Educational and Vocational Guidance

The role of selection and socialization processes in career mobility: explaining expatriation and entrepreneurial intentions Abstract The "traditional career," staying for the entirety of one's work life in a single occupation, is disappearing; the current career environment demands increasing flexibility and mobility. Research indicates that there are individual differences between mobile and non-mobile people. On the basis of selection (career orientation and competition orientation) and socialization (course and length of study) processes, this study examines the intentions of university students to expatriate or become self-employed as alternatives to traditional employment. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial intentions are predominantly a function of selection processes, while expatriation intentions are a function of both selection and socialization processes.

"Will I find a job when I graduate?": Employment anxiety, self-compassion, and life satisfaction among South Korean college students Abstract The present study examined (1) whether employment anxiety mediates the relation between self-compassion and life satisfaction and (2) whether the mediating process is moderated by the level of self-esteem among South Korean college students (N = 214). Mediation analyses revealed that employment anxiety partially mediates the relation between self-compassion and life satisfaction, controlling for students' gender, school year, and current employment-seeking status. Moderated mediation analyses showed that the mediated relations of self-compassion to life satisfaction through employment anxiety were not conditional upon the level of students' self-esteem. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.

Announcements

Acculturative stress, social support, and career outcome expectations among international students Abstract Framed by Social Cognitive Career Theory, the current study examined relationships between acculturative stress, social support from the host country, and career outcome expectations among international students in the United States of America (N = 555). Results indicated that acculturative stress was negatively related to social support and career outcome expectations. Additionally, decreased social support indirectly and partially explained relationships between acculturative stress and outcome expectations. Findings suggest that in order to promote more positive career outcome expectations for international students, counselors should not only address acculturative stress, but also its influence on host country social support.

The career distress scale: structure, concurrent and discriminant validity, and internal reliability in a Turkish sample Abstract The purpose of this study is to adapt the career distress scale for Turkish university students. Participants are 493 undergraduate students. Results indicated that the two-factor structure better fit the data. For discriminant and concurrent validity, correlation coefficients with Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Career Decision Inventory is measured. The Cronbach α internal consistency coefficient was .81 for negative emotions subscale and .65 for perceived obstacles subscale and .81 for the entire scale. These results indicate that the scale is valid. The strengths and limitations of this study are discussed, also implications for future studies are recommended.

Development and initial validation of a Work-Study Congruence Scale for university students Abstract The 16-item Work Study Congruence Scale was developed to assess self-perceived congruence between work and study roles in university students. Items were based on student interviews and reviews by experts. Responses were subjected to Exploratory (Sample 1: N = 251, mean age 25 years) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (Sample 2: N = 260, mean age 23 years), and validated against an existing brief congruence measure. The new scale taps four domains: university demands/resources, occupational goals, family, and leisure. It has the potential to promote research on work-study congruence, which can shed light on factors that promote student engagement and well-being.

Gender Equity Education Act in Taiwan: influences on the school community Abstract In 2004, the Taiwanese government enacted the Gender Equity Education Act (GEEA) to address the increasing number of gender inequity incidents on school campuses. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine faculty and staff's perception of the implementation of GEEA and its influence on the school community. Results indicated that the intersection of values and power dynamics influenced school climates, social interactions, marginalization, and how and to what extent the policy was implemented. Prevention education and guidance teachers' unique role in administering the GEEA and the conflicts therein are discussed. Recommendations and directions for future research are provided.

Self- and career construction counseling for a gifted young woman in search of meaning and purpose Abstract This article reports on career counseling intervention for a purposefully selected, gifted 17-year-old young woman. An intrinsic, single-case study approach was implemented. Data were gathered using an integrative qualitative and quantitative approach. After the intervention, the participant displayed an enhanced sense of self-identity and career-identity. Career construction counseling can be used to assist gifted learners in identifying key life themes that can help them find meaning and a sense of purpose in their career choices. Determining the longer-term effect of this kind of intervention and examining its effectiveness with diverse gifted learners (individually or in group-based settings) is essential.

Nordic research on educational and vocational guidance: a systematic literature review of thematic features between 2003 and 2016 Abstract Educational and vocational guidance has received increased attention with regard to policymaking in the Nordic countries over the last 15 years. This has led to a growing interest in research-based knowledge. Updating an earlier article, we undertake a systematic literature review of guidance research in the Nordic countries during this 15-year period. Features and themes, both country-specific and in the region as a whole, are revealed through the analysis of a variety of research documents. Therefore, this article provides insight into research-based knowledge grounded in the Nordic context—relevant for both practitioners and policymakers on a national, Nordic, and international level.

Development and initial validation of a multidimensional questionnaire on the relationship to work (RWQ) Abstract The paper presents first the theoretical foundations used to develop a pre-experimental version of a questionnaire on relationship to work, and then the four stages of its initial validation leading to an experimental version. These stages included: (1) Defining the dimensions and sub-dimensions of the relationship to work concept; (2) Operationalizing the dimensions and sub-dimensions and creating the items; (3) Verifying the face and content validity and developing the pre-experimental questionnaire; (4) Testing the pre-experimental questionnaire with 550 workers and 538 students, assessing its psychometric properties and elaborating the experimental questionnaire.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Craniofacial Surgery

