bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ANXA1 Silencing Increases the Sensitivity of Cancer Cells to Low-concentration Arsenic Trioxide Treatment by Inhibiting ERK MAPK Activation
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Li Xiaodong , Li Xiaolin , Zheng Lei , Lei Lei 
Published: May 2015

Aims and background Arsenic trioxide (ATO), an antitumor agent, is widely used for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), in which it induces apoptosis. In most solid tumors, ATO disturbs the cell cycle instead of inducing apoptosis. We aimed to determine the exact mechanism underlying the different response of APL to ATO compared with the response of solid tumors. Methods A proteomics-based screening was used to identify the ATO-associated proteins in the human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, Eca109. The expression levels of Annexin A1 (ANXA1) in 4 different types of cancer cells were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line Eca109 and pancreatic carcinoma cell line BxPC3 cells were transfected with siRNAs targeting ANXA1 and scrambled control siRNA. Cell proliferation was evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Results After verification of the mRNA and protein levels in 4 cancer cell lines, ANXA1 and lamin A/B were validated to have increased expression levels after low-concentration ATO treatment. Lower concentrations of ATO, which has no effect on proliferation of cancer cells, induced apoptosis after ANXA1 silencing. Furthermore, over-expression of ANXA1 induced by ATO resulted in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogenactivated protein kinases (MAPKs), rendering cancer cells resistant to the agent. In addition, PD98059, a specific ERK inhibitor, increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to a lower concentration of ATO treatment. Conclusions Taken together, these data indicate that overexpression of ANXA1 induced by low-concentration ATO makes cancer cells more resistant to the agent via activated ERK MAPKs. Specific silencing of ANXA1 increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to ATO treatment.
Evaluation of Transforming Growth Factor-β2 for Radiation-induced Diarrhea after Pelvic Radiotherapy
Authors: Demiral Selcuk , Beyzadeoglu Murat , Sager Omer , Dincoglan Ferrat , Uysal Bora , Gamsiz Hakan , Akin Mustafa , Turker Turker 
Published: May 2015

Aims and background Radiotherapy (RT) plays a central role in the management of cancers located in the abdomen and pelvis. However, radiation-induced toxicity remains a major concern for patients receiving RT to the abdominopelvic region. In this context, our study aims to evaluate the use of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2-enriched formula for amelioration of radiation-induced diarrhea for patients undergoing pelvic RT. Methods and Study Design Between September 2013 and September 2014, 86 malnourished patients undergoing RT for pelvic cancers who received oral nutritional supplementation with or without TGF-β2-enriched formula were assessed retrospectively in 3 groups. Oral diphenoxylate-atropine tablets were used at onset of diarrhea in all groups. Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used in the comparison of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results Patients receiving nutritional supplemention with TGF-β2-enriched formula (groups I and II) experienced a significantly lower median number of diarrhea episodes compared to patients receiving nutritional supplementation with other products (group III), which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, number of patients experiencing grade 2 and grade 3 diarrhea was significantly lower in groups I and II compared to group III (p<0.05). Conclusions Nutritional supplemention with TGF-β2-enriched formula offers amelioration of radiation-induced diarrhea for patients receiving pelvic RT. Since this is the first study assessing the use of nutritional supplementation with TGF-β2-enriched formula for patients undergoing pelvic RT, future prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study on Radiation-induced Brain Injury in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma during and after Radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Wangsheng , Qiu Shijun , Li Jianjun , Hong Lan , Wang Fen , Xing Zengbao , Li Changqing 
Published: May 2015

