Thermal conductivity of electrospinning chain-aligned polyethylene oxide (PEO)

Publication date: 21 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 115
Author(s): Chenhao Lu, Sum Wai Chiang, Hongda Du, Jia Li, Lin Gan, Xing Zhang, Xiaodong Chu, Youwei Yao, Baohua Li, Feiyu Kang
Polymer fibers' thermal conductivity along its axis direction are usually much better compared to that of the bulk. Many researches indicate that three main factors have significant impact on polymer fiber's thermal conductivity, which are crystallinity, molecular alignment and crystalline grain orientation of the polymer. Most research focus on polyethylene (PE) because of its relatively high crystallinity. Here, we report exceptionally high thermal conductivity on electrospun polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers, which is an important semicrystalline polymer. This indicates that semicrystalline polymers like PEO can also obtain high thermal conductivity, which may be used in areas such as electronic devices. Its thermal conductivity improved about 150 times over bulk polymer. By using infrared spectroscopy, we evidenced that improvement in thermal conductivity was ascribed to increased molecular alignment. And we discussed the relationship between molecular alignment and crystalline grain orientation, as well as their contribution to the thermal conductivity of PEO fibers. We found that for PEO nanofibers, preferred molecular alignment in the amorphous region has significant contributed to high thermal conductivity.

Graphical abstract

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Polyethylene/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes composites: Dielectric, thermal and rheological properties

Publication date: 21 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 115
Author(s): Meng Guo, Éric David, Michel Fréchette, Nicole R. Demarquette
Composites of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing 1 wt% and 5 wt% polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) of different substituents (methyl, isobutyl, isooctyl) were obtained by extrusion. The composites' potential application in high-voltage (HV) power cable insulation was investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy, progressive-stress breakdown tests, and surface partial discharge tests. Thermal conductivity and viscoelastic characteristic were also examined as they play an important role in both material property and manufacture. Additional measurements using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were carried out to obtain information for possible performance explanations. The results showed that POSS could enhance the erosion resistance and slightly improve the thermal conductivity of LDPE without compromising its dielectric breakdown strength or unfavorably increasing its dielectric permittivity or viscosity.

Graphical abstract

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Finsler geometry modeling and Monte Carlo study of 3D liquid crystal elastomer

Publication date: 7 April 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 114
Author(s): Keita Osari, Hiroshi Koibuchi
We study a three-dimensional (3D) liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) in the context of Finsler geometry (FG) modeling, where FG is a mathematical framework for describing anisotropic phenomena. The LCE is a 3D rubbery object and has remarkable properties, such as the so-called soft elasticity and elongation, the mechanisms of which are unknown at present. To understand these anisotropic phenomena, we introduce a variable σ, which represents the directional degrees of freedom of a liquid crystal (LC) molecule. This variable σ is used to define the Finsler metric for the interaction between the LC molecules and bulk polymers. Performing Monte Carlo (MC) simulations for a cylindrical body between two parallel plates, we numerically find the soft elasticity in MC data such that the tensile stress and strain are consistent with reported experimental results. Moreover, the elongation is also observed in the results of MC simulations of a spherical body with free boundaries, and the data obtained from the MC simulations are also consistent with existing experimental results.

Graphical abstract

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Vergleich der Kombination aus IMRT und IGRT mit konventioneller 3D-CRT bei der Bestrahlung des Prostatakarzinoms

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Gas gangrene in the deep spaces of the head and neck visualized on computed tomography images

Abstract

Cellulitis accompanied by gas gangrene is a rapidly-spreading and potentially fatal infection. Here, we present a case of gas gangrene in the deep spaces of the head and neck in an elderly woman, diagnosed by computed tomography (CT). An 86-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and osteoporosis was referred to our institute by her local dentist. The patient exhibited trismus caused by severe swelling in the left submandibular area. CT images of the head and neck area showed swelling of the cervical tissue with air in the parapharyngeal and masticator spaces. She was treated with antibiotics, followed by drainage. Although the therapy was continued, the patient died from a cardiac complication on hospital day 42. Our case highlights the usefulness of CT for diagnosing gas gangrene in the deep spaces of the head and neck in a woman with Alzheimer's disease.

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Fusion imaging: a bipartite approach

Abstract

Image fusion is the process of registering and combining multiple images from single or multiple imaging modalities to improve the imaging quality and applicability. It reduces randomness and redundancy to increase the diagnostic value of images for better assessment of medical problems. Fusion imaging was designed to overcome the disadvantages of morphological and/or functional imaging, and attempts to provide inputs that improve treatment planning, resulting in better prognostication. This review attempts to summarize the techniques and their applications in head and neck imaging.

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Upper airway imaging in sleep-disordered breathing: role of cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Objective

To review recent use of three-dimensional (3D) imaging, specifically cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in the analysis of the upper airway for diagnosis or treatment outcomes in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Types of studies reviewed

Literature review of relevant medical and dental studies utilizing 3D imaging to assess the upper airway.

Results

Imaging of the upper airway provided insight into potential areas of obstruction. Accessibility of CBCT to dentists is reflected in several applications of upper airway diagnosis, treatment planning, and different treatment outcomes, as well as association with craniofacial development. However, multiple deficiencies in image acquisition, 3D reconstruction, and analysis are evident.

Practical implications

The role of CBCT in the analysis of the upper airway is growing; however, critical limitations remain. An understanding of these limitations, clarification of misconceptions, and improvements in analysis methods are required to ensure proper use and development of CBCT.

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A Comparative Study of Models of Geriatric Assessment and the Implementation of Recommendations by Primary Care Physicians

Rejuvenation Research , Vol. 0, No. 0.


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Expression of unusual immunohistochemical markers in mucinous breast carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 21 March 2017
Source:Acta Histochemica
Author(s): Rodrigo de Andrade Natal, Sophie F. Derchain, Marina Pavanello, Geisilene R. Paiva, Luis O. Sarian, José Vassallo
BackgroundMucinous breast carcinoma is characterized by the production of variable amounts of mucin. Some studies have addressed immunohistochemical characterization of mucinous breast carcinoma using a limited set of antibodies. However, the purpose of the present study was to investigate a larger panel of markers not widely used in daily practice and to determine their pathological implications.MethodsForty patients diagnosed with mucinous breast carcinoma were enrolled. An immunohistochemical study was performed on whole sections of paraffin embedded tissue, using antibodies for the following markers: estrogen receptor alpha and beta, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, HER2, EGFR, Ki-67, E-cadherin, β-catenin, p53, chromogranin, synaptophysin, GCDFP15, mammaglobin, and CDX2.ResultsThe pure mucinous type was more prevalent in older patients and more frequently expressed GCDFP15. Capella type B presented more frequently with a high Ki-67 index and neuroendocrine differentiation. Although there was a lower frequency of vascular invasion and lymph node metastases in the pure type, the difference was not statistically significant. No case expressed CDX2 (a marker for gastrointestinal tumors), while 85% of the cases expressed at least one of the two typical breast markers (GCDFP15 and mammaglobin), suggesting that these markers may be reliably used for differential diagnosis. Expression of estrogen receptor beta was related to the presence of mucin cell producing lymph node metastasis, with potential prognostic and predictive value.Conclusionour findings support the immunohistochemical homogeneity of mucinous breast carcinomas because only minor differences were found when subgrouping them into Capella types A and B or into types pure and mixed.



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Draft genome of the fungus-growing termite pathogenic fungus Ophiocordyceps bispora (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota)

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 11
Author(s): Benjamin H. Conlon, Jannette Mitchell, Z. Wilhelm de Beer, Christian Carøe, M. Thomas P. Gilbert, Jørgen Eilenberg, Michael Poulsen, Henrik H. de Fine Licht
This article documents the public availability of genome sequence data and assembled contigs representing the partial draft genome of Ophiocordyceps bispora. As one of the few known pathogens of fungus-farming termites, a draft genome of O. bispora represents the opportunity to further the understanding of disease and resistance in these complex termite societies. With the ongoing attempts to resolve the taxonomy of the Hypocralaean family, more genetic data will also help to shed light on the phylogenetic relationship between sexual and asexual life stages. Next generation sequence data is available from the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) under accession PRJEB13655; run numbers: ERR1368522, ERR1368523, and ERR1368524. Genome assembly available from ENA under accession numbers: FKNF01000001–FKNF01000302. Gene prediction available as protein fasta, nucleotide fasta and GFF file from Mendeley Data with accession doi:10.17632/r99fd6g3s4.2 (http://ift.tt/2ngBwWw).



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Direct and indirect alcohol biomarkers data collected in hair samples - multivariate data analysis and likelihood ratio interpretation perspectives

Publication date: June 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 12
Author(s): Eugenio Alladio, Agnieszka Martyna, Alberto Salomone, Valentina Pirro, Marco Vincenti, Grzegorz Zadora
The concentration values of direct and indirect biomarkers of ethanol consumption were detected in blood (indirect) or hair (direct) samples from a pool of 125 individuals classified as either chronic (i.e. positive) and non-chronic (i.e. negative) alcohol drinkers. These experimental values formed the dataset under examination (Table 1). Indirect biomarkers included: aspartate transferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), mean corpuscular volume of the erythrocytes (MCV), carbohydrate-deficient-transferrin (CDT). The following direct biomarkers were also detected in hair: ethyl myristate (E14:0), ethyl palmitate (E16:0), ethyl stearate (E18:1), ethyl oleate (E18:0), the sum of their four concentrations (FAEEs, i.e. Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG; pg/mg). Body mass index (BMI) was also collected as a potential influencing factor. Likelihood ratio (LR) approaches have been used to provide predictive models for the diagnosis of alcohol abuse, based on different combinations of direct and indirect alcohol biomarkers, as described in "Evaluation of direct and indirect ethanol biomarkers using a likelihood ratio approach to identify chronic alcohol abusers for forensic purposes" (E. Alladio, A. Martyna, A. Salomone, V. Pirro, M. Vincenti, G. Zadora, 2017) [1].



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Data on chemical activation of Wnt/β-catenin during axolotl limb regeneration

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 11
Author(s): Sabina Wischin, Cristina Castañeda-Patlán, Martha Robles-Flores, Jesús Chimal-Monroy
Limb amputation in axolotls was performed to obtain data demonstrating that a chemical agonist of Wnt (int-related protein)/β-catenin signalling can have a role in axolotl limb regeneration (Wischin et al., 2017) [1]. The data revealed that active β-catenin protein was present during limb regeneration in some Leydig cells in the epithelium; after the chemical treatment, it was observed in more Leydig cells. In addition, the chemical agonist of Wnt generated distinct limb malformation.



