bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditor Fees and Fraud Firms
Authors: Markelevich Ariel , Rosner Rebecca L.
Published: October 2012

The issue of whether auditor fees affect auditor independence has been extensively debated by regulators, investors, investment professionals, auditors, and researchers. The revised Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements that resulted from the implementation of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (2002) limit nonaudit services (NAS) and mandate NAS fee disclosure. The SEC's requirements are based on the argument that auditor independence could be impaired—and hence audit quality may be reduced—when auditors become economically dependent on their clients or audit their own work. Economic bonding leads to reduced independence, which can lead to reduced audit quality. We study a sample of firms sanctioned by the SEC for fraudulent financial reporting in Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Releases (SEC‐sanctioned fraud firms) and examine whether there is a relationship between auditor fee variables and the likelihood of being sanctioned by the SEC for fraud. We use SEC sanction as a measure of audit quality that has not previously been used in the auditor fee literature and is more precise than some of the other proxies used for flawed financial/auditor reporting. We find, in univariate tests, that fraud firms paid significantly higher (total, audit, and NAS) fees. However, in multivariate tests, when controlling for other fraud determinants and endogeneity among the fraud, NAS, and audit fee variables, we find that while
NAS fees and total fees are positively and significantly related to the likelihood of being sanctioned by the SEC for fraud, audit fees are not. These findings suggest that higher NAS fees may cause economic bonding, thereby leading to reduced audit quality. Our findings of significantly higher NAS fees and total fees in fraud firms hold after controlling for latent size effects and other rigorous testing. These results contribute to the literature that examines the SEC's concerns regarding NAS and can be used by policy makers for additional consideration.
Use of benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine related drugs and the risk of cancer: a population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Pottegård Anton , Friis Søren , Andersen Morten , Hallas Jesper
Published: October 2012

Aim

Studies of the carcinogenic potential of benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZRD) have been equivocal. A recent study reported a 35% excess cancer risk among users of hypnotics, including benzodiazepines.

Method

Using Danish nationwide registers, we conducted a matched case–control study of the association between BZRD and cancer risk. During 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2009, we identified 152 510 cases with a first time cancer who were matched (1:8) by age and gender to 1 220 317 cancer‐free controls. A new‐user design was applied by excluding all subjects who had used anxiolytics, hypnotics or sedatives during the first 2 years of available prescription data (1995–6). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. In the primary analysis, long term use of BZRD was defined by a cumulative amount of ≥500 defined daily doses of BZRD within a period of 1 to 5 years prior to the index date.

Results

The adjusted OR for cancer associated with BZRD use was 1.09 (95% CI 1.04, 1.14). ORs were close to unity for most cancer sites, except stomach 1.40 (95% CI 1.05, 1.88), oesophagus 1.43 (95% CI 1.01, 2.02), liver 1.81 (95% CI 1.18, 2.80), lung 1.38 (95% CI 1.23, 1.54), pancreas 1.35 (95% CI 1.02, 1.79) and kidney 1.39 (95% CI 1.01, 1.91). For tobacco‐related cancers, the OR was 1.15 (95% CI 1.09, 1.22) and for the remaining cancer sites 1.01 (95% CI 0.94, 1.08). Sub‐group analyses revealed only small differences between different levels of exposure or different patient subgroups.

Conclusion

BZRD use was not associated with an overall increase in cancer risk, except for what is likely explained by minor lifestyle confounding, e.g. smoking.
Cognitive effects of two nutraceuticals Ginseng and Bacopa benchmarked against modafinil: a review and comparison of effect sizes
Authors: Neale Chris , Camfield David , Reay Jonathon , Stough Con , Scholey Andrew
Published: October 2012

Over recent years there has been increasing research into both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical cognition enhancers. Here we aimed to calculate the effect sizes of positive cognitive effect of the pharmaceutical modafinil in order to benchmark the effect of two widely used nutraceuticals Ginseng and Bacopa (which have consistent acute and chronic cognitive effects, respectively). A search strategy was implemented to capture clinical studies into the neurocognitive effects of modafinil, Ginseng and Bacopa. Studies undertaken on healthy human subjects using a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design were included. For each study where appropriate data were included, effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated for measures showing significant positive and negative effects of treatment over placebo. The highest effect sizes for cognitive outcomes were 0.77 for modafinil (visuospatial memory accuracy), 0.86 for Ginseng (simple reaction time) and 0.95 for Bacopa (delayed word recall). These data confirm that neurocognitive enhancement from well characterized nutraceuticals can produce cognition enhancing effects of similar magnitude to those from pharmaceutical interventions. Future research should compare these effects directly in clinical trials.
Gela histological scoring system for post‐treatment biopsies of patients with gastric MALT lymphoma is feasible and reliable in routine practice
Authors: Copie‐Bergman Christiane , Wotherspoon Andrew C. , Capella Carlo , Motta Teresio , Pedrinis Ennio , Pileri Stefano A. , Bertoni Francesco , Conconi Annarita , Zucca Emanuele , Ponzoni Maurilio , Ferreri Andrés J. M.
Published: October 2012

