bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between the pre‐pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with pregnancy outcomes in Japanese women
Authors: Tanaka Tomohito , Ashihara Keisuke , Nakamura Michihiko , Kanda Takayoshi , Fujita Daisuke , Yamashita Yoshiki , Terai Yoshito , Kamegai Hideki , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: April 2014

Aim

To examine the associations between the pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) with pregnancy outcomes in Japanese women.

Methods

The medical records of 1883 Japanese women who delivered singleton infants from January 2010 to January 2013 at Osaka‐Minami Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed. We use the BMI classification which the World Health Organization defined for Asian populations and the GWG classified based on the current 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations. The odds ratio (OR) of each of the groups for the different pregnancy outcomes were compared to the recommended group using a logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, gestational weeks, parity, weight gain, mode of delivery, pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and gestational diabetes mellitus.

Results

Women who were obese (BMI, ≥25 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI, 23–24.9 kg/m2) had a higher rate of developing PIH (adjusted OR, 6.68 and 3.21 [95% confidence interval [CI], 3.31–13.3 and 1.29–7.24]). In contrast, GWG exhibited a correlation with the weight of the infant. The inadequate GWG group had a higher rate of small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) infants (adjusted OR, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.22–2.46]). The rate of emergency cesarean section was not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion

A pre‐pregnancy BMI less than 23 kg/m2 is desirable to prevent Japanese women from developing PIH. GWG within the IOM recommendations also reduced the risk of PIH and SGA.
Minilaparoscopic hysterectomy made easy: First report on alternative instrumentation and new integrated energy platform
Authors: Ng Ying Woo , Lim Li Min , Fong Yoke Fai
Published: April 2014

Minilaparoscopy is an attractive approach for hysterectomy due to advantages such as reduced morbidities and enhanced cosmesis. However, it has not been popularized due to the lack of suitable instruments and high technical demand. We aim to highlight the first case of minilaparoscopic hysterectomy reported in Asia and the use of a new integrated energy platform, Thunderbeat. We would like to propose an alternative method of instrumentation, so as to improve the feasibility and safety of minilaparoscopic hysterectomy. The first minilaparoscopic hysterectomy in Singapore was successfully completed using the alternative instrumentation and new energy platform. There was no conversion or complication during the surgery. The patient recovered uneventfully. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of such alternative instrumentation. This approach in instrumentation and the new energy platform will improve the feasibility and speed of the surgery and ensure safety in our patients.
Polypoid endometriosis of the ovary mimicking ovarian carcinoma dissemination: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yamada Yasushi , Miyamoto Tsutomu , Horiuchi Akiko , Ohya Ayumi , Shiozawa Tanri
Published: April 2014

Polypoid endometriosis is a rare type of endometriosis. We report a case of polypoid endometriosis of the ovary mimicking ovarian carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a left ovarian endometriotic cyst containing several nodules in the cystic wall that displayed enhancement, and pelvic nodules on the right ovary. A preoperative or intraoperative diagnosis to avoid the unnecessary extended operation is important for such disease. Retrospective magnetic resonance imaging analysis identified a peculiar finding for polypoid endometriosis: all solid nodules had a round and smooth shape and displayed a low‐signal‐intense marginal edge on T2‐weighted images, suggesting that this is an important finding for differentiating polypoid endometriosis from ovarian carcinoma arising from endometriosis.
Effect of Food Service Nutrition Improvements on Elementary School Cafeteria Lunch Purchase Patterns
Authors: Cluss Patricia A. , Fee LuAnn , Culyba Rebecca J. , Bhat Kiran B. , Owen Kay
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Schools can play a major role in prevention and intervention for childhood obesity. We describe changes in elementary school cafeteria lunch sales patterns resulting from nutritional improvements in menu offerings that were part of a community‐wide focus on health.

METHODS

Elementary school lunch sales data were collected for 1 week in each of 7 years in a district serving a predominantly poor, rural, and Caucasian student population, with high rates of obesity. Post hoc data analyses described lunch sales patterns and related food service costs over the project years.

RESULTS

The percentage of high calorie/low nutrition foods sold decreased from 22% of all sales in 2005 to 0% in 2011. High‐calorie snack purchases decreased from 535 items to 0 items. The sale of fresh fruits increased by 12%. There was only a slight decline in the percentage of children who purchased cafeteria lunches over the years and a 15.2% cost increase for purchasing healthier food supplies.

CONCLUSIONS

Elementary school children purchased healthier lunches when healthier menu items were offered and when less healthy foods were eliminated from the menu. There was no significant decline in the number of students who purchased lunches as nutritional improvements were made.
Opportunities for Increasing Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Provision in School Health Centers
Authors: Moss Jennifer L. , Feld Ashley L. , O'Malley Brittany , Entzel Pamela , Smith Jennifer S. , Gilkey Melissa B. , Brewer Noel T.
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine remains low among adolescents in the United States. We sought to assess barriers to HPV vaccine provision in school health centers to inform subsequent interventions.

METHODS

We conducted structured interviews in the fall of 2010 with staff from all 33 school health centers in North Carolina that stocked HPV vaccine.

