bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MDM2 is a useful prognostic biomarker for resectable gastric cancer
Authors: Ye Yang , Li Xuan , Yang Jingjing , Miao Shuhan , Wang Shouyu , Chen Yansu , Xia Xiaowei , Wu Xuming , Zhang Jianbing , Zhou Yan , He Song , Tan Yongfei , Qiang Fulin , Li Gang , Røe Oluf Dimitri , Zhou Jianwei
Published: January 2013

Expression of MDM2 protein appears to be increased in malignancy and correlated to prognosis of tumors, but its role in gastric cancer remains controversial. Our recent investigations indicated that JWA was a novel candidate biomarker for gastric cancer. To evaluate the impact of MDM2 protein expression alone, and in combination with JWA, on the prognostic and predictive of patients with resectable gastric cancer, expression of MDM2 and JWA were examined by immunohistochemistry in three large cohorts (total n = 1131) of patient with gastric cancer. We found that MDM2 protein levels were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer (70.4%, 57 of 81) compared with adjacent non‐cancerous tissues. High tumoral MDM2 expression significantly correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics, as well as with shorter overall survival (OS; P < 0.001 for all cohorts) in patients without adjuvant treatment. The effect of adjuvant fluorouracil–leucovorin–oxaliplatin (FLO) in improving OS compared with surgery alone was evident only in the high MDM2 group (hazard ratio = 0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.89; P = 0.013). Furthermore, knockdown of MDM2 and overexpression of JWA had a synergistic effect on suppression of gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration. Patients with low MDM2 and high JWA expression had a better outcome of survival compared with the other groups (P < 0.001 for all cohorts). For the first time, our data suggest that MDM2 is a potent prognostic and predictive factor for benefit from adjuvant fluorouracil–leucovorin–oxaliplatin chemotherapy in resectable gastric cancer. The combination of MDM2 expression and JWA could serve as a more effective candidate prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer.
Human leucocyte antigen-defined microchimerism early post-transplant does not predict for stable lung allograft function
Authors: Rowntree L C , Bayliss J , Nguyen T H O , Kotsimbos T C , Mifsud N A
Published: January 2013

Microchimerism is the presence of foreign cells in an individual below 1% of total cells, which can occur in the setting of solid organ transplantation. This study quantitated donor-derived cellular subsets longitudinally in human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatched lung transplant recipients (LTR) during the first post-operative year and evaluated the pattern of peripheral microchimerism with clinical outcomes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from non-HLA-B44 LTR who received HLA-B44 allografts were sorted flow cytometrically into three cellular subsets. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q–PCR) demonstrated that donor-derived HLA-B44 microchimerism is a common phenomenon, observed in 61% of patients. The level of donor-derived cells varied across time and between LTR with frequencies of 38% in the B cells/monocytes subset, 56% in the T/NK cells subset and 11% in the dendritic cells (DC) subset. Observations highlighted that microchimerism was not necessarily associated with favourable clinical outcomes in the first year post-lung transplantation.
The uptake and outcome of prenatal and pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis for Huntington's disease in the Netherlands (1998–2008)
Authors: van Rij MC , de Koning Gans PAM , van Belzen MJ , Roos RAC , Geraedts JPM , De Rademaeker M , Bijlsma EK , de Die‐Smulders CEM
Published: January 2013

We aimed to study reproductive behaviour of couples opting for prenatal diagnosis (PND) and pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for Huntington's disease (HD). In the Netherlands, exclusion PND is available for persons at 50% risk, whereas exclusion PGD is not allowed. All 162 couples who underwent PND or PGD for HD between 1998 and 2008 and referrals for exclusion PGD to Belgium were included. Couples' reproductive information was collected until December 2010; 132 couples (81.5%) underwent PND in 262 pregnancies, 54 (33.3%) started PGD, and 25 used both. Sixteen percent of PND couples used exclusion PND and 6% used exclusion PGD. The outcomes were 76.5% of PND couples delivered ≥1 unaffected child(ren) after PND, and 44.4% of PGD couples delivered ≥1 PGD child(ren) (mean 2.5 cycles/couple). Couples opting for PGD secondarily (after a previous pregnancy) had more frequently terminated a pregnancy for HD (87.0%) compared with couples secondarily opting for PND (55.2%; p = 0.015). At‐risk or HD expansion carrier males were underrepresented in the group of couples primarily opting for PGD (25%) and overrepresented in the secondary PGD group (64%). We conclude that couples reconsider their choices in every subsequent pregnancy based on their previous experience, personal beliefs and the gender of the at‐risk partner.
Graft incorporation and implant osseointegration following the use of autologous and fresh‐frozen allogeneic block bone grafts for lateral ridge augmentation
Authors: Spin‐Neto Rubens , Stavropoulos Andreas , Coletti Felipe Leite , Faeda Rafael Silveira , Pereira Luís Antônio Violin Dias , Marcantonio Elcio
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To compare autogenous bone (AT) and fresh‐frozen allogeneic bone (AL) in terms of histomorphometrical graft incorporation and implant osseointegration after grafting for lateral ridge augmentation in humans.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐four patients were treated with either AL (20 patients) or AT (14 patients) onlay grafts. During implant installation surgery 6 months after grafting, cylindrical biopsies were harvested perpendicularly to the lateral aspect of the augmented alveolar ridge. Additionally, titanium mini‐implants were installed in the grafted regions, also perpendicularly to the ridge; these were biopsied during second‐stage surgery. Histological/histomorphometric analysis was performed using decalcified and non‐decalcified sections.