The International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group (IELSG) promoted this study to determine the inter‐observer agreement in the application of the Groupe d' Etude des Lymphomes de l' Adulte (GELA) histological scoring system for evaluating residual disease in post‐treatment gastric biopsies of patients with gastric Mucosa‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue (MALT) lymphoma (GML). Twenty‐one patients with Helicobacter pylori ‐associated GML and treated with anti‐H. pylori therapies were considered. A total of 154 biopsy sets from follow‐up endoscopic procedures after H. pylori eradication were examined independently by seven pathologists from four European countries, following histological criteria suggested by the GELA scoring system. The overall concordance rate was 83% with a kappa value of 0·64, indicating a significant agreement among the seven observers. Most non‐concordant responses clustered across the border of complete remission (CR) and probable minimal residual disease (pMRD), a distinction that does not imply critical clinical impact. Accordingly, when the analysis considered CR/pMRD as a single entity, the responses showed an overall concordance rate of 89% with kappa value of 0·83, thus indicating a high degree of inter‐observer agreement. This study provides additional validation of the GELA histological grading system. This scheme can therefore be recommended in routine practice and deserves to be used in prospective clinical trials.
Successful isolation and expansion of CMV‐reactive T cells from G‐CSF mobilized donors that retain a strong cytotoxic effector function
Authors: Samuel Edward R. , Newton Katy , Mackinnon Stephen , Lowdell Mark W.
Published: October 2012

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections post‐haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be effectively controlled through the adoptive transfer of donor‐derived CMV‐specific T cells (CMV‐T). Current strategies involve a second leukapheresis collection from the original donor to manufacture CMV‐T, which is often not possible in the unrelated donor setting. To overcome these limitations we have investigated the use of a small aliquot of the original granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) mobilized HSCT graft to manufacture CMV‐T. We explored the T cell response to CMVpp65 peptide stimulation in G‐CSF mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and subsequently examined isolation of CMV‐T based on the activation markers CD154 and CD25. CD25+ enriched CMV‐T from G‐CSF mobilized PBMC contained a higher proportion of FoxP3 expression than non‐mobilized PBMC and showed superior suppression of T cell proliferation. Expanded CMV‐T enriched through CD154 were CD4+ and CD8+, demonstrated a high specificity for CMV, secreted cytotoxic effector molecules and lysed CMVpp65 peptide‐loaded phytohaemagglutinin‐stimulated blasts. These data provide the first known evidence that CMV‐T can be effectively manufactured from G‐CSF mobilized PBMC and that they share the same characteristics as CMV‐T isolated in an identical manner from conventional non‐mobilized PBMC. This provides a novel strategy for adoptive immunotherapy that abrogates the need for successive donation.
Intra‐operative parathyroid hormone kinetics and influencing factors with high baseline PTH: a prospective study
Authors: Singh Dependra N. , Gupta Sushil K. , Chand Gyan , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Gaurav , Verma Ashok Kumar , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Shukla Manoj , Agarwal Amit
Published: October 2012

Background and objective

Intra‐operative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) kinetics and therefore the efficacy of IOPTH utilization as a predictor of cure are likely to be affected by baseline IOPTH levels, vitamin D deficiency and parathyroid weight.

Patients and methods

Consecutive subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT, n = 51) undergoing parathyroidectomy with IOPTH monitoring were studied prospectively during the period October 2009–November 2011. Samples were collected pre‐incision, pre‐excision and post‐excision (5, 10, 15 min). Iterative analysis of IOPTH kinetics and half‐life calculation was carried out in subgroups. Nonparametric testing was used for group statistics.

Results

Hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D3 < 50 nm) was present in 39 (76%), serum PTH > 1000 ng/l in 23 (45%), and giant parathyroid adenoma (weight > 3000 mg) in 23 (45%). The percentage drop at 10 min was significantly higher in large adenomas (weight > 3000 mg). Miami and 5 min criteria showed the highest negative predictive value and maximum accuracy. The average percentage IOPTH drop observed at 5 min post‐excision was 79·8%. Kinetic analysis showed a mean half‐life of PTH of 2·57 ± 0·27 min (range: 0·07–11·55).

Conclusion

IOPTH monitoring is reliable even in patients with extremely high baseline IOPTH value, with a greater percentage drop at 5 and 10 min post‐excision. In patients with high baseline IOPTH, a 50% decay in PTH value at 5 min may be indicative of cure, obviating the need for 10 and 15 min samples. IOPTH kinetics are altered by adenoma weight but not affected by vitamin D status or baseline IOPTH levels.
Evaluation of maxillary sinus width on cone‐beam computed tomography for sinus augmentation and new sinus classification based on sinus width
Authors: Chan Hsun‐Liang , Suarez Fernando , Monje Alberto , Benavides Erika , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The degree of difficulty in performing lateral window sinus augmentation may depend on the morphology of the maxillary sinus. The aim of this was to measure the distances between the medial and lateral sinus wall (sinus width [SW]) at different levels and apply those SW values to formulate a new sinus classification.