RESULTS

Centers had heterogeneous policies and procedures. Out‐of‐pocket costs for children and youth to receive privately purchased HPV vaccine were a key barrier to providing HPV vaccine within school health centers. Other barriers included students not returning consent forms, costs to clinics of ordering and stocking privately purchased HPV vaccine, and difficulty using the statewide immunization registry. Most (82%) school health centers were interested in hosting interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake, especially those that the centers could implement themselves, but many had limited staff to support such efforts. Activities rated as more likely to raise HPV vaccine uptake were student incentives, parent reminders, and obtaining consent from parents while they are at school (all ps < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although school health centers reported facing several key barriers to providing HPV vaccine, many were interested in partnering with outside organizations on low‐cost interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents.
Effects of punctuation on the processing of temporarily ambiguous sentences in Japanese
Authors: Niikuni Keiyu , Muramoto Toshiaki
Published: April 2014

This study explored the effects of comma insertion on the processing of garden path sentences in Japanese. In two experiments, participants read relative clause sentences containing two ambiguities: single versus relative clause and early‐opening (EO) versus late‐opening (LO) left clause boundaries. EO sentences were presented with or without a comma compatible with an EO boundary in Experiment 1 and, in Experiment 2, with an LO boundary. The results showed that the comma, whether compatible or incompatible with the correct clause boundary, decreased reading time for the relative clause's head noun, indicating that a comma helps readers avoid or recover from garden paths caused by relative clause structures. Conversely, a comma incompatible with a clause boundary increased processing costs of second ambiguity resolution (EO vs. LO). We concluded that punctuation affects processing of temporary ambiguity in Japanese as in languages with stricter punctuation rules; furthermore, readers depend strongly on punctuation for online processing of whole sentence structures. We also discuss the relationship between punctuation and (implicit) prosody.
Processing segmental and prosodic information in spoken word planning: Further evidence from Cantonese Chinese
Authors: Wong Andus Wing‐Kuen , Chen Hsuan‐Chih
Published: April 2014

Three picture‐word interference experiments were conducted to investigate how segmental and tonal information is processed in Cantonese spoken word planning. The picture names were all Cantonese monosyllables with a consonant‐vowel‐consonant structure. Significant facilitation effects on naming latencies were found when the target (e.g., 星 /sing1/, “Star”) and the auditory word distractor (e.g., /ging2/, /sik6/, or /soeng3/) shared two identical phonemic segments (regardless of the segments' syllable‐internal position), than when they were unrelated, whereas no reliable effects were obtained when they shared only the vowel (e.g., /dim3/), the coda (e.g., /hung2/), or together with the tone (e.g., /bit1/ or /fung1/). Furthermore, the facilitation effect observed in the consonant + consonant + tone‐related condition (e.g., /soeng1/) was reliably larger than that in the consonant + consonant‐related condition (e.g., /soeng3/). These results suggest that activation of a single segment is not effective in influencing Cantonese word production and that the lexical tone in Cantonese has a unique role to play. A model which assumes interactivity between lexical and sublexical (including tonal and segmental representations) levels of processing in Cantonese spoken word planning can best account for the available results.
Male Sexual Function Can Be Maintained Without Aromatization: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in Healthy, Older Men for 24 Months
Authors: Sartorius Gideon A. , Ly Lam P. , Handelsman David J.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Male sexual function is highly androgen dependent but whether aromatization of testosterone (T) to estradiol is required remains contentious.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the effects of selective estrogen deficiency induced by a nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), on sexual function of healthy middle-aged and older men.

Methods

Randomized clinical trial of daily transdermal DHT (70 mg) or placebo gel treatment in 114 healthy middle-aged and older (>50 years, mean 60.5 years) men without known prostate disease maintaining selective estrogen deficiency for 24 months.

Outcome Measures and Analysis

The end points were responses to a psychosexual and mood questionnaire completed before, at 3 months, then at 6 monthly intervals during and 3 months after study. Data were analyzed by mixed model analysis of variance for repeated measures using age and body mass index (BMI) as covariates and including interactions of treatment with age and time-on-study.

Results

DHT treatment increased serum DHT with complete suppression of serum T, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and estradiol throughout the 24-month study resulting in reduced spinal bone density. There were no spontaneous complaints, or discontinuations for, adverse effects on sexual function during the study. DHT administration had no effects on any of 33 measures of sexual function and mood, apart from a mild, but significant decrease in overall sexual desire, which was reversible after cessation of treatment. Increasing age and less often increasing BMI were associated with significant decreases in most aspects of sexual function.

Conclusions

We conclude that aromatization plays only a minimal role in maintenance of sexual function in healthy eugonadal middle-aged or older men, but age and obesity are significantly associated with decreases in most aspects of self-reported sexual function and satisfaction. The dependence of male sexual function on aromatization may be conditional on age and obesity and can be overcome by a nonaromatizable androgen.
Optimal linear combination of ARFI, transient elastography and APRI for the assessment of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Liu Yingxia , Dong Chang feng , Yang Guilin , Liu Jing , Yao Simin , Li Han ying , Yuan Jing , Li Shaxi , Le Xiaohua , Lin Yimin , Zeng Wen , Lin Haoming , Zhang Xinyu , Chen Xin
Published: April 2014

Background & Aims

Accurate assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is necessary not only to predict the long‐term clinical course but also to determine an appropriate antiviral therapy scheme. Several noninvasive approaches – serum markers and elastography – have been proposed as alternatives for the histopathological analysis of liver biopsies. The aim of this study was to evaluate two ultrasound elastography methods (ARFI and TE) and one biochemical test (APRI), as well as their optimal linear combination, in the assessment of liver fibrosis in CHB.

