bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subregional Anatomical Distribution of T2 Values of Articular Cartilage in Asymptomatic Hips
Authors: Ho Charles P. , Surowiec Rachel K. , Ferro Fernando P. , Lucas Erin P. , Saroki Adriana J. , Dornan Grant J. , Fitzcharles Eric K. , Anz Adam W. , Smith W. Sean , Wilson Katharine J. , Philippon Marc J.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

A standardized definition of normative T2 values across the articular surface of the hip must be defined in order to fully understand T2 values for detecting early degeneration. Therefore, in this article, we seek to lay foundational methodology for reproducible quantitative evaluation of hip cartilage damage using T2 mapping to determine the normative T2 values in asymptomatic individuals.

Design:

Nineteen prospectively enrolled asymptomatic volunteers (age 18-35 years, males 10, females 9, alpha angle 49.3º ± 7.2º) were evaluated with a sagittal T2 mapping sequence at 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. Acetabular and femoral cartilage was manually segmented directly on the second echo of the T2 mapping sequence by 3 raters, twice. Segmentations were divided into 12 subregions modified from the geographic zone method. Median T2 values within each subregion were compiled for further analysis and interrater and intrarater reliability was assessed.

Results:

In the femur, the posterior-superior subregion was significantly higher ( P ≤ 0.05) than those in the posterior-inferior and anterior-inferior subregions. In the acetabulum, the anterior-inferior subregion was significantly higher ( P ≤ 0.001) than in the anterior-superior, middle, and posterior-inferior subregions. T2 values of the posterior-superior subregion were significantly higher ( P ≤ 0.05) than the anterior-superior, middle, and posterior-inferior subregions. Interrater agreement was generally fair to good.
Depletion of Sf3b1 impairs proliferative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells but is not sufficient to induce myelodysplasia
Authors: Wang Changshan , Sashida Goro , Saraya Atsunori , Ishiga Reiko , Koide Shuhei , Oshima Motohiko , Isono Kyoichi , Koseki Haruhiko , Iwama Atsushi
Published: April 2014

Key Points

The level of Sf3b1 expression is critical for the proliferative capacity of hematopoietic stem cells. Haploinsufficiency for Sf3b1 is not sufficient to induce a RARS-like phenotype in mice.
On finding bicliques in bipartite graphs: a novel algorithm and its application to the integration of diverse biological data types
Authors: Zhang Yun , Phillips Charles A , Rogers Gary L , Baker Erich J , Chesler Elissa J , Langston Michael A
Published: April 2014

Background

Integrating and analyzing heterogeneous genome-scale data is a huge algorithmic challenge for modern systems biology. Bipartite graphs can be useful for representing relationships across pairs of disparate data types, with the interpretation of these relationships accomplished through an enumeration of maximal bicliques. Most previously-known techniques are generally ill-suited to this foundational task, because they are relatively inefficient and without effective scaling. In this paper, a powerful new algorithm is described that produces all maximal bicliques in a bipartite graph. Unlike most previous approaches, the new method neither places undue restrictions on its input nor inflates the problem size. Efficiency is achieved through an innovative exploitation of bipartite graph structure, and through computational reductions that rapidly eliminate non-maximal candidates from the search space. An iterative selection of vertices for consideration based on non-decreasing common neighborhood sizes boosts efficiency and leads to more balanced recursion trees.

Results

The new technique is implemented and compared to previously published approaches from graph theory and data mining. Formal time and space bounds are derived. Experiments are performed on both random graphs and graphs constructed from functional genomics data. It is shown that the new method substantially outperforms the best previous alternatives.

Conclusions

The new method is streamlined, efficient, and particularly well-suited to the study of huge and diverse biological data. A robust implementation has been incorporated into GeneWeaver, an online tool for integrating and analyzing functional genomics experiments, available at http://geneweaver.org. The enormous increase in scalability it provides empowers users to study complex and previously unassailable gene-set associations between genes and their biological functions in a hierarchical fashion and on a genome-wide scale. This practical computational resource is adaptable to almost any applications environment in which bipartite graphs can be used to model relationships between pairs of heterogeneous entities.
Epidemiology of respiratory symptoms in children with Down syndrome: a nationwide prospective web-based parent-reported study
Authors: Verstegen Ruud HJ , van Hout Roeland WNM , de Vries Esther
Published: April 2014

Background

Children with Down syndrome suffer from recurrent respiratory tract and ear-nose-throat complaints that influence daily life. Little is known about the frequency of these complaints, as well as their relation to co-morbidity and ageing.

Methods/design

A prospective web-based parent-reported observational study was designed for parents having a child with Down syndrome (age 0 to 18 years). Upon registration, parents receive an email containing a link to a weekly questionnaire regarding respiratory symptoms during two consecutive years. Additionally, at the beginning, after one year and at the end of the study they receive an extended questionnaire concerning baseline data, daily activities and medical history. The data will be compared to the ongoing “child-is-ill” study, which collects weekly data in an identical fashion in children that are considered to be “normal as to being ill” by their parents.