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Dataset of the human homologues and orthologues of lipid-metabolic genes identified as DAF-16 targets their roles in lipid and energy metabolism

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 11
Author(s): Lavender Yuen-Nam Fan, Paula Saavedra-García, Eric Wing-Fai Lam
The data presented in this article are related to the review article entitled 'Unravelling the role of fatty acid metabolism in cancer through the FOXO3-FOXM1 axis' (Saavedra-Garcia et al., 2017) [24]. Here, we have matched the DAF-16/FOXO3 downstream genes with their respective human orthologues and reviewed the roles of these targeted genes in FA metabolism. The list of genes listed in this article are precisely selected from literature reviews based on their functions in mammalian FA metabolism. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans gene orthologues of the genes are obtained from WormBase, the online biological database of C. elegans. This dataset has not been uploaded to a public repository yet.



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Data on IL-10R neutralization-induced chronic colitis in Lipocalin 2 deficient mice on BALB/c background

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 11
Author(s): Vishal Singh, Beng San Yeoh, Marit Nilsen-Hamilton, Thorsten Berger, Tak W. Mak, Matam Vijay-Kumar
The data herein is related to the research article entitled "Microbiota-inducible Innate Immune, Siderophore Binding Protein Lipocalin 2 is Critical for Intestinal Homeostasis" (Singh et al., 2016) [1] where we have demonstrated that C57BL/6 Lipocalin 2 deficient mice (Lcn2KO) developed chronic colitis upon anti-interleukin-10 receptor (αIL-10R) monoclonal antibody administration. In the present article, we evaluated the susceptibility of BALB/c Lcn2KO mice and their WT littermates to the αIL-10R neutralization-induced chronic colitis. Our data showed that αIL-10R mAb-treated BALB/c Lcn2KO mice exhibited severe chronic colitis (i.e., splenomegaly, colomegaly, colonic pathology, and incidence of rectal prolapse) when compared to WT mice.



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A novel dataset on horizontal property rights in 126 jurisdictions

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 11
Author(s): Giuseppe Dari-Mattiacci, Carmine Guerriero
The law and the economy are deeply influenced by horizontal property rights, which are the rules regulating legal direct and indirect takings between private parties. To foster research on the determinants and impact of these institutions, we illustrate here a novel data set partially employed in (Dari-Mattiacci, Giuseppe, Carmine Guerriero, 2015; Dari-Mattiacci, Giuseppe, Carmine Guerriero, Zhenxing Huang, 2016) [3,4], and (Guerriero Carmine, 2016) [6] and describing the acquisition of ownership through adverse possession of personal and real property and the use of government takings to transfer real property from a private party to another private party in 126 jurisdictions. These data are based on the laws and judicial decisions prevailing in each jurisdiction between 1981 and 2011.



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Data of self-made Taq DNA polymerase prepared for screening purposes

Publication date: April 2017
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 11
Author(s): E.V. Konovalova, A.A. Schulga, T.I. Lukyanova, E.J. Woo, S.M. Deyev
DNA analysis is a key procedure in genetic engineering. Nowadays the analysis is often done by PCR with Taq DNA polymerase. Although the last enzyme price is quite low, demand for numerous analyses results in much money expenditure which are not affordable for many laboratories. In a meanwhile, many screening tasks do not require the highly purified enzyme. Taking into account the enzyme unique properties it makes possible to marginally simplify its production without resorting to costly or lengthy techniques such as column chromatography and/or dialysis. Here the data of routine usage of Taq DNA polymerase prepared according to the protocol developed in our laboratory is presented. The protocol takes only several hours to realize and does not need qualified personnel or expensive equipment. Yet it gives the enzyme preparation suitable for most screening purposes. The isolated Taq DNA polymerase stock can be stored as ammonium sulfate suspension in a refrigerator for prolonged period, not less than 6 months. The working enzyme solution is prepared from the stock suspension on demand, not more than once in a month and can be stored also in a refrigerator.



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Nicotinamide for skin cancer chemoprevention

Abstract

Nicotinamide (vitamin B₃) has a range of photoprotective effects in vitro and in vivo; it enhances DNA repair, reduces UV radiation-induced suppression of skin immune responses, modulates inflammatory cytokine production and skin barrier function and restores cellular energy levels after UV exposure. Pharmacological doses of nicotinamide have been shown to reduce actinic keratoses and nonmelanoma skin cancer incidence in high-risk individuals, making this a nontoxic and accessible option for skin cancer chemoprevention in this population.

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RelB attenuates cigarette smoke extract-induced apoptosis in association with transcriptional regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 108
Author(s): Matthew Iu, Michela Zago, Angela Rico de Souza, Manuella Bouttier, Swati Pareek, John H. White, Qutayba Hamid, David H. Eidelman, Carolyn J. Baglole
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic and prevalent respiratory disease caused primarily by long term inhalation of cigarette smoke. A major hallmark of COPD is elevated apoptosis of structural lung cells including fibroblasts. The NF-κB member RelB may suppress apoptosis in response to cigarette smoke, but its role in lung cell survival is not known. RelB may act as a pro-survival factor by controlling the expression of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). SOD2 is also regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor that suppresses cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis. As the AhR is also a binding partner for RelB, we speculate that RelB suppresses cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis by regulating the AhR. Using an in vitro model of cigarette smoke exposure (cigarette smoke extract [CSE]), we found that CSE down-regulated RelB expression in mouse lung fibroblasts, which was associated with elevated levels of cleaved PARP. Genetic ablation of RelB elevated CSE-induced apoptosis, including chromatin condensation, and reduced mitochondrial function. There was also more reactive oxygen species production in RelB^-/- cells exposed to CSE. While there was no alteration in Nrf2 expression or localization between RelB^-/- and wild type cells in response to CSE, RelB^-/- cells displayed significantly decreased AhR mRNA and protein expression, concomitant with loss of AhR target gene expression (Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1, Nqo1). Finally, we found that RelB binds to the Ahr gene at 3 sites to potentially increase its expression via transcriptional induction. These data support that RelB suppresses cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis, potentially by increasing the AhR. Together, these two proteins may comprise an important cell survival signaling pathway that reduces apoptosis upon cigarette smoke exposure.

Graphical abstract

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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) in Macrophage Biology and Cardiovascular Disease. A Redox-Regulated Master Controller of Monocyte Function and Macrophage Phenotype

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2017
Source:Free Radical Biology and Medicine
Author(s): Hong Seok Kim, Reto Asmis
MAPK pathways play a critical role in the activation of monocytes and macrophages by pathogens, signaling molecules and environmental cues and in the regulation of macrophage function and plasticity. MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) has emerged as the main counter-regulator of MAPK signaling in monocytes and macrophages. Loss of MKP-1 in monocytes and macrophages in response to metabolic stress leads to dysregulation of monocyte adhesion and migration, and gives rise to dysfunctional, proatherogenic monocyte-derived macrophages. Here we review the properties of this redox-regulated dual-specificity MAPK phosphatase and the role of MKP-1 in monocyte and macrophage biology and cardiovascular diseases.



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Lomustine induced acute pulmonary toxicity in a pediatric medulloblastoma survivor

Venkatraman Radhakrishnan, Jayachandran Perumal, Shirley Sundersingh, Tenali Sagar

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):38-39



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Opisthorchiasis, hypercholesterolemia, and cholangiocarcinoma: A reappraisal

Beuy Joob, Viroj Wiwanitkit

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):35-35



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Surgical management of bronchopulmonary carcinoids: A single center experience

Ashish Jakhetiya, Pankaj Kumar Garg, Rambha Pandey, Palaniappan Ramanathan, Sunil Kumar, Debojit Nath, Durgatosh Pandey

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):6-10

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary carcinoids are uncommon tumors with relatively indolent biological behavior but a distinct malignant potential. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Our aim was to study preoperative characteristics, surgical approaches, and outcome in patients with bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumors. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was done in the Department of Surgical Oncology of a Tertiary Teaching Hospital of North India. The case records of all the patients who underwent surgical treatment for lung neoplasms and were diagnosed to have bronchopulmonary carcinoids were reviewed. Details concerning the clinical presentation, preoperative therapy, operative procedure, postoperative complications, and outcome were retrieved from the case records. Results: Sixteen patients who underwent surgical treatment were found to have bronchopulmonary carcinoids on histopathological examination. The median age of the patients was 34 years (range 18–62 years). There were 11 men and five women. All patients were symptomatic, and the median duration of symptoms was 12 months (range 6–72 months) before presentation. Six patients had received antitubercular treatment before presentation, and one patient had been treated with chemotherapy due to misdiagnosis. Surgical procedures included six pneumonectomies (one with carinoplasty), four bilobectomies, three lobectomies, and three bronchoplastic procedures (two with lobectomy and one with bilobectomy). There was no postoperative mortality; three patients had morbidity in the form of lobar collapse, prolonged pleural collection, and surgical site infection. With a median follow-up time of 11 months (range 2–85 months), all the 16 patients are alive and disease-free. Conclusions: Delayed presentation and misdiagnosis of bronchial carcinoid are major concerns in North India. Adequate surgical resection can be performed without undue morbidity and is associated with good long-term results.

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Efficacy of erlotinib as first-line maintenance therapy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer who have not experienced disease progression or unacceptable toxicity during chemotherapy

Senthil Rajappa, Dinesh Chandra Doval, Jaydip Biswas, Shekar Patil, Naresh Somani, Sankar Srinivasan, Shailesh Bondarde, Nitin S Palwe, Binay Swarup

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):1-5

Background: First-line maintenance with erlotinib in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients without progression after four cycles of chemotherapy was well tolerated and significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) compared with placebo. Aim and Design: This open-label, single arm, Phase IV, interventional study was designed to evaluate erlotinib as first-line maintenance after chemotherapy in Indian NSCLC patients. Primary efficacy objective was to evaluate PFS rate (PFSR) at week 52 and secondary objectives were determination of PFS, overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate, and safety. Subjects and Methods: Patients were treated with erlotinib until disease progression/death/unacceptable toxicity or end of study. Patients with disease progression underwent scheduled clinical assessments every 12 weeks thereafter. Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to evaluate PFSR, PFS, and OS. The ORR was summarized using number and percentage along with two-sided 95% Clopper–Pearson confidence interval. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) was tabulated according to severity, outcome, and relationship to erlotinib. Results: Of the 51 enrolled patients, 47 patients completed the study (2: Continuing treatment, 41: Disease progression, and 4: Death) and four patients discontinued treatment (3: Lost to follow-up; 1: Withdrew consent). PFSR was 22.5% at 12 months, median PFS 99 days (14.14 weeks), and median OS was 671 days (22 months). The probability of OS was 74.5% at 14 months. The ORR was 25.5%, and disease control rate was 55.3%. AEs were reported in 62.7% and SAE in 7.8% of patients. Common AEs were diarrhea and rash. Conclusions: Erlotinib was well tolerated by Indian patients in first-line maintenance setting and resulted in median PFS of 14 weeks and median OS of 22 months better than previously reported and with no new safety concerns in this population.