Methods

Ninety five patients with CHB and 16 volunteers underwent ARFI, TE and APRI; and liver fibrosis was staged in the patients by a liver biopsy. An optimal linear combination of the three methods was developed, and its diagnostic performance was evaluated by a 10‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

The accuracy of the linear combination was 83.86% and 91.88% for significant fibrosis (≥F2) and cirrhosis (F4), respectively, higher than those obtained for ARFI (83.50%, 88.76%), TE (75.27%, 87.61%) and APRI (73.29% and 81.67%). The combination also increased the sensitivity and the negative predictive values for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Conclusions

The optimal linear combination algorithm is effective for noninvasive staging of liver fibrosis in CHB. However, linear combination has its own limitations; nonlinear methods may eventually reveal even clearer diagnostic results.
Reliability and Validation of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire in Over Active Bladder to Persian Language
Authors: SARI MOTLAGH Reza , HAJEBRAHIMI Sakineh , SADEGHI‐BAZARGANI Homayoun , JOODI TUTUNSAZ Javad
Published: April 2014

Objective

Overactive bladder syndrome is a common syndrome in the world in both men and women. Correct diagnosis and accurate measurement of symptoms severity and also quality of life of patients is necessary to ensure proper treatment and to facilitate sound relationships among patients, researchers and doctors. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire in Over Active Bladder (ICIQ‐OAB) questionnaire is a concise and strong tool to evaluate the symptoms of OAB and their effects on patients' quality of life and treatment results. The objective of this study was to translate and validate a simple and strong tool that could be used in clinics and research.

Method

First, the original British English questionnaire was translated into Persian by two bilingual and originally Persian‐speaking translators. Then the Persian version was back translated to English and a native English speaker studied and compared the questionnaire with the original version. At the end, the translated and corrected Persian version was finalized by a research team. Content validity of the items and ensuring that the questions could convey the main concept to readers was assessed through Modified Content Validity Index (MCVI). Reliability was calculated by Cronbach's α coefficient. Internal Consistency of the questionnaire with the calculation of Kendall correlation coefficient were evaluated by performing test‐retest in 50 participants.

Results

The modified content validity index was > 0.78 for all of the questions. Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated 0.76 for all of the participants. Kendall correlation coefficient was calculated for test‐re‐test assessment 0.66. Both of which indicates the reliability of this questionnaire.

Conclusions

Persian version of ICIQ‐OAB questionnaire is a simple and strong tool for research, treatment and screening purposes.
Material Proximities and Hotspots: Toward an Anthropology of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Authors: Brown Hannah , Kelly Ann H.
Published: April 2014

This article outlines a research program for an anthropology of viral hemorrhagic fevers (collectively known as VHFs). It begins by reviewing the social science literature on Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa fevers and charting areas for future ethnographic attention. We theoretically elaborate the hotspot as a way of integrating analysis of the two routes of VHF infection: from animal reservoirs to humans and between humans. Drawing together recent anthropological investigations of human–animal entanglements with an ethnographic interest in the social production of space, we seek to enrich conceptualizations of viral movement by elaborating the circumstances through which viruses, humans, objects, and animals come into contact. We suggest that attention to the material proximities—between animals, humans, and objects—that constitute the hotspot opens a frontier site for critical and methodological development in medical anthropology and for future collaborations in VHF management and control.
Host tissues as microhabitats for Wolbachia and quantitative insights into the bacterial community in terrestrial isopods
Authors: Dittmer J. , Beltran‐Bech S. , Lesobre J. , Raimond M. , Johnson M. , Bouchon D.
Published: April 2014

Animal–bacterial symbioses are highly dynamic in terms of multipartite interactions, both between the host and its symbionts as well as between the different bacteria constituting the symbiotic community. These interactions will be reflected by the titres of the individual bacterial taxa, for example via host regulation of bacterial loads or competition for resources between symbionts. Moreover, different host tissues represent heterogeneous microhabitats for bacteria, meaning that host‐associated bacteria might establish tissue‐specific bacterial communities. Wolbachia are widespread endosymbiotic bacteria, infecting a large number of arthropods and filarial nematodes. However, relatively little is known regarding direct interactions between Wolbachia and other bacteria. This study represents the first quantitative investigation of tissue‐specific Wolbachia–microbiota interactions in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare. To this end, we obtained a more complete picture of the Wolbachia distribution patterns across all major host tissues, integrating all three feminizing Wolbachia strains (wVulM, wVulC, wVulP) identified to date in this host. Interestingly, the different Wolbachia strains exhibited strain‐specific tissue distribution patterns, with wVulM reaching lower titres in most tissues. These patterns were consistent across different host genetic backgrounds and might reflect different co‐evolutionary histories between the Wolbachia strains and A. vulgare. Moreover, Wolbachia‐infected females carried higher total bacterial loads in several, but not all, tissues, irrespective of the Wolbachia strain. Taken together, this quantitative approach indicates that Wolbachia is part of a potentially more diverse bacterial community, as exemplified by the presence of highly abundant bacterial taxa in the midgut caeca of several A. vulgare populations.
Behaviour‐related DRD4 polymorphisms in invasive bird populations
Authors: Mueller J. C. , Edelaar P. , Carrete M. , Serrano D. , Potti J. , Blas J. , Dingemanse N. J. , Kempenaers B. , Tella J. L.
Published: April 2014