Clinical Characteristics and Microsurgery Treatment of Anterior Cranial Fossa Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) represent 6% of all intracranial DAVFs and have a high risk of intracranial hemorrhage. To analyze the clinical characteristics and microsurgery treatment of anterior cranial fossa DAVFs, a retrospective review of 21 patients with anterior cranial fossa DAVFs undergoing microsurgery was performed, including 8 bleeding patients and 13 non-bleeding patients. The Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores were used to evaluate the conscious states of 8 bleeding patients before and after operation. All patients had no obvious complications and the clinical symptoms were improved after operation. No abnormal fistulas and drainage veins were detected by digital subtraction angiography postoperatively. The GCS scores of 8 bleeding patients showed that the conscious states became better than pre-operation. Of the 21 patients, 9 patients were followed up without recurrence. Taken together, microsurgery is an effective method for the treatment of anterior cranial fossa DAVFs and it is very important for the improvement of bleeding patients' conscious states. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Handong Wang, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China; E-mail: njhdwang@hotmail.com Received 11 September, 2018 Accepted 30 April, 2019 This work was supported by Grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81672503 and 81702484). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests. Supplemental digital contents are available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal's Web site (www.jcraniofacialsurgery.com). © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Role of Autologous Fat Injection in Neglected Patients With Anterior Plagiocephaly Anterior plagiocephaly is a type of non-syndromic craniosynostosis requiring surgery. In this study, the authors have presented 15 neglected patients with anterior plagiocephaly. Two of patients had moderate plagiocephaly whereas others had mild plagiocephaly. A total of 38 procedures (fat injections) were performed on these patients. Following procedures, 2 of patients were under corrected, 2 of who were over corrected, and others were adequate corrected. One of the patients developed fat necrosis. None of them showed persistent over correction. Authors believe that autologous fat transplantation is a safe and effective method, in patients with anterior plagiocephaly who have not been operated, to improve patients' appearance and, subsequently, their self-esteem as well as their social function. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Abdoljalil Kalantar-Hormozi, MD, Department of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Medical College of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science (SBMU), 15 Khordad Hospital, Azodi Street, Karim Khan Blvd, Tehran, Iran; E-mail: kalantarj@yahoo.com Received 18 January, 2019 Accepted 25 April, 2019 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Comparison of Patient Satisfaction Between Composite and Dorsum Augmentation-Only Nasal Reconstructions With Diced Cartilage Graft Wrapped in Fascia The comparison of patient satisfaction with the use of diced cartilage graft wrapped in fascia (DCF) graft in composite versus dorsum augmentation-only reconstructions (DAOR), technical hints and complications in our series, affecting the end-result and the patient satisfaction (PS) has been presented. Between 2013 and 2018 the DC-F graft is used in 32 rhinoplasty cases. Nine of patients have had composite reconstruction (CR). The DAOR has been needed for 23 of patients. The follow-up period has been 2 months to 3 years. The authors have obtained satisfactory results in 24 cases but some untoward progress in 8 cases. A questionnaire was prepared and asked all patients for the assessment of the satisfaction from appearance, breathing, self-esteem, and positive psychological effect. The learning curve for rhinoplasty should be calculated for, hump reduction, crooked nose, augmentation rhinoplasty, and so on. separately which is also relevant for the use of a DC-F graft. Placing the DC-F over a straight platform, choosing the accurate graft and fascia material wisely, proper tailoring of DC-F, sliding it under the skin-superficial musculoaponeurotic system properly etc. determine the quality of the end result and the degree of PS. Operating on the DAOR are relatively more comfortable compared to CRs but responses to our questionnaire denote higher degrees of satisfaction in CR cases. Utilization of the DC-F graft in secondary rhinoplasties for dorsum augmentation provides satisfactory results. The degree of PS with the DC-F reconstruction seems to have an adverse correlation with the extent of deformities that you start with. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Aret Çerçi Özkan, MD, Incirli Caddesi Bayrak Apt. No 89/7 Bakirköy, Istanbul, PK. 34147 Türkiye, Turkey; E-mail: aretmd@hotmail.com Received 1 February, 2019 Accepted 22 April, 2019 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Transcranioplasty Ultrasound Through a Sonolucent Cranial Implant Made of Polymethyl Methacrylate: Phantom Study Comparing Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Background: Current methods of transcranial diagnostic ultrasound imaging are limited by the skull's acoustic properties. Craniotomy, craniectomy, and cranioplasty procedures present opportunities to circumvent these limitations by substituting autologous bone with synthetic cranial implants composed of sonolucent biomaterials. Objective: This study examined the potential to image the brain using transcranioplasty ultrasound (TCU) through a sonolucent cranial implant. Materials and Methods: A validated adult brain phantom was imaged using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound without an implant. Next, for experimental comparison, TCU was performed through a sonolucent implant composed of clear polymethyl methacrylate. Results: All imaging modalities successfully revealed elements of the brain phantom, including the bilateral ventricular system, the falx cerebri, and a deep hyperdense mass representing a brain tumor or hematoma. In addition, ultrasound images were captured which closely resembled axial images obtained with both CT and MRI. Conclusion: The results obtained in this first-ever, preclinical, phantom study suggest TCU is now a viable immediate and long-term diagnostic imaging modality deserving of further clinical investigation. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Chad Gordon, DO, FACS, Division of Neuroplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, JHOC, 8th Floor, 601N. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD 21287; E-mail: cgordon@jhmi.edu Received 11 February, 2019 Accepted 24 April, 2019 There was no external funding used for this study. CG is a consultant for Stryker and Longeviti Neuro Solutions. JH and CG are stockholders of Longeviti Neuro Solutions. None of the other authors have any conflicts to report. © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

The Use of a Three-dimensional Printed Model for Surgical Excision of a Vascular Lesion in the Head and Neck Facial vascular lesions are considered a great therapeutic challenge due to the considerable variability of clinical presentations. Surgical removal requires precise planning and advanced visualization to understand the three-dimensional anatomical relationships better. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of three-dimensional printed models, based on computed tomography angiography (CTA), in planning and guiding surgical excision of vascular lesions. A patient with a suspected vascular malformation in the face was recruited for participation in this feasibility study. Two personalized three-dimensional models were printed based off 2 separate CTA examinations. These constructs were used in preoperative planning and navigating surgical excision. The three-dimensional constructs identified the vicinity of the lesion and highlighted significant anatomical structures including the infraorbital nerve and vessels supplying the area of vascular anomaly. On postoperative follow-up the patient reported no recurrence of swelling and no sensory deficits. A personalized three-dimensional printed model of a facial vascular lesion was developed based on CTA images and used in preoperative planning and navigating surgical excision. It was most useful in establishing dangerous areas during the dissection process, including critical anatomical structures such as the infraorbital nerve. Combining conventional imaging techniques with three-dimensional printing may lead to improved diagnosis of vascular malformations and should be considered a useful adjunct to surgical management. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Marek A. Paul, MD, PhD, T. Marciniak Specialized Hospital, Fieldorfa 2, Wroclaw, Poland; E-mail: marek.adam.paul@gmail.com Received 11 February, 2019 Accepted 3 March, 2019 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Prediction of Number of Casts and Need of Tenotomy Using Pirani Score in the Management of Clubfoot Background: Clubfoot also called as congenital tailpipes equinovarus is a complex ankle and foot deformity characterized by forefoot adduction and supination, midfoot cavus and hindfoot varus and equinus. It is estimated that more than 100,000 babies are born each year worldwide with clubfoot, and 80% are seen in developing nations. Different scoring systems are used for grading the severity of deformity or monitoring the natural history of clubfoot. The Pirani scoring system is now routinely used in most clubfoot clinics, including Cure Ethiopia, Children's Hospital. Methods: A facility based retrospective study was conducted on 278 idiopathic club feet successfully treated by the Ponseti method and scored by Pirani system between September 2013/14 to September 2017/2018. Age at presentation, number of casts required, need for percutaneous Achilles tenotomy, casting effects were recorded. Results: A total of 287 clinical folders of children were retrieved (424 feet). The mean (±SD) number of casts required for correction of the deformity was 5.54 ± 1.63. The number of cast required for correction is significantly, and positively correlated with initial severity of Pirani score (r = 0.62 for right foot; r = 0.675 for left foot). There is a significant difference on the overall initial Pirani score between tenotomy and non- tenotomy group (P value < 0.001). Conclusion: The study revealed that severity of initial Pirani score can be used to estimate the number of Ponseti cast required for correction of clubfoot deformity and the need for tenotomy. Besides, the number of Ponseti cast required may not be affected by age of a child at the commencement of treatment. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Yared Asmare, MSc in Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; E-mail: kyared091107@gmail.com Received 27 February, 2019 Accepted 20 March, 2019 The authors report no conflicts of interest. Supplemental digital contents are available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal's Web site (www.jcraniofacialsurgery.com). © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Risk Factors for Fistula Development Following Palatoplasty Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the influence of some risks factors on the fistula development after palatoplasty to improve the outcome of the patients Patients and Methods: A total of 48 patients (the males were 22, The females were 26) were included in this study. All the patients were examined weekly for the first month postoperatively to assess any breakdown in the wound by inspection and by asking the parents for any nasal regurgitation during fluids feeding. Results: The incidence of palatal fistula development after primary palatoplasty in this study was 12.5% (6\48). Occurrence of fistula was unrelated to the gender (P >0.5), but it was directly related to the age of patients (r = 0.98) and to the size of the cleft (r = 1). Fistula had occurred most likely in cases of Baradach 2 flap palatoplasty (83.3%) this was occurred especially when it was used for isolated cleft palate, but it was not associated with the type of the cleft (P >0.4). The surgeons experience and the use of prophylactic antibiotic were associated with the development of the fistula (P = 0.01 for both). Conclusion: knowledge of the expected risk factors for fistula after different protocols of palatoplasty can improve the experience of the surgeon and improve the outcome on the patients. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Osamah Mohammed Aldaghir, PhD, Lecturer, College of dentistry, University of Almuthanna, Iraq; E-mail: ousamahabdullameer@gmail.com Received 12 March, 2019 Accepted 18 April, 2019 The authors report no conflicts of interest. Supplemental digital contents are available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal's Web site (www.jcraniofacialsurgery.com). © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