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Billiary obstruction in a metastatic tumor of the pancreas from breast cancer

Bajpai Jyoti, Chauhan Bharat, Thippeswamy Ravi, Ramani K Subhash, Patil Asawari, Gupta Sudeep

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):10-10



http://ift.tt/2n84LdC

A rare case of brain metastasis in a patient with osteosarcoma

Dinesh Chandra Doval, Mithun Chacko, Rupal Sinha, Kumardeep Dutta Choudhury, Ajay Sharma, Avinash Rao, RS Jaggi, Anurag Mehta

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):36-37



http://ift.tt/2n2u1Aw

A tertiary care experience with paclitaxel and cetuximab as palliative chemotherapy in platinum sensitive and nonsensitive in head and neck cancers

Vanita Noronha, Vijay M Patil, Amit Joshi, Atanu Bhattacharjee, Davinder Paul, Sachin Dhumal, Shashikant Juvekar, Supreeta Arya, Kumar Prabhash

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):11-14

Background: The combination of paclitaxel and cetuximab (PaCe) has led to an encouraging response rate in Phase 2 setting with limited toxicity. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of this regimen in our setting in platinum sensitive and nonsensitive patients. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of head and neck cancer patients treated with weekly PaCe as palliative chemotherapy between May 2010 and August 2014. The standard schedule of cetuximab along with 80 mg/m2 of weekly paclitaxel was administered till either disease progression or withdrawal of patient's consent. The toxicity and response were noted in accordance with CTCAE version 4.02 and RECIST version 1.1 criteria, respectively. The response rates between platinum sensitive and nonsensitive patients were compared by Chi-square test. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated by Kaplan–Meier survival method and log-rank test was used for comparison. Cox proportional hazard model was used for identification of factors affecting PFS and OS. Results: One Hundred patients with a median age of 52 years (interquartile range: 46–56 years) were included. Forty-five patients (45%) were platinum insensitive, whereas 55 patients (55%) were platinum sensitive. In platinum insensitive patients and sensitive patients, the response rates were 38.5% and 22.2%, respectively (P = 0.104), whereas the symptomatic benefit in pain was seen in 89.5% and 71.7%, respectively (P = 0.044). The median PFS in platinum insensitive and sensitive patients were 150 and 152 days, respectively (P = 0.932), whereas the median OS was 256 days (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 168.2–343.8 days) and 314 days (95% CI: 227.6–400.4 days), respectively (P = 0.23). Nineteen patients (19%) had grades 3–4 adverse events during chemotherapy. Conclusion: Weekly paclitaxel combined with cetuximab has promising efficacy and good tolerability in the palliative setting in advanced head and neck cancer in both platinum sensitive and insensitive patients.

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Fatty but starving marrow! Gelatinous transformation of bone marrow secondary to plasma cell disorder and all-trans-retinoic acid therapy: A report of two cases

Manu Goyal, Anurag Gupta, Swathi Yarlagadda, Anil Handoo

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):40-41



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Decision Tools to Improve Personalized Care in Cardiovascular Disease: Moving the Art of Medicine Toward Science.

Author: Yeh, Robert W. MD, MSc; Kramer, Daniel B. MD, MPH

Page: 1097-1100

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Role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx and larynx

Poonam Joshi, Amit Joshi, Vanita Norohna, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Vijay Patil, Jai Prakash Agarwal, Shashikant Juvekar, Kumar Prabhash

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):15-19

Background: To assess the response rate and impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in advanced carcinoma of the hypopharynx and larynx. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective case series of 80 patients with locally advanced laryngopharynx carcinoma who received NACT from April 2010 to October 2011 at our tertiary care center. The patients received NACT either for achieving resectability or for organ preservation. Results: Majority of the patients (60%) had T4 a disease. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was seen in 18%, febrile neutropenia in 4%, mucositis in 4%, diarrhea in 5%, and vomiting in 3% patients. Resectability could be achieved in 34%, and larynx was preserved in 51% patients at a mean follow-up of 13 months. Conclusions: NACT was safe with acceptable toxicity. Majority of the patients who achieved resectability had oropharyngeal involvement. NACT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy could provide a high rate of organ preservation.

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Comparative evaluation of iodine-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine and 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in assessing neural crest tumors: Will they play a complementary role?

Soumyakanti Kundu, Purushottam Kand, Sandip Basu

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):31-34

Background: 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has established a role in the evaluation of several malignancies. However, its precise clinical role in the neural crest cell tumors continues to evolve. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare iodine-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) and FDG-PET of head to head in patients with neural crest tumors both qualitatively and semiquantitatively and to determine their clinical utility in disease status evaluation and further management. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients who had undergone 131I-MIBG and FDG-PET prospectively were evaluated and clinicopathologically grouped into three categories: neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, and medullary carcinoma thyroid. Results: In 18 patients of neuroblastoma, FDG PET and 131I-MIBG showed patient-specific sensitivity of 84% and 72%, respectively. The mean maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary lesions in patients with unfavorable histology was found to be relatively higher than those with favorable histology (5.18 ± 2.38 vs. 3.21 ± 1.69). The mean SUVmaxof two common sites (posterior superior iliac spine [PSIS] and greater trochanter) was higher in patients with involved marrow than those with uninvolved one (2.36 and 2.75 vs. 1.26 and 1.34, respectively). The ratio of SUVmaxof the involved/contralateral normal sites was 2.16 ± 1.9. In equivocal bone marrow results, the uptake pattern with SUV estimation can depict metastatic involvement and help in redirecting the biopsy site. Among seven patients of pheochromocytoma, FDG-PET revealed 100% patient-specific sensitivity. FDG-PET detected more metastatic foci than 131I-MIBG (18 vs. 13 sites). In seven patients of medullary carcinoma thyroid, FDG-PET localized residual, recurrent, or metastatic disease with much higher sensitivity (32 metastatic foci with 72% patient specific sensitivity) than 131I-MIBG, trending along the higher serum calcitonin levels. Conclusions: FDG-PET is not only a good complementary modality in the management of neural crest cell tumors but also it can even be superior, especially in cases of 131I-MIBG nonavid tumors.

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Long-term survival in a case of metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma

Abdul Monem Essam, Ajit Venniyoor, Suresh Nagdev, Itrat Mehdi, Bassim Al Bahrani

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):19-19



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Duplicate publication and the need to strengthen editorial policy of the journal

Natasha Das

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):35-36



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Safety and tolerability of Peg-grafeel™, a pegfilgrastim, for the prophylactic treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia: A prospective, observational, postmarketing surveillance study in India

Vineet Talwar, Sharanabasappa S Nirni, Krishna Mohan Mallavarapu, Anupama Ramkumar, Nitu Sinha

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):20-24

Background: A granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, pegfilgrastim, is efficacious though expensive for prophylactic treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. Biologics available and accessible today, having acceptable safety-efficacy profiles, require postapproval studies for better understanding of such drugs in clinical settings. Aim: This postmarketing surveillance study evaluated the safety of prophylactic Peg-grafeel™ (pegfilgrastim) in cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Settings and Design: This prospective, noninterventional, single-arm, open-label study was conducted at 10 study sites in India. Methods: Patients received subcutaneous 6 mg Peg-grafeel™ approximately 24 h following chemotherapy as part of routine patient care. Statistical Analysis: Data were summarized descriptively. Results: The study included 250 patients (male: female = 36.4%:63.6%; median age, 54 [16–80] years). Most patients had Stage III (33.2%) or IV (41.6%) cancers and received cyclophosphamide (37.2%) and doxorubicin (31.6%) as chemotherapy. On an average, 4 Peg-grafeel™ doses were administered per patient. Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) were reported in 115 (46%) patients, the most common being vomiting (11.6%), pain (11.2%), nausea (8.4%), and constipation (8.4%). Peg-grafeel™-related AEs included pain (3.2%), asthenia (2.4%), and arthralgia (1.2%). Bone pain (0.4%) and extremity pain (1.2%) were rare. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 4 (1.6%) and 3 (1.2%) patients, respectively. Serious AEs included vomiting (2.8%) and pyrexia (2%). No new safety concerns were identified. None of the five deaths was considered related to Peg-grafeel™. Conclusion: The overall safety profile of Peg-grafeel™ was consistent with the expected safety profile of pegfilgrastim in patients with advanced malignancies in a clinical setting.

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Treatment planning challenges for prosthesis prostate cancer patients in radiation therapy

N Adhikari, Dinesh Babu Pandey

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):37-38



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Epedimiologic, clinical profile and factors affecting the outcome in febrile neutropenia

Kalpathi Krishnamani, Linga Vijay Gandhi, Gundeti Sadashivudu, Digumarti Raghunadharao

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):25-27

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is common in cancer patients particularly hematologic malignancies due to intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy. It is an important cause of morbidity, mortality and treatment delays. The risk is greater in patients with ANC < 500/ mm3 and increases dramatically in those with ANC < 100/ mm3 and duration of neutropenia more than 1 week. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, demographic characteristics, clinical profile, mortality, outcome and factors affecting the outcome in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) admitted at our Center between January 2011 and November 2012. Materials and Methods: All cases of FN admitted in our Institute between January 2011 and November 2012 were analyzed. Data was analyzed using IBM statistic SPSS version 19. Results: A total of 333 episodes of FN were reviewed. Hematologic malignancies accounted for 299 (89.7%) episodes and 88% of all the episodes had grade 4 neutropenia. There was a significant association noted between high serum bilirubin, creatinine and outcome. Isolation of an organism from blood culture, positive findings on chest X-ray and fungal infection was associated with higher mortality . Association between transfusion requirements and outcome was analyzed and it was observed that patients who had multiple component transfusions vs single component ones were at a significantly higher risk of death. There were only 7 deaths noted among the patient population. Conclusion: Leukemias are the leading cause of FN at our Institute. Higher bilirubin, creatinine, chest imaging favoring pneumonia, positive isolates and multiple transfusions had significant association with mortality. Large scale prospective studies are needed to determine the association of preemptive therapy with higher mortality. The outcome of high risk FN in this study is favorable.