It has been suggested that individual behavioural traits influence the potential to successfully colonize new areas. Identifying the genetic basis of behavioural variation in invasive species thus represents an important step towards understanding the evolutionary potential of the invader. Here, we sequenced a candidate region for neophilic/neophobic and activity behaviour – the complete exon 3 of the DRD4 gene – in 100 Yellow‐crowned bishops (Euplectes afer) from two invasive populations in Spain and Portugal. The same birds were scored twice for activity behaviour while exposed to novel objects (battery or slice of apple) in captivity. Response to novel objects was repeatable (r = 0.41) within individuals. We identified two synonymous DRD4 SNPs that explained on average between 11% and 15% of the phenotypic variance in both populations, indicating a clear genetic component to the neophilic/neophobic/activity personality axis in this species. This consistently high estimated effect size was mainly due to the repeated measurement design, which excludes part of the within‐individual nongenetic variance in the response to different novel objects. We suggest that the alternative alleles of these SNPs are likely introduced from the original population and maintained by weak or antagonistic selection during different stages of the invasion process. The identified genetic variants have not only the potential to serve as genetic markers of the neophobic/neophilic/activity personality axis, but may also help to understand the evolution of behaviour in these invasive bird populations.
Involvement of Histamine in Endothelium‐Dependent Relaxation of Mesenteric Lymphatic Vessels
Authors: Nizamutdinova Irina Tsoy , Maejima Daisuke , Nagai Takashi , Bridenbaugh Eric , Thangaswamy Sangeetha , Chatterjee Victor , Meininger Cynthia J. , Gashev Anatoliy A.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The knowledge of the basic principles of lymphatic function, still remains, to a large degree, rudimentary and will require significant research efforts. Recent studies of the physiology of the MLVs suggested the presence of an EDRF other than NO. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that lymphatic endothelium‐derived histamine relaxes MLVs.

Methods

We measured and analyzed parameters of lymphatic contractility in isolated and pressurized rat MLVs under control conditions and after pharmacological blockade of NO by l‐NAME (100 μM) or/and histamine production by α‐MHD (10 μM). Effectiveness of α‐MHD was confirmed immunohistochemically. We also used immunohistochemical labeling and Western blot analysis of the histamine‐producing enzyme, HDC. In addition, we blocked HDC protein expression in MLVs by transient transfection with vivo‐morpholino oligos.

Results

We found that only combined pharmacological blockade of NO and histamine production completely eliminates flow‐dependent relaxation of lymphatic vessels, thus confirming a role for histamine as an EDRF in MLVs. We also confirmed the presence of HDC and histamine inside lymphatic endothelial cells.

Conclusions

This study supports a role for histamine as an EDRF in MLVs.
Expression of neurodegenerative disease‐related proteins and caspase‐3 in glioneuronal tumours
Authors: Prabowo A. S. , Iyer A. M. , Veersema T. J. , Anink J. J. , Schouten‐van Meeteren A. Y. N. , Spliet W. G. M. , van Rijen P. C. , Ferrier C. H. , Thom M. , Aronica E.
Published: April 2014

Aims

Recent evidence supports the activation of mechanisms underlying cellular ageing and neurodegeneration in developmental lesions associated with epilepsy. The present study examined the ongoing cell injury and vulnerability to neuronal degeneration in glioneuronal tumours (GNT).

Methods

We evaluated a series ofGNT(n = 31 gangliogliomas,GGandn = 30 dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours,DNT). Sections were processed for immunohistochemistry using markers for the evaluation of caspase‐3 and neurodegeneration‐related proteins/pathways and their expression was correlated with the tumour features and the clinical history of epilepsy.

Results

BothGGandDNTspecimens contained caspase‐3‐positive cells. InGG, expression of activated caspase‐3 was negatively correlated the with theBRAF V600Emutation status. We also observed an abnormal expression of death receptor‐6 and β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP). Moreover, dysplastic neurones expressed p62, phosphorylated (p)TDP43 andpTau. Double labelling experiments showed colocalization of phosphorylatedS6 (marker of mammalian target of rapamycin,mTOR, pathway activation) withpTauand p62. InGG, neuronal p62 expression was positively correlated withpS6. The immunoreactivity score (IRS) of caspase‐3,APP,DR6, p62 andpTDP43 were found to be significantly higher inGGthan inDNT. Expression ofAPP,DR6,pTau(inGGandDNT) and caspase‐3 (inGG) positively correlated with duration of epilepsy. InGG, the expression of neuronal caspase‐3,DR6 and glial p62 was associated with a worse postoperative seizure outcome.

