bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No Increased Risk of Second Cancer After Radiotherapy in Patients Treated for Rectal or Endometrial Cancer in the Randomized TME, PORTEC-1, and PORTEC-2 Trials
Authors: Wiltink Lisette M. , Nout Remi A. , Fiocco Marta , Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg Elma , Jürgenliemk-Schulz Ina M. , Jobsen Jan J. , Nagtegaal Iris D. , Rutten Harm J.T. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Creutzberg Carien L. , Marijnen Corrie A.M. 
Published: December 2014

Purpose This study investigated the long-term probability of developing a second cancer in a large pooled cohort of patients treated with surgery with or without radiotherapy (RT). Patients and Methods All second cancers diagnosed in patients included in the TME, PORTEC-1, and PORTEC-2 trials were analyzed. In the TME trial, patients with rectal cancer (n = 1,530) were randomly allocated to preoperative external-beam RT (EBRT; 25 Gy in five fractions) or no RT. In the PORTEC trials, patients with endometrial cancer were randomly assigned to postoperative EBRT (46 Gy in 2-Gy fractions) versus no RT (PORTEC-1; n = 714) or EBRT versus vaginal brachytherapy (VBT; PORTEC-2; n = 427). Results A total of 2,554 patients were analyzed (median follow-up, 13.0 years; range 1.8 to 21.2 years). No differences were found in second cancer probability between patients who were treated without RT (10- and 15-year rates, 15.8% and 26.5%, respectively) and those treated with EBRT (10- and 15-year rates, 15.4% and 25.6%, respectively) or VBT (10-year rate, 14.9%). In the individual trials, no significant differences were found between treatment arms. All cancer survivors had a higher risk of developing a second cancer compared with an age- and sex-matched general population. The standardized incidence ratio for any second cancer was 2.98 (95% CI, 2.82 to 3.14). Conclusion In this pooled trial cohort of > 2,500 patients with pelvic cancers, those who underwent EBRT or VBT had no higher probability of developing a second cancer than patients who were treated with surgery alone. However, patients with rectal or endometrial cancer had an increased probability of developing a second cancer compared with the general population.
PK11195 Effect on Steroidogenesis Is Not Mediated Through the Translocator Protein (TSPO)
Authors: Tu Lan N. , Zhao Amy H. , Stocco Douglas M. , Selvaraj Vimal 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTranslocator protein (TSPO) is a mitochondrial outer membrane protein of unknown function with high physiological expression in steroidogenic cells. Using TSPO gene–deleted mice, we recently demonstrated that TSPO function is not essential for steroidogenesis. The first link between TSPO and steroidogenesis was established in studies showing modest increases in progesterone production by adrenocortical and Leydig tumor cell lines after treatment with PK11195. To reconcile discrepancies between physiological and pharmacological interpretations of TSPO function, we generated TSPO-knockout MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells (MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ) and examined their steroidogenic potential after exposure to either dibutyryl-cAMP or PK11195. Progesterone production in MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ after dibutyryl-cAMP was not different from control MA-10:Tspo+/+ cells, confirming that TSPO function is not essential for steroidogenesis. Interestingly, when treated with increasing concentrations of PK11195, both control MA-10:Tspo+/+ cells and MA-10:TspoΔ/Δ cells responded in a similar dose-dependent manner showing increases in progesterone production. These results show that the pharmacological effect of PK11195 on steroidogenesis is not mediated through TSPO.
Acyl Ghrelin Acts in the Brain to Control Liver Function and Peripheral Glucose Homeostasis in Male Mice
Authors: Stark Romana , Reichenbach Alex , Lockie Sarah H. , Pracht Corinna , Wu Qunli , Tups Alexander , Andrews Zane B. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that peripheral ghrelin regulates glucose metabolism. Here, we designed experiments to examine how central acyl ghrelin infusion affects peripheral glucose metabolism under pair-fed or ad libitum feeding conditions. Mice received intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), ghrelin, and allowed to eat ad libitum (icv ghrelin ad lib) or ghrelin and pair-fed to the aCSF group (icv ghrelin pf). Minipumps delivered acyl ghrelin at a dose of 0.25 μg/h at 0.5 μL/h for 7 days. There was no difference in daily blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, or nonesterified fatty acids. Body weight gain and food intake was significantly higher in icv ghrelin ad lib mice. However, both icv ghrelin ad lib and icv ghrelin pf groups exhibited heavier white adipose mass. Icv ghrelin pf mice exhibited better glucose tolerance than aCSF or icv ghrelin ad lib mice during a glucose tolerance test, although both icv ghrelin ad lib and icv ghrelin pf increased insulin release during the glucose tolerance test. Central acyl ghrelin infusion and pair feeding also increased breakdown of liver glycogen and triglyceride, and regulated genes involved in hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. Icv ghrelin pf mice had an increase in plasma blood glucose during a pyruvate tolerance test relative to icv ghrelin ad lib or aCSF mice. Our results suggest that under conditions of negative energy (icv ghrelin pf), central acyl ghrelin engages a neural circuit that influences hepatic glucose function. Metabolic status affects the ability of central acyl ghrelin to regulate peripheral glucose homeostasis.
Case Report: Large nested variant urothelial carcinoma –invasive malignancy masquerading as low grade disease
Authors: Keller Andrew , Lim Ai Jye , Ali Ahmad 
Published: December 2014