Materials and methods

Edentulous sites adjacent to maxillary sinuses with inadequate ridge height (RH; <10 mm) were included from cone‐beam computed tomography database in the University of Michigan. SW was measured at the heights of 5, 7, 10, 13, and 15 mm from alveolar crest at the edentulous sites. Mean SW was stratified by residual RH into three different groups (group 1: <4 mm, group 2: ≥4 and <7, and group 3: ≥7 and <10), study sites (first and second premolars and molars), and measurement levels.

Results

Three hundred and twenty subjects (mean 50.1 years old) with 422 edentulous sites were included. Mean SW was wider at molar sites, higher measurement levels, and sites with shorter residual RH. Mean SW at the lower (average 2.3 mm from sinus floor) and higher boundary (15 mm from the alveolar crest) of lateral window osteotomy was 9.0 (2.8) and 16.0 (4.4) mm, respectively. Narrow, average, or wide sinuses were classified when the SW was <8, 8–10 and >10 mm at the lower boundary or <14, 14–17 and >17 mm at the upper boundary, respectively.

Conclusion

SW at levels that were relevant to lateral window sinus augmentation was measured. The proposed sinus classification could facilitate communication between health providers and determine the degree of easiness of sinus augmentation. It might be particularly useful for the selection of grafting materials and surgical approaches. Further studies are required to test its clinical implications.
Neural crest and somitic mesoderm as paradigms to investigate cell fate decisions during development
Authors: Nitzan Erez , Kalcheim Chaya
Published: October 2012

The dorsal domains of the neural tube and somites are transient embryonic epithelia; they constitute the source of neural crest progenitors that generate the peripheral nervous system, pigment cells and ectomesenchyme, and of the dermomyotome that develops into myocytes, dermis and vascular cells, respectively. Based on the variety of derivatives produced by each type of epithelium, a classical yet still highly relevant question is whether these embryonic epithelia are composed of homogeneous multipotent progenitors or, alternatively, of subsets of fate‐restricted cells. Growing evidence substantiates the notion that both the dorsal tube and the dermomyotome are heterogeneous epithelia composed of multipotent as well as fate‐restricted precursors that emerge as such in a spatio‐temporally regulated manner. Elucidation of the state of commitment of the precedent progenitors is of utmost significance for deciphering the mechanisms that regulate fate segregation during embryogenesis. In addition, it will contribute to understanding the nature of well documented neural crest‐somite interactions shown to modulate the timing of neural crest cell emigration, their segmental migration, and myogenesis.
Soluble mediators released by acute myeloid leukemia cells increase capillary‐like networks
Authors: Hatfield Kimberley J. , Evensen Lasse , Reikvam Håkon , Lorens James B. , Bruserud Øystein
Published: October 2012

Increased bone marrow angiogenesis is seen in several hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We used a co‐culture assay of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) to investigate the effects of AML‐conditioned medium on capillary networks. We investigated primary AML cells derived from 44 unselected patients and observed that for a large subset of patients, the constitutive cytokine release by the leukemic cells stimulated endothelial cell organization into capillary‐like networks, while there were only minor or no effects for other patients. We analyzed the constitutive AML cell release of 31 cytokines for all the patients and performed a hierarchical cluster analysis of the cytokine profile which identified two major patient subsets that differed in their ability to enhance capillary‐like networks; increased capillary‐like networks was then associated with high constitutive release of several cytokines and especially high levels of several pro‐angiogenic chemokines. Significantly increased network formation was not seen for any of the 11 acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients investigated. The cytokine response by activated normal T cells inhibited endothelial network formation in our in vitro model of angiogenesis and activated normal monocytes had only a minor influence on tube formation. Our study shows that AML‐derived cytokines can induce the organization of endothelial cells into vessel‐like structures.
Reclassification of Epyrini (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae): a tribal approach with commentary on their genera
Authors: ALENCAR ISABEL D. C. C. , AZEVEDO CELSO O.
Published: October 2012

Epyrini (Epyrinae) are the largest and morphologically most diverse group within Bethylidae. Evans' conception of Epyrini induces misclassification of several taxa and their diagnostic features, such as median lobe of clypeus projected, and fovea in lateroposterior angle of propodeal disc, are insufficient to place species in the tribe. No previous comprehensive cladistic study has recovered Epyrini as a clade, and no synapomorphies are reported for the tribe, suggesting that the group is artificial. We infer a phylogeny based on 391 informative morphological characters for 42 terminal taxa (31 ingroup, 11 outgroup). Monophyly of Epyrini is supported by a petiole with fused root and body as an autapomorphy. Anisepyris Kieffer, Laelius Ashmead, Holepyris Kieffer, Formosiepyris Terayama, Disepyris Kieffer, Bakeriella Kieffer and Trachepyris Kieffer were retrieved as monophyletic. Epyris Westwood and Chlorepyris Kieffer are paraphyletic. The addition of new characters was essential to define Epyrini, and the ventral region of the mesosoma, petiole and male genitalia may help to better understand genera and species limits. All resulting trees indicate that Epyrinae are polyphyletic. Tribes Epyrini and Sclerodermini are revalidated to subfamily status.
Spread dynamics and agricultural impact ofSorghum halepense, an emerging invasive species in Central Europe
Authors: FOLLAK S , ESSL F
Published: October 2012