Discussion

This study will provide important data on the epidemiology of respiratory symptoms in children with Down syndrome, which will be useful for further studies on treatment options. Also, this study will gain insight in healthcare usage and work absence due to the child’s illnesses.
Socioeconomic and demographic factors modify the association between informal caregiving and health in the Sandwich Generation
Authors: Do Elizabeth K , Cohen Steven A , Brown Monique J
Published: April 2014

Background

Nearly 50 million Americans provide informal care to an older relative or friend. Many are members of the “sandwich generation”, providing care for elderly parents and children simultaneously. Although evidence suggests that the negative health consequences of caregiving are more severe for sandwiched caregivers, little is known about how these associations vary by sociodemographic factors.

Methods

We abstracted data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to determine how the association between caregiving and health varies by sociodemographic factors, using ordinal logistic regression with interaction terms and stratification by number of children, income, and race/ethnicity.

Results

The association between informal caregiving and health varied by membership in the “sandwich generation,” income, and race/ethnicity. This association was significant among subjects with one (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.04, 1.24]) and two or more children (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.26]), but not in those without children (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [0.97, 1.05]). Associations were strongest in those earning $50,000-$75,000 annually, but these income-dependent associations varied by race/ethnicity. In Whites with two or more children, the strongest associations between caregiving and health occurred in lower income individuals. These trends were not observed for Whites without children.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the added burden of caregiving for both children and elderly relatives may be impacted by income and race/ethnicity. These differences should be considered when developing culturally appropriate interventions to improve caregiver health and maintain this vital component of the US health care system.
Challenges faced by multidisplinary new investigators on addressing grand challenges in global health
Authors: Logie Carmen , Dimaras Helen , Fortin Anny , Ramón-García Santiago
Published: April 2014

Background

The grand challenges approach aims to spark innovative and transformative strategies to overcome barriers to significant global health issues. Grand Challenges Canada endorses an ‘Integrated Innovation™’ approach that focuses on the intersection of scientific/technological, social and business innovation. In this article we explore themes emerging from a dialogue between the authors, who are multidisciplinary recipients of the ‘Rising Stars in Global Health’ award from Grand Challenges Canada, regarding benefits of engaging in integrated innovation research, and recommendations for how this approach may develop in the future.

Discussion

Our dialogue followed a semi-structured interview format that addressed three topics: 1) reflections on applying an Integrated Innovation™ approach for global health; 2) thoughts on participation in the Grand Challenges 2012 meeting; and 3) authors’ visions of Grand Challenges Canada and the Grand Challenge movement towards 2020. The dialogue was transcribed verbatim and we used thematic analysis techniques to identify, analyze and report themes in the data. Benefits of working using the Grand Challenges approach centered on two themes: a) the potential for scientific breakthrough and b) building interdisciplinary collaborations and a community of scholars. Challenges and opportunities for Grand Challenges in moving forward included: a) capacity building, particularly regarding Integrated Innovation™ and scale-up planning; b) interdisciplinary and international mentorship for new investigators; and c) potential for future commercialization.

Conclusions

Our discussion highlighted that Integrated Innovation™ offers the opportunity to develop new theories, methods and approaches to global health while simultaneously fostering a collaborative spirit grounded in international, interdisciplinary collaborations. However, the arguable over-emphasis on corporatization poses a major challenge for new investigators. We propose a more balanced way forward that can harness technology to foster mentorship across time and space to support the development of such skills and ideas among new investigators.
Allergic sensitization: food‐ and protein‐related factors
Authors: McClain Scott , Bowman Christal , Fernández‐Rivas Montserrat , Ladics Gregory S , van Ree Ronald
Published: April 2014

Presented here are emerging capabilities to precisely measure endogenous allergens in soybean and maize, consideration of food matrices on allergens, and proteolytic activity of allergens. Also examined are observations of global allergy surveys and the prevalence of food allergy across different locales. Allergenic potential is considered in the context of how allergens can be characterized for their biochemical features and the potential for proteins to initiate a specific immune response. Some of the limitations in performing allergen characterization studies are examined. A combination of physical traits of proteins, the molecular interaction between cells and proteins in the human body, and the uniqueness of human culture play a role in understanding and eventually predicting protein allergy potential. The impact of measuring food allergens on determining safety for novel food crops and existing allergenic foods was highlighted with the conclusion that measuring content without the context of clinically relevant thresholds adds little value to safety. These data and findings were presented at a 2012 international symposium in Prague organized by the Protein Allergenicity Technical Committee of the International Life Sciences Institute's Health and Environmental Sciences Institute.
A survey of “mental hardiness” and “mental toughness” in professional male football players
Authors: Wieser Rainer , Thiel Haymo
Published: April 2014

Background

It is not uncommon for chiropractors to be associated with sports teams for injury prevention, treatment, or performance enhancement. There is increasing acceptance of the importance of sports psychology in the overall management of athletes. Recent findings indicate mental hardiness can be determined reliably using specific self-assessment questionnaires. This study set out to investigate the hardiness scores of professional footballers and examine the correlation between two questionnaires. It also included a mental hardiness rating of players by two coaches, and examined differences in hardiness and mental toughness between national and international players.