Aims and background The aim of this study was to monitor the mircostructure change of temporal lobe during the acute and subacute stage of radiation-induced brain injury using magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Methods and Study Design Eighty patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and treated with the first radiotherapy from July 2010 to May 2012 were enrolled. Routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DTI were conducted in all patients before and during radiotherapy (radiation dose was 20, 40, and 60 Gy, respectively). The MRI and DTI were also performed in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd month after radiotherapy in 47 cases of 80 patients. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of DTI during different stages were dynamically observed and analyzed. Results The ADC values were increased and the FA values were decreased with the increase of radiation dose (20, 40, and 60 Gy) during the radiotherapy, but there was no significant difference in ADC value or FA value between before and during radiotherapy (p>0.05). Compared with before radiotherapy, the ADC values were significantly increased and the FA values were significantly decreased at the 1st month, 2nd month, and 3rd month after radiotherapy (all p<0.05). Conclusions Diffusion tensor imaging reflects the microstructure change of radiation-induced brain injury in the acute and subacute stage, which provides an objective basis for early intervention of potential irreversible brain injury in the late delayed stage, and has important significance for improving the overall efficacy of radiotherapy.
Very Elderly (>80 Years), Frail Patients with Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer and Comorbidities: Is Curative Irradiation Feasible?
Authors: Santacaterina Anna , Platania Angelo , Palazzolo Carmela , Spatola Corrado , Acquaviva Grazia , Crispi Manuela , Privitera Giuseppe , Settineri Nicola , Pergolizzi Stefano 
Published: May 2015

Purpose To evaluate clinical results in elderly and frail patients with bladder cancer treated with curative conformal irradiation alone. Methods The records of ambulatory frail elderly patients, age >80 years, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) >5, with invasive bladder cancer, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were irradiated with curative intent. Acute and late toxicities were evaluated. Results A total of 27 ambulatory patients were treated. Median age was 84.5 years and a median CCI of 6.5 was recorded. Median delivered radiation dose was 64 Gy. All patients completed the planned treatment. Grade 1-2 gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities were observed in 55.5% of patients (15/27). At the last follow-up, no late G3+ toxicities have been observed, with G1-2 toxicities reported in 11.1% of patients (3/27). Higher values of CCI were associated with higher acute GU/GI toxicities; there was a correlation between CCI and acute GU toxicity ( r = 0.43, p = 0.027). The mean survival time was 23.5 months (95% confidence interval 20.9-26.1) and no median was reached. Locoregional disease-free events and metastasis-free survival showed a 2-year actuarial rate of 90% and 87%, respectively, with an actuarial 2-year overall survival of 84.5%. Conclusions Our results demonstrate safety and feasibility of curative radiation therapy in very elderly and frail patients with bladder cancer using 3D conformal radiation therapy.
The function of ultra-large von Willebrand factor multimers in high shear flow controlled by ADAMTS13
Authors: Reininger A. J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe paradigm that platelet aggregation, which contributes to bleeding arrest and also to thrombovascular disorders, initiates after signaling-induced platelet activation has been refuted in past recent years. Platelets can form aggregates independently of activation when soluble von Willebrand factor (VWF) is present and the shear rate exceeds a certain threshold where active A1 domains become exposed in soluble VWF multimers and can bind to platelet glycoprotein Ib. Subsequently – fostering each other – VWF can self-assemble into large nets combining with platelets into large conglomerates, which are entirely reversible when they enter a flow region with shear rates below the threshold. In addition the threshold changes from approximately 20 000 s-1 in wall parallel flow to approximately 10 000 s-1 in stagnation point flow. VWF containing ultra-large multimers – as when just released from endothelial storage sites – has been shown to have the highest binding potential to platelets and to each other, thus facilitating rapid platelet accrual to sites of vessel injury and exposed subendothelial structures, i.e. collagen. The VWF nets as well as the platelet-VWF conglomerates are controlled by the cleaving protease ADAMTS13 within minutes under high shear flow. Therewith the hemostatic potential is delivered where needed and the thrombogenic potential is highly controlled twofold: by flow and enzymatic proteolytic cleavage.
Care in Family Relations
Authors: Burri Susanne 
Published: May 2015