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Ineffective legislation affecting health of adolescents

Mukesh Sharma, Purnima Thakur, Raman Chauhan, Anjna Sharma

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):39-40



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Pediatric hematological malignancy: Identification of issues involved in the road to diagnosis

Jeyaanth P Venkatasai, Srividya Srinivasamaharaj, Latha Magatha Sneha, Julius Xavier Scott, Anu Kurian Baby, Mahalakshmi Rajan

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):28-30

Introduction: Childhood malignancy, although a rare phenomenon, is still the leading cause of mortality in the pediatric population. Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative for the achievement of optimal prognosis. The study of factors facilitating the delay in diagnosis is thus of utmost importance, to both shorten the diagnostic delay and allow for early therapeutic intervention, facilitating a higher prognosis. Objective: To assess the referral pattern and the identification of potential delays in the diagnosis of childhood malignancy in a developing country. Methodology: The study was conducted in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology department of Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, India. The study included randomly selected 70 pediatric patients diagnosed with a hematological malignancy, from July 2012-August 2013. The parents were interviewed using a prepared questionnaire about patient symptomatology, interaction with healthcare providers, final diagnosis, and referral details. Data were statistically analyzed using Statistica® (STATsoft). Results: 70 patients were included in the study (69% boys, 31% girls). The diagnostic delay was primarily due to the delay experienced in the healthcare system, with a mean delay of 26 days (Median: 18; Range: 5-39). Those from a lower socioeconomic background and whom opted for a non-allopathic treatment approach experienced higher diagnostic delays. Diagnostic time was significantly shorter for those who visited a pediatrician versus the patients who visited a general physician or super specialties (P = 0.043). Conclusions: Diagnostic delay is often associated with an extensive disease presentation, an aggressive therapeutic approach, and has a negative impact on patient prognosis. To lower mortality rate and facilitate a favourable prognosis, diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and immediate intervention.

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First reported case of alveolar soft part sarcoma in constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome tumor spectrum - diagnosed in one of the siblings with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency

Mitul Bipinchandra Modi, Pratik N Patel, Vishal M Modi, Shailee P Mehta, Ramrao G Nilkanthe, Priyesh H Patel, Priti P Trivedi, Dhaval H Jetly

South Asian Journal of Cancer 2017 6(1):41-43



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Biological Valves in Younger Patients Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement: A Word of Caution.

Author: Briffa, Norman MB ChB, MD; Chambers, John B. MD

Page: 1101-1103

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VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos

FREE ACCESS through April 3, 2017.

Extended Endonasal Transsellar Transplanum Endoscopic Removal of Craniopharyngioma
Fan Zhao, Walavan Sivakumar, Amy Eisenberg, Garni Barkhoudarian, Chester F. Griffiths, Daniel F. Kelly

Management of Complex Airway Caused by Massive Retropharyngeal Goiter
Seth Kay, Mark A. Fritz, Gregory N. Postma, David J. Terris

Transoral Endoscopic Total Parathyroidectomy in Renal Hyperparathyroidism Patient
Thanyawat Sasanakietkul, Wirada Wandee, Pornpeera Jitpratoom, Angkoon Anuwong

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach
Thanyawat Sasanakietkul, Tobias Carling

Robotic Bilateral Cortical-Preserving Adrenalectomy in an MEN2A Patient with Steroid Allergy
Nisar Zaidi, Zanati Ahmed, Jesse Gutnick, Eren Berber

The post VideoEndocrinology™ High-Impact Videos appeared first on American Thyroid Association.

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Characterizing users of new psychoactive substances using psychometric scales for risk-related behavior

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Annabel Vreeker, Babette G. van der Burg, Margriet van Laar, Tibor M. Brunt
IntroductionStudies investigating risk-related behavior in relation to new psychoactive substance (NPS) use are sparse. The current study investigated characteristics of NPS users by comparing risk-related behavior of NPS users to that of illicit drugs (ID) users and licit substances users and non-users (NLC) users.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study we included 528 individuals across an age range of 18–72years. Using a web-based questionnaire we collected self-report data on substance use, sensation seeking, impulsivity, peer substance use and risk perception of substance use.ResultsNPS and ID users had a higher level of sensation seeking compared to NLC users (NPS users: p<0.001; ID users: p<0.001). NPS users (p<0.001), but not ID users (p=0.16), had increased levels of impulsivity compared to NLC users. NPS users had significantly higher scores for sensation seeking (F1,423=51.52, p<0.001) and impulsivity (F1,423=6.15, p=0.01) compared to ID users. Additionally, NPS users had significantly more peers who use substances compared to ID and NLC users. Also, NPS and ID users had lower risk perception for most substances than NLC users. NPS users had lower risk perception for most substances than ID users.ConclusionsThe findings highlight that NPS users show substantial more risk-related behavior than both ID and NLC users. Therefore, NPS users might be considered as a distinctive group of substance users that need another approach in terms of prevention.



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Time-specific and cumulative effects of exposure to parental externalizing behavior on risk for young adult alcohol use disorder

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 72
Author(s): Alexis C. Edwards, Sara L. Lönn, Katherine J. Karriker-Jaffe, Jan Sundquist, Kenneth S. Kendler, Kristina Sundquist
BackgroundPrevious studies indicate that parental externalizing behavior (EB) is a robust risk factor for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in their children, and that this is due to both inherited genetic liability and environmental exposure. However, it remains unclear whether the effects of exposure to parental EB vary as a function of timing and/or chronicity.MethodsWe identified biological parents with an alcohol use disorder, drug abuse, or criminal behavior, during different periods of their child's upbringing, using Swedish national registries. Logistic regression was used to determine whether the effect of parental EB exposure during different developmental periods differentially impacted children's risk for young adult AUD (ages 19–24). In addition, we tested how multiply affected parents and/or sustained exposure to affected parents impacted risk.ResultsWhile parental EB increased risk for young adult AUD, timing of exposure did not differentially impact risk. Having a second affected parent increased the risk of AUD additionally, and sustained exposure to parental EB across multiple periods resulted in a higher risk of young adult AUD than exposure in only one period.ConclusionsIn this well-powered population study, there was no evidence of "sensitive periods" of exposure to national registry-ascertained parental EB with respect to impact on young adult AUD, but sustained exposure was more pathogenic than limited exposure. These findings suggest developmental timing does not meaningfully vary the impact, but rather there is a pervasive risk for development of young adult AUD for children and adolescents exposed to parental EB.



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Adolescents with cannabis use disorders: Adaptive treatment for poor responders

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Yifrah Kaminer, Christine McCauley Ohannessian, Rebecca H. Burke
ObjectiveTreatment response as measured by both retention and abstinence attainment rates for adolescents with cannabis use disorders (CUD) has been unsatisfactory. This study tested the hypothesis that adaptive treatment (AT) will improve outcomes for poor responders (PR) to evidence-based practice interventions.MethodA total of 161 adolescents, 13–18years of age, diagnosed with DSM-IV CUD, enrolled in this outpatient, randomized, AT study. Following a 7-session weekly motivational enhancement and cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (MET/CBT-7) only poor responders (defined as failing to achieve abstinence at week seven for any reason) were randomized into a 10-week AT phase of either an individualized enhanced CBT or an Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA) intervention. Good responders (GR) enrolled only in follow-up assessments starting at the completion of the AT phase (week 17).ResultsEighty adolescents (50%) met the criterion for poor response to treatment. Thirty seven percent of poor responders completed the AT phase and 27% of them achieved abstinence. There was no significant difference in retention and abstinence rates between the AT conditions. Although the majority of GR relapsed by week 17, they significantly differed from PR both for drug use (71% vs. 91%, respectively; p<0.05) and reporting to scheduled assessment on that week (78% vs. 54%, respectively; p<0.01).ConclusionContinuity of care to achieve abstinence among poor responders remains a therapeutic necessity and a research challenge. Examining innovative AT designed interventions including potential integrative approaches should be further studied in order to improve treatment outcomes.



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The clinical implications of legalizing marijuana: Are physician and non-physician providers prepared?

Publication date: September 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 72
Author(s): Elizabeth Brooks, Doris C Gundersen, Erin Flynn, Ashley Brooks-Russell, Sheana Bull
IntroductionPassage of voter-driven marijuana reform laws signals a shift in public attitudes for marijuana use. For providers, legalization may necessitate practice modifications, particularly regarding patient-provider conversations about use and risk. We examined healthcare providers' knowledge of marijuana laws and health implications, professional practice behaviors, and attitudes about training.Materials and methodsWe surveyed 114 Colorado-based providers who care for children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women using a Venue-Day-Time survey methodology throughout Colorado. The survey captured providers' (e.g., physicians, nurses, medical assistants) knowledge of state marijuana laws, risk perceptions, counseling practices, and continued training needs.ResultsProviders were knowledgeable about marijuana laws, cautious supporting legalization, and perceived moderate to high risks, particularly for certain groups. About 50% of providers working with adolescents and pregnant or breastfeeding women assessed marijuana use "every" or "most" visits; 23% of those working with children reported such behavior. Conversations about specific risks varied between groups. Few providers felt completely knowledgeable about marijuana health risks and lacked confidence talking to patients about this issue.ConclusionsProviders frequently assess patients' marijuana use; however, they are uncomfortable and inconsistent talking to patients about specific marijuana health effects.Additional education is warranted, particularly as it relates to talking to patients about the danger of second hand smoke exposure, underage use, safe storage, and the over-consumption of edibles.



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Identification of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use disorder: A case report

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Margo E. Godersky, Laura K. Vercammen, Alicia S. Ventura, Alexander Y. Walley, Richard Saitz
Commonly used for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently used medications in the world. In spite of their prevalence, reports of NSAID misuse and NSAID use disorder are uncommon. This case report describes a research participant who met criteria for DSM-5 moderate substance use disorder based on her use of prescribed ibuprofen as assessed by the validated Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). This case demonstrates that the DSM-5 criteria within the MINI can be applied to diagnose an NSAID use disorder. Addiction researchers and clinicians should consider medications generally not thought to be addictive, like NSAIDs, when evaluating patients for substance use disorder.