Methods

Two self-assessment questionnaires (modified Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire [SMTQ-M] and Psychological Performance Inventory [PPI-A]) were completed by 20 male professional footballers. Two coaches, independently rated each player. A percentage score from each questionnaire was awarded each player and an average score was calculated ({SMTQ-M % + PPI-A %} ÷ 2). The PPI-A and SMTQ-M scores obtained for each player were analysed for correlation with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Cohen’s kappa inter-reliability coefficient was used to determine agreement between coaches, and between the players’ hardiness scores and coaches’ ratings. The independent t-test was used to examine differences between national and international players.

Results

The players’ scores obtained from PPI-A and SMTQ-M correlated well (r = 0.709, p < 0.001). The coaches ratings showed significant, weak to moderate agreement (Cohen's kappa = 0.33). No significant agreement was found between player self-assessments and coaches’ ratings.

The average ({SMTQ-M % + PPI-A %} ÷ 2) mean score was 77% (SD = 7.98) with international players scoring 7.4% (p = 0.04) higher than non-international players.

Conclusions

The questionnaires (SMTQ-M and PPI-A) correlated well in their outcome scores. These findings suggest that coaches moderately agree when assessing the level of mental hardiness of football players. There was no agreement between player self-assessment and ratings by coaches. Footballers who play or had played for national teams achieved slightly higher mental hardiness scores.

Either questionnaire can offer the clinician a cost-effective, valuable measure of an individual’s psychological attributes, which could be relevant within the wider context of bio-psycho-social model of care.
Prognosis of concomitant users of clopidogrel and proton-pump inhibitors in a high-risk population for upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Wang Qing , Ljung Rickard , Lagergren Jesper , Lu Yunxia
Published: April 2014

Background

It is unclear whether concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) increases the risk of recurrence of cardiovascular disease or death in patients at high risk of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Methods

Based on the Swedish Patient Register, a cohort of cardiovascular disease (including acute myocardial infarction, stroke and angina, from 2006 to 2008) was selected from a population with any diagnosis of upper GI bleeding. Data on drug prescription was retrieved from the Prescribed Drug Register. Patients entered into the cohort after their first discharge for cardiovascular disease and were followed up to death, recurrence of cardiovascular disease, or 90 days. A Cox regression model was conducted and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to evaluate the risks among users of different drug prescriptions.

Results

Patients who were current users of only PPIs (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.19-3.44), only clopidogrel (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.53-2.45) and nonusers of both (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.39-4.00) were at a higher risk of death compared with patients with a concomitant use. Results were similar among 1779 patients who had any history of upper GI bleeding (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.18-3.54; HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.57-2.72; HR 2.30, 95% CI 1.33-3.98, respectively).

Conclusion

Among patients at high risk of upper GI bleeding, those with a concomitant use of PPIs and clopidogrel were at a decreased risk of mortality, and possibly also a decreased risk of recurrence of cardiovascular disease.
Application of response surface methodology for optimization of natural organic matter degradation by UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process
Authors: Rezaee Reza , Maleki Afshin , Jafari Ali , Mazloomi Sajad , Zandsalimi Yahya , Mahvi Amir H
Published: April 2014

Background

In this research, the removal of natural organic matter from aqueous solutions using advanced oxidation processes (UV/H2O2) was evaluated. Therefore, the response surface methodology and Box-Behnken design matrix were employed to design the experiments and to determine the optimal conditions. The effects of various parameters such as initial concentration of H2O2 (100–180 mg/L), pH (3–11), time (10–30 min) and initial total organic carbon (TOC) concentration (4–10 mg/L) were studied.

Results

Analysis of variance (ANOVA), revealed a good agreement between experimental data and proposed quadratic polynomial model (R2 = 0.98). Experimental results showed that with increasing H2O2 concentration, time and decreasing in initial TOC concentration, TOC removal efficiency was increased. Neutral and nearly acidic pH values also improved the TOC removal. Accordingly, the TOC removal efficiency of 78.02% in terms of the independent variables including H2O2 concentration (100 mg/L), pH (6.12), time (22.42 min) and initial TOC concentration (4 mg/L) were optimized. Further confirmation tests under optimal conditions showed a 76.50% of TOC removal and confirmed that the model is accordance with the experiments. In addition TOC removal for natural water based on response surface methodology optimum condition was 62.15%.

Conclusions

This study showed that response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken method is a useful tool for optimizing the operating parameters for TOC removal using UV/H2O2 process.
Participation and significance of self-help groups for social development: exploring the community capacity in Ethiopia
Authors: Teshome Elias , Zenebe Mulumebet , Metaferia Henok , Biadgilign Sibhatu
Published: April 2014

Background

There are various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia among which the ‘Idir’ is a social and financial institution widespread both in urban and rural areas of the country. So the objectives of this study is to investigate how women members perceive the contribution of iddirs toward improving their lives and to determine whether and to what extent participation in iddirs has social impacts on their lives.