The Utility of Endoscope-Assisted Rigid Bronchoscopy in Pediatric Airway Foreign Body Removals Introduction: Aspiration of foreign bodies is an emergency condition in children and may result in death, especially in children under 3 years of age. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment must be made rapidly. Objective: This study sought to summarize our experience with endoscope-assisted rigid bronchoscopy (RB) in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric tracheobronchial foreign body emergencies to reduce complications and mortality. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The medical records of 337 children diagnosed with clinically suspected airway foreign body aspiration in the pediatric emergency department were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups with endoscopy used during RB in group 1 whereas group 2 was RB only. The surgeons who performed the bronchoscopies completed a survey on the advantages/disadvantages of these 2 procedures. Results: All of the patients had a positive history of suspected foreign body aspiration and foreign bodies were identified in 77.1% of the patients during RB. There were 161 (47.8%) patients in group 1 and 176 (52.2%) patients in group 2. In group 2, 5 patients showed transient hypoxia, and 6 patients had an episode of transient bleeding during the operations. These numbers were 3 and 3, respectively, in group 1. One patient in group 2 suffered cardiac arrest and died during surgery. The authors did not see any long-term complications after these operations and the authors did not find any statistically significant differences between the groups for complication rates. Conclusion: The RB is the gold standard procedure for removal of pediatric airway foreign bodies. The survey used in this study and our extensive experience have shown that the distal bronchi and foreign bodies can be visualized more effectively when using a rigid endoscope during RB, especially in children under the age of 3 years. In order to improve the safety of the surgical procedure, the authors propose that endoscope-assisted RB should be used in emergencies concerning foreign bodies in the airways of children. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Suleyman Ozdemir, MD, Cukurova University School of Medicine, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 01380, Adana/Turkey; E-mail: drsozdemir@gmail.com Received 16 March, 2019 Accepted 30 April, 2019 The authors report no conflicts of interest. Suleyman Ozdemir: ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0125-1536 Ozgur Surmelioglu: ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5041-2802 Ozgur Tarkan: ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0689-6632 Ulku Tuncer: ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0689-1751 Mete Kiroglu: ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5711-9182 Muhammed Dagkiran: ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1923-3731 Supplemental digital contents are available for this article. Direct URL citations appear in the printed text and are provided in the HTML and PDF versions of this article on the journal's Web site (www.jcraniofacialsurgery.com). © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Facial Feminization for the Transgender Patient This article provides an overview of the key concepts and techniques of facial feminization surgery. The author reviews 20 years of experience with thousands of patients. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD, FACS, The Spiegel Center, Newton, MA, 335 Boylston Street, Newton, MA 02459; E-mail: DrSpiegel@DrSpiegel.com Received 18 April, 2019 Accepted 18 April, 2019 The author reports no conflicts of interest. © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

The Familial Rhino Tooth: Two Mesiodentes The authors herein report on 2 cases of patients who had supernumerary teeth. The 2 cases outline how 1 was managed sub-optimally and other managed efficiently. The patients were direct relatives with a very similar clinical problem. This case report explores the genetic relevance of mesiodentes. This case report aims to outline the importance in examination, diagnosis and surgical removal of supernumerary teeth. It also describes several lessons that all members of the dental and wider surgical team can learn from, with regards to supernumerary teeth and more specifically mesiodentes. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Ariyan Sadeghzadeh-Araghi, BDS, North Manchester General Hospital, United Kingdom; E-mail: ariyanaraghi@live.co.uk Received 02 April, 2019 Accepted 23 April, 2019 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2019 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Biochemical Genetics

Expression of Concern: Genetic Diversity Among Historical Olive (Olea europaea L.) Genotypes from Southern Anatolia Based on SSR Markers

Identification and Characterization of a Novel Strigolactone-Insensitive Mutant, Dwarfism with High Tillering Ability 34 ( dhta-34 ) in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) Abstract Rice tillering ability and plant height are two of the important traits determining the grain yield. A novel rice (Oryza sativa L.) mutant dhta-34 from an Indica cultivar Zhenong 34 treated by ethyl methy1 sulfonate (EMS) was investigated in this study. The dhta-34 mutant significantly revealed thrifty tillers with reduced plant height, smaller panicles and lighter grains. It also exhibited late-maturing (19.80 days later than the wild type) and withered leaf tip during the mature stage. The length of each internode was reduced compared to the wild type, belonging to the dn type (each internode of the plant stem decreased in the same ratio). The longitudinal section of dhta-34 internodes showed that the length of cells was reduced leading to the dwarfism of the mutant. The F2 population derived from a cross between dhta-34 and an Japonica cultivar Zhenongda 104 were used for gene mapping by using the map-based cloning strategy. The gene DHTA-34 was fine mapped in 183.8kb region flanked by markers 3R-7 and 3R-10. The cloning and sequencing of the target region from the mutant revealed that there was a substitution of G to A in the second exon of LOC_Os03g10620, which resulted in an amino acid substitution arginine to histidine. DHTA-34 encoded a protein of the α/β-fold hydrolase superfamily, which could suppress the tillering ability of rice. DHTA-34 was a strong loss-of-function allele of the Arabidopsis thaliana D14 gene, which was involved in part of strigolactones (SLs) perception and signaling. Moreover, the relative expression of DHTA-34 gene in leaf was higher than that in bud, internode, root or sheath. This study revealed that DHTA-34 played an important role in inhabiting tiller development in rice and further identifying the function of D14.

