bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quasi-factors of zero-entropy systems
Authors: Glasner Eli , Weiss Benjamin
Published: June 2010

For minimal systems

(
X
,
T
)

(X,T)

of zero topological entropy we demonstrate the sharp difference between the behavior, regarding entropy, of the systems

(
M
(
X
)
,
T
)

(M(X),T)

and

(

2
X

,
T
)

({2^X},T)

induced by

T
T

on the spaces

M
(
X
)

M(X)

of probability measures on

X
X

and

2
X

{2^X}

of closed subsets of

X
X

. It is shown that the system

(
M
(
X
)
,
T
)

(M(X),T)

has itself zero topological entropy. Two proofs of this theorem are given. The first uses ergodic theoretic ideas. The second relies on the different behavior of the Banach spaces

l
1
n

l_1^n

and

l
∞
n

l_\infty ^n

with respect to the existence of almost Hilbertian central sections of the unit ball. In contrast to this theorem we construct a minimal system

(
X
,
T
)

(X,T)

of zero entropy with a minimal subsystem

(
Y
,
T
)

(Y,T)

of

(

2
X

,
T
)

({2^X},T)

whose entropy is positive.
On the existence of Maass cusp forms on hyperbolic surfaces with cone points
Authors: Judge Christopher M.
Published: June 2010

The perturbation theory of the Laplace spectrum of hyperbolic surfaces with conical singularities belonging to a fixed conformal class is developed. As an application, it is shown that the generic such surface with cusps has no Maass cusp forms (

L
2

{L^2}

eigenfunctions) under specific eigenvalue multiplicity assumptions. It is also shown that eigenvalues depend monotonically on the cone angles. From this, one obtains Neumann eigenvalue monotonicity for geodesic triangles in

H

2

{{\mathbf {H}}^2}

and a lower bound of

1
2

π
2

\frac {1}{2}{\pi ^2}

for the eigenvalues of ‘odd’ Maass cusp forms associated to Hecke triangle groups.
Three Arabidopsis Fatty Acyl-Coenzyme A Reductases, FAR1, FAR4, and FAR5, Generate Primary Fatty Alcohols Associated with Suberin Deposition
Authors: Domergue Frédéric , Vishwanath Sollapura J. , Joubès Jérôme , Ono Jasmine , Lee Jennifer A. , Bourdon Matthieu , Alhattab Reem , Lowe Christine , Pascal Stéphanie , Lessire René , Rowland Owen
Published: June 2010

Suberin is a protective hydrophobic barrier consisting of phenolics, glycerol, and a variety of fatty acid derivatives, including C18:0-C22:0 primary fatty alcohols. An eight-member gene family encoding alcohol-forming fatty acyl-coenzyme A reductases (FARs) has been identified in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Promoter-driven expression of the β-glucuronidase reporter gene indicated that three of these genes, FAR1(At5g22500), FAR4(At3g44540), and FAR5(At3g44550), are expressed in root endodermal cells. The three genes were transcriptionally induced by wounding and salt stress. These patterns of gene expression coincide with known sites of suberin deposition. We then characterized a set of mutants with T-DNA insertions in FAR1, FAR4, or FAR5 and found that the suberin compositions of roots and seed coats were modified in each far mutant. Specifically, C18:0-OH was reduced in far5-1, C20:0-OH was reduced in far4-1, and C22:0-OH was reduced in far1-1. We also analyzed the composition of polymer-bound lipids of leaves before and after wounding and found that the basal levels of C18:0-C22:0 primary alcohols in wild-type leaves were increased by wounding. In contrast, C18:0-OH and C22:0-OH were not increased by wounding in far5-1 and far1-1 mutants, respectively. Heterologous expression of FAR1, FAR4, and FAR5 in yeast confirmed that they are indeed active alcohol-forming FARs with distinct, but overlapping, chain length specificities ranging from C18:0 to C24:0. Altogether, these results indicate that Arabidopsis FAR1, FAR4, and FAR5 generate the fatty alcohols found in root, seed coat, and wound-induced leaf tissue.
Evaluation of a new oil adjuvant for use in peptide‐based cancer vaccination
Authors: Iseki Kanako , Matsunaga Hiromi , Komatsu Nobukazu , Suekane Shigetaka , Noguchi Masanori , Itoh Kyogo , Yamada Akira
Published: June 2010