Methods

A cross-sectional qualitative study using Key Informant In-Depth Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was conducted in Addis Ababa, Addis Ketema Sub-city. Ethiopia. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview questionnaire and FGD guideline. Analysis of the data was made manually using thematic framework analysis method.

Result

Though their iddir doesn’t provide financial assistance, all the participants revealed the importance of installing credit mechanisms in their iddirs. However, they mentioned the inability of their respective iddirs in assisting members with their financial needs. One major difficulty mentioned was lack of capital. The participants demonstrated that the contribution of iddir in their well-being was more indispensable than the contributions of other voluntary associations they are acquainted with, such as iqub and mahiber. Especially iddir was regarded as crucial and unique in meeting emotional needs. As well, iddirs’ meetings are ideal places where women share experience; discuss issues of pressing concern and their worries. Other benefit of iddir include opportunities for social interaction, risk sharing and development of friendships, dispute resolution, Sharing and using timely information more effectively, Lower level of funeral services anxiety, Improvement of self confidence and leadership role, reciprocity and coexistence and trust.

Conclusion

Women’s iddirs are the viable basis in the creation of social network which plays crucial roles in providing solutions to social and economic challenges women are facing. There was a general consensus by the participants that their iddirs were unable to offer financial assistances. Enabling women’s iddirs to be independent of borrowing from banks is also indispensable and trainings on effective use of credits and the positive role of social capital formed in women’s iddirs is relevant.
Identification of miR-26 as a key mediator of estrogen stimulated cell proliferation by targeting CHD1, GREB1 and KPNA2
Authors: Tan Sheng , Ding Keshuo , Li Rui , Zhang Weijie , Li Gaopeng , Kong Xiangjun , Qian Pengxu , Lobie Peter E , Zhu Tao
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Estrogen signaling is pivotal in the progression of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer primarily by the regulation of cell survival and proliferation. Micro (mi)RNAs have been demonstrated to be regulated by estrogen to mediate estrogenic effects. Herein, we determined the role of estrogen regulated miR-26 and its underlying molecular mechanisms associated with estrogen receptor (ER)+ breast cancer proliferation.

Methods

The expression of miR-26a and miR-26b was evaluated by real-time quantitative (RT)-PCR. The expression of miR-26a or miR-26b was modulated in ER+ breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T47D) and tumor cell growth in vitro and an in vivo xenograft model was determined. Bioinformatics analyses were utilized to screen for estrogen responsive genes, which were also predicted to be targeted by miR-26. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm miR-26 regulation of the 3' UTR of target genes. The levels of miR-26 target genes (CHD1, GREB1 and KPNA2) were evaluated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Estrogen reduced the expression of miR-26a and miR-26b in ER+ breast cancer cells. Forced expression of miR-26a or miR-26b significantly inhibited the estrogen stimulated growth of ER+ breast cancer cells and tumor growth in xenograft models, whereas miR-26a/b depletion increased the growth of ER+ breast cancer cells in the absence of estrogen treatment. Screening of estrogen responsive genes, which were also predicted to be targeted by miR-26, identified GREB1 and nine other genes (AGPAT5, AMMECR1, CHD1, ERLIN1, HSPA8, KPNA2, MREG, NARG1, and PLOD2). Further verification has identified nine genes (AGPAT5, CHD1, ERLIN1, GREB1, HSPA8, KPNA2, MREG, NARG1 and PLOD2) which were directly targeted by miR-26 via their 3′ UTR. Functional screening suggested only three estrogen regulated miR-26 target genes (CHD1, GREB1 and KPNA2) were involved in the regulation of estrogen promoted cell proliferation. Depletion of either CHD1, GREB1 or KPNA2 significantly abrogated the enhanced growth of ER+ breast cancer cells due to miR-26 depletion. We further demonstrated that estrogen stimulated c-MYC expression was both sufficient and necessary for the diminished expression of miR-26a and miR-26b.

Conclusions

We have identified a novel estrogen/MYC/miR-26 axis that mediates estrogen stimulated cell growth via CHD1, GREB1 and KPNA2.
Frequency-dependent reflection coefficients in diffusive-viscous media
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Gao Jinghuai , Liu Faqi
Published: April 2014

Amplitude variation with offset/angle of incidence inversion has been playing a key role in hydrocarbon detection and reservoir characterization. Traditionally, it has been limited to elastic even viscoelastic cases. We investigated the reflectivity in diffusive-viscous media. Our study demonstrated that the magnitude of the reflection coefficients in such a media is not only related to the incident angle and the parameters of the medium but also strongly depends on the frequency. We first demonstrated the validity of diffusive-viscous wave equation, proposed empirically, based on the continuum equations and basic laws of physics. Then, we investigated the frequency-dependent phase velocity and the quality factor [Formula: see text], whose impacts typically increase toward high frequencies, and we studied the magnitude and phase of the reflection coefficient at an interface between two diffusive-viscous media. A general equation of the reflection coefficients was also obtained for a stack of arbitrary number of plane layers in such media. Finally, we computed synthetic vertical seismic profile seismograms using the reflectivity method for a model consisting of five fluid-saturated layers to demonstrate that the diffusive and viscous terms in diffusive-viscous theory have a big impact on the synthetic seismograms, and stronger attenuation is observed in the layer having larger attenuation parameters.
Efficient Analytical Fragility Function Fitting Using Dynamic Structural Analysis
Authors: Baker Jack W.
Published: April 2014