Association of SHMT1, MAZ, ERG, and L3MBTL3 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory and chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS). A complex interaction between genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors is involved in the pathogenesis of MS. With the advancement of GWAS, various variants associated with MS have been identified. This study aimed to evaluate the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs4925166 and rs1979277 in the SHMT1, MAZ rs34286592, ERG rs2836425, and L3MBTL3 rs4364506 with MS. In this case–control study, the association of five SNPs in SHMT1, MAZ, ERG, and L3MBTL3 genes with relapsing–remitting MS (RR-MS) was investigated in 190 patients and 200 healthy individuals. Four SNPs including SHMT1 rs4925166, SHMT1 rs1979277, MAZ rs34286592, and L3MBTL3 rs4364506 were genotyped using PCR–RFLP and genotyping of ERG rs2836425 was performed by tetra-primer ARMS PCR. Our findings showed a significant difference in the allelic frequencies for the four SNPs of SHMT1 rs4925166, SHMT1 rs1979277, MAZrs34286592, and ERG rs2836425, while there were no differences in the allele and genotype frequencies for L3MBTL3 rs4364506. These significant associations were observed for the following genotypes: TT and GG genotypes of SHMT1 rs4925166 (OR 0.47 and 1.90, respectively) genotype GG of SHMT1 rs1979277 (OR 0.63), genotype GG of MAZ rs34286592 (OR 0.61), TC and CC genotypes of ERG rs2836425 (OR 1.89 and 0.50, respectively). Our study highlighted that people who are carrying genotypes including GG (SHMT1 rs4925166) and TC (ERG rs2836425) have the highest susceptibility chance for MS, respectively. However, genotypes TT (SHMT1 rs4925166), CC (ERG rs2836425), GG (MAZ rs34286592), and GG (SHMT1 rs1979277) had the highest negative association (protective effect) with MS, respectively. L3MBTL3 rs4364506 was found neither as a predisposing nor a protective variant.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Upland Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) of Mizoram, North East India as Revealed by Morphological, Biochemical and Molecular Markers Abstract Upland rice landraces from different villages of Mizoram, Northeast India were analyzed for seed morphology, amylose content, aromatic characteristic, seed storage protein profiling and genetic diversity. Results revealed variation in grain length, width, weight and shape. Protein profiling showed polypeptide bands ranging from 7 to 10 with similarity coefficient from 0.556 to 1.000 in the studied populations. Population genetic analysis using simple sequence repeats markers revealed a total of 63 alleles with a high level of gene diversity at 0.6468. High values of Fst and PIC estimates were found at 0.7239 and 0.5984 respectively. The Biruchuk population was found to be the most genetically diverse cultivar and least gene diversity was found in Tuikuk buh. The UPGMA trees based on seed morphology, seed storage protein profiling and simple sequence repeats diversity showed the grouping of rice cultivars into three clusters which were further supported by model-based STRUCTURE analysis. This finding is the first-hand report in upland rice of the state and can be useful for selecting suitable rice lines for prebreeding and germplasm conservation of indigenous hill rice cultivars of Mizoram.

Evolution and Expression of S100A7 Gene in Vertebrates Abstract The skin is the primary barrier between the internal organs of an organism and the environment, and it provides protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. According to the nocturnal bottleneck hypothesis, ungulates might have traversed to the grasslands and were exposed to UV radiation subsequent to the reduction in predation pressure. UV light exposure might have increased the S100A7 expression. In order to test whether the UV radiation is associated with the selection pressure on S100A7, we acquired the complete S100A7 DNA sequences from each of 42 vertebrate species. The results suggested that the evidence of diversifying selection in S100A7 occurred at the end of Mesozoic era, and the site of positive selection was observed in the branch of Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates). In addition, we found that the transcription level of S100A7 in cashmere goat skin correlates with UV radiation. Our results indicated that S100A7 plays a role in the signaling between the skin genes and UV radiation during evolution.

Comparative Analysis of Expression Profiles of Reg Signaling Pathways-Related Genes Between AHF and HCC Abstract Regenerating islet-derived protein (Reg) could participate in the occurrence of diabetes mellitus, inflammation, tumors, and other diseased or damaged tissues. However, the correlation of Reg with acute hepatic failure (AHF) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly defined. To reveal the expression profiles of Reg family and their possible regulatory roles in AHF and HCC, rat models of HCC and AHF were separately established, and Rat Genome 230 2.0 was used to detect expression profiles of Reg-mediated signaling pathways-associated genes from liver tissues in AHF and HCC. The results showed that a total of 79 genes were significantly changed. Among these genes, 67 genes were the AHF-specific genes, 45 genes were the HCC-specific genes, and 33 genes were the common genes. Then, K-means clustering classified these genes into 4 clusters based on the gene expression similarity, and DAVID analysis showed that the above altered genes were mainly associated with stress response, inflammatory response, and cell cycle regulation. Thereafter, IPA software was used to analyze potential effects of these genes, and the predicted results suggested that the Reg-mediated JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK (ERK1/2, P38 and JNK), PLC, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways may account for the activated inflammation and cell proliferation, and the attenuated apoptosis and cell death during the occurrence of AHF and HCC.

PTPN22  +788 G>A (R263Q) Polymorphism is Associated with mRNA Expression but it is not a Susceptibility Marker for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients from Western Mexico Abstract PTPN22 represents an important non-HLA gene that has been strongly associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Several studies have reported a specific genetic variant for PTPN22 (+788 G>A; rs33996649) that might be associated with decreased RA risk in Caucasian population; nevertheless, its specific role in western Mexican population has not been yet described. A case–control study with 443 RA patients and 317 control subjects (CS) was conducted. The genotyping was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique and the PTPN22 mRNA expression was determined by SYBR Green-based real-time quantitative-PCR assay. No association between the PTPN22 +788 G>A polymorphism and RA susceptibility in western Mexican population was found when comparing genotype and allelic frequencies between RA patients and CS (G/G vs. G/A: OR 0.55, p = 0.14, 95% CI 0.22–1.32; G vs. A: OR 0.56, p = 0.14, 95% CI 0.23–1.36). The PTPN22 mRNA expression increased 4.6-fold more in RA patients than in CS, and RA patients, carriers of PTPN22 +788 G/A genotype, expressed 15.6-fold more than RA patients carrying the homozygous G/G genotype. Overall, these results showed that the PTPN22 +788 G>A polymorphism is not associated with RA susceptibility in western Mexican population, whereas the presence of G/A genotype is associated with increased PTPN22 mRNA expression in RA patients.

Screening of Genetic Factor in the Interaction Between Periodontitis and Metabolic Traits Using Candidate Gene Association Study (CGAS) Abstract Periodontitis has been reported to relate to metabolic syndrome traits such as obesity, blood pressure, and so on. However, the relation between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome remains unclear. The present study aimed to confirm common genetic factors between periodontitis and metabolic traits using Candidate gene association study (CGAS) in the Korean population. Based on the analysis of CGAS, this study performed linear regression analyses to examine the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome traits. Among the analyzed SNPs, 2649 SNPs in five genes (TENM2, LDLRAD4, SLC9C2, MFSD1, and A2BP1) showed a statistical significance at p < 0.05. Interestingly, A2BP1 and TENM2 were related to obesity. Also, elevated levels of LDLRAD4, SLC9C2, and MFSD1 were observed in the patients with high blood pressure. Taken together, the present study suggests that some of the SNPs are related to periodontitis. Therefore, if any of TENM2, A2BP1, LDLRAD4, SLC9C2, and MFSD1 is detected in the patients with periodontitis, obesity and blood pressure have to be treated simultaneously.