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Youth use of electronic vapor products and blunts for administering cannabis

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Matthew E. Eggers, Youn O. Lee, Kyle Jackson, Jenny L. Wiley, Lauren Porter, James M. Nonnemaker
BackgroundThe positive association between youth use of cannabis and tobacco is well-established, and reports show that some youth are using electronic vapor products (EVPs) to administer cannabis. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of youth consumption of cannabis via EVP and how this compares with co-use of cannabis with cigars (blunts) among a large statewide sample of youth.MethodsWe used data from the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS), a school-based, pencil-and-paper questionnaire given to Florida middle and high school students (N=12,320). We conducted weighted descriptive analyses and logistic regressions examining prevalence and correlates of EVP/cannabis and blunt use.ResultsEver EVP/cannabis use was lower among middle school students (3.4%) than high school students (11.5%). Blunt use was reported by 6.0% of middle school and 24.1% of high school students. Approximately one-third of youth who had ever administered cannabis via either mode reported using both EVP/cannabis and blunts. EVP/cannabis and blunt use were both associated with lower school performance and use of other tobacco products. EVP/cannabis use did not vary by race/ethnicity, but blunt use was higher among black and Hispanic youth than white, non-Hispanic youth.DiscussionA substantial percentage of youth in a statewide sample are using EVPs and blunts to administer cannabis, and overlap between these use patterns is common. Differences in the demographic risk profile for EVP/cannabis and blunt use suggest that EVPs may provide a novel route of administration for delivering cannabis that appeals to groups not otherwise susceptible to using cannabis via blunts.



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An examination of alcohol risk profiles and co-occurring mental health symptoms among OEF/OIF veterans

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Jennifer M. Cadigan, Alicia K. Klanecky, Matthew P. Martens
IntroductionCompared to the general population, veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (OEF/OIF) are more likely to engage in hazardous alcohol use and meet criteria for mental health disorders including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder. Less is known how distinct profiles of alcohol use behavior relate to mental health symptoms.MethodThe current study examined the extent that indicators of alcohol use (i.e., drinks per week, peak blood alcohol concentration, and alcohol-related problems) are categorized into different alcohol risk profiles utilizing a person-centered approach. We also examined how mental health symptoms (i.e., PTSD, depression, and anxiety-related symptoms) were associated with the alcohol risk profiles. Participants were 252 Veterans who reported consuming alcohol within the past month.ResultsLatent profile analysis indicated a four-class solution yielded the best-fitting model, and profiles were named based on their respective levels and patterns of alcohol use. Mental health symptoms were significantly different among the four profiles. Profiles of veterans who endorsed more alcohol-related problems (i.e., the "Severe alcohol behavior" and "Steady drinkers with functional impairment") also reported comorbid clinical symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The "Binge drinkers with no functional impairment" and "Mild alcohol behavior" profiles reported the lowest levels of mental health symptoms.DiscussionFindings highlight the unique relationship between distinct alcohol risk profiles and mental health outcomes. Targeted interventions and treatment options based on unique alcohol risk profiles may be helpful in tailoring prevention and intervention efforts in detecting co-occurring mental health symptoms among OEF/OIF veterans.



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Problematic internet pornography use: The role of craving, desire thinking, and metacognition

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Andrew Allen, Lee Kannis-Dymand, Mary Katsikitis
Defined as sexually explicit material that elicits erotic thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, internet pornography is a prevalent form of media that may facilitate problematic use and craving for engagement. Research suggests that superordinate cognitions and information processing, such as desire thinking and metacognition, are central to the activation and escalation of craving in addictive behaviours. The current study aimed to contribute to the literature by testing the proposed metacognitive model of desire thinking and craving in a sample of problematic pornography users, while revising the model by incorporating negative affect. From a theoretical perspective, environmental cues trigger positive metacognitions about desire thinking that directly influence desire thinking, resulting in the escalation of craving, negative metacognitions, and negative affect. Participants were recruited via an online survey and screened for problematic internet pornography use. Path analyses were used to investigate relationships among the aforementioned constructs in a final sample of 191 participants. Consistent with previous research, results of this study validated the existence of metacognitive processes in the activation of desire thinking and escalation of craving, while indicating that desire thinking has the potential to influence negative affect. Additionally, results supported the role of significant indirect relationships between constructs within the revised model of metacognition, desire thinking, and psychopathology. Collectively, the findings demonstrate the clinical value of a metacognitive conceptualisation of problematic pornography use. Exploring the metacognitive mechanisms that underpin problematic internet pornography use may give rise to the development of new treatment and relapse prevention strategies.



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Identifying “social smoking” U.S. young adults using an empirically-driven approach

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Andrea C. Villanti, Amanda L. Johnson, Jessica M. Rath, Valerie Williams, Donna M. Vallone, David B. Abrams, Donald Hedeker, Robin J. Mermelstein
The phenomenon of "social smoking" emerged in the past decade as an important area of research, largely due to its high prevalence in young adults. The purpose of this study was to identify classes of young adult ever smokers based on measures of social and contextual influences on tobacco use. Latent class models were developed using social smoking measures, and not the frequency or quantity of tobacco use. Data come from a national sample of young adult ever smokers aged 18–24 (Truth Initiative Young Adult Cohort Study, N=1564). The optimal models identified three latent classes: Class 1 – nonsmokers (52%); Class 2 – social smokers (18%); and Class 3 – smokers (30%). Nearly 60% of the "social smoker" class self-identified as a social smoker, 30% as an ex-smoker/tried smoking, and 12% as a non-smoker. The "social smoker" class was most likely to report using tobacco mainly or only with others. Past 30-day cigarette use was highest in the "smoker" class. Hookah use was highest in the "social smoker" class. Other tobacco and e-cigarette use was similar in the "social smoker" and "smoker" classes. Past 30-day tobacco and e-cigarette use was present for all products in the "non-smoker" class. Young adult social smokers emerge empirically as a sizable, distinct class from other smokers, even without accounting for tobacco use frequency or intensity. The prevalence of hookah use in "social smokers" indicates a group for which the social aspect of tobacco use could drive experimentation and progression to regular use.



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Not all drinking events are the same: Exploring 21st birthday and typical alcohol expectancies as a risk factor for high-risk drinking and alcohol problems

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Irene Markman Geisner, Isaac C. Rhew, Jason J. Ramirez, Melissa E. Lewis, Mary E. Larimer, Christine M. Lee
Alcohol expectancies are a central construct in understanding college student typical alcohol use. However, to our knowledge, there is no research addressing how alcohol expectancies for specific events (i.e. 21st birthday) are different from expectancies regarding typical drinking. We examine the extent to which 21st birthday alcohol expectancies differ from general alcohol expectancies and how 21st birthday expectancies are associated with actual alcohol use and consequences experienced on 21st birthdays, above and beyond expectancies for typical drinking. Participants were college students (N=585; 54% women) who were turning 21 within a week, and intended to drink 4/5 (female/male) drinks on their birthday. All negative expectancies (impairment, risk and aggression, negative self-perception) and positive expectancies (social, liquid courage, sex) except tension reduction were significantly greater for 21st birthday drinking than for typical drinking. While 21st birthday expectancies were not uniquely related to actual birthday drinking, several positive and negative 21st birthday expectancy subscales were associated with 21st birthday drinking-related consequences, even when controlling for typical drinking expectancies. Expectancy challenge interventions aimed specifically at these subscales may be effective at attenuating alcohol-related consequences that result from 21st birthday drinking.



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Computer tablet or telephone? A randomised controlled trial exploring two methods of collecting data from drug and alcohol outpatients

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 71
Author(s): Breanne Hobden, Jamie Bryant, Mariko Carey, Rob Sanson-Fisher, Christopher Oldmeadow
ObjectiveBoth computerised and telephone surveys have potential advantages for research data collection. The current study aimed to determine the: (i) feasibility, (ii) acceptability, and (iii) cost per completed survey of computer tablet versus telephone data collection for clients attending an outpatient drug and alcohol treatment clinic.DesignTwo-arm randomised controlled trial.MethodClients attending a drug and alcohol outpatient clinic in New South Wales, Australia, were randomised to complete a baseline survey via computer tablet in the clinic or via telephone interview within two weeks of their appointment. All participants completed a three-month follow-up survey via telephone.ResultsConsent and completion rates for the baseline survey were significantly higher in the computer tablet condition. The time taken to complete the computer tablet survey was lower (11min) than the telephone condition (17min). There were no differences in the proportion of consenters or completed follow-up surveys between the two conditions at the 3-month follow-up. Acceptability was high across both modes of data collection. The cost of the computer tablet condition was $67.52 greater per completed survey than the telephone condition.ConclusionThere is a trade-off between computer tablet and telephone data collection. While both data collection methods were acceptable to participants, the computer tablet condition resulted in higher consent and completion rates at baseline, therefore yielding greater external validity, and was quicker for participants to complete. Telephone data collection was however, more cost-effective. Researchers should carefully consider the mode of data collection that suits individual study needs.



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No evidence of compensatory drug use risk behavior among heroin users after receiving take-home naloxone

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 71
Author(s): Jermaine D. Jones, Aimee Campbell, Verena E. Metz, Sandra D. Comer
IntroductionSome fear that distribution of naloxone to persons at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose may reduce the perceived negative consequences of drug use, leading to riskier patterns of use. This study assessed whether participation in naloxone/overdose training altered drug use frequency, quantity or severity among heroin users in and out of treatment.MethodsClinical interviews were performed assessing patterns of heroin and other drug use prior to, and at multiple timepoints after overdose education and naloxone training. This study compared baseline drug use to that at 1 and 3months post training.ResultsBoth current heroin users (n=61) and former users in agonist maintenance (n=69) typically showed decreases in heroin and polydrug use at both 1 and 3months after training. The Addiction Severity Index drug composite score also decreased at follow up.ConclusionsThis analysis found no evidence of compensatory drug use following naloxone/overdose training among two groups of heroin users. These findings support the acceptance and expansion of naloxone distribution to at-risk populations and may assist in allaying concerns about the potential for unintended negative consequences on drug use.