Estimation of fragility functions using dynamic structural analysis is an important step in a number of seismic assessment procedures. This paper discusses the applicability of statistical inference concepts for fragility function estimation, describes appropriate fitting approaches for use with various structural analysis strategies, and studies how to fit fragility functions while minimizing the required number of structural analyses. Illustrative results show that multiple stripe analysis produces more efficient fragility estimates than incremental dynamic analysis for a given number of structural analyses, provided that some knowledge of the building's capacity is available prior to analysis so that relevant portions of the fragility curve can be approximately identified. This finding has other benefits, given that the multiple stripe analysis approach allows for different ground motions to be used for analyses at varying intensity levels, to represent the differing characteristics of low-intensity and high-intensity shaking. The proposed assessment approach also provides a framework for evaluating alternate analysis procedures that may arise in the future.
Collapse Assessment of the Alto Rio Building in the 2010 Chile Earthquake
Authors: Deger Zeynep Tuna , Wallace John W.
Published: April 2014

The 2010 Mw = 8.8 earthquake in Chile subjected thousands of modern buildings to strong shaking. The 15-story, residential, Torre Alto Rio building was the only modern reinforced concrete building over ten stories to collapse. Since the concrete building code used in Chile is based on ACI 318-95, it is a valuable exercise to assess the performance of this building and to identify possible reasons for collapse. Potential reasons for collapse were studied using post-earthquake observed damage, structural drawings, and nonlinear static and dynamic response analyses. Analysis results indicate that collapse was likely influenced by a number of factors, including flexural-compression failure at the web boundary of T-shaped walls below discontinuities on the east side of the building, shear damage in walls across the central corridor at the first level, and tensile fracture and splice failure of the wall boundary and web vertical reinforcement at the ground line on the west side of the building.
Screening, Assessment, and Care of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Adults With Cancer: An American Society of Clinical Oncology Guideline Adaptation
Authors: Andersen Barbara L. , DeRubeis Robert J. , Berman Barry S. , Gruman Jessie , Champion Victoria L. , Massie Mary Jane , Holland Jimmie C. , Partridge Ann H. , Bak Kate , Somerfield Mark R. , Rowland Julia H.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

A Pan-Canadian Practice Guideline on Screening, Assessment, and Care of Psychosocial Distress (Depression, Anxiety) in Adults With Cancer was identified for adaptation.

Methods

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has a policy and set of procedures for adapting clinical practice guidelines developed by other organizations. The guideline was reviewed for developmental rigor and content applicability.

Results

On the basis of content review of the pan-Canadian guideline, the ASCO panel agreed that, in general, the recommendations were clear, thorough, based on the most relevant scientific evidence, and presented options that will be acceptable to patients. However, for some topics addressed in the pan-Canadian guideline, the ASCO panel formulated a set of adapted recommendations based on local context and practice beliefs of the ad hoc panel members. It is recommended that all patients with cancer be evaluated for symptoms of depression and anxiety at periodic times across the trajectory of care. Assessment should be performed using validated, published measures and procedures. Depending on levels of symptoms and supplementary information, differing treatment pathways are recommended. Failure to identify and treat anxiety and depression increases the risk for poor quality of life and potential disease-related morbidity and mortality. This guideline adaptation is part of a larger survivorship guideline series.

Conclusion

Although clinicians may not be able to prevent some of the chronic or late medical effects of cancer, they have a vital role in mitigating the negative emotional and behavioral sequelae. Recognizing and treating effectively those who manifest symptoms of anxiety or depression will reduce the human cost of cancer.
Comparative Effectiveness of Robot-Assisted and Open Radical Prostatectomy in the Postdissemination Era
Authors: Gandaglia Giorgio , Sammon Jesse D. , Chang Steven L. , Choueiri Toni K. , Hu Jim C. , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Kibel Adam S. , Kim Simon P. , Konijeti Ramdev , Montorsi Francesco , Nguyen Paul L. , Sukumar Shyam , Menon Mani , Sun Maxine , Trinh Quoc-Dien
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Given the lack of randomized trials comparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open radical prostatectomy (ORP), we sought to re-examine the outcomes of these techniques using a cohort of patients treated in the postdissemination era.

Patients and Methods

Overall, data from 5,915 patients with prostate cancer treated with RARP or ORP within the SEER-Medicare linked database diagnosed between October 2008 and December 2009 were abstracted. Postoperative complications, blood transfusions, prolonged length of stay (pLOS), readmission, additional cancer therapies, and costs of care within the first year after surgery were compared between the two surgical approaches. To decrease the effect of unmeasured confounders, instrumental variable analysis was performed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were then performed.