Engineering Corynebacterium glutamicum Mutants for 3-Methyl-1-butanol Production Abstract 3-Methyl-1-butanol (3MB) is a promising biofuel that can be produced from 2-ketoisocaproate via the common l-leucine biosynthesis pathway. Corynebacterium glutamicum was chosen as a host bacterium because of its strong resistance to isobutanol. In the current study, several strategies were designed to overproduce 3MB in C. glutamicum through a non-fermentation pathway. The engineered C. glutamicum mutant was obtained by silencing the pyruvate dehydrogenase gene complex (aceE) and deleting the lactic dehydrogenase gene (ldh), followed by mutagenesis with diethyl sulfate (DES) and selection with Fmoc-3-4-thiazolyl-l-alanine (FTA). The mutant could produce 659 mg/L of 3MB after 12 h of incubation. To facilitate carbon flux to 3MB biosynthesis, the engineered recombinant was also constructed without branched-chain acid aminotransferase (ilvE) activity by deleting the ilvE gene. This recombinant could produce 697 mg/L of 3MB after 12 h of incubation.

Identification, Expression, and Interaction Network Analyses of the CDPK Gene Family Reveal Their Involvement in the Development, Ripening, and Abiotic Stress Response in Banana Abstract Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) play vital roles in the regulation of plant growth, development, and tolerance to various abiotic stresses. However, little information is available for this gene family in banana. In this study, 44 CDPKs were identified in banana and were classified into four groups based on phylogenetic, gene structure, and conserved motif analyses. The majority of MaCDPKs generally exhibited similar expression patterns in the different tissues. Transcriptome analyses revealed that many CDPKs showed strong transcript accumulation at the early stages of fruit development and postharvest ripening in both varieties. Interaction network and co-expression analysis further identified some CDPKs-mediated network that was potentially active at the early stages of fruit development. Comparative expression analysis suggested that the high levels of CDPK expression in FJ might be related to its fast ripening characteristic. CDPK expression following the abiotic stress treatments indicated a significant transcriptional response to osmotic, cold, and salt treatment, as well as differential expression profiles, between BX and FJ. The findings of this study elucidate the transcriptional control of CDPKs in development, ripening, and the abiotic stress response in banana. Some tissue-specific, development/ripening-dependent, and abiotic stress-responsive candidate MaCDPK genes were identified for further genetic improvement of banana.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Cancer Causes & Control

Racial/ethnic differences in survival among gastric cancer patients in california Abstract Background Gastric cancer is an important cause of death among racial/ethnic minorities in the U.S. The objective of this study was to investigate racial disparities in survival among gastric cancer patients within demographic and disease subgroups. Methods Patients diagnosed with invasive epithelial gastric cancer between 2006 and 2015 were identified from the California Cancer Registry. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify factors associated with survival among non-Hispanic whites (NHWs, n = 7,475), non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs, n = 1,246), Hispanics (n = 6,274), and Asians/Pacific Islanders (APIs, n = 4,204). Survival was compared across race/ethnicity within subgroups of demographic and disease factors. Five-year relative survival was also calculated within subgroups. Results There were notable differences in patient characteristics by race/ethnicity, but predictors of survival were similar for each group. Overall, APIs (HR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.88, p < 0.0001) and Hispanics (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.99, p = 0.0104) had better survival than NHWs, but NHBs and NHWs did not have different prognosis (HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.15, p = 0.2237). The survival advantage of APIs persisted in nearly every demographic and disease subgroup, but Hispanics and NHBs had similar survival as NHWs in most groups. Race was not a significant predictor of survival among those with public or no insurance and patients with cardia tumors. Conclusions There are some differences in survival by race/ethnicity, but race/ethnicity alone cannot explain disparate outcomes in gastric cancer. Future studies, particularly ones that investigate the role of population-specific etiological factors and molecular tumor profiles, are needed to further understand factors associated with survival.

Socioeconomic gradients in cancer incidence by race and ethnicity in California, 2008–2012: the influence of tobacco use or screening detectable cancers Abstract Purpose There are clearly documented inequalities in cancer incidence by socioeconomic position, but it is unclear whether this is due primarily to differences in tobacco exposure and screening practices or to other factors. Methods Our study included 741,373 incident cases of invasive cancer from 2008 to 2012 in California. We calculated age-standardized incidence rates across twelve categories of census tract poverty as a measure of socioeconomic position (SEP) for (1) all cancer sites combined, (2) sites not strongly related to tobacco use, (3) sites not related to screening, and (4) sites not related to tobacco use or screening. Results There was higher cancer incidence among those living in areas with higher levels of poverty for sites not strongly related to tobacco use or screening, among Whites, Blacks, and Asians, but not among Latinos. Among Whites there was no relationship with census tract poverty at lower levels of poverty—the relationship with cancer incidence was primarily among those in higher poverty. For Blacks and Asians, there is a more linear relationship with cancer incidence across levels of poverty. Conclusions SEP gradients in cancer incidence remain after exclusion of cancer sites strongly related to tobacco use and screening. Our findings demonstrate a need for research on other environmental and social causes of cancer where exposures are differentially distributed by SEP.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and cancer prevention: the potential application of AI in cancer control programming needs to be explored in population laboratories such as COMPASS Abstract Understanding the risk factors that initiate cancer is essential for reducing the future cancer burden. Much of our current cancer control insight is from cohort studies and newer large-scale population laboratories designed to advance the science around precision oncology. Despite their promise for improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes, their current reductionist focus will likely have little impact shifting the cancer burden. However, it is possible that these big data assets can be adapted to have more impact on the future cancer burden through more focus on primary prevention efforts that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). ML automatically learns patterns and can devise complex models and algorithms that lend themselves to prediction in big data, revealing new unexpected relationships and pathways in a reliable and replicable fashion that otherwise would remain hidden given the complexities of big data. While AI has made big strides in several domains, the potential application in cancer prevention is lacking. As such, this commentary suggests that it may be time to consider the potential of AI within our existing cancer control population laboratories, and provides justification for why some small targeted investments to explore their impact on modelling existing real-time cancer prevention data may be a strategic cancer control opportunity.