Conclusions

Our observations inGNTprovide evidence of premature activation of mechanisms of neurodegeneration which are associated with the clinical course of epilepsy in patient withGG.
The Christchurch earthquake: Dialysis experience and emergency planning
Authors: Irvine John , Buttimore Adrian , Eastwood Debbie , Kendrick‐Jones Jamie
Published: April 2014

On 22 February 2011, a large earthquake struck the Canterbury region in New Zealand. There was extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The following day 42 haemodialysis patients were flown to Auckland where they acutely dialysed through the efforts of the Auckland, Waitemata and Counties‐Manukau dialysis team. Patients and support people were subsequently distributed to a designated Upper North Island District Health Board for longer‐term ongoing dialysis care. The last evacuated haemodialysis patient returned to Christchurch on 9 May 2011. Surprisingly there was a dearth of crush syndrome patients requiring dialysis. The evacuation and reception of a large number of dialysis patients was a novel experience for the New Zealand dialysis community. A planning guide for dialysis emergency is available to assist with similar future natural disasters.
A pilot study of the effects of the somatostatin analog pasireotide in postoperative dumping syndrome
Authors: Deloose E. , Bisschops R. , Holvoet L. , Arts J. , De Wulf D. , Caenepeel P. , Lannoo M. , Vanuytsel T. , Andrews C. , Tack J.
Published: April 2014

Background

Dumping syndrome is characterized by distinct pathophysiological features such as postprandial increase in hematocrit (HT) and pulse rate (PR) and delayed hypoglycemia (HG). Treatment is based on dietary measures and somatostatin analogs (SA), but current SAs have incomplete efficacy, possibly through limited affinity for various somatostatin receptor subtypes. We evaluated the effect of pasireotide, a novel SA with high affinity for 4/5 human somatostatin receptors, on pathophysiological events and symptoms in dumping.

Methods

Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled cross‐over study of nine patients (six women, 47 ± 4 years) with postoperative dumping. Baseline measurements included oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT), abdominal ultrasound, and dumping symptom severity score (DSSS). Patients were treated for 2 weeks with placebo or pasireotide 300 μg s.c. t.i.d. with a 1‐week wash‐out in a randomized fashion. On day 13 and 14 of each treatment OGTT, DSSS, and solid and liquid gastric emptying (GE) were obtained.

Key Results

Baseline OGTT was pathological in all patients based on PR (n = 5), HT (n = 1) or HG (n = 7). Compared to placebo, pasireotide suppressed the increase in PR (17.1 ± 2.8 vs 8.2 ± 3.5 bpm; p < 0.05) and late HG (nadir glycemia 55.6 ± 4.3 vs 83.3 ± 9.5 mg/dL; p = 0.007), increased peak glycemia (294.1 ± 33.3 vs 221.0 ± 23.1 mg/dL; p = 0.001) and delayed GE of solids (t1/2 83 ± 23 vs 43 ± 9 min; p = 0.05) and liquids (t1/2 70 ± 10 vs 40 ± 4 min, p = 0.05). The differences in DSSS did not reach statistical significance. Two patients dropped out because of adverse gastrointestinal events under pasireotide.

Conclusions & Inferences

Pasireotide affects pathophysiological features of both early and late dumping syndrome.
Cortical evoked potentials in response to rapid balloon distension of the rectum and anal canal
Authors: Haas S. , Brock C. , Krogh K. , Gram M. , Nissen T. D. , Lundby L. , Laurberg S. , Drewes A. M.
Published: April 2014

Background

Neurophysiological evaluation of anorectal sensory function is hampered by a paucity of methods. Rapid balloon distension (RBD) has been introduced to describe the cerebral response to rectal distension, but it has not successfully been applied to the anal canal.

Methods

Nineteen healthy women received 30 RBDs in the rectum and the anal canal at intensities corresponding to sensory and unpleasantness thresholds, and response was recorded as cortical evoked potentials (CEPs) in 64‐channels. The anal canal stimulations at unpleasantness level were repeated after 4 min to test the within‐day reproducibility. CEPs were averaged, and to overcome latency variation related to jitter the spectral content of single sweeps was also computed.

Key Results

Repeated stimulation of the anal canal generated CEPs with similar latencies but smaller amplitudes compared to those from the rectum. Due to latency jitter, reproducibility of averaged CEPs was lower than what was found in the rectum. The most reproducible feature was N2P2 peak‐to‐peak amplitude with intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.7 and coefficient of variation (CV) of 18%. Spectral content of the single sweeps showed reproducibility with ICCs for all bands >0.8 and corresponding CVs <7%.