Results

Histological analysis revealed areas of necrotic bone (NcB) occasionally in contact with or completely engulfed by newly formed vital bone (VB) in both AT and AL groups (55.9 ± 27.6 vs. 43.1 ± 20.3, respectively; P = 0.19). Statistically significant larger amounts of VB (27.6 ± 17.5 vs. 8.4 ± 4.9, respectively; P = 0.0002) and less soft connective tissue (ST) (16.4 ± 15.6 vs. 48.4 ± 18.1, respectively; P ≤ 0.0001) were seen for AT compared with AL. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding both bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and the bone area between implant threads (BA) on the mini‐implant biopsies.

Conclusion

Allogeneic bone block grafts may be an option in cases where a limited amount of augmentation is needed, and the future implant can be expected confined within the inner aspect of the bone block. However, the clinical impact of the relatively poor graft incorporation on the long‐term performance of oral implants placed in AL grafts remains obscure.
Mixed miniature postsynaptic currents resulting from co‐release of glycine and GABA recorded from glycinergic neurons in the neonatal respiratory network
Authors: Rahman Jamilur , Latal A. Tobias , Besser Stefanie , Hirrlinger Johannes , Hülsmann Swen
Published: January 2013

Inhibitory neurons are involved in the generation and patterning of the respiratory rhythm in the adult animal. However, the role of glycinergic neurons in the respiratory rhythm in the developing network is still not understood. Although the complete loss of glycinergic transmission in vivo is lethal, the blockade of glycinergic transmission in slices of the medulla has little effect on pre‐Bötzinger complex network activity. As 50% of the respiratory rhythmic neurons in this slice preparation are glycinergic, they have to be considered as integrated parts of the network. We aimed to investigate whether glycinergic neurons receive mixed miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) that result from co‐release of GABA and glycine. Quantification of mixed mIPSCs by the use of different objective detection methods resulted in a wide range of results. Therefore, we generated traces of mIPSCs with a known distribution of mixed mIPSCs and mono‐transmitter‐induced mIPSCs, and tested the detection methods on the simulated data. We found that analysis paradigms, which are based on fitting the sum of two mIPSC templates, to be most acceptable. On the basis of these protocols, 20–40% of all mIPSCs recorded from respiratory glycinergic neurons are mixed mIPSCs that result from co‐release of GABA and glycine. Furthermore, single‐cell reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction revealed that 46% of glycinergic neurons co‐express mRNA of glycine transporter 2 together with at least one marker protein of GABAergic neurons. Our data suggest that significant co‐transmission occurs in the pre‐Bötzinger complex that might be involved in the shaping of synaptic inhibition of respiratory glycinergic neurons.
Sources of organic nitrogen at the serpentinite‐hosted Lost City hydrothermal field
Authors: Lang S. Q. , Früh‐Green G. L. , Bernasconi S. M. , Butterfield D. A.
Published: January 2013

The reaction of ultramafic rocks with water during serpentinization at moderate temperatures results in alkaline fluids with high concentrations of reduced chemical compounds such as hydrogen and methane. Such environments provide unique habitats for microbial communities capable of utilizing these reduced compounds in present‐day and, possibly, early Earth environments. However, these systems present challenges to microbial communities as well, particularly due to high fluid pH and possibly the availability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen. Here we investigate the source and cycling of organic nitrogen at an oceanic serpentinizing environment, the Lost City hydrothermal field (30°N, Mid‐Atlantic Ridge). Total hydrolizable amino acid (THAA) concentrations in the fluids range from 736 to 2300 nm and constitute a large fraction of the dissolved organic carbon (2.5–15.1%). The amino acid distributions, and the relative concentrations of these compounds across the hydrothermal field, indicate they most likely derived from chemolithoautotrophic production. Previous studies have identified the presence of numerous nitrogen fixation genes in the fluids and the chimneys. Organic nitrogen in actively venting chimneys has δ15N values as low as 0.1‰ which is compatible with biological nitrogen fixation. Total hydrolizable amino acids in the chimneys are enriched in 13C by 2–7‰ compared to bulk organic matter. The distribution and absolute δ13CTHAA values are compatible with a chemolithoautotrophic source, an attribution also supported by molar organic C/N ratios in most active chimneys (4.1–5.5) which are similar to those expected for microbial communities. In total, these data indicate nitrogen is readily available to microbial communities at Lost City.
Over‐expression of ATR causes autophagic cell death
Authors: Mori Chihiro , Yamaguchi Yoshihiro , Teranishi Mika , Takanami Takako , Nagase Takahiro , Kanno Shinichiro , Yasui Akira , Higashitani Atsushi
Published: January 2013