Vaccine therapies are increasingly being used for the treatment of various diseases, and the antigen molecules themselves are being expanded from whole microorganisms to fine molecules such as peptides. Accordingly, there is a need for new adjuvants to support these new applications. In this paper, we used pharmaceutical grade mineral oil and sorbitan monooleate to develop a new oil adjuvant formula, NH2, and investigated its effects on peptide vaccination at both the pre‐clinical and clinical levels. The adjuvant effect of NH2 on peptide‐induced cellular immunity in mice was superior to that of Montanide ISA51VG, a commercially available incomplete Freund’s adjuvant for clinical use, although no significant difference was observed between the two adjuvants on peptide‐induced humoral immunity. The adjuvant effects of NH2 were also confirmed in a Phase‐I clinical trial of peptide vaccines for patients with advanced cancers. These results suggest that NH2 is a suitable adjuvant for peptide vaccination, particularly for cancer vaccines (Phase‐I clinical trial of pan‐HLA type personalized peptide vaccine for advanced cancer patients, UMIN clinical trial registry number: UMIN 000000619). (Cancer Sci 2010)
Do selected drugs increase the risk of lupus? A matched case‐control study
Authors: Schoonen W. Marieke , Thomas Sara L. , Somers Emily C. , Smeeth Liam , Kim Joseph , Evans Stephen , Hall Andrew J.
Published: June 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT

• Numerous previous case reports have suggested that lupus can be induced by a range of prescription medications.

• Analytical studies quantifying risk of drug‐induced lupus are lacking.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This was the first large study to quantify risk of lupus associated with carbamazepine, hydralazine, and other prescription medicines suspected of inducing the disease.

• We confirmed some, but not all, associations that have been hypothesized in case reports.

• This study provides evidence that increased risks may be causal given the lack of an increased risk observed with deliberately selected ‘comparison’ drugs.

AIM

To investigate the association between risk of lupus and exposure to selected drugs implicated in risk of lupus in a number of case reports.

METHODS

In this matched nested case‐control study we utilized primary care data from the UK General Practice Research Database recorded between 1987 and 2001. Cases with at least one medical code for systemic lupus erythematosus or drug‐induced lupus in their computerized records were matched to controls without a medical code for lupus or any other autoimmune disorder. Using conditional logistic regression we computed odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of lupus associated with exposure to selected drugs.

RESULTS

There were 875 incident cases, of which 12% (n= 107) had evidence of a prescription for one or more of the suspected drugs, and 3632 matched controls. For some drugs, prescriptions were too uncommon to be able to estimate associated risk of lupus. Despite small numbers of exposed patients and low statistical precision we observed an increased risk of lupus for hydralazine (OR = 6.62, 95% CI 1.03, 42.74), minocycline (OR = 4.23, 95% CI 2.65, 6.75) and carbamazepine (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.09, 3.22). There was some indication that the effect of carbamazepine was restricted to women (P for interaction by gender = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that even those drugs suggested by case reports as causing lupus cannot all be clearly shown to be associated, even in a very large population‐based database. Our findings support causal relationships for carbamazepine, minocycline and possibly hydralazine. Overall, drugs do not seem to be a major cause of lupus.
FOXP1 protein overexpression is associated with inferior outcome in nodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas with non‐germinal centre phenotype, independent of gains and structural aberrations at 3p14.1
Authors: Hoeller Sylvia , Schneider Aurelia , Haralambieva Eugenia , Dirnhofer Stephan , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: June 2010

Hoeller S, Schneider A, Haralambieva E, Dirnhofer S & Tzankov A (2010) Histopathology 57, 73–80 FOXP1 protein overexpression is associated with inferior outcome in nodal diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas with non‐germinal centre phenotype, independent of gains and structural aberrations at 3p14.1

Aims:  To determine the molecular epidemiology and prognostic importance of structural and numeric FOXP1 gene aberrations with respect to BCL‐6 gene and to FOXP1 protein expression in 389 diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (DLBCL) from the pre‐rituximab era on tissue microarrays.