Care in Family Relations: The Case of Surrogacy Leave
The advance of reproductive technologies, like surrogacy arrangements, confronts courts with new demands and dilemmas. This contribution analyses the potential of EU law towards a better and more balanced reconciliation of work, private and family life when no national law applies. In two recent cases of the Court of Justice of the EU on leave for surrogacy mothers, the Advocates General Kokott and Wahl published diverging opinions on similar prejudicial questions of national courts. These opinions illustrate some difficulties in applying the EU concept of equality and interpreting the scope of relevant EU law on leaves. The Court followed a cautious approach, which is not surprising given the lack of consensus on surrogacy arrangements in the member states and their legal implications. Developments in society and technologies in relation to motherhood, fatherhood and parenthood give rise to new legal questions. However, the existing EU legal instruments in this field were not designed to address questions such as for example surrogacy leave for commissioning mothers and fathers. A modernisation of the EU instruments in the light of societal, technological and legal developments in the member states would provide an opportunity to remedy some gaps in the existing EU legal framework on reconciliation issues. In a society where participation in the labour market of both women and men is increasing and getting more balanced, the need to address care of children, older people and disabled people becomes more urgent.
The Minor in Divorce-Related Judicial Proceedings in the Netherlands and Germany
Authors: Strutz Maximilian , Verhagen Evelien 
Published: May 2015

The Minor in Divorce-Related Judicial Proceedings in the Netherlands and Germany: Rights to a Special Representative and to Be Heard in Person
This contribution examines the extent to which a minor is involved in divorce-related judicial proceedings in the Netherlands and Germany. The discussion will concentrate exclusively on the rights of the minor to a special representative and to be heard in person. The purpose of this contribution is to identify the uncertainties and bottlenecks that arise in both legal systems.
Consolidating Family Law in Kenya
Authors: Murungi Lucyline Nkatha 
Published: May 2015

Consolidating Family Law in Kenya: An Appraisal of Recent Marriage and Matrimonial Property Law Reforms
Following the adoption of a new Constitution in 2010, Kenya embarked on an extensive process of law reform in order to give effect to the provisions of the Constitution. Accordingly, in 2014, two main statutes were adopted in the area of family law: the Matrimonial Property Act and the Marriage Act. In addition, parliamentary discussion of a Bill on domestic violence was underway as of March 2015. The main outcome of the Marriage Act is the consolidation of family laws that were previously covered in multiple statutes, customary law, and common law in one Act. The Matrimonial Property Act is the first Kenyan legislation on the subject, and is therefore a critical development in Kenya’s family law. The new family laws embrace a number of significant developments at the national and international levels in relation to matrimonial relations. However, the new laws also raise concerns in a number of areas of family law including; the equality of men and women in marriage, the capacity of persons with disabilities to consent to marriage, the rights of spouses to matrimonial property, kinds of marriage, and registration of marriages. This article discusses the approach of these laws to selected issues in marriage and matrimonial property, and highlights areas of concern in this regard.
Spanish Matrimonial Property Regimes and CEFL Principles Regarding Property Relations between Spouses
Authors: Quinzá Redondo Pablo 
Published: May 2015

Spanish Matrimonial Property Regimes and CEFL Principles Regarding Property Relations between Spouses: Common Core and Better Law
This article compares the CEFL principles to Spanish civil law regarding the general rights and duties of spouses, matrimonial property agreements and matrimonial property rights, i.e., property relations between spouses, by detecting where the latter follows the common core or better law approach solution selected by the former.
Identifying the Impetus behind the Europeanization of the Private International Law Rules on Family Matters and Succession
Authors: Gray Jacqueline 
Published: May 2015

Identifying the Impetus behind the Europeanization of the Private International Law Rules on Family Matters and Succession
The EU is currently in the midst of unifying the private international law rules on family matters and succession. This article seeks to explain this expansion into essentially non-economic territory. In order to do so, it presents the ideological, problem-based, and legal considerations that appear to lie at the heart of legislative action in these fields. However, as will become apparent, it is the role of the Member States that is crucial in guiding this process.
Politie in tweevoud: centraal en decentraal
Authors: Terpstra J. , van Stokkom B. 
Published: May 2015