ATR is highly conserved in all eukaryotes and functions as a cell‐cycle checkpoint kinase to stabilize the nuclear genome. In addition, knockout mouse models indicate that ATR is essential for viability. Here, it is shown that moderate overproduction of ATR, but not of the other phosphatidylinositol 3′ kinase‐related kinases, ataxia‐telangiectasia‐mutated, mTOR and SMG‐1, and a downstream target p53, resulted in cell death. ATR over‐expression induced cellular vacuolization from 12 to 48 h after transfection, before cell death progression. A series of deletion analyses showed that overproduction of the N‐terminal HEAT repeat segments of ATR was sufficient for the induction of the vacuolization. Moreover, post‐transcriptional modification of LC3, a marker of autophagy, and autophagosomes with double membranes were evident in ATR‐overproducing cells. The vacuolization was also suppressed in autophagy‐deficient MCF7 cells. In addition, both cellular vacuolization and cell death were reduced by inhibition of Ras activity using farnesyl thiosalicylic acid. Conversely, neither inhibition of mTOR nor activation of the checkpoint system could be observed in the vacuolated cells. These results suggest that the Ras signaling pathway is involved in the autophagic response caused by ATR overproduction, and tight regulation of ATR protein expression is crucial for cell viability.
Short‐term ecological and behavioural responses ofMediterranean ant speciesAphaenogaster gibbosa(Latr. 1798) to wildfire
Authors: Lázaro‐González Alba , Arnan Xavier , Boulay Raphael , Cerdá Xim , Rodrigo Anselm
Published: January 2013

Fire greatly affects plant and animal biodiversity. There is an extensive body of literature on the effects of fire on insect communities, in which a large variability of responses has been observed. Very few studies, however, have addressed functional responses at the species level, information that would greatly enhance our understanding of the impact of fire at higher organisational levels.

The aim of this study is to analyse the short‐term ecological and behavioural responses of the Mediterranean antAphaenogaster gibbosato fire‐induced environmental changes. We compared aspects of the abiotic and biotic environment relevant to this species, as well as differences in colony foraging behaviour, on unburnt and burnt plots in a Mediterranean area that was affected by a wildfire.

Our results showed that fire modified plant cover around nests and daily cycles of soil temperature close to the nest. Although there were no significant differences in food quantity, food quality (particularly seed composition) was different between unburnt and burnt plots.

In accordance with these environmental changes, we found significant differences in the daily activity rhythms and diet composition ofA. gibbosabetween unburnt and burnt plots. Overall, these differences did not result in significant changes in overall foraging activity and efficiency, allowing ant colonies to maintain the same food intake regardless of the habitat they occupied.

We conclude thatA. gibbosauses behavioural plasticity to modify its foraging strategy in recently burnt environments and thus survive post‐fire conditions.
Aquatic dermatology: encounters with the denizens of the deep (and not so deep) a review. Part I: the invertebrates
Authors: Ottuso Patrick
Published: January 2013

Aquatic dermatoses encompass a broad spectrum of cutaneous injuries. These injuries may present through contact with invertebrate organisms such as jellyfish, sea urchins, corals, and molluscs. Each organism is equipped with a unique method of causing harm to man, therefore a myriad of presenting signs and symptoms should be recognized in order to initiate treatment. Aquatic injuries are not limited to areas of the world where these species originate. With the advent of rapid world travel and the hobby of home aquariums, dermatologists play a key role in the early diagnosis and treatment of such injuries. The method of injury, including a discussion of organism identification will be presented. Additionally, treatment of injuries caused by aquatic life will follow.
Guidelines on the role of skin care in the management of mobile populations
Authors: Fuller Lucinda Claire , Hay Roderick , Morrone Aldo , Naafs Ben , Ryan Terence J. , Sethi Aisha
Published: January 2013

The Task Force for Skin Care for All: Community Dermatology, when seeking to collate evidence for capacity to benefit, wanted to know how best to manage mobile populations. The task force met where there is most experience at a time of maximum migration to the Mediterranean islands and to Italy from Somalia, Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Libya. Members attended the workshop hosted by Aldo Morrone at the San Gallicano Hospital, Rome, Italy. Issues discussed were the size of the problem, ethics and legality, potential value of the migrant, dermatologist as carer, challenges met by interpretation, good listening, and transcultural mediation. The experiences of the National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty at the San Gallicano Hospital in Rome, Ethiopia, Malta, and Lampedusa were key to the development of guidelines on cultural competence.
Multiple cores of Gleason score 6 correlate with favourable findings at radical prostatectomy
Authors: Ellis Carla L. , Walsh Patrick C. , Partin Alan W. , Epstein Jonathan I.
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Previous studies have reported variable outcomes at radical prostatectomy (RP) with Gleason score 6 (GS6) on biopsy. It has been shown that a significant proportion of patients with GS6 disease at biopsy are upgraded to Gleason score 7 or higher after RP, increasing the risk of an adverse outcome. However, such studies have focused on clinical parameters such as PSA, prostate volume and biopsy cancer volume, in concert with GS6, to predict clinically significant upgrading.

The present study is the first to use a significant number of patients with the aim of specifically analyzing the outcome at RP (i.e. percentage organ‐confined, margin status, overall grade and biochemical recurrence) and making a direct correlation with the number of positive cores to show that the overall prognosis is favourable.