Results

Overall, 2,439 patients (41.2%) and 3,476 patients (58.8%) underwent ORP and RARP, respectively. In multivariable analyses, patients undergoing RARP had similar odds of overall complications, readmission, and additional cancer therapies compared with patients undergoing ORP. However, RARP was associated with a higher probability of experiencing 30- and 90-day genitourinary and miscellaneous medical complications (all P ≤ .02). Additionally, RARP led to a lower risk of experiencing blood transfusion and of having a pLOS (all P < .001). Finally, first-year reimbursements were greater for patients undergoing RARP compared with ORP (P < .001).

Conclusion

RARP and ORP have comparable rates of complications and additional cancer therapies, even in the postdissemination era. Although RARP was associated with lower risk of blood transfusions and a slightly shorter length of stay, these benefits do not translate to a decrease in expenditures.
Clinical Evaluation of a Multiple-Gene Sequencing Panel for Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment
Authors: Kurian Allison W. , Hare Emily E. , Mills Meredith A. , Kingham Kerry E. , McPherson Lisa , Whittemore Alice S. , McGuire Valerie , Ladabaum Uri , Kobayashi Yuya , Lincoln Stephen E. , Cargill Michele , Ford James M.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Multiple-gene sequencing is entering practice, but its clinical value is unknown. We evaluated the performance of a customized germline-DNA sequencing panel for cancer-risk assessment in a representative clinical sample.

Methods

Patients referred for clinical BRCA1/2 testing from 2002 to 2012 were invited to donate a research blood sample. Samples were frozen at −80° C, and DNA was extracted from them after 1 to 10 years. The entire coding region, exon-intron boundaries, and all known pathogenic variants in other regions were sequenced for 42 genes that had cancer risk associations. Potentially actionable results were disclosed to participants.

Results

In total, 198 women participated in the study: 174 had breast cancer and 57 carried germline BRCA1/2 mutations. BRCA1/2 analysis was fully concordant with prior testing. Sixteen pathogenic variants were identified in ATM, BLM, CDH1, CDKN2A, MUTYH, MLH1, NBN, PRSS1, and SLX4 among 141 women without BRCA1/2 mutations. Fourteen participants carried 15 pathogenic variants, warranting a possible change in care; they were invited for targeted screening recommendations, enabling early detection and removal of a tubular adenoma by colonoscopy. Participants carried an average of 2.1 variants of uncertain significance among 42 genes.

Conclusion

Among women testing negative for BRCA1/2 mutations, multiple-gene sequencing identified 16 potentially pathogenic mutations in other genes (11.4%; 95% CI, 7.0% to 17.7%), of which 15 (10.6%; 95% CI, 6.5% to 16.9%) prompted consideration of a change in care, enabling early detection of a precancerous colon polyp. Additional studies are required to quantify the penetrance of identified mutations and determine clinical utility. However, these results suggest that multiple-gene sequencing may benefit appropriately selected patients.
ESR1 and ESR2 Differentially Regulate Daily and Circadian Activity Rhythms in Female Mice
Authors: Royston S.E. , Yasui N. , Kondilis A.G. , Lord S.V. , Katzenellenbogen J.A. , Mahoney M.M.
Published: April 2014

Estrogenic signaling shapes and modifies daily and circadian rhythms, the disruption of which has been implicated in psychiatric, neurologic, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease, among others. However, the activational mechanisms contributing to these effects remain poorly characterized. To determine the activational impact of estrogen on daily behavior patterns and differentiate between the contributions of the estrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2, ovariectomized adult female mice were administered estradiol, the ESR1 agonist propylpyrazole triol, the ESR2 agonist diarylpropionitrile, or cholesterol (control). Animals were singly housed with running wheels in a 12-hour light, 12-hour dark cycle or total darkness. Estradiol increased total activity and amplitude, consolidated activity to the dark phase, delayed the time of peak activity (acrophase of wheel running), advanced the time of activity onset, and shortened the free running period (τ), but did not alter the duration of activity (α). Importantly, activation of ESR1 or ESR2 differentially impacted daily and circadian rhythms. ESR1 stimulation increased total wheel running and amplitude and reduced the proportion of activity in the light vs the dark. Conversely, ESR2 activation modified the distribution of activity across the day, delayed acrophase of wheel running, and advanced the time of activity onset. Interestingly, τ was shortened by estradiol or either estrogen receptor agonist. Finally, estradiol-treated animals administered a light pulse in the early subjective night, but no other time, had an attenuated response compared with controls. This decreased phase response was mirrored by animals treated with diarylpropionitrile, but not propylpyrazole triol. To conclude, estradiol has strong activational effects on the temporal patterning and expression of daily and circadian behavior, and these effects are due to distinct mechanisms elicited by ESR1 and ESR2 activation.
Association Between Vitamin D Status and Physical Function in the Severely Obese
Authors: Ahern T. , Khattak A. , O'Malley E. , Dunlevy C. , Kilbane M. , Woods C. , McKenna M. J. , O'Shea D.
Published: April 2014

Context:

Mortality is 85% higher in severely obese subjects (body mass index [BMI] > 40 kg/m2) than in subjects with a healthy BMI; poor physical function may be contributory. Hypovitaminosis D is common in obese subjects and is associated with physical dysfunction in the elderly.