Dutch policing in duplicate: central and municipal. Some backgrounds and tensions
The advent of the Dutch National Police in 2012 is the culmination of a much longer process of centralization and scaling up of the regular police organization. Partly as a result of this process of increased scale, municipalities have introduced their own surveillance officers to patrol the streets. Thus, the contours of a dual police system have arisen. This raises various questions, and in this article we focus on two of them. First, which background factors have contributed to the emergence of new municipal enforcement organizations and to what extent developments within the police have contributed to this development? Second, what are the consequences of this dual police system and what problems and risks are involved?
Reta liga: vyrų krūties vėžys
Authors: Liutkutė Jūratė , Lachej Nadežda , Steponavičienė Laura , Pipirienė Želvienė Teresė , Aleknavičius Eduardas 
Published: May 2015

Įvadas. Vyrų krūties vėžys – reta onkologinė liga. Pasaulyje vyrai sudaro apie 1 % visų sergančiųjų krūties vėžiu. Lietuvos vėžio registro duomenimis, kasmet Lietuvoje nustatoma 10–14 naujų vyrų krūties vėžio atvejų.
Medžiaga ir metodika. Pagrindinis informacijos šaltinis, ieškant duomenų, buvo PubMed ir Medscape duomenų bazės.
Rezultatai. Straipsnyje apžvelgiami pagrindiniai vyrų krūties vėžio rizikos veiksniai, paplitimas, histopatologiniai ypatumai, klinika ir diagnostika. Gana plačiai pateiktos kompleksinio gydymo galimybės (chirurginis gydymas, spindulinė terapija, chemoterapija, hormonoterapija, biologinė terapija), trumpai supažindinama su metastazavusio krūties vėžio gydymo galimybėmis.
Išvados. Svarbu nepamiršti, kad norint laiku diagnozuoti ligą ir suteikti optimalų gydymą pacientams svarbu šviesti visuomenę, nuolat priminti šeimos gydytojams ir kitiems specialistams apie šią retą ligą, nes bendras išgyvenamumas tiesiogiai koreliuoja su ligos stadija.
Elective colectomy after colonoscopic polypectomy for unexpected polypoid T1 cancer
Authors: Samuolis Nikas , Samalavičius Narimantas Evaldas , Mickys Ugnius 
Published: May 2015

Purpose. The treatment of early-stage colorectal adenocarcinoma removed endoscopically depends on histopathologic findings. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the benefit–risk balance to patients who underwent colectomy after endoscopic polypectomy of T1 carcinoma with unfavourable histological factors.
Methods. Thirty one patients (15 men and 16 women, median age 66 years) who underwent colectomy after endoscopic resection of malignant polyps with T1 carcinoma within the period from 1 January 2004 Vilnius to 11 February 2015 were included in this retrospective study. Specimens resected after endoscopic polypectomy showed at least one of the following unfavourable factors: no free margin or piecemeal resection. The main objective was to assess the benefit–risk balance of an oncological resection performed after the polypectomy. The oncological benefit was measured by the lymph node metastasis rate. The risk was measured by the occurrence of severe complications of grade III–IV or death.
Results. The most common localisation of T1 cancer was sigmoid colon – 16 cases (51.6%) and upper rectum – 11 cases (35.5%). 11 (35.5%) patients had well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (G1), others (20 patients from 31, 64.5%) had moderate differentiated adenocarcinoma (G2). The main indications of colectomy were two: the margin of resection ≤1 mm (n = 23) and piecemeal resection (n = 9). An oncological benefit of colectomy was reached for four patients (12.9%), who had lymph node metastasis. Six patients (19.4%) presented postoperative complications. All of them were of I–II grade according to the Clavien classification. There were no deaths.
Conclusions. 12.9% of patients, who underwent oncological colectomy after endoscopic polypectomy for unexpected polypoid T1 cancer with unfavourable histology (no free margin or piecemeal polypectomy), had metastasis in the lymph nodes; thus this study suggests the rationale of an oncological surgical resection after endoscopic polypectomy for these patients.
Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW): a brief and practical review
Authors: Godoy Daniel Agustin , Vaz de Mello Leonardo , Masotti Luca , Di Napoli Mario 
Published: May 2015

