evaluate the spread of misinformation, disinformation and propaganda in online social networks. Analysing online social networks to identify metrics to infer cues of deception will enable us to measure diffusion of misinformation. The cognitive process involved in the decision to spread information involves answering four main questions viz consistency of message, coherency of message, credibility of source and general acceptability of message. We have used the cues of deception to analyse these questions to obtain solutions for preventing the spread of misinformation. We have proposed an algorithm to effectively detect deliberate spread of false information which would enable users to make informed decisions while spreading information in social networks. The computationally efficient algorithm uses the collaborative filtering property of social networks to measure the credibility of sources of information as well as quality of news items. The validation of the proposed methodology has been done on the online social network `Twitter’.
Are microRNAs suitable biomarkers of immunity to tuberculosis?
Authors: Ueberberg Bianca , Kohns Malte , Mayatepek Ertan , Jacobsen Marc 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of human immunity e.g. against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Against the background of still alarming high mortality of tuberculosis effective biomarkers to improve diagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection and successful treatment are of major importance.

Conclusions
This review summarizes recent surrogate tissue studies for identification of miRNA biomarker candidates in human tuberculosis with a special focus on reproducibility and conformance. In addition we provide assistance for the design of biomarker studies to circumvent major pitfalls.
Tissue-specific NK cell populations and their origin
Authors: Lysakova-Devine Tatyana , O'Farrelly Cliona 
Published: September 2014

AbstractTissue-specific NK cell subpopulations are found in adult gut, liver, and endometrium, as well as other sites in the body. Some differ phenotypically and functionally from pbNK cells, and their origin is disputed. In this review, we discuss tissue-specific NK cells and suggest that subpopulations differentiate in situ from tissue-resident hematopoietic progenitor cells. The understanding of the origins and maturation requirements of tissue-specific NK cells could lead to new classes of immunotherapy for organ-specific pathologies of infectious and malignant origin.
Decolonizing Transgender in India
Authors: Dutta Aniruddha , Roy Raina 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
This essay is a set of reflections arising out of prolonged conversations in which we compared notes on our respective experiences as activist (Raina) and ethnographer (Aniruddha) working among, and to different extents belonging to, gender/sexually marginalized communities in eastern India. As we shall argue, the attempted universalization of transgender as a transnational “umbrella term” by the development (nongovernmental) sector, the state, and their funders tends to subsume South Asian discourses and practices of gender/sexual variance as merely “local” expressions of transgender identity, without interrogating the conceptual baggage (such as homo-trans and cis-trans binaries) associated with the transgender category. In the Indian context, this process bolsters the long-standing and continuing (post)colonial construction of hierarchies of scale between transnational, regional, and local levels of discourse and praxis, as evidenced in the relation between the hegemonic anglophone discourse of LGBTIQ identities recognized by the state and the development sector, on one hand, and forms of gender/sexual variance that are positioned as relatively regional or local on the other.
The Technical Capacities of the Body
Authors: Gill-Peterson Julian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis essay travels with the testosterone molecule to pursue a theory of racialized and trans embodiment as technical capacities of all bodies, not only of the trans-of-color subject subordinated to racially normative and gender-normative white and cisgender bodies (though the hormone molecule is implicated in those relations). It focuses on technology to think race and transgender together, from a common conceptual ground, rather than as separate strands of thought recombined through an intersectional or cyborg hybridity framework.
Complex and non-redundant signals from individual odor receptors that underlie chemotaxis behavior in Drosophila melanogaster larvae
Authors: Grewal Jeewanjot S. , Nguyen Christine , Robles Raquel , Cho Christina , Kir Karolina , Fledderman Nicole , Gacharna George , Wesolowski Michael , Klinger Christie , Vallejo Pedro , Menhennett Lorien , Nagaraj Abhiram , Ebo Chineze , Peacy Garrett , Davelis Eftihia , Kucher David , Giers Sarah , Kreher Scott A. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT
The rules by which odor receptors encode odors and allow behavior are still largely unexplored. Although large data sets of electrophysiological responses of receptors to odors have been generated, few hypotheses have been tested with behavioral assays. We use a data set on odor responses of Drosophila larval odor receptors coupled with chemotaxis behavioral assays to examine rules of odor coding. Using mutants of odor receptors, we have found that odor receptors with similar electrophysiological responses to odors across concentrations play non-redundant roles in odor coding at specific odor concentrations. We have also found that high affinity receptors for odors determine behavioral response thresholds, but the rules for determining peak behavioral responses are more complex. While receptor mutants typically show loss of attraction to odors, some receptor mutants result in increased attraction at specific odor concentrations. The odor receptor mutants were rescued using transgenic expression of odor receptors, validating assignment of phenotypes to the alleles. Vapor pressures alone cannot fully explain behavior in our assay. Finally, some odors that did not elicit strong electrophysiological responses are associated with behavioral phenotypes upon examination of odor receptor mutants. This result is consistent with the role of sensory neurons in lateral inhibition via local interneurons in the antennal lobe. Taken together, our results suggest a complexity of odor coding rules even in a simple olfactory sensory system.
Development of aDrosophila melanogasterspliceosensor system forin vivohigh-throughput screening in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: García-Alcover Irma , Colonques-Bellmunt Jordi , Garijo Raquel , Tormo José R. , Artero Rubén , Álvarez-Abril Mari Carmen , López Castel Arturo , Pérez-Alonso Manuel 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAlternative splicing of pre-mRNAs is an important mechanism that regulates cellular function in higher eukaryotes. A growing number of human genetic diseases involve splicing defects that are directly connected to their pathology. In myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), several clinical manifestations have been proposed to be the consequence of tissue-specific missplicing of numerous genes. These events are triggered by an RNA gain-of-function and resultant deregulation of specific RNA-binding factors, such as the nuclear sequestration of muscleblind-like family factors (MBNL1-MBNL3). Thus, the identification of chemical modulators of splicing events could lead to the development of the first valid therapy for DM1 patients. To this end, we have generated and validated transgenic flies that contain a luciferase-reporter-based system that is coupled to the expression of MBNL1-reliant splicing (spliceosensor flies), to assess events that are deregulated in DM1 patients in a relevant disease tissue. We then developed an innovative 96-well plate screening platform to carry out in vivo high-throughput pharmacological screening (HTS) with the spliceosensor model. After a large-scale evaluation (&gt;16,000 chemical entities), several reliable splicing modulators (hits) were identified. Hit validation steps recognized separate DM1-linked therapeutic traits for some of the hits, which corroborated the feasibility of the approach described herein to reveal promising drug candidates to correct missplicing in DM1. This powerful Drosophila-based screening tool might also be applied in other disease models displaying abnormal alternative splicing, thus offering myriad uses in drug discovery.