Objective

To establish whether the good prognosis of Gleason score 6 (GS6) is maintained in the setting of multiple involved cores.

Patients and Methods

In total, 6156 men (from 1 April 2000 to 30 April 2007) with GS6 on biopsy underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) at our institution.

The number of positive cores was correlated with the outcome at RP.

Results

More positive cores correlated with less organ‐confined disease (P < 0.001), positive margins (P < 0.012), increasing RP grade (P < 0.001) and increased seminal vesicles/lymph node involvement (P = 0.012).

For men with data available, the actuarial risk of being biochemically free of disease at 5 years was 93.2% when ≤6 cores were positive (812 men followed to 5 years) vs 89.1% if >6 cores were positive (41 men followed to 2 years) (P = 0.6).

Although the predicted ‘cure rate’ of >75% probability of a tumour showing no evidence of biochemical recurrence at 10 years after RP was statistically different between cases with ≤6 vs >6 positive cores (P < 0.0001), the outcome in both groups was still favourable (90.5% vs 84%).

Partin‐like tables were generated factoring in the number of positive cores to predict organ‐confined disease as a guide for urologists to perform nerve‐sparing surgery.

For example, with T1c disease, there was a ≥75% probability of organ‐confined disease with one to three positive cores regardless of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, and the same probability was present with four to six positive cores and a PSA level of 0–4 ng/mL.

Conclusion

A low Gleason score on biopsy is a powerful prognostic finding, such that this favourable outcome is maintained even in the setting of multiple positive cores with GS6.
Retracted: Many young men with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screen‐detected prostate cancers may be candidates for active surveillance
Authors: Kim Jeri , Ebertowski James , Janiga Matthew , Arzola Jorge , Gillespie Gayle , Fountain Michael , Soderdahl Douglas , Canby‐Hagino Edith , Elsamanoudi Sally , Gurski Jennifer , Davis John W. , Parker Patricia A. , Boyd Douglas D.
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Little is known as to the potential for over‐treatment of young men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

We show that for men aged ≤55 years with PSA screen‐detected disease, 45% of the tumours are classified as very low risk and 85% of these have favourable pathology, yet most are actively treated. These findings raise the spectre of over‐treatment for a group of men likely to be affected by treatment side‐effects.

Objective

To identify a population of young men (aged <55 years at diagnosis) with very‐low‐risk prostate cancer (stage cT1c, with prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] density of <0.15 ng/mL/g, Gleason score ≤6, and ≤2 positive biopsy cores with <50% tumour involvement) that may be candidates for active surveillance (AS).

Patients and Methods

We queried a Department of Defense tumour registry and hard‐copy records for servicemen diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1987 to 2010.

Statistical analyses were undertaken using Fisher's exact and chi‐square testing.

Results

From 1987–1991 and 2007–2010, PSA screen‐detected tumours diagnosed in men aged ≤55 years rose >30‐fold.

Data for a subset of men (174) with PSA screen‐detected cancer were evaluable for disease risk assessment.

Of the 174 men with screen‐detected disease, 81 (47%) had very‐low‐risk disease.

Of that group, 96% (78/81) selected treatment and, of 57 men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP), the tumours of 49 (86%) carried favourable pathology (organ confined, <10% gland involvement, Gleason ≤6).

Conclusions

Nearly half of young men with PSA screen‐detected prostate cancer are AS candidates but the overwhelming majority seek treatment.

Considering that many tumours show favourable pathology at RP, there is a possibility that these patients may benefit from AS management.
Predicting range shifts under global change: the balance between local adaptation and dispersal
Authors: Kubisch Alexander , Degen Tobias , Hovestadt Thomas , Poethke Hans Joachim
Published: January 2013

Bioclimate envelope models (BEMs) have often been criticized as being too simplistic due to e.g. not incorporating effects of biotic interactions or evolutionary adaptation. However, BEMs are widely applied and have proven to be often useful. Here we investigate, under which conditions evolution of dispersal, local adaptation or interspecific competition may be of minor importance for forecasting future range shifts. Therefore we use individual‐based simulations of metapopulations under climate change living in spatial temperature gradients. Scenarios incorporate single‐species systems or systems with competing species, respectively. Dispersal rate is evolving and adaptation to local conditions may also evolve in some scenarios. Results show that in single‐species scenarios excluding evolutionary adaptation, species either follow optimal habitat conditions or go extinct if habitat connectivity is too low. These simulations are in close accordance to predictions from BEMs. Including evolutionary adaptation qualitatively changes these results. In the absence of competing species the species either completely invades the world or goes extinct. With competitors, results strongly depend on habitat fragmentation. For highly connected habitats the range border may shift as predicted by BEMs, for intermediate connectivity it will lag behind, while species will go extinct if fragmentation is too high. Our results indicate that (simple) BEMs may work well if habitats are well connected and species will not encounter many difficulties in dispersing to new sites. Selection in this case may promote evolution of even higher dispersal activities. We thus show that the presence of biotic interactions may be ignored for predictions of range shifts when high dispersal can be expected.
Djinga cheekii sp. nov. (Podostemaceae) from Cameroon
Authors: Ghogue Jean‐Paul , Huber Konrad A. , Rutishauser Rolf
Published: January 2013