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Gender-related psychopathology in opioid use disorder: Results from a representative sample of Italian addiction services

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 71
Author(s): Beniamino Leone, Marco Di Nicola, Lorenzo Moccia, Mauro Pettorruso, Luisa De Risio, Giuseppe Nucara, Lorenzo Zamboni, Antonino Callea, Luigi Janiri, Mauro Cibin, Fabio Lugoboni
AimsGender and psychiatric comorbidity seem to influence patients' inter-individual response to Opioid Substitution Treatments (OST) in Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) management. The aim of the study was to assess psychopathological dimensions in an Italian sample of OUD individuals entering a methadone/buprenorphine maintenance program; secondary, we evaluated the possible gender-specific differences within the psychopathological profiles.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, we recruited 1052 (792 male; 260 female) OUD subjects receiving OST. All patients underwent a clinical and psychometric evaluation assessing demographics, psychiatric history, psychopathological features via the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and were prescribed psychopharmacological treatments.ResultsOur results reveal gender-specific differences in a real-world sample of opioid-maintained OUD individuals attending public addiction services in Italy. Compared to men, women reported higher scores in both General Symptomatic Index (GSI) and in all the SCL-90-R sub-scales. No impact of pharmacological treatment was detected. Finally, regression analysis revealed that being in methadone-maintenance group was significantly associated with high GSI scores in the male, but not female, group.ConclusionsIncreasing the knowledge of psychopathological dimensions in patients with OST, with relevance to gender differences, is important for a better understanding of factors that influence the outcome and for further development in gender-tailored strategies.



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Anxiety and cannabis-related problem severity among dually diagnosed outpatients: The impact of false safety behaviors

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Julia D. Buckner, Michael J. Zvolensky, Anthony H. Ecker, Emily R. Jeffries, Austin W. Lemke, Kimberlye E. Dean, Michael S. Businelle, Matthew W. Gallagher
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) co-occurs with anxiety disorders at high rates. Little is known about the mechanisms linking CUD and anxiety disorders. One theoretically-driven perspective is that individuals with anxiety disorders may be more apt to use FSBs (i.e., behaviors that may be effective in decreasing anxiety in the short-term, but can maintain and even exacerbate anxiety in the long-term), which can perpetuate cannabis use despite cannabis-related problems. The present study tested whether FSB use explained the relation of anxiety symptom severity with cannabis quantity and related problems among 77 adults with CUD and comorbid anxiety disorders seeking outpatient CUD treatment. Results indicated that FSB frequency was significantly related to anxiety symptom severity and cannabis problem severity, but not cannabis quantity. Anxiety symptom severity was indirectly (via FSB frequency) related to cannabis problem severity, but not to cannabis quantity. These novel findings suggest that more frequent use of FSBs may play an important role in cannabis problem severity among individuals with CUD and anxiety disorders.



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Monetary costs of multiple medication use for the treatment of individuals in recovery from chemical dependency

Publication date: August 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 71
Author(s): Corry D. Bondi, Clinton P. Kassi, Erica L. Loadman, Khalid M. Kamal, Vincent J. Giannetti




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Editorial Board

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70





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What parents can do to keep their children from smoking: A systematic review on smoking-specific parenting strategies and smoking onset

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 70
Author(s): Marieke Hiemstra, Rebecca N.H. de Leeuw, Rutger C.M.E. Engels, Roy Otten
AimTo provide a systematic overview of longitudinal studies on different smoking-specific parenting practices (i.e., perceived parental norms and influences, smoking-specific monitoring, availability of cigarettes at home, household smoking rules, non-smoking agreements, smoking-specific communication, and parental reactions) as useful tools in the prevention of youth smoking.MethodMEDLINE and PsychINFO search identified 986 studies published from 1990 to December 2016. Two independent researchers identified eligible studies. Study quality was assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).ResultsThe systematic search resulted in 1 to 14 longitudinal studies per parenting practice. Studies scored between 4 and 9 on the NOS, indicating an overall moderate quality. The results of complete smoking house rules showed a preventive effect on smoking onset. Furthermore, availability of cigarettes, frequency and quality of communication, parental reaction (i.e., conflict engagement) and norms showed significant and non-significant effects. Significant results were in line with expectations: availability of cigarettes and frequent communication about smoking predicted smoking, whereas a high quality of communication, negative reactions or punishments and setting norms by parents showed a preventive effect. No effects were found for non-smoking agreements. The number of studies was too limited to draw conclusions about other parenting strategies. More research on (1) reliable and valid instruments, (2) other stages of smoking in addition to onset, and (3) potential moderators and mediators is warranted.ConclusionWhile evidence supports the effectiveness of smoking-specific parenting, further research is required.



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Differential expression of serpins may selectively licence distinct granzyme B functions including antigen cross-presentation

Publication date: Available online 20 March 2017
Source:Molecular Immunology
Author(s): Dorit Fabricius, Timo Trzaska, Theresa Fecher, Evripides Dimitriou, Bernd Jahrsdörfer




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The Scalable Standardized Biofabrication of Tissue Spheroids from Different Cell Types Using Nonadhesive Technology

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Mar 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1: 53-60.


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Additive Manufacturing Fused Filament Fabrication Three-Dimensional Printed Pressure Sensor for Prosthetics with Low Elastic Modulus and High Filler Ratio Filament Composites

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Mar 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1: 30-40.


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Dissolvable Supports in Powder Bed Fusion-Printed Stainless Steel

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Mar 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1: 3-11.


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Renewable Future

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Mar 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1: 1-1.


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Fabricating Gradient Transparency: A Bio-Inspired Digital Design Model and Prototyping Methods

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Mar 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1: 41-52.


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Computationally Designed 3D Printed Self-Expandable Polymer Stents with Biodegradation Capacity for Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Implantation: A Proof-of-Concept Study

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Mar 2017, Vol. 4, No. 1: 19-29.


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Photodynamic therapeutic efficacy of symmetrical diiodinated squaraine in in vivo skin cancer models

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2017
Source:Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s): M.S. Soumya, D. Devi Gayathri, K.M. Shafeekh, Suresh Das, Annie Abraham
BackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has clinical approval for use as a minimally invasive therapeutic procedure that is able to exert selective cytotoxic activity toward malignant cells. The dye selected for our study, symmetrical diiodinated squaraine, is one of the newly developed photosensitizers. The study is designed to determine the efficacy of PDT mediated by symmetrical diiodinated squaraine in skin tumor induced Swiss albino mice.MethodsSkin tumor was induced in mice with dimethyl benzanthracene (DMBA) and croton oil. After squaraine administration to the tumor mice, photodynamic treatment of tumors was performed using a 1000W halogen lamp corresponding to the light dose of 100J/cm². The mice were euthanized and skin flaps and tumor tissues from the back of mice were excised for biochemical studies. The biochemical parameters analyzed include some relevant tumor markers for epithelial tissues, inflammatory markers and markers of apoptosis. The gene expression studies were done by RT-PCR.ResultsAfter two weeks of the treatment, there was a significant of inflammation. However at 90days after PDT, the parameters reverted to near-normal values. All marker parameters of tumor progression brought back to normal levels by PDT. Increased caspase-3 activity in PDT treated group shows that cell death might have occurred by apoptosis. The gene expression profile confirms the results.ConclusionsThe results of the whole study show the therapeutic efficacy and apoptosis mediated tumor destruction by squaraine PDT.



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Improving survival prognostication of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: Revised staging criteria

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 76
Author(s): Jacob A. Martin, Richard R.P. Warner, Juan P. Wisnivesky, Michelle Kang Kim
PurposeCurrent staging criteria for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs), while useful, have limitations. In this study, we used a population-based registry to evaluate the prognostic utility of the current staging systems and assess whether evidence-based modifications can improve survival predictions.MethodsWe identified patients with confirmed GEP-NENs from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry. We assigned tumour-node-metastasis status according to American Joint Committee on Cancer and European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society criteria. We derived a revised staging classification using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression to assess disease-specific survival and compared the accuracy of potential models based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Harrell's C-index. The revised classification was validated in an independent set.ResultsWe identified 10,268 patients with GEP-NENs. We found that multiple stages, as determined by current criteria, misclassified patients' prognosis. In particular, stage IIIB (T1-4N1) had overlapping survival with stage IIIA (T4N0). A revised system which reclassifies N1 disease into different stages based on T status (T1-2N1, T3N1 and T4N1) had an improved AIC (difference = 38) and C-index (0.86) compared to current staging. These revisions improved predictions in patients with both low and high-grade tumours from all primary sites. Results also were confirmed across all primary sites in the validation set.ConclusionCurrent staging guidelines misclassify the prognosis of N1 patients. Our results suggest that a revised system could lead to better prognostication for GEP-NEN patients. Further validation followed by implementation of these revisions may improve treatment selection and design of clinical trials.



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Phase Ib dose-finding study of abiraterone acetate plus buparlisib (BKM120) or dactolisib (BEZ235) in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 76
Author(s): Christophe Massard, Kim Nguyen Chi, Daniel Castellano, Johann de Bono, Gwenaelle Gravis, Luc Dirix, Jean-Pascal Machiels, Alain Mita, Begona Mellado Gonzalez, Sabine Turri, Joan Maier, Denes Csonka, Arunava Chakravartty, Karim Fizazi
BackgroundThe phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signalling axis and androgen receptor (AR) pathways exhibit reciprocal feedback regulation in phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN)-deficient metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in preclinical models. This phase Ib study evaluated the pan-PI3K inhibitor buparlisib (BKM120) and the dual pan-PI3K/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor dactolisib (BEZ235) in combination with abiraterone acetate (AA) in patients with CRPC.Materials and methodsPatients with CRPC who had progressed on AA therapy received escalating doses of either buparlisib or dactolisib, along with fixed doses of AA (1000 mg once daily (qd)) and prednisone (5 mg twice daily (bid)). The primary objective was to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or the recommended dose for expansion (RDE) of either buparlisib or dactolisib in combination with AA. Secondary objectives included safety, antitumour activity (Prostate Cancer Working Group 2 (PCWG2) criteria; 30% of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline at ≥week 12) and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile.ResultsIn buparlisib + AA arm, 25 patients received buparlisib + AA (median age, 67 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0/1/2 for 7/17/1 patients, respectively). At 100 mg qd; two patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) (grade 3 hyperglycaemia; grade 2 asthenia), and this was the maximum buparlisib dose explored. Buparlisib + AA showed a 26% lower median area under the curve from time zero to 24°h (AUC0–24) and 48% lower median maximum serum concentration (Cmax) versus the single-agent buparlisib assessed in first-in-human study. No objective response and few PSA decreases were reported.In dactolisib + AA arm, 18 patients (median age, 71 years; ECOG PS of 0/1 for 6/12 patients, respectively) received dactolisib + AA at the first dose level (200 mg bid). Five patients had 9 DLTs (grades 2&3 stomatitis; grade 3 hyperglycaemia; grades 2& 3 diarrhoea; grades 1& 2 pyrexia, grade 2 vomiting, and grade 2 chills).ConclusionsBased on the assessment of available pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy data, no further study is planned for either buparlisib or dactolisib in combination with AA in CRPC.