Objective:

We determined the relationship between vitamin D status and physical function in severely obese subjects.

Design, Setting, and Patients:

We conducted a clinic-based, cross-sectional study of severely obese subjects. Participants were stratified into three groups according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) vitamin D status categorization.

Main Outcome Measures:

We compared levels of self-reported activity and times taken to walk 500 m and to ascend and descend a 17-cm step 50 times.

Results:

We recruited 252 subjects (age, 43.7 ± 11.2 y; BMI, 50.7 ± 9.7 kg/m2); 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations were less than 30 nmol/L in 109 participants. Participants with a 25OHD > 50 nmol/L, compared to those with a 25OHD < 30 nmol/L, had the highest activity levels (3.1 ± 3.4 h/wk versus 1.5 ± 2.5 h/wk; P = .015) and the shortest 500-m walk times (6.2 ± 1.1 min versus 7.4 ± 1.5 min; P = .003). Serum 25OHD concentrations had a weakly positive association with activity level (r = 0.19; P = .008) and a moderately negative association with 500-m walk time (r = −0.343; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Vitamin D status had a significant relationship with physical activity and physical function in this cohort of severely obese subjects. Low activity levels are likely to perpetuate the problem of hypovitaminosis D due to less time spent outdoors. Studies exploring the effects of vitamin D supplementation in this population are warranted.
Popliteal vein aneurysm: Is it necessary to apply anticoagulants after a surgery?
Authors: Geremek M. , Janik M. , Malek G. , Ostrowski K. , Trochimczuk M.
Published: April 2014

Aim: This study is intended to evaluate indications for antithrombotic therapy in patients with tangentially resected popliteal vein aneurysm.

Methods: Evaluation of the course of therapy in a patient with popliteal vein aneurysm. Literature review covered literature data published within the last decade. Studies were identified by searching Medline and PubMed databases for the following phrases: ”popliteal venous aneurysm” and ”popliteal vein aneurysm”.

Results: The case study and literature review revealed that thromboembolic risk cannot be entirely eliminated by means of tangential resection of popliteal vein aneurysm. Vein suture and residual postoperative dilatation of the popliteal vein can be considered predisposing factors to thromboembolic complications.

Conclusion: Patients with tangentially resected popliteal vein aneurysm involving vein suture can be administered oral antithrombotic therapy within three months postoperatively. Therapy extension should be made conditional on the degree of vein dilation reduction. Where the diameter at surgical site is larger than 20 mm, it appears appropriate to continue antithrombotic therapy and to repeat assessment in six months time.
Neonatal death from rose disease in 1796
Authors: Hach-Wunderle V. , Hach W.
Published: April 2014

In der vorhygienischen Zeit lief das Erysipel in den Kriegslazaretten und Krankensälen als Epidemie mit oftmals tödlichem Ausgang ab. Eine besondere, wenn auch seltene Form war die Rose der Neugeborenen. Auch hier gab es kleinere Epidemien in den Geburtshäusern des 18. und 19. Jahrhunderts. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung eines Krankheitsverlaufes stammt von Christoph Wilhelm Hufeland aus dem Jahre 1796. Wahrscheinlich hatte sich das Baby bei seiner Mutter angesteckt. Die Eintrittspforten der Erreger befanden sich üblicherweise am Nabel und in der Genitalregion. Sie verursachten hier eine dramatische Lokalreaktion. Von vornherein verlief die Infektion als Sepsis. Damit erschien der tödliche Ausgang vorgegeben. Möglicherweise war Hufelands Krankheitsfall auch mit einem Tetanus (Kieferbackenzwang) kombiniert. Heute gibt es die Rose des Neugeborenen in unserem Kulturkreis nicht mehr.
Case Article—Seagate–Quantum: Encroachment Strategies
Authors: Schmidt Glen M. , Van Mieghem Jan A.
Published: April 2014

Few terms in the recent literature on innovation management have been as widely used as the phrase disruptive technology. Yet this term is widely misunderstood. As Christensen and Raynor (2003, p. 143) note, “Many readers have equated in their minds the terms disruptive and breakthrough. It is extremely important, for purposes of prediction and understanding, not to confuse the terms.”

This case shows how to recognize a potentially disruptive technology: it diffuses via a process of low-end encroachment. The new technology initially imposes little apparent threat because it sells to low-end or new customers, but it eventually encroaches on the current market from the low end upward. The case compares and contrasts low-end encroachment (using the example of a new, smaller disk drive involving the firms Seagate and Quantum) to the case of high-end encroachment, where a new product such as a Pentium IV initially sells to high-end customers. In an oversimplified but concrete way, the case shows how marketing concepts such as conjoint analysis and reservation price tie into the concept of a demand curve, and how operations improvements (via the learning curve, or via product and process design) can lead to market share changes and product diffusion. These all have implications on firm strategy. Thus the case integrates material from multiple disciplines and might be used in MBA, MS, executive, or undergraduate courses that cover topics such as technology management, operations strategy, new product development, marketing strategy, or competitive strategy.
Incorporating evidence and politics in health policy: can institutionalising evidence review make a difference?
Authors: Flitcroft Kathy , Gillespie James , Carter Stacy , Salkeld Glenn , Trevena Lyndal
Published: April 2014