Sorghum halepenseis a serious weed and reservoir for pathogens of crops worldwide that has recently spread in Austria. On the basis of an exhaustive distribution data set (302 records), we analysed the spread dynamics and agricultural impact. The first record ofS. halepensewas recorded in 1871, but the species remained rare until 1970. After a moderate increase in records until 1990, it has recently expanded strongly (>70% of all records have been collected since 1990), in particular, in the lowlands of eastern and southern Austria. Invasion into fields was first documented in the 1970s, but again, since 1990,S. halepensehas spread strongly and fields now account for 32% of all records. In southern Austria, we found thatS. halepenseinvasion already puts approximately 41% of grain maize fields and 40% of oil‐pumpkin fields at risk of yield losses. In cooler regions within Austria,S. halepenseis still rarely recorded in fields.Sorghum halepenseserves as a reservoir for the maize dwarf mosaic virus, as it was found in 38% of 21 samples collected in southern Austria. Invasion ofS. halepensein fields was most likely assisted by frequent secondary dispersal and intensive maize and oil‐pumpkin cultivation. Given the fast and on‐going spread in fields, which is likely to continue under climate warming, our results provide evidence thatS. halepensewill cause serious impacts for agriculture in Austria and probably in other countries of Central Europe.
Restrictive guideline reduces platelet count thresholds for transfusions in very low birth weight preterm infants
Authors: Borges J. P. G. , dos Santos A. M. N. , da Cunha D. H. F. , Mimica A. F. M. A. , Guinsburg R. , Kopelman B. I.
Published: October 2012

Background and Objectives  Platelet transfusions are performed almost entirely according to expert experience. This study assessed the effectiveness of a restrictive guideline to reduce platelet transfusions in preterm infants.

Methods  A retrospective cohort of preterm infants with a birth weight of <1500 g had been born in 2 periods. In Period 1, a transfusion was indicated for a platelet count of <50 000/ml in clinically stable neonates or <100 000/ml in bleeding or clinically unstable infants. In Period 2, the indications were restricted to <25 000/ml in clinically stable neonates, or <50 000/ml in newborns who were either on mechanical ventilation, subject to imminent invasive procedures, within 72 h following a seizure, or extremely premature and <7 days old. A count of <100 000/ml was indicated for bleeding or major surgery.

Results  Periods 1 and 2 comprised 121 and 134 neonates, respectively. The rates of ventricular haemorrhage and intrahospital death were similar in both periods. The percentage of transfused infants, the odds of receiving a platelet transfusion, the mean platelet count before transfusion and the percentage of transfusions with a platelet count >50,000/ml were greater in Period 1. Among thrombocytopenic neonates, the percentage of transfused neonates and the number of transfusions were similar in both groups.

Conclusion  The restrictive guideline for platelet transfusions reduced the platelet count thresholds for neonatal transfusions without increasing the rate of ventricular haemorrhage.
Office based dermatological surgery and Mohs surgery: A prospective audit of surgical procedures and complications in a procedural dermatology practice
Authors: Elliott Timothy G , Thom Graham A , Litterick Kelly A
Published: October 2012

Background/Objectives

Dermatologists commonly perform surgical procedures, including Mohs micrographic surgery, in an outpatient, office‐based setting. Although this may be widely perceived to be safe and effective, formal data on the practice are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the range of surgical procedures and associated complications in an Australian specialist dermatology and Mohs surgery practice.

Methods

All surgical procedures over a 55‐week period were prospectively logged, with data collection on sex, age, type of procedure, body site, diagnosis and complications. All procedures were performed under conditions that were usual for the practice, with a combination of sterile and clean surgical techniques, depending on the procedure.

Results

In all, 2370 surgical procedures were performed during the study period, including 934 Mohs surgery cases. Most procedures (68%) were performed on head and neck sites. A total of 56 complications were recorded in 51 patients. Bacterial wound infections occurred in 13 cases (0.5%). Bleeding complications occurred in five cases (0.2%). There were no complications requiring hospital admission or i.v. antibiotics.