A new species is added to the monotypic African genus Djinga. Djinga cheekii Ghogue, Huber & Rutish. (Podostemaceae) is described as a new species from Cameroon (Littoral Province) and its morphological affinities and conservation status are assessed. The main distinguishing characters are: stamens 2 (not 1 as in D. felicis), flower buds inside spathella strongly inclined (not only slightly inclined as in D. felicis), and stems lacking or only up to 6 mm long (not up to > 6 cm as in D. felicis). A molecular analysis revealed that D. cheekii is sister to D. felicis, and both together are sister to Ledermanniella linearifolia and L. pusilla which show completely inverted flower buds inside the spathella, as typical for the large and still artificial genus Ledermanniella.
Prevalence of cusp 7 in permanent mandibular first molars in an Indian population: a comparative study of variations in occlusal morphology
Authors: Gupta Saurabh K. , Saxena Payal
Published: January 2013

Aim

The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of cusp 7 in permanent mandibular first molars in an Indian population, and to comparatively evaluate the variations in occlusal morphology of these teeth, including the difference in the number of cusps and fissure patterns.

Methods

A total of 1123 Indian participants from the Government College of Dentistry, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, were selected for the study. For the analyses of cusp 6 and cusp 7 in permanent mandibular first molars, the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System was used. Groove patterns were analyzed and classified as Y, +, X, and Ұ.

Results

Of the 1123 individuals, 132 (11.75%) were found to have cusp 7, while 78 (6.95%) had cusp 6. Thus, a total of 210 participants had the six‐cusped mandibular first molars, 98 (8.73%) had the four‐cusped mandibular first molars, and two had the seven‐cusped variant. Overall, the most common fissure pattern was the Y pattern (50.36%), while the least common was the X pattern (1.25%). Mandibular first molars with cusp 7 demonstrated a highly significant (P < 0.05) dominance of the Ұ pattern (36.80%) over the Y (30.74%), + (27.71%), and X (4.46%) fissure patterns.

Conclusion

A significant prevalence of cusp 7 (11.25%) in permanent mandibular first molars was found in the present study in an Indian population.
Effect of sodium hypochlorite under several formulations on root canal dentin microhardness
Authors: Garcia Arturo J.A. , Kuga Milton C. , Palma‐Dibb Regina G. , Só Marcus V.R. , Matsumoto Mariza A. , Faria Gisele , Keine Kátia C.
Published: January 2013

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three different formulations of sodium hypochlorite on the microhardness of root canal dentin in cervical and apical segments.

Methods

Twenty‐four extracted human teeth had their roots sectioned along their long axes in a buccolingual direction. One half of each root was selected, and transversely sectioned resulting in two segments, cervical and apical, with similar lengths. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 16), according to the sodium hypochlorite formulation used: (a) group 1, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; (b) group 2, Chlor‐XTRA; and (c) group 3, 5.5% sodium hypochlorite gel. These groups were subdivided in two subgroups (n = 8): cervical and apical root segments. Before testing the substances, dentin microhardness was measured on each section, 100 μm from the root canal with a Knoop tester. After 15 min of application, a new measurement was performed on each segment. Data were collected and registered for statistical treatment.

Results

In both segments, the substances reduced dentin microhardness. No differences were observed between the groups, independent of the analyzed segment (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

All substances reduced dentin microhardness. Chlor‐XTRA and 5.5% sodium hypochlorite gel promoted a reduction similar to the 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solution.
Comparison of spironolactone and trichlormethiazide as add‐on therapy to renin–angiotensin blockade for reduction of albuminuria in diabetic patients
Authors: Hase Michiyo , Babazono Tetsuya , Ujihara Noriko , Uchigata Yasuko
Published: January 2013

To compare the efficacy of spironolactone and trichlormethiazide, as add‐on therapy to renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, for reduction of albuminuria in diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), we conducted this randomized, open‐labeled, parallel‐group, active‐controlled, per‐protocol‐design study. Type 2 diabetic patients receiving an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker, with persistent albuminuria (≥100 mg/g creatinine) were randomly assigned to either spironolactone (25 mg/day) or trichlormethiazide (2 mg/day). The primary outcome was the change in albuminuria at 24 weeks of treatment. In patients who completed 24 weeks of treatment with spironolactone (n = 18) and trichlormethiazide (n = 15), albuminuria decreased significantly by −57.6 ± 21.3% (SD) (P < 0.001) and −48.4 ± 27.1% (P < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant difference in the change in albuminuria between groups (P = 0.270). This pilot study suggests add‐on therapy with spironolactone or trichlormethiazide to RAS blockade may be comparably beneficial to reducing albuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients. This trial was registered with UMIN‐CTR (no. UMIN000008914).
Ontogeny of body density and the swimbladder in yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi larvae
Authors: Woolley L. D. , Qin J. G.
Published: January 2013