Much of the evidence translation literature focuses narrowly on the use of evidence in the initial policy formulation stages, and downplays the crucial role of institutions and the inherently political nature of policy making. More recent approaches acknowledge the importance of institutional and political factors, but make no attempt to incorporate their influence into new models of evidence translation. To address this issue, this article uses data from a comparative case study of bowel cancer screening policy in Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, to propose alternative models of evidence incorporation which apply to all stages of the policy process.
The Prosecution of Organised Crime: Removing the Jury
Authors: Campbell Liz
Published: April 2014

Serious organised crime groups may enjoy virtual impunity through the corruption and coercion of parties involved in the criminal justice process. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, this is most evident in the intimidation of witnesses and jurors, leading to difficulties in successful prosecution of organised criminality. One notable response to this phenomenon is to hold juryless trials for serious indictable offences, mirroring a similar approach in counter-terrorism legislation arising from the political violence in Northern Ireland. Despite common rationales, such trials have been operationalised differently in these neighbouring jurisdictions: in England, Wales and Northern Ireland ‘ordinary’ legislation was introduced, whereas in Ireland juryless trials are permitted under existing counter-terrorism laws. This article reviews the problematic dimensions of both legislative schemes, and considers their application by the courts since enactment. After outlining viable alternatives, it concludes that juryless trials may be necessary in limited instances, and if so, the English model is to be preferred.
Judging, Fast and Slow: Using Decision-Making Theory to Explore Judicial Fact Determination
Authors: Cunliffe Emma
Published: April 2014

Empirical research with judges and jurors has provided research into the process by which legal decision-makers come to a view about the facts of the case. However, much remains uncertain, including questions about how judges' reasoning processes might differ from jurors' when thinking through the facts of a case, and how well the insights of decision-making research translate into the noisy context of real criminal trials. This article offers a preliminary exploration of connections between Pennington and Hastie's story model of decision-making, heuristics and biases research, and areas of fact determination that have presented persistent difficulties to criminal courts, including sexual assault, child homicide and the assessment of expert testimony. I discuss some of the key insights that cognitive psychology can offer to those who are interested in understanding how decision-makers think about the facts of a case, and where decision-makers may be prone to error.
Los actos silenciosos en la conversación de los jóvenes españoles: ¿(des)cortesía o “anticortesía”?
Authors: Camargo Fernández Laura , Méndez Guerrero Beatriz
Published: April 2014

El silencio es un elemento tan complejo y diverso como habitual en la comunicación humana, por lo que debe ser atendido en la investigación pragmática. Para ello, ha de conocerse qué lo motiva y qué funciones cumple en la interacción conversacional. Los estudios sobre cortesía verbal aportan referencias esenciales sobre el fenómeno silencioso asociándolo a la descortesía (Leech, 1983; Brown y Levinson, 1987; Jaworski, 1997; Haverkate, 1994; Sifianou, 1997). Asimismo se ha considerado el silencio como un componente cultural que puede ser interpretado de manera positiva o negativa pero jamás como un elemento vacío (Cestero, 1999; Nakane, 2007). En este trabajo se mostrará que muchos silencios propios de la conversación en español no constituyen actos que dañen la imagen del interlocutor, sino que son simples estrategias comunicativas intencionales que pueden, en algunos contextos, relacionarse con la anticortesía (Zimmermann, 2003). Para demostrarlo, se presentará: 1) una taxonomía de las funciones pragmáticas del silencio en la conversación informal en español; 2) una escala de (des)cortesía a partir de aspectos como las duración del silencio y el coste/beneficio que tiene este para hablante y destinatario; y 3) la relación entre silencio y “anticortesía”.
Repensando el minimalismo silábico en el truncamiento en español
Authors: Grau Sempere Antonio
Published: April 2014

Se sabe que la palabra mínima en español contiene una sola sílaba que domina a dos moras. También se ha demostrado que el pie métrico mínimo en español es monosilábico bimoraico. Así, este estudio sostiene que el tamaño mínimo de los truncamientos en español es igualmente monosílabico bimoraico y ofrece un análisis basado en la Teoría de la Optimidad.
Sex, Gender, and War in an Age of Multicultural Imperialism
Authors: Spade Dean , Willse Craig
Published: April 2014

This essay examines the case of Chelsea Manning in the larger context of both U.S. imperial war and the ways in which gender and sexuality are deployed in service of colonialism, racism, and militarism. Situating the Manning case alongside two contemporaneous events, the attempted prosecution of Julian Assange on rape charges and Hillary Clinton’s much-lauded “gay rights are human rights” speech, we argue that Manning’s trans identity has challenged both right and left commentators to absorb her into projects of pinkwashing and homonationalism. We conclude with a consideration about what anti-war, anti-imperial, anti-carceral LGBT politics and organizing around this case might look like.