IntroductionThe large nested variant of urothelial carcinoma (LNVUC) is a newly described and rare subtype of urothelial carcinoma. It is characterised by bland cytological features and a large nested architecture similar in appearance to low grade urothelial carcinoma with an inverted growth pattern. To date only 23 cases in a single series have been described.Case ReportWe describe the case of a 59 year old male with LNVUC whose tumour was initially misdiagnosed as a non-invasive low grade urothelial carcinoma. At a subsequent re-resection, his tumour was correctly re-classified as LNVUC with extensive invasion of the muscularis propria. Radical cystectomy and formation of an ileal conduit was performed. His operative specimen revealed invasion of prostatic stroma and perivesical fat, with all surgical margins clear. He is currently free from clinical recurrence 12 months after his cystectomy.ConclusionLNVUC is a newly described and rare urothelial carcinoma subtype. It characteristically possesses bland cytological features and may mimic low grade urothelial cancer. Despite its bland appearance it behaves aggressively with invasion, metastasis and death being common.
Hexagynephilippiana gen. et sp. nov., a piperalean angiosperm from the Early Cretaceous of northern Gondwana (Crato Formation, Brazil)
Authors: Coiffard Clément , Mohr Barbara A.R. , Bernardes-de-Oliveira Mary E.C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHexagyne philippiana gen. et sp. nov. represents the first macrofossil piperalean taxon from the Early Cretaceous (Aptian). The fossil material from northern Gondwana consists of a twig with well‐preserved leaves and a characteristic venation pattern plus a twig with attached leaves and several flowers combined in a raceme. The new taxon shares many characters, such as leaf shape and venation pattern, as well as flower morphology, including a clearly developed perianth and six fused carpels, with extant Aristolochiaceae (sensu lato) and/or related clades. Representatives of Aristolochiaceae grow today in Laurasia. The Early Cretaceous finds in South America (Brazil) may indicate a Gondwanan origin of this group. Based on its morphology, Hexagyne gen. nov. might have had an ecology of an understory plant in a shaded environment.
Osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase mRNA is stabilized by binding to vimentin intermediary filaments
Authors: Schmidt Yvonne , Biniossek Martin , Stark G. Björn , Finkenzeller Günter , Simunovic Filip 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Vascularization is essential in bone tissue engineering and recent research has focused on interactions between osteoblasts (hOBs) and endothelial cells (ECs). It was shown that cocultivation increases the stability of osteoblastic alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mRNA. We investigated the mechanisms behind this observation, focusing on mRNA binding proteins. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we found that the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of ALP mRNA is necessary for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC)-mediated stabilization of osteoblastic ALP mRNA. Using pulldown experiments and nanoflow-HPLC mass spectrometry, vimentin was identified to bind to the 3′-UTR of ALP mRNA. Validation was performed by Western blotting. Functional experiments inhibiting intermediate filaments with iminodipropionitrile and specific inhibition of vimentin by siRNA transfection showed reduced levels of ALP mRNA and protein. Therefore, ALP mRNA binds to and is stabilized by vimentin. This data add to the understanding of intracellular trafficking of ALP mRNA, its function, and have possible implications in tissue engineering applications.
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and the phytochemical study of Astragalus arbusculinus gum in animal models
Authors: Shojaii Asie , Motevalian Manijeh , Rahnama Nazanin 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background: The importance of inflammatory diseases and side effects of conventional drugs necessitate the finding of new anti-inflammatory agents from natural sources. In this study, for the first time, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the aqueous extract of Astragalus arbusculinus gum were evaluated in animal models.