Conclusions & Inferences

Cortical potentials evoked from the anal canal are challenged by latency jitter likely related to variability in muscle tone due to the distensions. Using single‐sweep analysis, anal CEPs proved to be reproducible and should be used in future evaluation of the anal function.
Molecular and functional characterization of wheat near‐isogenic line ‘i:S29Ra’ having intensive anthocyanin pigmentation of the coleoptile, culm, leaves and auricles
Authors: Khlestkina Elena K. , Gordeeva Elena I. , Arbuzova Valentina S.
Published: April 2014

Near‐isogenic line of the common spring wheat cultivar ‘Saratovskaya 29’, designated ‘i:S29Ra’, has been earlier developed during eight backcrosses and selection for the red auricle colour inherited from donor ‘Ulyanovka’. In this study, the line ‘i:S29Ra’ was characterized using 274 molecular and a number of morphological markers. It was found that the donor's genome material in ‘i:S29Ra’ is presented by a fragment on chromosome 7D flanked by the microsatellite loci Xgwm0044 and Xgwm1481 and carrying cluster of the genes Rc‐D1 (red coleoptile), Pc‐D1 (purple culm), Pls‐D1 (purple leaf sheaths), Plb‐D1 (purple leaf blades) and Ra‐D1 (red auricles), conferring intensive anthocyanin pigmentation of the coleoptile, culm, leaf sheaths, leaf blades and auricles, respectively. The Ra‐D1 is a novel locus described in wheat. The relative anthocyanin contents (OD530) in different parts of wheat plant and expression level of the anthocyanin biosynthesis (AB) structural genes in auricles were compared between ‘i:S29Ra’ and ‘S29’. In auricles of ‘i:S29Ra’, the OD530 (optical density) value was twice higher and transcription of some AB structural genes was increased in comparison with ‘S29’, suggesting regulatory role of the Ra gene in anthocyanin biosynthesis in wheat.
Degree of polymerization of 5,6‐dihydroxyindole‐derived eumelanin from chemical degradation study
Authors: Okuda Hidekazu , Yoshino Kyoji , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Ito Shosuke , Sota Takayuki
Published: April 2014

Eumelanin is a brown‐black pigment comprising 5,6‐dihydroxyindole (DHI) and its 2‐carboxy derivative (DHICA), but the detailed structure of eumelanin is unclear. Chemical degradation is a powerful tool for analyzing melanin. H2O2 oxidation degradation of eumelanin affords pyrrole‐2,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) and pyrrole‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid (PDCA). The ratio of PDCA to PTCA provides information about the eumelanin structure. In this article, we propose simple equations on the basis of previous experimental results on dimer yields for evaluating the yields of PTCA and PDCA from any DHI oligomers. Assuming the chemical disorder model of DHI‐melanin, we solve an equation where a theoretical expression for the ratio of PDCA to PTCA is set to the corresponding experimental value to obtain a plausible Poisson distribution of DHI oligomers. The results demonstrate that the main contributors to DHI‐melanin are tetramers and pentamers as shown by the mass spectrometry.
Cross‐cultural measurement equivalence of the Japanese version of Revised Conflict Tactics Scales Short Form among Japanese men and women
Authors: Umeda Maki , Kawakami Norito
Published: April 2014

Aim

The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales Short Form (CTS2SF) is an instrument used to measure intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization over the past 12 months.

Methods

The CTS2SF was translated into Japanese, and the reliability (internal consistency and 4‐week test–retest reliability) and the concurrent and factor‐based validity were examined using two waves of Internet surveys over an interval of 4 weeks. Participants of the survey were 393 Japanese men and women who were registrants of an Internet survey company.

Results

Cronbach's α was greater than 0.5 for most scales, while it was low (α = 0.18) for sexual coercion by partner. The test–retest reliability of the binary variable for the presence or absence of IPV was high (Yule's Q, 0.79–1.00), and moderate between the scores (Spearman's rank correlation, 0.38:0.70). Concordance with the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, Violence Against Women Screen, and Kessler 6 generally indicated good concurrent validity. The results of the exploratory factor analysis confirmed the three‐factor structure of the Japanese version of the CTS2SF.

Conclusion

Although the internal consistency reliability was limited for some sub‐scales, its moderate internal consistency and test–retest reliability and good factor‐based validity highlighted the benefit of using the Japanese version of the CTS2SF in a large‐scale community survey where a shorter scale is required to assess IPV.
Increased expression of CXCR3 axis components and matrix metalloproteinase in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Jimbo Keisuke , Ohtsuka Yoshikazu , Kojima Yuko , Hosoi Kenji , Ohbayashi Naho , Ikuse Tamaki , Aoyagi Yo , Fujii Tohru , Kudo Takahiro , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: April 2014

Background

Although pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by extensive intestinal involvement and rapid early progression, the precise cause and specific factors involved in disease aggravation have not been well established. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of pediatric IBD.

Methods

The expression of inflammatory molecules in colon samples taken from active ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients was compared with those of controls. Three children each with UC and CD in both the active and remission phase and their controls were enrolled, and the inflammatory gene expression in the mucosa was examined by microarray. Additionally, six children from each group were further enrolled in a real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and an immunohistochemical study to examine the expression of CXCL9, 10, 11, CXCR3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, ‐3, ‐7, and ‐10.