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A multicenter phase II study of sunitinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic differentiated, anaplastic or medullary thyroid carcinomas: mature data from the THYSU study

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 76
Author(s): Alain Ravaud, Christelle de la Fouchardière, Philippe Caron, Adelaïde Doussau, Christine Do Cao, Julien Asselineau, Patrice Rodien, Damien Pouessel, Patricia Nicolli-Sire, Marc Klein, Claire Bournaud-Salinas, Jean-Louis Wemeau, Anne Gimbert, Marie-Quitterie Picat, Delphine Pedenon, Laurence Digue, Amaury Daste, Bogdan Catargi, Jean-Pierre Delord
PurposePatients with advanced radioactive iodine resistant differentiated (MDTC) or medullary (MMTC) thyroid cancer had an unmet need. Early data showed promising efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors. We investigated sunitinib in this setting.Patients and methodsThis phase 2 trial enrolled MDTC, anaplastic (MATC) and MMTC patients in 1st line anti-angiogenic therapy with sunitinib at 50 mg/d, 4/6w. Objective response rate was the primary end-point. Secondary end-points were progression-free survival, overall survival and safety.ResultsSeventy-one patients were enrolled from August 2007 to October 2009, 41 MDTC/4 MATC patients and 26 MMTC patients. Patients received a median of 8 and 9 cycles, respectively. In the MDTC/MATC group, 13% of patients and 43% of cycles and in the MMTC group, 23% of the patients and 48.8% of cycles remained at 50 mg/d, respectively. The primary end-point was reached with an objective response rate of 22% (95% CI: 10.6–37.6) in MDTC patients and in 38.5% (95% CI: 22.6–56.4) in MMTC patients. No objective response was seen in MATC patients. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 13.1 and 26.4 months in MDTC patients, 16.5 and 29.4 months in MMTC patients. The most frequent side effects were asthenia/fatigue (27.8% ≥ grade 3), mucosal (9.9% ≥ grade 3), cutaneous toxicities, hand-foot syndrome (18.3% ≥ grade 3). Of all, 14.1% had a cardiac event. Nine unexpected side effects were reported, out of which, five induced deaths.ConclusionSunitinib is active in MDTC and MMTC patients. Side effects were more severe than with previous reports. If using sunitinib, alternative schedule/dosage should be considered.



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Sequential cyclophosphamide-bortezomib-dexamethasone unmasks the harmful cardiac effect of dexamethasone in primary light-chain cardiac amyloidosis

Publication date: May 2017
Source:European Journal of Cancer, Volume 76
Author(s): Fabien Le Bras, Valerie Molinier-Frenkel, Aziz Guellich, Jehan Dupuis, Karim Belhadj, Soulef Guendouz, Karima Ayad, Magali Colombat, Nicole Benhaiem, Claire Marie Tissot, Anne Hulin, Arnaud Jaccard, Thibaud Damy
Chemotherapy combining cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone is widely used in light-chain amyloidosis. The benefit is limited in patients with cardiac amyloidosis mainly because of adverse cardiac events. Retrospective analysis of our cohort showed that 39 patients died with 42% during the first month. A new escalation-sequential regimen was set to improve the outcomes. Nine newly-diagnosed patients were prospectively treated with close monitoring of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, troponin-T and free light chains. The results show that corticoids may destabilise the heart through fluid retention. Thus, a sequential protocol may be a promising approach to treat these patients.



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Diagnostic Performance of Automated Breast Volume Scanning (ABVS) Compared to Handheld Ultrasonography With Breast MRI as the Gold Standard

Publication date: Available online 20 March 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Constanze Schmachtenberg, Thomas Fischer, Bernd Hamm, Ulrich Bick
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of automated breast volume scanning (ABVS) to that of handheld ultrasonography (HHUS) using breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the gold standard.Materials and MethodsTwenty-eight patients with 39 examined breasts with at least one lesion visible in breast MRI underwent HHUS and ABVS. Detection rate, localization, maximum diameter, and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System classification were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for HHUS and ABVS. Lesion localization and maximum diameters based on HHUS and ABVS were compared to size measurement in MRI. Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System categories based on each method were compared to the MRI diagnosis (malignant or benign) or, if available (21 cases), with the histologic diagnosis.ResultsMRI detected 72 lesions, ABVS 59 lesions, and HHUS 54 lesions. Malignancy was proven histopathologically in 15 cases. There was no significant difference between ABVS and HHUS in terms of sensitivity (93.3% vs. 100%), specificity (83.3% vs. 83.3%), diagnostic accuracy (87.2% vs. 89.7%), positive predictive value (77.8% vs. 78.9%), and negative predictive value (95.2% vs. 100%). Agreement regarding lesion localization (same quadrant) was 94.3% for ABVS and MRI and 91.2% for HHUS and MRI. Lesion size compared to MRI lesion size was assessed correctly (+/− 3 mm) in 79.4% (HHUS) and 80% (ABVS). The correlation of size measurement was slightly higher for ABVS-MRI (r = 0.89) than for HHUS-MRI (r = 0.82) with P < .001.ConclusionsABVS can be used as an alternative to HHUS. ABVS has the advantage of operator independence and better reproducibility although it is limited in evaluating axillary lymph nodes and lacks Doppler or elastrography capabilities, which sometimes provide important supplementary information in HHUS.



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Effect of ligands on crystallography, morphology and photo-catalytic ability of ZnS nanostructures

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Dyes and Pigments, Volume 142
Author(s): Balwinder Kaur, Karamjit Singh, Ashok Kumar Malik
ZnS nanostructures have been synthesized using zinc complexes: Zn(ethyl xanthate)2] & [Zn(morpholine4-dithiocarbamate)2] from ligands potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) and morpholine4-dithiocarbamate (MDTC) by solvothermal route of synthesis. Crystallographic and morphological analyses of synthesized ZnS nanostructures have been done by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy [Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)], respectively. Diffraction and electron microscope studies reveal the formation of hexagonal structured ZnS nanocrystals of various morphologies (nanosheets & nanorods). UV–vis. absorption studies have been carried for the detailed optical analyses. Photoluminescence (PL) study was carried out to check luminescence of synthesized ZnS nanostructures in blue region of electromagnetic spectrum. It has been reported that the morphology of synthesized nanostructures strongly depends upon the precursor complexes prepared from two different classes of ligands; potassium ethyl xanthate and morpholine4-dithiocarbamate. Photo-catalytic activity potential of the synthesized ZnS nanostructures has been tested in UV light using methylene blue (MB) dye as a test contaminant in aqueous media. About 88.49% and 87.96% of MB dye was photo-degraded by ZnS nanostructures synthesized from Zn(EX)2 [ where EX stands for ethyl xanthate] and Zn(MDTC)2, respectively.

Graphical abstract

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Impact of different feedstocks derived biochar amendment with cadmium low uptake affinity cultivar of pak choi (Brassica rapa ssb. chinensis L.) on phytoavoidation of Cd to reduce potential dietary toxicity

Publication date: July 2017
Source:Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 141
Author(s): Kiran Yasmin Khan, Barkat Ali, Xiaoqiang Cui, Ying Feng, Xiaoe Yang, Peter Joseph Stoffella
Biochar has become eco-friendly amendment used for phytoavoidation with low cadmium (Cd) accumulating cultivars of crops to ensure food safety in Cd contaminated soils. In this study, biochar with different waste feedstock material were evaluated for their effectiveness on essential trace metals mobility, Cd bioavailability and its accumulation in two contrasting Cd accumulating cultivars of pak choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis L.) grown in Cd contaminated Mollisol soil. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with plants grown in Cd contaminated soil that had been amended with biochar derived from barley straw, tomato green waste, chicken manure, duck manure and swine manure at application rate of 0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (w/w). The results showed that soil pH was significantly increased by all treatments. Biochar increased plant dry biomass, micronutrients bioavailability with significant differences in the Cd sorption capacity, with the effectiveness higher with increasing biochar application rate. However, tomato green waste (TGW) and chicken manure (CM) derived biochar were more effective than the other biochar in reducing Cd mobilization in soil by 35–54% and 26–43% and reduced its accumulation in shoots of pak choi cultivars by 34–76% and 33–72% in low Cd accumulator cultivar and 64–85% and 55–80% in high Cd accumulator cultivar than the control. Overall, results indicate that TGW and CM biochar can efficiently immobilize Cd, thereby reducing bioavailability in Cd contaminated Mollisol soil to ensure food safety.

Graphical abstract

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Recognizing Inevitable Change and Responding Responsibly

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Reply: Diastolic Blood Pressure: Myocardial Damage and Coronary Ischemic Events

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Association Between Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Aortic Stenosis: The CANHEART Aortic Stenosis Study

AbstractBackground

Few longitudinal studies have delineated the association between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and development of aortic stenosis (AS).

Objectives

The authors examined the association between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and incident severe AS in a large, unselected elderly population.

Methods

This observational cohort study used multiple linked health care population-based databases of individuals older than 65 years on April 1, 2002, without prior valvular disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, cerebrovascular disease, congenital heart disease, or admissions with cardiac symptoms. The relationship between hypertension (HTN), diabetes, dyslipidemia, and incident severe AS requiring hospitalization or surgical or interventional treatment was examined.

Results

Among 1.12 million individuals followed for a median of 13 years, 20,995 subjects developed severe AS. Overall absolute incidence was 144 per 100,000 person-years (169 and 127 per 100,000 person-years in men and women, respectively). In cause-specific hazard models, HTN (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66 to 1.76), diabetes (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.44 to 1.54), and dyslipidemia (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.21) were all significantly associated with increased risk of developing severe AS (all p < 0.001). There was a positive dose-response relationship between the number and duration of cardiac risk factors and risk of AS. In the Fine-Gray model, all 3 risk factors were independently associated with a higher incidence of AS. The population-attributable risk of AS associated with 3 cardiac risk factors was 34.4% (95% CI: 32.8 to 36.0).

Conclusions

HTN, diabetes, and dyslipidemia have independent and dose-response associations with incident AS in an unselected population of older individuals, and together accounted for approximately one-third of the incidence of severe AS.

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Diastolic Blood Pressure and Myocardial Damage: What About Coronary Perfusion Time?