Conclusions

This study supports the view that dermatological surgery, including significant procedures such as Mohs micrographic surgery, flaps and grafts, can be performed on an ambulatory basis in an office‐based procedure room setting, with low complication rates.
Safety and feasibility of outpatient percutaneous native kidney biopsy in the developing world: Experience in a large tertiary care centre in Eastern India
Authors: Golay Vishal , Sarkar Dipankar , Thomas Punnoose , Trivedi Mayuri , Singh Ametashver , Roychowdhary Arpita , Dasgupta Sanjay , Pandey Rajendra
Published: October 2012

Golay and colleagues reported a prospective observational study on outpatients with percutaneous renal biopsies. They compared the efficacy and safety of percutaneous renal biopsies in outpatients and overnight inpatients and suggested percutaneous renal biopsies could be safely performed in outpatients with low risks.
Patient safety and falls: A qualitative study of home care nurses in Norway
Authors: Berland Astrid , Gundersen Doris , Bentsen Signe Berit
Published: October 2012

This study explored patient safety and falls, based on the experiences of home care nurses. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 20 home care nurses. The data were analyzed by content analysis. This study identified the following four themes: (i) patient safety was not viewed as primary prevention; (ii) the lack of investigation into causes of falls; (iii) the frailty of older people who can no longer live at home independently and safely; and (iv) patient autonomy versus patient safety. In this study, we showed that home care nurses felt that healthcare personnel were more concerned with the treatment of falls, rather than fall prevention. In addition, home care nurses rarely focused on falls before they occurred. The patient's autonomy was placed before patient safety. This study illustrates that home care nurses might be more aware of fall prevention in clinical practice. Additional research is recommended to shed more light on this topic.
Preoperative biliary drainage for distal biliary obstruction and post‐operative infectious complications
Authors: Ngu Wee , Jones Michael , Neal Chrisopher P. , Dennison Ashley R. , Metcalfe Matthew S. , Garcea Giuseppe
Published: October 2012

Background

Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) for distal bile duct obstruction may increase post‐operative complications. This study examined the effect of PBD on positive bile culture (PBC) rates and complications after biliary bypass or pancreaticoduodenectomy. Bilirubin levels in the non‐PBD cohort were also analysed to determine the impact on outcome.

Methods

A retrospective case‐note analysis from 2005 to the present day was undertaken. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Students's t‐test, chi‐squared test, receiver operator characteristics, correlation coefficient and relative risk ratios.

Results

A total of 422 patients were identified undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy or biliary bypass for either benign or malignant distal biliary obstruction. One hundred ninety‐six patients had complete data regarding PBD and bile cultures. PBD resulted in a significantly higher relative risk of both infectious complications and positive bile cultures. Overall complication rate was greater in patients undergoing PBD. The major complication rate was equivalent between the two groups. Bilirubin levels in the non‐PBD cohort did not correlate or predict length of stay, high‐dependency stay, and mortality or complication rate.

Conclusion

There seems to be little value in PBD for patients with distal biliary obstruction other than to defer definitive surgery to a non‐emergency setting. For most hepato‐pancreato‐biliary units, avoidance of PBD will prove logistically difficult.
Expression of ERG protein, a prostate cancer specific marker, in high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN): lack of utility to stratify cancer risks associated with HGPIN
Authors: He Huiying , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Carver Paula , Falzarano Sara , Klein Eric , Magi‐Galluzzi Cristina , Zhou Ming
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Diagnosis (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

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

High grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia is a pre‐malignant lesion to prostate cancer and is associated with 20%–25% risk of prostate cancer in subsequent repeat biopsies. ERG is a highly prostate‐cancer‐specific marker.

Expression of ERG is rare in isolated high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed in prostate biopsy and is not associated with cancer risk in subsequent repeat biopsies.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate how often ERG, a highly prostate‐cancer‐specific marker, is expressed in isolated high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) by immunohistochemistry.

To study whether a positive ERG immunostain in HGPIN correlates with prostate cancer (PCa) detection in subsequent repeat biopsies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with initial HGPIN in biopsies and at least one follow‐up prostate biopsy were included.

Biopsies with HGPIN were immunostained for ERG.

The ERG staining results were then correlated with the PCa risk in subsequent biopsies.

RESULTS

The mean age of 94 patients was 63 years (range 48–78). A mean of 1.8 (range 1–5) repeat biopsy sessions were carried out at a mean interval of 27.4 months (range 1.5–140). The repeat biopsies showed PCa and non‐cancer lesions (benign, HGPIN, atypical glands suspicious for cancer) in 36 patients (38%) and 58 patients (62%) respectively.

ERG immunostain was positive in five (5.3%) biopsies with HGPIN, in which PCa was found in two (40%) subsequent biopsies. Of 89 biopsies with negative ERG staining, PCa was found in 34 (38%) repeat biopsies. The cancer detection rate was not different between ERG positive and negative cases (P= 0.299).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to investigate the ERG protein expression in prostate biopsy containing HGPIN only and its use to stratify the cancer risk associated with HGPIN. We found that ERG expression is distinctly uncommon in isolated HGPIN (5.3%).

Positive ERG expression is not associated with increased cancer detection in subsequent repeat biopsies. The use of ERG immunostain in the evaluation and cancer risk stratification of HGPIN is of limited value.
Laparoscopic transvesical excision and reconstruction in the management of mid‐urethral tape mesh erosion and stones around the bladder neck: initial experiences
Authors: Kim Jae Heon , Doo Seung Whan , Yang Won Jae , Song Yun Seob
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Prevalence (prospective cohort)

Level of Evidence 1b

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

Managing foreign bodies, including mesh and stones, after anti‐incontinence surgery is important because complete removal is necessary to prevent infection and recurrence of stone formation. Traditionally, surgical management of such complications has involved excision using a transurethral approach, with or without a laparoscopic transvesical procedure.