Methods: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups and pretreated with different doses of A. arbusculinus gum extract before the injection of formalin. Paw edema was measured by a plethysmometer at time 0 and after 8 days and compared to controls. The analgesic effect of the extract was evaluated using the hot-plate test in 42 male albino mice.

Results: The extract of A. arbusculinus gum decreased the rat paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. The effect on inflammation of the highest dose of extract was comparable to sodium salicylate. Astragalus arbusculinus gum extract at doses of 300 and 1000 mg/kg showed analgesic effects comparable to sodium salicylate and morphine, respectively. A preliminary phytochemical study and the determination of the total phenolic content of the gum extract were performed for the first time.

Conclusions: The aqueous extract of A. arbusculinus gum reduced the inflammation and pain in a dose-dependent manner and is a good candidate for further studies of safety and efficacy. The clarification of active components of the plant is necessary.
An end of egalitarianism? Social evaluations of language difference in New Zealand
Authors: Duhamel Marie-France , Meyerhoff Miriam 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
New Zealand has traditionally prided itself on an ethos of casual egalitarianism – a value system with positive and negative implications. The well-known linguistic homogeneity of the islands and general lack of regional dialect differences (Trudgill, Peter. 2004. New-dialect formation: The inevitability of colonial Englishes. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press) is consistent with this ethos but also clearly reflects the cultural homogeneity of New Zealand’s more recent settlers. This assessment of linguistic homogeneity requires reappraisal now for two reasons: (1) many New Zealanders claim there are speech markers that identify where a New Zealander comes from, and (2) recent significant changes in the demographics of the country mean that new ethnic varieties are plausibly emerging. The very few pronunciation and lexical stereotypes that are associated with particular regions cannot explain all the claims we hear about (1), and as long-standing shibboleths, they say nothing about awareness of recent demographic changes. Our paper highlights how comments about ethnicity, social class, and rural/urbanness emerge as salient factors in aesthetic evaluations, and may point to specific features that merit detailed and linguistically informed analysis (Niedzielski, Nancy A. & Dennis R. Preston. 2000. Folk linguistics. Berlin and New York, NY: Mouton de Gruyter).
Real-time articulatory biofeedback with electromagnetic articulography
Authors: Tilsen Sam , Das Debarghya , McKee Bruce 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper presents an articulatory biofeedback system and discusses new research methods made possible by this technology. The real-time electromagnetic articulography biofeedback system (RT-EMA) enables speakers to observe a visual representation of the movements of their speech articulators while they are speaking. Investigators can dynamically control the visual display of virtual targets or other objects in vocal tract space, track events involving interactions between virtual objects and articulators, and define custom actions in response to such events. Preliminary findings from experimental studies and games employing biofeedback are reported, with emphasis on the potential applications of articulatory biofeedback for investigating questions of linguistic interest.
“Pulse for Pulse in Harmony with the Universal Whole”
Authors: Clark Prentiss 
Published: December 2014