Development and validation of a model to predict outcomes of colon cancer surveillance Abstract Purpose Clinical trials suggest that intensive surveillance of colon cancer (CC) survivors to detect recurrence increases curative-intent treatment, although any survival benefit of surveillance as currently practiced appears modest. Realizing the potential of surveillance will require tools for identifying patients likely to benefit and for optimizing testing regimens. We describe and validate a model for predicting outcomes for any schedule of surveillance in CC survivors with specified age and cancer stage. Methods A Markov process parameterized based on individual-level clinical trial data generates natural history events for simulated patients. A utilization submodel simulates surveillance and diagnostic testing. We validate the model against outcomes from the follow-up after colorectal surgery (FACS) trial. Results Prevalidation sensitivity analysis showed no parameter influencing curative-intent treatment by > 5.0% or overall five-year survival (OS5) by > 1.5%. In validation, the proportion of recurring subjects predicted to receive curative-intent treatment fell within FACS 95% CI for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-intensive, computed tomography (CT)-intensive, and combined CEA+CT regimens, but not for a minimum surveillance regimen, where the model overestimated recurrence and curative treatment. The observed OS5 fell within 95% prediction intervals for all regimens. Conclusion The model performed well in predicting curative surgery for three of four FACS arms. It performed well in predicting OS5 for all arms.

Disadvantaged neighborhoods and racial disparity in breast cancer outcomes: the biological link Abstract Neighborhoods encompass complex environments comprised of unique economic, physical, and social characteristics that have a profound impact on the residing individual's health and, collectively, on the community's wellbeing. Neighborhood disadvantage (ND) is one of several factors that prominently contributes to racial breast cancer (BC) health disparities in American women. African American (AA) women develop more aggressive breast cancer features, such as triple-negative receptor status and more advanced histologic grade and tumor stage, and suffer worse clinical outcomes than European American (EA) women. While the adverse effects of neighborhood disadvantage on health, including increased risk of cancer and decreased longevity, have recently come into focus, the specific molecular mechanisms by which neighborhood disadvantage increases BC risk and worsens BC outcomes (survivorship, recurrence, mortality) are not fully elucidated. This review illuminates the probable biological links between neighborhood disadvantage and predominantly BC risk, with an emphasis on stress reactivity and inflammation, epigenetics and telomere length in response to adverse neighborhood conditions.

Treatment trends in head and neck cancer: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Patterns of Care analysis Abstract Purpose Recent advances in head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment, such as increased use of organ-preserving advanced radiation treatments, the approval of cetuximab for HNC treatment, and the increase in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related HNC, have changed clinical approaches to HNC management. We sought to identify treatment trends in a population-based cohort of HNC patients. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Patterns of Care program collected additional treatment and HPV testing information on stratified random samples of HNC patients diagnosed in 1997 (n = 473), 2004 (n = 1,317), and 2009 (n = 1,128). Rao–Scott Chi-square tests were used to examine unadjusted associations between year of diagnosis and patient sociodemographic, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Cochran–Armitage tests for trend were used to examine the hypothesis that certain treatments were used increasingly (or decreasingly) over the time period, while logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with particular treatments. Results Use of radiation and chemotherapy without surgery significantly increased for all HNC sites between 1997 and 2009. Cetuximab and taxane use also showed a significantly increasing trend. Lack of insurance was associated with not receiving treatment in multivariate models. The majority (64%) of cases undergoing radiation in 2009 received an advanced treatment, with 55% receiving intensity modulated. The majority of oropharyngeal cases with known HPV status received chemotherapy and radiation only (62%) and nearly all were insured and had one or fewer comorbidities. Conclusions Treatment patterns have changed for HNC, leading to increased incorporation of systemic therapy and newer radiation techniques. HPV testing should be targeted for more widespread use, especially in traditionally underserved groups.

The Mind–Body Study: study design and reproducibility and interrelationships of psychosocial factors in the Nurses' Health Study II Abstract Purpose Associations between psychosocial factors and biomarkers are increasingly investigated in studies of cancer incidence and mortality. Documenting optimal data/biospecimen collection protocols and scale properties are fundamental for elucidating the impact of psychosocial factors on biologic systems and ultimately cancer development/progression. Methods Between 2013 and 2014, 233 Nurses' Health Study II women (mean age: 60.6) participated in the Mind–Body Study. Participants completed a detailed online psychosocial assessment and provided hair, toenail, timed saliva over 1 day, urine and fasting blood twice, 1 year apart. Additionally, two separate microbiome collections for stool and saliva were conducted between the psychosocial assessments. We assessed correlations between various psychosocial measures and evaluated their 1-year reproducibility using intraclass correlations (ICC). Results Compliance with the protocols was high among participants. Psychosocial measures showed moderate-to-high reproducibility over 1 year (ICCs = 0.51–0.81). There was clear clustering of psychosocial factors according to whether they were querying positive (e.g., optimism, mastery, mindfulness) or negative (e.g., anxiety, depression, discrimination) emotion-related or social constructs. Conclusion Results suggest feasibility for self-administered collection of various biospecimens and moderate-to-high reproducibility of psychosocial factors. The Mind–Body Study provides a unique resource for assessing inter-relationships between psychosocial factors and biological processes linked with long-term health outcomes, including carcinogenesis.

Influence of genetic variation in the vitamin D pathway on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 levels and survival among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer Abstract Purpose The relationships of genetic variation in the vitamin D pathway with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D] levels and survival remain largely unknown for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods Among 535 patients participating in a randomized trial of chemotherapy for mCRC, we prospectively measured baseline plasma 25(OH)D and examined 124 tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within seven genes in the vitamin D pathway, including five SNPs associated with circulating 25(OH)D levels in previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We evaluated whether these SNPs were associated with plasma 25(OH)D levels and patient outcome (overall survival, time to progression, and tumor response), using linear, logistic, and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results We observed a significant association between 25(OH)D levels and an additive genetic risk score determined by the five GWAS-identified SNPs (p = 0.0009). We did not observe any direct association between 25(OH)D-associated SNPs, individually or as a genetic risk score, and patient outcome. However, we found a significant interaction between 25(OH)D levels and rs12785878 genotype in DHCR7 on overall survival (pinteraction = 0.02). Conclusion Germline genetic variation in the vitamin D pathway informs baseline 25(OH)D levels among patients with mCRC. The association between 25(OH)D levels and overall survival may vary by DHCR7 genotype. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00003594 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00003594).

Are decision aids leading to shared prostate cancer screening decisions among African-American men?: iDecide Abstract Purpose African-Americans have prostate cancer mortality rates that are double their White counterparts. To reduce prostate cancer disparities, it is suggested that men engage in shared decision making about prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider after learning about the benefits and harms of these screenings. While researchers have developed decision aids to support African-American's screening decisions, there is some uncertainty whether these aids lead to shared decision making. The goal of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of iDecide, a computerized decision aid, for promoting African-American men's engagement in shared decision making. Methods Six months after their use of iDecide, a prostate cancer screening decision aid, 76 participants were surveyed to determine whether they spoke with a provider about screening, what this conversation entailed, and if shared decision making occurred. Results While iDecide is an effective tool for enhancing African-American's intention to engage in shared decision making, there is no evidence this aid increased their likelihood of discussing prostate cancer with a provider or participation in shared decision making. Conclusion Future research should employ stronger research designs and assess the various contexts that can affect the relationship between decision-aid use and shared decision making among African-Americans.