The study shows that mesh complications, including exposure and adherent stones, can be successfully treated and a fast recovery can be achieved using transvesical laparoscopic excision and reconstruction. Transvesical laparoscopy is especially suitable for cases that have a restricted visual field with cystoscopy; the technique allows complete removal of mesh/stones and reconstruction with the help of an excellent visual field.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate laparoscopic transvesical excision and reconstruction for the management of vesical mesh or stones around the bladder neck as complications of anti‐incontinence intervention.

To compare the techniques, outcomes and recurrence rates of laparoscopic transvesical excision and reconstruction with published results from studies using laparoscopic transvesical procedures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of three patients who underwent laparoscopic transvesical excision and reconstruction for vesical mesh and stones around the bladder neck.

Patients were identified from operating records including recorded video and electronic data records.

We also conducted a literature review of the available evidence on transvesical laparoscopy for lower urinary tract complications of anti‐incontinence procedures.

RESULTS

Between March 2005 and May 2011, three women underwent laparoscopic transvesical excision and reconstruction. All presented with storage symptoms and gross haematuria. The interval between surgery and the diagnosis of presence of a foreign body was 1–3 years.

Two women had previously undergone transobturator tape procedures and one had undergone a retropubic procedure.

Complete excision including the mucosa and muscle layer and reconstruction with intravesical sutures was achieved in all cases.

Storage symptoms were resolved within 3 days and haematuria was not observed.

None of the women had recurrent erosion at follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic transvesical excision and reconstruction is a technically feasible method.

This procedure offers excellent visualization of mesh materials and stones, especially in cases of location near the anterior bladder neck.

In selected patients, laparoscopic transvesical excision and reconstruction is an acceptable technique for first‐line treatment of complications of anti‐incontinence procedures.
Patterns of synthetic cannabinoid use in Australia
Authors: Barratt Monica J. , Cakic Vince , Lenton Simon
Published: October 2012

Introduction and Aims

To assess the demographic profile, use patterns, market characteristics, reasons for first use and self‐reported harms associated with use of synthetic cannabinoids in Australia.

Design and Methods

An online questionnaire was administered to a purposive sample of 316 Australian synthetic cannabinoid users [96% cannabis users, 77% male, median age 27 years, interquartile range (IQR) 23–34] who self‐reported demographic and drug use characteristics.

Results

The median duration of synthetic cannabinoid use was 6 months (IQR 2–10), 35% reported use weekly or more often and 7% reported daily use. Reasons for first use included curiosity (50%), legality (39%), availability (23%), recreational effects (20%), therapeutic effects (9%), non‐detection in standard drug screening assays (8%) and to aid the reduction or cessation of cannabis use (5%). Users reported buying a median of 3 g (IQR 3–6) and paying a median of AU$60 (IQR 37–90). Most (68%) reported at least one side‐effect during their last session of use, including decreased motor co‐ordination (39%), fast or irregular heartbeat (33%), dissociation (22%), dizziness (20%), paranoia (18%) and psychosis (4%). 4 respondents reported seeking help. A greater number of side‐effects were reported by males, those aged 18–25 years, water pipe (‘bong’) users and concurrent alcohol drinkers.

Discussion and Conclusions

The sample reported first using synthetic cannabinoids due to curiosity, legality, availability, effects, non‐detection in drug testing and to reduce their cannabis use. Harms were widely reported yet help‐seeking was minimal. Inclusion of questions regarding synthetic cannabinoids in household surveys is warranted.
Corporate Diversification, Information Asymmetry and Insider Trading
Authors: Ataullah Ali , Davidson Ian , Le Hang , Wood Geoffrey
Published: October 2012

The literature suggests that corporate diversification destroys firm value. This value destruction is usually considered to be a consequence of managers' pursuing diversification strategies to benefit themselves rather than to increase firm value. This paper provides evidence that casts doubt on this agency theory‐based explanation for corporate diversification. Evidence based on insider trading suggests that managers themselves consider their diversification strategies to be value‐increasing. Specifically, it is documented that corporate insiders (directors) purchase more of their firms' shares in the open market when corporate diversification is high. Moreover, insiders purchase more when the level of diversification discount is high, suggesting that they disagree with outside investors' undervaluation due to diversification. It is also found that the market reaction to insiders' purchases is positively related to corporate diversification. This result suggests that outsiders consider the amount of favourable information contained in insiders' purchases to increase with the extent of corporate diversification.
Scalable Symmetry Detection for Urban Scenes
Authors: Kerber J. , Bokeloh M. , Wand M. , Seidel H.‐P.
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we present a novel method for detecting partial symmetries in very large point clouds of 3D city scans. Unlike previous work, which has only been demonstrated on data sets of a few hundred megabytes maximum, our method scales to very large scenes: We map the detection problem to a nearest‐neighbour problem in a low‐dimensional feature space, and follow this with a cascade of tests for geometric clustering of potential matches. Our algorithm robustly handles noisy real‐world scanner data, obtaining a recognition performance comparable to that of state‐of‐the‐art methods. In practice, it scales linearly with scene size and achieves a high absolute throughput, processing half a terabyte of scanner data overnight on a dual socket commodity PC.
Support Vector Machine for Spatial Variation
Authors: Andris Clio , Cowen David , Wittenbach Jason
Published: October 2012