Prentiss Clark, “‘Pulse for Pulse in Harmony with the Universal Whole’: Hearing ‘Self-Reliance’ Anew” (pp. 319–341)
This essay recounts how Ralph Waldo Emerson, the nineteenth-century thinker perhaps most associated with individualism, is equally, and perhaps necessarily, a student of the intimacies in which we exist. More specifically, the essay contests the explanatory power criticism generally attributes to what Emerson called “self-reliance” by delineating how “self-reliance” (the idea and the 1841 essay by this name) participates in Emerson’s broad work of investigating what he termed “man’s true position in the universe” and its implications for one's conduct of life. In this reading, which draws from Emerson’s neglected as well as canonical essays, lectures, and sermons, “the infinitude of the private man”—the “one doctrine” Emerson says he teaches in all his lectures—has less to do with the singular human self as such than with our standing ever amid innumerable and consequential relations and accountable for all it entails. Ultimately, this essay hopes to demonstrate how Emerson speaks, from the first, to the ethical potential of rediscovering our connections—connections to ourselves, fellow persons, nature, and beyond (even when at the distances to which our differences can put us).
State-Specific Differences in School Sports Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Policies
Authors: Caswell Shane V. , Cortes Nelson , Chabolla Mary , Ambegaonkar Jatin P. , Caswell Amanda M. , Brenner Joel S. 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE:
This study evaluated the current preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) administrative policies and cardiovascular screening content of all 50 states and Washington, DC.

METHODS:
PPE policies, documents, and forms from all 50 states and Washington, DC, were compared with the preparticipation physical evaluation–fourth edition (PPE-4) consensus recommendations. All electronic documents were publicly available and obtained from state interscholastic athletic associations.

RESULTS:
Fifty (98%) states required a PPE before participation. Most states (53%, n = 27) required a specific PPE form, whereas 24% (n = 12) of states recommended a specific form. Twenty-three states (45%) required or recommended use of the PPE-4 form or a modified version of it, and 27 states (53%) required or recommended use of outdated or unidentifiable forms. Ten states (20%) had not revised their PPE forms in &gt;5 years. States permitted 9 different health care providers to administer PPEs. Only 22 states (43%) addressed all 12 of the PPE-4 personal and family history cardiovascular screening items, and 2 states (4%) addressed between 8 and 11 items. For the remaining 26 states, most (29%) addressed ≤3 screening items.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results show that inconsistencies in PPE policies exist nationwide. Most states have been slow to adopt PPE-4 recommendations and do not adequately address the personal and family cardiovascular history questions. Findings suggest a need for PPE standardization nationwide and adoption of an electronic PPE process. This approach would enable creation of a national database and benefit the public by facilitating a more evidenced PPE.
Insulin and BMI as Predictors of Adult Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sabin Matthew A. , Magnussen Costan G. , Juonala Markus , Shield Julian P.H. , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Terho , Rönnemaa Tapani , Koskinen Juha , Loo Britt-Marie , Knip Mikael , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Viikari Jorma S.A. , Dwyer Terence , Raitakari Olli T. 
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Fasting insulin concentrations are increasingly being used as a surrogate for insulin resistance and risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), although associations with adult outcomes are unclear. Our objective was to determine whether fasting insulin concentrations in childhood associate with later T2DM.

METHODS:
Fasting insulin values were available from 2478 participants in the longitudinal Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study at baseline age 3 to 18 years, along with data on adult T2DM (N = 84, mean age = 39.6 years).

RESULTS:
Among 3- to 6-year-olds, a 1-SD increase in fasting insulin was associated with a relative risk (RR) of 2.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54–2.70) for later T2DM, which remained significant after we adjusted for BMI and parental history of T2DM. For those aged 9 to 18 years, a 1-SD increase in insulin was associated with an RR of 1.32 (95% CI, 1.06–1.65) for T2DM, but this became nonsignificant after we adjusted for BMI and parental history of T2DM. In the latter age group, a 1-SD increase in BMI was associated with an RR of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.21–1.73) for T2DM, with adjustment for insulin and parental history of T2DM not improving this association. BMI in younger children was not associated with later T2DM. In life course analyses, those with T2DM had higher fasting insulin levels in early childhood and later adulthood but not in peripubertal years.