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Aortic Stenosis: Moving From Treatment to Prevention

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JACC Instructions for Authors

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Impact of Thrombolytic Therapy on the Long-Term Outcome of Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism

AbstractBackground

The long-term effect of thrombolytic treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown.

Objectives

This study investigated the long-term prognosis of patients with intermediate-risk PE and the effect of thrombolytic treatment on the persistence of symptoms or the development of late complications.

Methods

The PEITHO (Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis) trial was a randomized (1:1) comparison of thrombolysis with tenecteplase versus placebo in normotensive patients with acute PE, right ventricular (RV) dysfunction on imaging, and a positive cardiac troponin test result. Both treatment arms received standard anticoagulation. Long-term follow-up was included in the third protocol amendment; 28 sites randomizing 709 of the 1,006 patients participated.

Results

Long-term (median 37.8 months) survival was assessed in 353 of 359 (98.3%) patients in the thrombolysis arm and in 343 of 350 (98.0%) in the placebo arm. Overall mortality rates were 20.3% and 18.0%, respectively (p = 0.43). Between day 30 and long-term follow-up, 65 deaths occurred in the thrombolysis arm and 53 occurred in the placebo arm. At follow-up examination of survivors, persistent dyspnea (mostly mild) or functional limitation was reported by 36.0% versus 30.1% of the patients (p = 0.23). Echocardiography (performed in 144 and 146 patients randomized to thrombolysis and placebo, respectively) did not reveal significant differences in residual pulmonary hypertension or RV dysfunction. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) was confirmed in 4 (2.1%) versus 6 (3.2%) cases (p = 0.79).

Conclusions

Approximately 33% of patients report some degree of persistent functional limitation after intermediate-risk PE, but CTEPH is infrequent. Thrombolytic treatment did not affect long-term mortality rates, and it did not appear to reduce residual dyspnea or RV dysfunction in these patients. (Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis study [PEITHO]; NCT00639743)

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Familial Catecholamine-Induced QT Prolongation in Unexplained Sudden Cardiac Death

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PEITHO Long-Term Outcomes Study: Data Disrupt Dogma

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In the Treatment of Hypertension, Lowering of Diastolic Pressure to

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Potent P2Y12 Inhibitors in Men Versus Women: A Collaborative Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

AbstractBackground

Sex-specific differences in response to antiplatelet therapies have been described. Whether women and men derive comparable benefit from intensification of antiplatelet therapy remains uncertain.

Objectives

The study investigated the efficacy and safety of the potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods

A collaborative sex-specific meta-analysis was conducted of phase III or IV randomized trials of potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors, including prasugrel, ticagrelor, and intravenous cangrelor. Seven trials were included that enrolled a total of 24,494 women and 63,346 men. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as the primary endpoint for each trial.

Results

Potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of MACE by 14% in women (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78 to 0.94) and by 15% in men (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.90; p interaction = 0.93). Treatment reduced the risk of myocardial infarction by 13% in women (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.96) and 16% in men (HR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.91; p interaction = 0.65), and the risk of stent thrombosis by 51% in women (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.65) and 41% in men (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.84; p interaction = 0.85). Directional consistency was seen for cardiovascular death in women (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.01) and men (HR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.95; p interaction = 0.86). The potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors increased major bleeding in women (HR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.88) and men (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.07; p interaction = 0.62).

Conclusions

In randomized trials, the efficacy and safety of the potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors were comparable between men and women. Given these data, sex should not influence patient selection for the administration of potent P2Y₁₂ inhibitors.

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Correction

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Do Women Really Respond Differently to Antiplatelet Therapies?: The Evidence Just Doesnt Add Up

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Estimating Longitudinal Risks and Benefits From Cardiovascular Preventive Therapies Among Medicare Patients: The Million Hearts Longitudinal ASCVD Risk Assessment Tool: A Special Report From the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology

Abstract

The Million Hearts Initiative has a goal of preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes—the leading causes of mortality—through several public health and healthcare strategies by 2017. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology support the program. The Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model was developed by Million Hearts and the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a strategy to assess a value-based payment approach toward reduction in 10-year predicted risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by implementing cardiovascular preventive strategies to manage the "ABCS" (aspirin therapy in appropriate patients, blood pressure control, cholesterol management, and smoking cessation). The purpose of this special report is to describe the development and intended use of the Million Hearts Longitudinal ASCVD Risk Assessment Tool. The Million Hearts Tool reinforces and builds on the "2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk" by allowing clinicians to estimate baseline and updated 10-year ASCVD risk estimates for primary prevention patients adhering to the appropriate ABCS over time, alone or in combination. The tool provides updated risk estimates based on evidence from high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the ABCS therapies. This novel approach to personalized estimation of benefits from risk-reducing therapies in primary prevention may help target therapies to those in whom they will provide the greatest benefit, and serves as the basis for a Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services program designed to evaluate the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model.

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Apolipoprotein L1 Variants and Blood Pressure Traits in African Americans

AbstractBackground

African Americans (AA) are disproportionately affected by hypertension-related health disparities. Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk variants are associated with kidney disease in hypertensive AAs.

Objectives

This study assessed the APOL1 risk alleles' association with blood pressure traits in AAs.

Methods

The discovery cohort included 5,204 AA participants from Mount Sinai's BioMe biobank. Replication cohorts included additional BioMe (n = 1,623), Vanderbilt BioVU (n = 1,809), and Northwestern NUgene (n = 567) AA biobank participants. Single nucleotide polymorphisms determining APOL1 G1 and G2 risk alleles were genotyped in BioMe and imputed in BioVU/NUgene participants. APOL1 risk alleles' association with blood pressure–related traits was tested in the discovery cohort, a meta-analysis of replication cohorts, and a combined meta-analysis under recessive and additive models after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Results

There were 14% to 16% of APOL1 variant allele homozygotes (2 copies of G1/G2) across cohorts. APOL1 risk alleles were associated under an additive model with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and age at diagnosis of hypertension, which was 2 to 5 years younger in the APOL1 variant allele homozygotes (Cox proportional hazards analysis, p value for combined meta-analysis [p_com] = 1.9 x 10^–5). APOL1 risk alleles were associated with overall SBP (p_com = 7.0 x 10^–8) and diastolic blood pressure (p_com = 2.8 x 10^–4). After adjustment for all covariates, those in the 20- to 29-year age range showed an increase in SBP of 0.94 ± 0.44 mm Hg (p_com = 0.01) per risk variant copy. APOL1-associated estimated glomerular filtration rate decline was observed starting a decade later in life in the 30- to 39-year age range.

Conclusions

APOL1 risk alleles are associated with higher SBP and earlier hypertension diagnoses in young AAs; this relationship appears to follow an additive model.

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The Proliferation of Scoring Systems: Trying to Keep Our Heads Out of The Clouds

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Apolipoproteins and Blood Pressure: A Story of Evolution in Biomarker Analysis

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Sudden Cardiac Death in Pre-Excitation and Wolff-Parkinson-White: Demographic and Clinical Features

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Cardiovascular Outcomes With Minute Ventilation-Targeted Adaptive Servo-Ventilation Therapy in Heart Failure: The CAT-HF Trial

AbstractBackground

Sleep apnea is common in hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

The CAT-HF (Cardiovascular Improvements With MV-ASV Therapy in Heart Failure) trial investigated whether minute ventilation (MV) adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) improved cardiovascular outcomes in hospitalized HF patients with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea.

Methods

Eligible patients hospitalized with HF and moderate-to-severe sleep apnea were randomized to ASV plus optimized medical therapy (OMT) or OMT alone (control). The primary endpoint was a composite global rank score (hierarchy of death, cardiovascular hospitalizations, and percent changes in 6-min walk distance) at 6 months.

Results

126 of 215 planned patients were randomized; enrollment was stopped early following release of the SERVE-HF (Adaptive Servo-Ventilation for Central Sleep Apnea in Systolic Heart Failure) trial results. Average device usage was 2.7 h/night. Mean number of events measured by the apnea-hypopnea index decreased from 35.7/h to 2.1/h at 6 months in the ASV group versus 35.1/h to 19.0/h in the control group (p < 0.0001). The primary endpoint did not differ significantly between the ASV and control groups (p = 0.92 Wilcoxon). Changes in composite endpoint components were not significantly different between ASV and control. There was no significant interaction between treatment and ejection fraction (p = 0.10 Cox model); however, pre-specified subgroup analysis suggested a positive effect of ASV in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (p = 0.036).

Conclusions

In hospitalized HF patients with moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, adding ASV to OMT did not improve 6-month cardiovascular outcomes. Study power was limited for detection of safety signals and identifying differential effects of ASV in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction, but additional studies are warranted in this population. (Cardiovascular Improvements With MV ASV Therapy in Heart Failure [CAT-HF]; NCT01953874)

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Diastolic Hypotension and Myocardial Ischemia: A Reason to Remember Cuff Artifact in Blood Pressure Measurement

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CHANGES IN THE HUMAN TRANSCRIPTOME UPON VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION

Publication date: Available online 19 March 2017
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Author(s): Yvonne Pasing, Christopher Graham Fenton, Rolf Jorde, Ruth Hracky Paulssen
Vitamin D is hydroxylated in the liver and kidneys to its active form, which can bind to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The VDR is present in a wide variety of different cells types and tissues and acts as a transcription factor. Although activation of the VDR is estimated to regulate expression of up to 5% of the human genome, our study is the first analysing gene expression after supplementation in more than 10 subjects.Subjects of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) received either vitamin D3 (n47) in a weekly dose of 20,000 IU or placebo (n 47) for a period of three to five years. For this study, blood samples for preparation of RNA were drawn from the subjects and mRNA gene expression in blood was determined using microarray analysis.The two study groups were similar regarding genderage BMI and duration of supplementation whereas the mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level as expected was significantly higher in the vitamin D group (119 versus 63nmol/L). When analysing all subjects nearly no significant differences in gene expression between the two groups were found. However when analysing men and women separately significant effects on gene expression were observed for women. Furthermore when only including subjects with the highest and lowest serum 25(OH)D levels additional vitamin D regulated genes were disclosed. Thus a total of 99 genes (p&lt ; 0.05log2 fold change ≥ |0.2|) were found to be regulated of which 72 have not been published before as influenced by vitamin D. These genes were particularly involved in the interleukin signalling pathway oxidative stress response apoptosis signalling pathway and gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor pathway. Thus our results open the possibility for many future studies.



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