Large, multivariate geographic datasets have been used to characterize geographic space with the help of spatial data mining tools. In our study, we explore the sufficiency of theSupportVectorMachine (SVM), a popular machine‐learning technique for unsupervised classification and clustering, to help recognize hidden patterns in a college admissions dataset. Our college admissions dataset holds over 10,000 students applying to an undisclosed university during one undisclosed year. Students are qualified almost exclusively by their standardized test scores and school records, and a known admissions decision is rendered based on these criteria. Given that the university has a number of political, social and geographic econometric factors in its admissions decisions, we useSVMto find implicit spatial patterns that may favor students from certain geographic regions. We first explore the characteristics of the applicants in the college admissions case study. Next, we explain theSVMtechnique and our unique ‘threshold line’ methodology for both discrete (regional) and continuous (k‐neighbors) space. We then analyze the results of the regional and k‐neighbor tests in order to respond to the methodological and geographic research questions.
Independent Screening for Single-Index Hazard rate Models with Ultrahigh Dimensional Features
Authors: Gorst-Rasmussen Anders , Scheike Thomas
Published: October 2012

In data sets with many more features than observations, independent screening based on all univariate regression models leads to a computationally convenient variable selection method. Recent efforts have shown that, in the case of generalized linear models, independent screening may suffice to capture all relevant features with high probability, even in ultrahigh dimension. It is unclear whether this formal sure screening property is attainable when the response is a right-censored survival time. We propose a computationally very efficient independent screening method for survival data which can be viewed as the natural survival equivalent of correlation screening. We state conditions under which the method admits the sure screening property within a class of single-index hazard rate models with ultrahigh dimensional features and describe the generally detrimental effect of censoring on performance. An iterative variant of the method is also described which combines screening with penalized regression to handle more complex feature covariance structures. The methodology is evaluated through simulation studies and through application to a real gene expression data set.
Doubly Robust and Efficient Estimators for Heteroscedastic Partially Linear Single-Index Models Allowing high Dimensional Covariates
Authors: Ma Yanyuan , Zhu Liping
Published: October 2012

We study the heteroscedastic partially linear single-index model with an unspecified error variance function, which allows for high dimensional covariates in both the linear and the single-index components of the mean function. We propose a class of consistent estimators of the parameters by using a proper weighting strategy. An interesting finding is that the linearity condition which is widely assumed in the dimension reduction literature is not necessary for methodological or theoretical development: it contributes only to the simplification of non-optimal consistent estimation. We also find that the performance of the usual weighted least square type of estimators deteriorates when the non-parametric component is badly estimated. However, estimators in our family automatically provide protection against such deterioration, in that the consistency can be achieved even if the baseline non-parametric function is completely misspecified. We further show that the most efficient estimator is a member of this family and can be easily obtained by using non-parametric estimation. Properties of the estimators proposed are presented through theoretical illustration and numerical simulations. An example on gender discrimination is used to demonstrate and to compare the practical performance of the estimators.
Dimension Reduction and Alleviation of Confounding for Spatial Generalized Linear Mixed Models
Authors: Hughes John , Haran Murali
Published: October 2012

Non-Gaussian spatial data are very common in many disciplines. For instance, count data are common in disease mapping, and binary data are common in ecology. When fitting spatial regressions for such data, one needs to account for dependence to ensure reliable inference for the regression coefficients. The spatial generalized linear mixed model offers a very popular and flexible approach to modelling such data, but this model suffers from two major shortcomings: variance inflation due to spatial confounding and high dimensional spatial random effects that make fully Bayesian inference for such models computationally challenging. We propose a new parameterization of the spatial generalized linear mixed model that alleviates spatial confounding and speeds computation by greatly reducing the dimension of the spatial random effects. We illustrate the application of our approach to simulated binary, count and Gaussian spatial data sets, and to a large infant mortality data set.
Residuals and Goodness-of-Fit Tests for Stationary Marked Gibbs Point Processes
Authors: Coeurjolly Jean-François , Lavancier Frédéric
Published: October 2012

The inspection of residuals is a fundamental step for investigating the quality of adjustment of a parametric model to data. For spatial point processes, the concept of residuals has been recently proposed as an empirical counterpart of the Campbell equilibrium equation for marked Gibbs point processes. The paper focuses on stationary marked Gibbs point processes and deals with asymptotic properties of residuals for such processes. In particular, the consistency and the asymptotic normality are obtained for a wide class of residuals including the classical residuals (raw, inverse and Pearson). On the basis of these asymptotic results, we define goodness-of-fit tests with type I error theoretically controlled. One of these tests constitutes an extension of the quadrat counting test that is widely used to test the null hypothesis of a homogeneous Poisson point process.
I123‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission tomography in patients with long‐standing mixed tremor
Authors: de Verdal M. , Renard D. , Collombier L. , Boudousq V. , Kotzki P. O. , Labauge P. , Castelnovo G.
Published: October 2012

Background and purpose

Essential tremor is an abnormal movement characterized by postural and/or kinetic tremor. In some essential tremor patients, rest tremor (RT) is observed but it is not clear if this RT is a feature of essential tremor or a symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). I123‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission tomography is used to distinguish essential tremor and PD.