Results

The microarray analysis revealed enhanced expression of the CXCL9, 10, and 11 genes in the active phase of CD. The expression of MMP‐1, ‐3, ‐7, and ‐10 was significantly enhanced in the active phase of UC. These changes were also confirmed by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced expression of CXCL9, 10, and 11 in both the lamina propria and epithelial cells in these patients. CXCR3‐positive cells were also confirmed in the lamina propria. The expression of MMP‐1, ‐3, ‐7, and ‐10 was also enhanced in the mucosal epithelial cells and the lamina propria in both CD and UC patients.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CXCR3 axis components and MMP play an important role in the mucosal damage in pediatric IBD.
Absolute Goodness, Wonder and the Evildoer
Authors: Segal Alex
Published: April 2014

Raimond Gaita affirms absolute goodness as the only thing with the power to keep fully among us the worst kind of evildoer. At issue in this goodness is a wonder that he ties to joy. Yet Gaita does not, perhaps cannot, imagine this power with respect to the evildoer concretely enough for it to move us in the way his account requires. An aspect of his writings that resists the emphasis on a joyous wonder may assist our thinking about the relation to the evildoer.
Colonic low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma and orthotopic endometrial stromal tumor with limited infiltration sharing the JAZF1‐SUZ12 gene fusion
Authors: Tokinaga Aya , Furuya Mitsuko , Niino Hitoshi , Udaka Naoko , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Sekido Hitoshi , Miyagi Etsuko
Published: April 2014

Endometrial stromal tumors (ESTs) are composed of cells resembling endometrial stroma, and are divided into benign and malignant types based on morphology. Endometrial stromal nodule (ESN) is a benign localized tumor, and endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is an infiltrative and potentially metastatic neoplasm. A series of genetic aberrations contribute to pathological diagnosis of ESTs. At present, subsets of ESN and ESS‐low grade (ESS‐LG) are characterized as JAZF1‐SUZ12/JJAZ1 gene fusion. The ESTs that show higher grade atypia but lack nuclear pleomorphism include YWHAE‐FAM22 ESS. Here we report an unusual case of ESTs. Sudden colonic perforation occurred to the patient, and emergency surgery was performed. Pathological findings suggested metastatic ESS. Thorough medical examination of the genital organs detected a 1 cm‐sized well‐demarcated uterine tumor. Microscopically, the tumor lacked infiltrative features, conforming to the definition of ESN. Both lesions demonstrated identical cytology and shared JAZF1‐SUZ12 gene fusion. Endometriosis was not found in any areas of the resected organs, strongly suggesting that the uterine orthotopic tumor metastasized. The current case uncovered the problems of differential diagnosis between ESN and ESS‐LG. We demonstrate detailed pathological features of the two lesions, and discuss the possibility of orthotopic EST with limited infiltration to develop into ESS‐LG.
Oncocytic adrenocortical neoplasm arising from adrenal rest in the broad ligament of the uterus
Authors: Kasajima Atsuko , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Adachi Yuzu , Takahashi Yayoi , Fujishima Fumiyoshi , Chiba Yutaka , Uehara Shigeki , Watanabe Mika , Sasano Hironobu
Published: April 2014

Oncocytic adrenocortical neoplasm is characterized by abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm containing mitochondria, occasional nuclear atypia and diffuse growth pattern. Oncocytic adrenocortical neoplasm arising in adrenal rest is, however, extremely rare. We report a case of oncocytic adrenocortical neoplasm arising in adrenal rest of the broad ligament with associated marked lipomatous metaplasia. A well circumscribed tumor was accidentally detected in the pelvic cavity of a 29 year old Japanese woman, adjacent to the broad ligament of the uterus. The tumor was composed of large eosinophilic cells associated with diffuse growth pattern and abundant mature adipose tissue admixed with foci of clear cells. Both steroidgenic factor 1 (SF‐1) and alpha‐inhibin were immunohistochemically positive in tumor cells. Abundant mitochondria detected by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of oncocytic adrenocortical neoplasm. The absence of necrosis, capsular and vascular invasion as well as the low mitotic index indicated the benign potential of this tumor. The tumor cells were also positive for dehydroepiandrosteron‐sulfotransferase (DHEA‐ST), 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 (17β‐HSD5), 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD) and steroid 17α‐hydroxylase (P450‐c17), suggesting a possible production of testosterone of this tumor. This is the first reported case of oncocytic adrenocortical adenoma arising in adrenal rest of the broad ligament.
Professional Self‐regulation in North America: The Cases of Law and Accounting
Authors: Gorman Elizabeth H.
Published: April 2014

Professional and expert work holds the potential for misconduct that can harm clients or the public. According to the traditional model of professional self‐regulation, developed during the “golden age” of the professions in the mid‐20th century, societies grant professional communities freedom from external regulation in return for their commitment to regulate their members' conduct. Professions were said to cultivate distinctive ethical norms, socialize new practitioners, and engage in social control of deviant behavior. In light of dramatic changes in the professional world since that time, this essay reviews research on the legal and accounting professions in North America to assess the extent to which this traditional model still holds. The two professions continue to resemble the traditional model in some respects but diverge from it in others, and on some points, there is insufficient evidence to draw a conclusion. The traditional model of self‐regulation is probably best viewed as an ideal type that can serve as a standard of reference, not as an accurate representation of social reality. This conclusion opens up new topics for research and opportunities to inform policy.
The “Obesity Epidemic”: Evolving Science, Unchanging Etiology
Authors: Bombak Andrea E.
Published: April 2014