The ontogeny of larval body density and the morphological and histological events during swimbladder development were investigated in two cohorts of yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi larvae to understand the relationship between larval morphology and body density. Larvae <3 days post hatch (dph) were positively buoyant with a mean ± s.d. body density of 1·023 ± 0·001 g cm−3. Histological evidence demonstrated that S. lalandi larvae are initially transient physostomes with the primordial swimbladder derived from the evagination of the gut ventral to the notochord and seen at 2 dph. A pneumatic duct connected the swimbladder to the oesophagus, but degenerated after 5 dph. Initial swimbladder (SB) inflation occurred on 3 dph, and the inflation window was 3–5 dph when the pneumatic duct was still connected to the gut. The swimbladder volume increased with larval age and the epithelial lining on the swimbladder became flattened squamous cells after initial inflation. Seriola lalandi developed into a physoclist with the formation of the rete mirabile and the gas‐secreting gland comprised low‐columnar epithelial cells. Larvae with successfully inflated swimbladders remained positively buoyant, whereas larvae without SB inflation became negatively buoyant and their body density gradually reached 1·030 ± 0·001 g cm−3 by 10 dph. Diel density changes were observed after 5 dph, owing to day time deflation and night‐time inflation of the swimbladder. These results show that SB inflation has a direct effect on body density in larval S. lalandi and environmental factors should be further investigated to enhance the rate of SB inflation to prevent the sinking death syndrome in the early life stage of the fish larvae.
The Unknown Profession: A Geriatrician
Authors: Campbell Jean Y. , Durso Samuel C. , Brandt Lynsey E. , Finucane Thomas E. , Abadir Peter M.
Published: January 2013

The term “plastic surgeon” is oddly uninformative, although it seems likely that most people know what plastic surgeons do. How well can a sample of individuals encountered on the street describe what geriatricians do? To answer this question, we strolled through downtown Baltimore's Inner Harbor, armed with a video camera and picture identification cards to ask the following question: “What is a geriatrician?” Two of us (PA, JY), from the Johns Hopkins Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, surveyed a convenience sample of people aged 18–80. To further enhance this survey, a video of the interviews was produced (available in online version of article). We entered this exercise having recently joined the ranks of geriatricians—prepared to improve the health and quality of care of our elderly patients. Our naive excitement at entering this noble specialty was trampled by the reality that virtually no one we interviewed knew what a geriatrician was. Answers like, “somebody who works for Ben and Jerry's ice cream” were amusing but at the same time typical and sobering. This simple survey reveals a distressing gap in the public's knowledge of the field of geriatrics and the need for better understanding of its importance to public health and individual health. After all, if people do not know what a geriatrician is, how can they support the growth of geriatrics or seek care from us?
Recovering Feminist Criticism: Modern Women Writers and Feminist Periodical Studies
Authors: Green Barbara
Published: January 2013

The new periodical studies offers material for those interested in feminist criticism and the study of the modernist woman writer (or those interested in early twentieth‐century women’s writing defined more broadly). Modern periodicals such as little magazines, women’s magazines, feminist papers, literary reviews give us access not only to understudied or little known modern women writers but also, in book reviews and critical essays, give us examples of a feminist literary criticism devoted to understanding the problem of the woman writer.
Productivity in a Distorted Market: The Case of Brazil's Retail Sector
Authors: de Vries Gaaitzen J.
Published: January 2013

In a model of monopolistic competition with heterogeneous firms, distortions in prices drive a wedge between the marginal revenue products of factor inputs across firms. We use census data for Brazil's retail sector to study implications for aggregate productivity and relate distortions to regional variation in regulation using a differences‐in‐differences approach. Taxes, entry regulation, and access to credit may create distortions to output and capital that varies by firm size. Potential gains from reallocation have not diminished despite the process of services liberalization in the 1990s.
Reticulocyte count in red‐blood‐cell units stored in AS‐1
Authors: Urbina A. , Palomino F.
Published: January 2013

Background and objectives

Previous data that showed maintenance of reticulocyte percentage in whole blood stored in CPDA‐1 have led to the assumption that reticulocyte maturation becomes arrested during refrigerated storage. However, reticulocyte behaviour in red‐blood‐cell units stored in additive solutions has not yet been studied. This study was thus aimed at determining reticulocyte count and reticulocyte subtypes in red‐blood‐cells units stored in AS‐1.

Materials and methods

Reticulocyte percentage and subtypes were determined by flow cytometry with thiazole orange in six red‐blood‐cells units stored in AS‐1.

Results

Reticulocyte count was 26·8 ± 4·6 × 109/l at week 0·5 and 8·2 ±2·9 × 109/l at week 6. Total haemolysis during storage was 0·19 ± 0·08%. High‐fluorescence reticulocytes were 2·0 ± 3·2 × 109/l at week 0·5 and decreased by weeks 2, 4 and 6. Low‐fluorescence reticulocytes were 22·1 ± 3·1 × 109/l at week 0·5 and decreased by weeks 4 and 6.