Understanding geographic variations of indoor radon potential for comprehensive cancer control planning Abstract Purpose Lung cancer is the leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths and radon is the second leading risk factor for lung cancer. By better understanding geologic variations of radon production in states, comprehensive cancer control efforts could be improved. The study purpose was to assess states with the greatest potential for elevated radon and the likelihood of radon-related actions in National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) awardee cancer plans. Methods Two state-level variables were derived to approximate potential for elevated radon using the Environmental Protection Agency county map and the 2015 U.S. Census. The association between radon potential and inclusion of radon activity within cancer plans was evaluated using logistic regression. Results Fifty-one percent of cancer plans recognized an association between radon and cancer risk, and included measurable radon activities. Most states with high radon potential included radon activity in cancer plans. Both measures of radon potential were significantly associated with NCCCP cancer plans including radon activity. Conclusions Geospatial analyses help to prioritize radon-related lung cancer activities. In areas with high potential for radon exposure, increasing knowledge about potential for radon exposure may result in increased radon testing, mitigation, or other radon reducing strategies, and ultimately reduction of lung cancer deaths.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com

Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

Correction to: Statins, metformin, proprotein-convertase-subtilisin-kexin type-9 (PCSK9) inhibitors and sex hormones: Immunomodulatory properties? The authors would like to note that several errors had occurred, especially in Table 2, Tables 5, 6 and 7, Figure 13, and in the legend of Figure 23.

Nutritional and non-nutritional agents that stimulate white adipose tissue browning Abstract Obesity is a public health problem present in both developed and developing countries. The white adipose tissue (WAT) is the main deposit of lipids when there is an excess of energy. Its pathological growth is directly linked to the development of obesity and to a wide number of comorbidities, such as insulin-resistance, cardiovascular disease, among others. In this scenario, it becomes imperative to develop new approaches to the treatment and prevention of obesity and its comorbidities. It has been documented that the browning of WAT could be a suitable strategy to tackle the obesity epidemic that is developing worldwide. Currently there is an intense search for bioactive compounds with anti-obesity properties, which present the particular ability to generate thermogenesis in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) or beige. The present study provide recent information of the bioactive nutritional compounds capable of inducing thermogenesis and therefore capable of generate positive effects on health.

Prader- Willi syndrome: An uptodate on endocrine and metabolic complications Abstract Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by short stature, low lean body mass, muscular hypotonia, mental retardation, behavioral abnormalities, dysmorphic features, and excessive appetite with progressive obesity. It is caused by lack of expression of genes on the paternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13. This genetic disorder has an estimated prevalence that ranges between 1/10,000–1/30,000. Hypothalamic dysfunction is a common finding in PWS and it has been implicated in several manifestations of this syndrome such as hyperphagia, temperature instability, high pain threshold, sleep disordered breathing, and multiple endocrine abnormalities. These include growth hormone deficiency, central adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and obesity often complicated by type 2 diabetes. The aim of this manuscript is to overview the current literature on metabolic and endocrine complications of PWS, focusing on human studies and providing insights on the physio pathological mechanisms. A careful management of metabolic and endocrine complications can contribute to improve quality of life, prevent complications, and prolong life expectancy of PW patients.

Primary tumors of the posterior pituitary: A systematic review Abstract In 2017, the World Health Organization established that pituicytoma, granular cell tumor (GCT), spindle cell oncocytoma (SCO) and sellar ependymomas (SE) are posterior pituitary tumors (PPT). They probably arise from the pituicytes and may constitute a unique histopathological entity. We carried out a systematic review using PubMed's database. A total of 266 patients with pathological diagnosis of PPT (135 pituicytomas, 69 GCT, 47 SCO, 8 SE and 7 mixed histology tumors) were analyzed. Gender distribution was identical and median age at diagnosis was 48 ± 21.8 years. Main presentation symptoms were visual disorders (n = 142; 58.1%), headache (n = 99; 40.5%), hypopituitarism (n = 84; 34.4%), hypercortisolism (n = 10; 4.1%), polyuriapolydipsia (n = 6; 2.4%) and acromegaly features (n = 5; 2.0%). On MRI, 122 (47.6%) patients showed sellar with suprasellar extension masses, 67 (23.1%) were suprasellar and 63 (24.6%) exclusively sellar. Median tumor size was 22.0 ± 14.2 mm. Two hundred sixty four patients underwent surgery, transphenoidal access was selected in 132 (64.4%) and craniotomy in 58 (28.3%). Complications were hypopituitarism (n = 70; 42.1%), diabetes insipidus (n = 55; 33.1%) and hemorrhage (n = 50; 30.1%). Tumor persisted in 93 patients (45.6%) and recurred in 13 (6.4%). Regarding comparison between main types of PPT, SCO patients were diagnosed later (60.0 vs 47.0 vs 47.0 years, p = 0.023), the tumor was larger 25.0 mm [10.8] vs 20.0 mm [14.2] vs 2.0 mm [15.0] and they were frequently sellar with suprasellar extension tumors (71.7% vs 46.2% vs 32.8%, p = 0.003) compared to pituicytoma and GCT. In conclusion, PPT are rare tumors and have been misdiagnosed mainly as non-functioning pituitary adenomas. Different types of PPT share similar epidemiology, clinical manifestations and surgical outcomes. Surgery is the only curative option but complications and subtotal resection are common.

Functions of stem cells of thyroid glands in health and disease Abstract Thyroid gland has been implicated in the regulation of many functions using endocrine, paracrine and autocrine signals. Functional thyroid follicular cells derived from stem cells attracted a great interest from researchers as a strategy for thyroid's regenerative therapy. Thyroid has a very low rate of turnover; however, studies showed that the regenerative ability is enhanced following diseases or thyroidectomy, which promotes the role of stem cell. The objective of this review is to summarize the morphological characterization and the expression of stem cell genes/markers in the thyroid. Also, to highlight the mechanisms of tumor formation in thyroid via its stem cells. The most important thyroid stem cell's markers are: stem cell antigen 1 (SCA-1), octamer-binding transcription 4 (OCT-4), p63, CD34+ CD45-, paired box gene 8 (PAX-8), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), thyroid transcription factor 2 (TTF-2), hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein HHEX, the transcription factor GATA-4, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-α (HNF-4-α) and homeobox transcription factor Nanog (hNanog). This review highlights the functional characterization describing the mechanisms of stem cell's differentiation into functional thyroid follicle and proposing mechanisms involving in cancer formation through one of these cell types: fetal cell, thyroblasts, prothyrocytes, certain genetic mutation in the mature thyroid cells or presence of a special type of cells (cancer stem cell) which are responsible for different types of cancer formation. Understanding the mechanisms of thyroid's stem cell in cancer formation and the expression of the biomarkers in normal and abnormal thyroid status are promising physiological tools in promoting thyroid regeneration and in provision management for thyroid cancer.