Methods and results:  By interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization with colour‐labelled bacterial artificial chromosome clones, 12% (27/223) analysable cases showed FOXP1 gains and 1% (2/210) FOXP1 breaks. Seven percent of cases with known BCL‐6 and FOXP1 gene status (n = 159) showed an isolated FOXP1 gain, 19% an isolated BCL‐6 gain and 18% a trisomy 3. FOXP1 gains (isolated and due to trisomy 3) were more frequent in nodal than extranodal DLBCL and in non‐germinal centre B‐cell‐like (non‐GCB) DLBCL than in GCB DLBCL. By immunohistochemistry, FOXP1 protein was more often overexpressed in non‐GCB than in GCB cases. FOXP1 overexpression was associated with poor disease‐specific survival in all DLBCL, particularly in nodal and non‐GCB cases. There was no correlation between FOXP1 gene aberrations and either FOXP1 protein expression or survival.

Conclusions:  FOXP1 is recurrently targeted by numeric, and rarely by structural, genetic aberrations in DLBCL. Only the presence of FOXP1 protein, irrespective of its gene status, is decisive for prognosis in DLBCL.
MicroRNA profiling of multiple osteochondromas: identification of disease‐specific and normal cartilage signatures
Authors: Zuntini M , Salvatore M , Pedrini E , Parra A , Sgariglia F , Magrelli A , Taruscio D , Sangiorgi L
Published: June 2010

Zuntini M, Salvatore M, Pedrini E, Parra A, Sgariglia F, Magrelli A, Taruscio D, Sangiorgi L. MicroRNA profiling of Multiple Osteochondromas: identification of disease‐specific and normal cartilage signatures.

Multiple osteochondroma (MO) is a rare skeletal disease characterized by the formation of multiple benign cartilage‐capped bone tumors; in 1–5% of patients, a malignant transformation into peripheral chondrosarcoma may occur. This disorder is characterized by a large spectrum of germline mutations scattered along EXT1/EXT2 genes, the presence of a significant percentage of patients without alterations in EXT genes, and a large phenotypic variability. The molecular basis of MO genetic and clinical heterogeneity, including the causes underlying malignant transformation, is currently unknown. This leads to the lack of appropriate diagnostic/prognostic markers as well as of therapeutic options. Recently, specific microRNAs (miRNAs) were reported to be involved in chondrogenesis and inflammatory cartilage diseases. We therefore hypothesized a role for microRNAs in cartilaginous tumors and investigated microRNA expression in osteochondroma and normal cartilage tissues to evaluate whether they could affect osteochondromas onset and/or clinical manifestations. Our results indicate that miRNAs differentially expressed in MO samples may hamper the molecular signaling responsible for normal differentiation of chondrocytes, contributing to pathogenesis and clinical outcome. Although further studies are needed to validate our observations and to identify targets of miRNAs, this is the first study reporting on miRNA expression in growth plate and its comparison with pathological conditions.
Incidence and clinical significance of bacterial and fungal contamination of the preservation solution in liver transplantation
Authors: Audet M. , Piardi T. , Panaro F. , Ghislotti E. , Gheza F. , Cag M. , Jarzembowski T.M. , Flicoteaux H. , Wolf P. , Cinqualbre J.
Published: June 2010

M. Audet, T. Piardi, F. Panaro, E. Ghislotti, F. Gheza, M. Cag, T.M. Jarzembowski, H. Flicoteaux, P. Wolf, J. Cinqualbre. Incidence and clinical significance of bacterial and fungal contamination of the preservation solution in liver transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 84–88. All rights reserved