Objectives

To analyse I123‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission tomography in a larger series of patients with mixed tremor (i.e. action tremor associated with RT) without PD criteria.

Methods

We studied 33 consecutives patients (18 men and 15 women) with mixed tremor, clinically and by neuroimaging in all cases.

Results

I123‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission tomography was abnormal in 25 of our patients (75.7%) with mixed tremor, and we noted a reduced uptake mostly in the putamen. In our patients with abnormal imaging, RT was unilateral in 52%.

In 15 of these 25 patients, putaminal reduced uptake was bilateral and symmetrical. In the other 10 patients, putaminal reduced uptake was asymmetrical or unilateral. In these 10 cases, six had a unilateral RT corresponding to (crossed) predominant reduced uptake in three cases. In our patients with normal imaging, RT was unilateral in 87.5%.

Conclusions

This study shows that mixed tremor is a heterogeneous entity. The majority of patients with mixed tremor showed nigrostriatal dysfunction on I123‐FP‐CIT single‐photon emission tomography, suggesting that mixed tremor may be a parkinsonian syndrome rather than a clinical variant of essential tremor.
The mirror crack'd: both pigment and structure contribute to the glossy blue appearance of the mirror orchid, Ophrys speculum
Authors: Vignolini Silvia , Davey Matthew P. , Bateman Richard M. , Rudall Paula J. , Moyroud Edwige , Tratt Julia , Malmgren Svante , Steiner Ullrich , Glover Beverley J.
Published: October 2012

The Mediterranean orchid genus Ophrys is remarkable for its pseudocopulatory pollination mechanism; naïve male pollinators are attracted to the flowers by olfactory, visual and tactile cues. The most striking visual cue is a highly reflective, blue speculum region at the centre of the labellum, which mimics the corresponding female insect and reaches its strongest development in the mirror orchid, O. speculum.

We explored the structure and properties of the much‐discussed speculum by scanning and transmission electron microscopic examination of its ultrastructure, visible and ultraviolet (UV) angle‐resolved spectrophotometry of the intact tissue, and mass spectrometry of extracted pigments.

The speculum contrasts with the surrounding labellar epidermis in being flat‐celled with a thick, smooth cuticle. The speculum is extremely glossy, reflecting intense white light in a specular direction, but at more oblique angles it predominantly reflects blue and UV light. Pigments in the speculum, dominantly the cyanidin 3‐(3′′‐malonylglucoside), are less diverse than in the surrounding regions of the labellar epidermis and lack quercetin copigments.

Several physical and biochemical processes interact to produce the striking and much‐discussed optical effects in these flowers, but the blue colour is not produced by structural means and is not iridescent.
Introduction to a Virtual Special Issue on ecological stoichiometry and global change
Authors: Austin Amy T. , Vitousek Peter M.
Published: October 2012

Link to the Virtual Special Issue
The N1 effect of temporal attention is independent of sound location and intensity: Implications for possible mechanisms of temporal attention
Authors: Lange Kathrin
Published: October 2012

It has been repeatedly shown that the auditory N1 is enhanced for sounds presented at an attended time point. The present study investigated the underlying mechanisms using a temporal cuing paradigm. In each trial, an auditory cue indicated at which time point a second sound could be relevant for response selection. Crucially, in addition to temporal attention, two physical sound features with known effects on the sensory N1 were manipulated: location and intensity. Positive evidence for conjoint effects of attention and location or attention and intensity would corroborate the notion that the sensory N1 was modulated by temporal attention, thus supporting a gain mechanism. However, the N1 effect of temporal attention was not similarly lateralized as the sensory N1, and, moreover, it was independent of sound intensity. Thus, the present results do not provide compelling evidence that temporal attention involves an increase in sensory gain.
Continuous visual properties explain neural responses to nonsymbolic number
Authors: Gebuis Titia , Reynvoet Bert
Published: October 2012

Nonsymbolic number and its continuous visual properties are confounded in everyday life: When number changes, its continuous visual properties also change. It could therefore be efficient to rely on the visual properties to judge number. The current consensus, however, holds that number is processed independent of its visual properties. In this study, we pitched these two opposing theories against each other. We used electroencephalography to look at the components suggested to process number. The first experiment showed that number and visual cues affect the N1 and/or the P2 component. To disentangle number and visual processes, we controlled the visual cues in the second experiment. Now, no number‐related effects were present. When the data were reorganized according to visual cue instead of number size, N1 and P2 effects emerged. These results argue against the idea that number is processed independent of its continuous visual variables.