Prolactin and human weight disturbances: A puzzling and neglected association Abstract Weight gain at the outset of prolactinomas in many women is well documented. Yet, this symptom is absent from the clinical descriptions of the disease in textbooks and reviews. This omission is almost certainly due to the absence of a physiological explanation for the phenomenon, as prolactin is not a recognized fat promoting hormone. In this review we present the clinical evidence for a relationship between prolactin and fat accumulation and address some possible mechanisms involved. We put forward the hypothesis that prolactin is a component of a neuroendocrine program – maternal subroutine – aimed at optimizing the care of the young through the production of milk, promotion of maternal behavior and increase in the metabolic efficiency of the mother. These adaptations can enable her to face the extraordinary metabolic expenses of pregnancy and nursing, especially during times of suboptimal environmental conditions. We emphasize the uniqueness of prolactin in that it is a hormone that is tonically inhibited and which has its major effects on the regulation of an inter-individual (the mother – offspring dyad), rather than an intra-individual, system. This approach opens a window to consider the possibility of external events as regulators of this system. It also allows addressing a variety of hitherto unexplained findings reported in the literature. Examples include: association of prolactinomas with paternal deprivation and with stressful life events; pseudocyesis; acute life event-driven episodes of galactorrhea; episodes of rapid weight gain following a life event; prolactin surges (without associated cortisol surges) following some psychological stresses.

Effect of resveratrol on metabolic syndrome components: A systematic review and meta-analysis Abstract We summarized 16 controlled studies and evaluated the correlation of resveratrol supplementation with metabolic parameters such as the body weight, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (sbp), HDL, total cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels. This meta-analysis was carried out to determine the association between the resveratrol intake with metabolic parameters in metabolic syndrome patients. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar were searched from inception to December 2018 using relevant keywords. All articles were independently reviewed by two authors using predetermined selection criteria. We have selected the studies that investigated the effects of resveratrol on metabolic parameters. Of 16 studies, 10 were performed on human subjects, and in 6 studies animal models were used. Standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval were determined using Der Simonian and Laird random-effects modeling, when there was a significant heterogeneity between studies. Funnel plot and Egger's test were conducted to examine the risk of publication bias. Pooled effect sizes in human studies indicated a significant impact of resveratrol supplementation on glucose level [−1.73 (−2.99, −0.47); p = 0.007)] and WC [−1.73 (−2.79, −0.67); p = 0.001] compared with the control group. Also combining the results of studies on rat samples (n = 6), indicated significant effect of resveratrol on decreasing weight [−22.95 (−44.74, −1.17); p = 0.04], TGs [−6.76 (−11.10, −2.42); p = 0.001], sbp [−7.30 (−12.48, −2.13); p = 0.006], and it can influence significantly on increasing HDL level (4.75 (1.87, 7.63); p = 0.001). However, resveratrol was not significantly effective on total cholesterol in both samples. The results of subgroup analysis of human studies showed that resveratrol has significant effect on metabolic parameters (glucose level and WC) at the dosage of > 500 mg and with long-term interventions ≥ 10 weeks. Administration of resveratrol can meaningfully reduce the BW, WC, TGs, and glucose level, also it can increase HDL, but not total cholesterol.

Structure and function of the exocrine pancreas in patients with type 1 diabetes Abstract In the last 10 years, several studies have shown that the pancreas of patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and even of subjects at risk for T1D, was smaller than the pancreas from healthy subjects. This arose the question of the relationships between the endocrine and exocrine parts of the pancreas in T1D pathogenesis. Our review underlines that histological anomalies of the exocrine pancreas are common in patients with T1D: intralobular and interacinar fibrosis, acinar atrophy, fatty infiltration, leucocytic infiltration, and pancreatic arteriosclerosis are all frequent observations. Moreover, 25% to 75% of adult patients with T1D present with pancreatic exocrine dysfunction. Our review summarizes the putative causal factors for these structural and functional anomalies, including: 1/ alterations of insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide secretion, 2/ global pancreatic inflammation 3/ autoimmunity targeting the exocrine pancreas, 4/ vascular and neural abnormalities, and 5/ the putative involvement of pancreatic stellate cells. These observations have also given rise to new theories on T1D: the primary event of T1D pathogenesis could be non-specific, e.g bacterial or viral or chemical, resulting in global pancreatic inflammation, which in turn could cause beta-cell predominant destruction by the immune system. Finally, this review emphasizes that it is advisable to evaluate pancreatic exocrine function in patients with T1D presenting with gastro-intestinal complaints, as a clinical trial has shown that pancreatic enzymes replacement therapy can reduce the frequency of hypoglycemia and thus might improve quality of life in subjects with T1D and exocrine failure.

Role of growth factors and cytokines in diabetic foot ulcer healing: A detailed review Abstract The aim of the review is to examine the role of growth factors and cytokines in the management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers, such as platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and Insulin like growth factor (IGF). Taking this a step further, the role of Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β-1) and other growth factors have also been examined, with regard to the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. The roles of these above-mentioned growth cytokines have been analyzed by studying various scholastic articles. The complete process of wound healing is implemented and regulated by numerous cytokines and human growth factors. The findings of the study indicate that wound healing of diabetic foot ulcers is a complex and extremely challenging biological and molecular process that involves coordinated efforts of multiple cell types. The therapeutic effects of various growth factors in the clinical management of wounds are chronic venous ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. It has been concluded that altercations of various cytokines are found in patients enduring diabetic foot ulcers. In a similar way, changes in the level of cytokines are also found in patients suffering from other diabetic complications such as diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Subsequently, the diabetic wound healing process can be accelerated by regulating the levels of the cytokines.

Can blood glucose value really be referred to as a metabolic parameter? Abstract In clinical guidelines, near-normoglycaemia is recommended as the basic therapeutic target in diabetes mellitus. This proposal suggests that euglycaemia is associated with eumetabolism and that hyperglycaemia is an indicator of dysmetabolism. The authors analysed the relationship between short/long-term blood glucose values and cellular metabolism in various pathophysiological settings. The following types of dysmetabolism are suggested: "hyperglycaemic dysmetabolism based on insulin deficiency", "hyperglycaemic dysmetabolism based on glucose toxicity", "euglycaemic dysmetabolism", "dysmetabolism of ischaemic/reperfusional origin", and "chronic stress-mediated dysmetabolism". The relationship between dysmetabolic states of various origin was also analysed. The authors conclude that the blood glucose value can only be accepted as a general metabolic parameter with marked limitations. The main arguments of this statement are that euglycaemia is not necessarily associated with eumetabolism and that acute hyperglycaemia does not necessarily indicate dysmetabolism. Identical cell metabolic performance can be supported by different biochemical energy-producing mechanisms associated with identical blood glucose values. Both positive and negative metabolic balance of cell metabolism can occur at identical blood glucose values. A further finding is that chronic hyperglycaemia acts simultaneously as a marker and as a maker of dysmetabolism; therefore, the achievement of near normoglycaemia remains the basic therapeutic goal in diabetes treatment. Insulin administration can beneficially influence dysmetabolic states of various origins. In the evolution of and interrelationships among various dysmetabolic states, the central role of chronic stress is emphasized. Discrepancies between blood glucose values and cellular metabolism are substantiated by the transporter nature of the blood glucose value; this value reflects the result of bidirectional glucose movement into and out of the tissues.

Alexandros Sfakianakis
Anapafseos 5 . Agios Nikolaos
Crete.Greece.72100
2841026182

6948891480

alsfakia@gmail.com