Conclusion

A significant decrease in reticulocytes occurred during red‐blood‐cells units’ storage in AS‐1. Even if it were assumed that all of haemolysed cells during storage were reticulocytes, there are a number of them whose disappearance cannot be explained by this mechanism. Changes observed in reticulocyte subtypes suggest that they mature during storage.
Diffraction-assisted extreme ultraviolet proximity lithography for fabrication of nanophotonic arrays
Authors: Danylyuk Serhiy , Kim Hyun-su , Brose Sascha , Dittberner Carsten , Loosen Peter , Taubner Thomas , Bergmann Klaus , Juschkin Larissa
Published: January 2013

In this article, the possibilities and limitations of proximity lithography with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation are explored theoretically and experimentally. Utilizing partially coherent EUV radiation with a wavelength of 10.88 nm from a Xe/Ar discharge plasma EUV source, proximity patterning of various nanoantenna arrays has been performed. The experimental results are compared with the results of numerical scalar diffraction simulations, and it is shown that proximity printing in the Fresnel diffraction mode can enable production of high-resolution features even with lower resolution masks, successfully demonstrating sub-30 nm edge resolution in the resist. The potential of the method is explored by simulation of the patterning through circular and triangular apertures as well as through bowtie antenna patterns, with the results suggesting that precise control of the proximity gap and the exposure dose together with simulation-supported mask design optimizations may allow for a wide variety of high-resolution structures to be printed through relatively simple transmission masks. The method is especially suited for high-performance manufacturing of submicrometer sized nanophotonic arrays.
Anteromedial subtalar dislocation
Authors: Stafford Harry , Boggess Blake , Toth Alison , Berkoff David
Published: January 2013

Subtalar dislocation is the simultaneous dislocation of the talocalcaneal and talonavicular joints of the foot, typically caused by falls from heights, twisting leg injuries and motor vehicle accidents. The dislocation can occur medially, lateral, anterior or posterior, but most commonly occurs from inversion injury producing a medial dislocation. These dislocations may be accompanied by fractures. Careful physical examination must be performed to assess for neurovascular compromise. Most subtalar dislocations can be treated with closed reduction under sedation. However, if the dislocation is associated with an open fracture it may require reduction in the operating room. Treatment should include postreduction plain x-ray and CT scan to evaluate for proper alignment and for fractures. This article presents a case of medial subtalar dislocation in a 23-year-old football player.
A diagnostic dilemma of central skull base osteomyelitis mimicking neoplasia in a diabetic patient
Authors: Ganhewa Aparna Dasunmalee , Kuthubutheen Jafri
Published: January 2013

We present a case which illustrates the diagnostic difficulty in distinguishing between osteomyelitis of the central skull base and base of skull tumours. A woman in her early forties presented with seizures and multiple cranial nerve palsies. She also had a background of chronic otalgia and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. The clinical diagnosis of skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) was made, but both MRI and bone scans were unable to distinguish this from a skull base malignancy on imaging criteria. Eventually biopsies were required to exclude the diagnosis of malignancy and the patient was treated for central SBO.
Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused byPropionibacteriumspecies successfully treated with coadministered rifampin: report of two cases
Authors: Braun Dominique Laurent , Hasse Barbara Katharina , Stricker Julia , Fehr Jan Sven
Published: January 2013

We describe two cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused byPropionibacteriumspp. successfully treated with a combination of rifampin and intravenous penicillin. Rifampin was chosen due to its promising activity against planktonic and biofilmPropionibacterium, its favourable minimal inhibitory concentrations, its excellent oral bioavailability and tissue penetration.
Paediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Galveia José Nuno , Mendonça Ana Paula , Costa João Marques
Published: January 2013

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can occur in paediatric age with clinical characteristics that may differ from adult presentation. The authors present a case of an 11-year-old boy, presenting with severe holocranial headaches for the past 4 weeks. Best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) were 20/200 bilaterally and the fundus examination showed marked bilateral optical disc and macular oedema. CT scan with contrast as well as MRI showed no space occupying lesions, normal permeability of the dural venous sinuses and a partially empty sella. Lumbar puncture revealed an opening pressure of 540 mm Hg, with clear cerebrospinal fluid, with normal biochemistry and cytology. The patient was treated medically and subsequently submitted to a ventriculoperitoneal shunting procedure. 3 months after surgery the symptoms got completely resolved and his BCVA were 20/20 bilaterally.
Rifampicin pharmacokinetics in extreme prematurity to treat congenital tuberculosis
Authors: Le Doare Kirsty , Barber Nathaniel , Doerholt Katja , Sharland Mike
Published: January 2013

Little evidence is available on the pharmacokinetics of antituberculous medication in premature infants. We report rifampicin (RMP) pharmacokinetics in an extremely premature, low-birthweight female infant born to a mother with known miliary tuberculosis. Intravenous RMP, isoniazid (INH), ciprofloxacin and amikacin were used, as the enteral route was not possible. Area under the curve calculations revealed low average RMP concentrations at doses of 5–10 mg/kg. We review the literature with regard to the dosing regimen and therapeutic drug levels of RMP and INH in premature infants and discuss issues of management. Evidence from this case suggests 10 mg/kg/day is the minimum dose required.
Pulmonary-renal syndrome: a life threatening but treatable condition
Authors: West Stephen C , Arulkumaran Nishkantha , Ind Philip W , Pusey Charles D
Published: January 2013