“Obesity epidemic” discourse relies on scientific and epidemiological research to justify subjecting certain bodies to healthist messaging and disciplinary technologies. The science and framing of obesity has evolved, potentially partially due to critical obesity scholars. However, critical obesity scholars are now reliant on outdated critiques of ever progressing evolving/adapting discourse. Recent discoveries have been made concerning the determinants of obesity and the complexity of weight loss. Scientific discourse often now references environmental factors as contributors to obesity, low levels of sustained weight loss, and limitations of common measures such as the body mass index. Despite this refinement, the ultimate conclusion of studies, as presented within the scientific articles or in related media reportage, remains unchanged. Individuals are still expected to attempt to “correct” their non‐normative bodies through lifestyle changes, regardless of the evidence underscoring the likely futility of these endeavors. This paper updates obesity science and public health responses and evaluates the extent to which new findings, with the potential to greatly subvert standard weight loss advice, have altered supposedly evidence‐based public health communications and recommendations. As emerging scientific insights have further muddied already‐complex obesity‐related pathways, solutions have largely remained the same.
‘How to’ Use Social Theory Within and Throughout Qualitative Research in Healthcare Contexts
Authors: Meyer Samantha , Ward Paul
Published: April 2014

The role of theory in qualitative health research is paramount for translation into practice and policy, since it moves beyond pure description of data, allowing interpretation of the social processes underpinning and potentially ‘explaining’ findings. However, the use of theory in empirical research proves challenging to undertake and subsequently articulate in theses and publications. This paper offers insight into how theory may be used in empirical research, drawing on both theory‐driven and grounded theory approaches. The approach described assists researchers in bridging the central criticisms of these two methodological approaches. Furthermore, if offers researchers and students a step‐by‐step guide for integrating theory within and throughout the research process. Within our step‐by‐step guide, we provide examples from our own research that we hope will help readers to map the difficult terrain of using theory within and throughout their own research. Think of this paper as a guide to working with theory and research in an interconnected and interdependent way – a pluralistic approach for theory verification and generation.
Media Events: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Sun Wanning
Published: April 2014

This paper aims to do three things. First, it will provide a review of key aspects of media events to date. Second, it will consider the relevance and challenge facing the paradigm of media events in the era of post‐broadcasting and terrorism. Third, it will discuss the ways in which media events work in the context of the People's Republic of China. The paper suggests that classic media events were instrumental in recording the significant moments of history during the second half of the 20th century. Although this enchantment with the modern technology of broadcasting and its role in building the national culture has been on the decline in some parts of the world, the concept of media events proves to be remarkably elastic, and as the Chinese case makes clear, innovative media event formats take place in unlikely places and in unpredictable circumstances. As we move ahead into the 21st century, it has become clear – evidenced in the case of China and elsewhere – that the scenario we face is not the replacement of the enchantment of the broadcasting era with the cynicism of the post‐broadcasting era, but rather their uneasy coexistence and curious codependence.
Going All the Way: Politicizing, Polarizing, and Radicalizing Identity Offline and Online
Authors: van Stekelenburg Jacquelien
Published: April 2014

This essay conceptualizes radicalization as a collective process that evolves within the context of global, national, or local intergroup tensions. People do not radicalize on their own, but as part of a group in which a collective identity is developed. Some members of the group may take a radical activist route to promote or prevent social change. Their interactions with their opponents intensify, while their ideas and beliefs sharpen. In this essay, I propose an interpretative framework to analyze radicalizing collective identities. The framework departs from the notion that supranational processes shape and mold the micro level of (radicalizing) citizens' demands, the meso level of social movements and political parties, and the macro level of national political systems. The answer to questions such as who radicalizes, why people radicalize, and the forms radical action takes lies in the interaction of supranational processes, national political processes, and the context of political mobilization. It is argued that radicalizing identities are key in this process, no radicalization without identification!
Sociological Perspectives on Japanese Manga in America
Authors: Brienza Casey
Published: April 2014

Japanese popular culture has, according to journalist Roland Kelts, “invaded” the United States in the 21st century, and in particular Japanese comics, known as manga, have successfully “conquered America,” according to Wired magazine. Within the publishing trade itself, the medium's cultural and commercial success became known as the “manga revolution” or the “manga boom.” Yet despite all of this excitable rhetoric, there has thus far been scant sociological research into the particularities of this emerging phenomenon, and what exists is widely dispersed across multiple humanities and social science disciplines. This essay therefore aims to unite this scattered literature and provide a comprehensive survey of sociological perspectives on Japanese manga in America. I identify and explore three main substantive trends in the scholarly discourse: (i) studies of gender and sexuality and the homoerotic manga genres known as boys' love or yaoi; (ii) intellectual property, copyright, and the global digital piracy of manga colloquially known as “scanlation”; and (iii) studies of cultural production and the political economy of the American manga industry. This essay concludes with a discussion of the limitations these perspectives have in common and suggests a more critical research program drawing upon an expanded theoretical toolkit.