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is an increasingly complication of survivors of critical illness. It should be suspected in the presence of a patient with a flaccid tetraparesis or tetraplegia with hyporeflexia or absent deep tendon reflexes and difficult to weaning from mechanical ventilation in the absence of different diagnoses. Important risk factors are age, sepsis, illness duration and severity, some drugs (neuromuscular blockers, steroids). Electrophysiological studies have shown an axonal damage of involved peripheral nerves (critical illness polyneuropathy). However, muscle can also be primitively affected (critical illness myopathy) leading to ICUAW with inconstant myopathic damage patterns in electromyographic studies. Mixed forms can are present (critical illness polyneuromyopathy. Although the pathophysiology remains obscure, the hypothesis of an acquired channelopathy is substantial.Electroneuromyography is crucial for diagnosis. Muscular and nerve biopsy are necessary for diagnosis confirmation. Aggressive treatment of baseline disease, prevention, through avoiding or minimizing precipitating factors, strict glycemic control, and early rehabilitation combining mobilization with physiotherapy and muscle electrical muscle stimulation, are the keys to improving recovery of the affected individuals. This narrative review highlights the current literature regarding the etiology and diagnosis of ICU-AW.
Revealed Grace: The Juristic Sufism of Ahmad Sirhindi (1564–1624). By Arthur F. Buehler
Authors: Pagani Samuela 
Published: May 2015

Revealed Grace: The Juristic Sufism of Ahmad Sirhindi (1564–1624). By Arthur F. Buehler. Louis-
ville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2011. Pp. xxii + 321. $24.95 (paper).
Surface motions and intraplate continental deformation in Alaska driven by mantle flow
Authors: Finzel Emily S. , Flesch Lucy M. , Ridgway Kenneth D. , Holt William E. , Ghosh Attreyee 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe degree to which the lithosphere and mantle are coupled and contribute to surface deformation beneath continental regions remains a fundamental question in the field of geodynamics. Here we use a new approach with a surface deformation field constrained by GPS, geologic, and seismicity data, together with a lithospheric geodynamic model, to solve for tractions inferred to be generated by mantle convection that (1) drive extension within interior Alaska generating southward directed surface motions toward the southern convergent plate boundary, (2) result in accommodation of the relative motions between the Pacific and North America in a comparatively small zone near the plate boundary, and (3) generate the observed convergence within the North American plate interior in the Mackenzie mountains in northwestern Canada. The evidence for deeper mantle influence on surface deformation beneath a continental region suggests that this mechanism may be an important contributing driver to continental plate assemblage and breakup.
The relationship between thermocline depth and SST anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific: Seasonality and decadal variations
Authors: Zhu Jieshun , Kumar Arun , Huang Bohua 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEven though the vital role of thermocline fluctuation in El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle has been established previously, the direct relationship between the thermocline depth and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the equatorial Pacific is yet to be fully understood, especially its seasonality. Thermocline depth anomalies have been found to lead SST anomalies in time with a longitude‐dependent delay, but our study also suggests that the relationship shows considerable seasonal dependency and is strongest (weakest) during the boreal spring (summer). Over the eastern equatorial Pacific where there is least delay (compared to that in the western and central Pacific), the connection between thermocline and SST is the weakest during the boreal spring. This feature may be one of causes for ENSO spring persistence barrier. Furthermore, the thermocline‐SST connections exhibit significant decadal variations, which are remarkably consistent with the decadal changes in the persistence barrier of SST anomalies over the eastern Pacific. It is also found that the decadal shift in the timing of the thermocline‐SST connection barrier is caused by the changes in the seasonal cycle of tropical trade winds and thermocline depths.