Pulmonary renal syndrome (PRS) describes the occurrence of renal failure in association with respiratory failure, characterised by autoimmune-mediated rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH), respectively. PRS is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and prompt diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes. Prompt diagnosis of PRS requires a high index of suspicion, as clinical features are non-specific, and immunological testing aids the diagnosis in many cases. The diagnostic evaluation of DAH and RPGN is outlined in the context of the important differential diagnoses. The commonest causes of PRS include antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and antiglomerular basement membrane disease. As such, more emphasis has been placed on these two conditions in addition to an overview of the less common causes of PRS. We provide a practical review of the diagnostic evaluation, current treatment strategies and clinical outcomes of PRS for renal, respiratory and general physicians.
Prevalence and morbidity of urethralTrichomonas vaginalisin Japanese men with or without urethritis
Authors: Seike Kensaku , Maeda Shin-Ichi , Kubota Yasuaki , Tamaki Masayoshi , Yasuda Mitsuru , Deguchi Takashi
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Trichomonas vaginalisis one of the pathogens causing sexually transmitted infections. This microorganism is a common pathogen among women, but its significance as a cause of morbidity among men remains uncertain. We sought to determine the prevalence and morbidity ofT. vaginalisinfection in Japanese men with and without urethritis.

Methods

We examined urine specimens from 215 men with urethritis and 98 men without urethritis for the presence of urethralT. vaginalisby PCR assay.

Results

Only four patients—one with gonococcal urethritis, one with non-gonococcal chlamydial urethritis, one with non-gonococcal non-chlamydial urethritis and one without urethritis—were positive forT. vaginalis. The prevalence ofT. vaginaliswas 1.4% in men with urethritis and 1.0% in men without urethritis. A possible relation between the appearance ofT. vaginalisand clinical symptoms was not confirmed.

Conclusions

In the present study, the incidence of urethralT. vaginalisinfection appears to be rare in Japanese men with or without urethritis, andT. vaginalismay be an uncommon pathogen in male urethritis in Japan.
MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: A PROFITABLE INVESTMENT ALTERNATIVE?
Authors: CAMPBELL NOEL D. , ROGERS TAMMY M.
Published: January 2013

This paper examines the determinants of return on equity for microfinance institutions (MFI), an important source of funds for entrepreneurs in developing countries. Recent research indicates that MFIs need to become financially sustainable without relying on external funding. To meet this objective, MFIs have begun to look to the capital markets as a source of funds. Our findings indicate that investors in MFIs can look at measures similar to those used by traditional financial institutions, like commercial banks, such as operating expense and portfolio yield measures to measure possible performance of a MFI. MFIs that have a larger percentage of women borrowers fare better. Additionally, we find that country specific macroeconomic conditions affect MFI return.
Pennsylvanian (mid-Bolsovian to Asturian) megaspores and large pollen of the Bristol Coalfield, UK
Authors: Pendleton Janine L. , Wellman Charles H.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. A detailed account of assemblages of megaspores and large pollen grains from the mid-Bolsovian to late Asturian Warwickshire Group (Winterbourne, Pennant Sandstone and Grovesend formations) of the Bristol Coalfield is presented. The megaspore assemblages show certain similarities to those from the well-documented, and partly coeval, sequence in the nearby Forest of Dean Coalfield. However, the Bristol Coalfield megaspore assemblages are generally less diverse. We consider the palaeoecological implications of the megaspore assemblages and conclude that differing depositional settings had different vegetational successions (including differences in the composition and diversity of megaspore-producing plants). A consideration of megaspore biostratigraphy suggests that the uppermost Pennant Sandstone Formation may be of early Asturian age, suggesting that the postulated gap between the Pennant Sandstone Formation and overlying Grovesend Formation is smaller than previously suggested. We also report the first European occurrence of the large enigmatic pteridosperm pollen grain Parasporites maccabei Schopf, 1938.
The High Rate of de novo Graft Carcinomas in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Viart Ludovic , Surga Nicolas , Collon Sylvie , Jaureguy Maité , Elalouf Vincent , Tillou Xavier
Published: January 2013

Background: To investigate the incidence, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of renal graft carcinomas in the same renal transplant population. Methods: From April 1989 to April 2012, 1,037 consecutive renal transplantations were performed in our department. Data were collected prospectively in an extensively maintained database. For all recipients, monitoring consisted of clinical examination and an abdominopelvic CT scan or ultrasonography at least once a year. Results: After 1,037 renal transplantations, 48 men and 14 women (sex ratio 3:4) with a mean age of 54 years (25.1–78.9) were included for urological malignancies. Eight graft carcinomas were identified: 7 renal cell carcinomas (5 papillary carcinomas and 2 clear cell carcinomas of the renal graft) and 1 transitional cell carcinoma of the ureteral graft (incidence 0.78%). Nephron-sparing surgery was chosen for 5 patients with good outcomes. All graft renal cell carcinomas were classified as pT1a and the mean size of tumors was 28.4 mm (range 6–45). The 5-year specific survival rate was 100%. No recurrence was observed with a mean follow-up of 36.8 months (4.1–84.3). Conclusion: Thus confirming an increased risk of de novo graft cancer, close monitoring of renal transplant recipients should be discussed with at least an abdominopelvic ultrasonography and PSA measurement once a year. Renal cell graft carcinomas seemed to be mostly small and of papillary type and low grade.