CONCLUSIONS:
Elevated fasting insulin concentrations in early childhood, but not adolescence, are independently associated with an elevated risk of T2DM in adulthood.
A School Health Center Intervention for Abusive Adolescent Relationships: A Cluster RCT
Authors: Miller Elizabeth , Goldstein Sandi , McCauley Heather L. , Jones Kelley A. , Dick Rebecca N. , Jetton Johanna , Silverman Jay G. , Blackburn Samantha , Monasterio Erica , James Lisa , Tancredi Daniel J. 
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Few evidence-based interventions address adolescent relationship abuse in clinical settings. This cluster randomized controlled trial tested the effectiveness of a brief relationship abuse education and counseling intervention in school health centers (SHCs).

METHODS:
In 2012–2013, 11 SHCs (10 clusters) were randomized to intervention (SHC providers received training to implement) or standard-of-care control condition. Among 1062 eligible students ages 14 to 19 years at 8 SHCs who continued participation after randomization, 1011 completed computer-assisted surveys before a clinic visit; 939 completed surveys 3 months later (93% retention).

RESULTS:
Intervention versus control adjusted mean differences (95% confidence interval) on changes in primary outcomes were not statistically significant: recognition of abuse = 0.10 (−0.02 to 0.22); intentions to intervene = 0.03 (−0.09 to 0.15); and knowledge of resources = 0.18 (−0.06 to 0.42). Intervention participants had improved recognition of sexual coercion compared with controls (adjusted mean difference = 0.10 [0.01 to 0.18]). In exploratory analyses adjusting for intensity of intervention uptake, intervention effects were significant for increased knowledge of relationship abuse resources and self-efficacy to use harm reduction behaviors. Among participants reporting relationship abuse at baseline, intervention participants were less likely to report such abuse at follow-up (mean risk difference = −0.17 [−0.21 to −0.12]). Adolescents in intervention clinics who reported ever being in an unhealthy relationship were more likely to report disclosing this during the SHC visit (adjusted odds ratio = 2.77 [1.29 to 5.95]).

CONCLUSIONS:
This is the first evidence of the potential benefit of a SHC intervention to address abusive relationships among adolescents.
MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INFLAMMATORY REACTION IN PATIENTS WITH INFILTRATIVE PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: Titarenko O. T. , Dyakova M. E. , Manicheva O. A. , Esmedlyaeva D. S. , Dogonadze M. Z. , Alexeyeva N. P. , Perova T. L. , Melnikova N. N. 
Published: December 2014

Host-pathogen relations were analyzed on basis of the results of examinations of 42 patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis (IPT) with regard for the biological characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MBT) and the biomarkers of the inflammatory reaction — the acute phase proteins (APPs). The genotypes of MBT (Beijing and the others) and the efficacy of threeonth antituberculosis therapy were used as the grouping factors. Genotype Beijing MBT patients were significantly often characterised by multiple drug resistant, had widespread pulmonary damage and association of MBT cytoxicity with the effect of therapy. The patients with the best postreatment effect had initial (pretreatment) APPs levels in the range of the referent ones. These conclusions were confirmed by analysis of the correlation pleads of the characteristics of the “host-pathogen” system and their discriminant analysis with regard for MBT genotypes and results of antituberculosis three-month therapy. It was shown that the constellation of four host’s APP characteristics (haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, elastase and adenoaminase activities) has above 90% prognostic efficacy of treatment in spite of MBT genotype. It is suggested that in IPT patients the first component of the “host-pathogen” system reflecting the reaction of the patient’s organism to the MBT induced inflammatory process is more prognostically important.