Abstract: A perfusion fluid used in the preservation of the grafted liver represents a medium suitable for microorganism growth. In this observational study, a sample of 232 transplanted livers was collected. Perfusion fluid samples were stored for microbiological analysis from harvested donors. Bacteria were isolated in 91 out of 232 samples, post‐operative infections related to contaminated perfusion solution occurred in 13 cases. The contamination rate of the preservation medium appears to be high, but postoperative infections occurs rarely. We suggest periodic detection and a protocol in place designed for antibiotic use for transplanted patients exposed to contaminated perfusion solution.
Drought Responses of Two Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) Landraces Collected from a Dry and a Humid Area of Africa
Authors: Jørgensen S. T. , Liu F. , Ouédraogo M. , Ntundu W. H. , Sarrazin J. , Christiansen J. L.
Published: June 2010

Drought adaptation strategies of two bambara groundnut landraces, Uniswa Red and S19‐3, collected from contrasting environments in Africa, were compared. Our objectives were to investigate the relative significance of effective stomatal control induced by the abscisic acid (ABA) signalling and osmotic adjustment in regulating plant water relations in general for this legume species. The ABA concentration [ABA] in the leaf increased linearly with declining relative leaf water content, and there were significantly higher [ABA] in Uniswa Red compared with S19‐3 at the final harvest in the drought‐stressed plants. Estimated by a linear‐plateau model, S19‐3 initiated the reduction in transpiration at a significantly lower soil water threshold (FTSW = 0.50 ± 0.024) than Uniswa Red (FTSW = 0.69 ± 0.023) indicating that the latter was more sensitive in reducing plant water use in response to soil drying. A similar trend was found for stomatal closure during soil drying, although the soil water thresholds at which relative stomatal conductance (gs) started to decline were not significantly different between the two landraces. By an early closure of stomata and hence an early reduction in transpiration rate during soil drying, Uniswa Red could be defined as a ‘water‐saver’ such that it maintains leaf water status to a great extent of soil water deficit. This strategy is important for survival during intermittent drought. While S19‐3 could be defined as a ‘water‐spender’ with a late closure of stomata, hence a late declining of transpiration rate during soil drying allowed the landrace to maximize its water use despite giving up its leaf water relations. Such drought response together with a fast phenological development of S19‐3 indicates that the landrace is capable of escaping from terminal drought while maximizing its water use and productivity when soil water is available.
Low accuracy of the national reporting system of acute hepatitis C infection in Taiwan, 1995–2004
Authors: Kee Kwong‐Ming , Hung Chi‐Ming , Wang Jing‐Houng , Hung Chao‐Hung , Chen Pao‐Fei , Lin Kuo‐Sin , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: June 2010

Abstracts

Background and Aim:  This study attempted to clarify accuracy of acute hepatitis C (AHC) and its clinical characteristics.

Methods:  We reviewed 632 reported cases from national surveillance data of the Taiwan Center for Disease Control between 1995 and 2004, and reclassified diagnoses. A definite case was defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 10 × the upper limit of normal (ULN) with seroconversion of anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV). A probable case was defined as (i) seroconversion of anti‐HCV and/or elevated ALT levels; or (ii) anti‐HCV(+) but titers increased (from < 40 S/CO to ≥ 40 S/CO) and ALT > 10 × the ULN. A suspected case was defined as initial anti‐HCV(+) and ALT level > 10 × the ULN and/or jaundice. Excluded cases were defined as ALT levels less than 10 × ULN with initial positive anti‐HCV Ab.

Results:  A total of 310 (49%) cases were confirmed as AHC; these included 95 (15%) definite and 215 (34%) probable cases. Higher incidence rates and accuracy of AHC were demonstrated in the southern area significantly if compared with northern, eastern and central areas, respectively (all P < 0.05). On comparison between blood centers and hospitals, more AHC cases were found in Southern Taiwan than in other areas (157/73 vs 24/40, P < 0.001), younger mean age (33.3 ± 11.1 vs 49.3 ± 16.4, P < 0.001), lower ALT levels (263.1 ± 200.9 vs 1264.2 ± 706.8, P < 0.001) and male predominance (191/39 vs 46/18, P = 0.046).

Conclusions:  This study showed our reporting system over‐estimated the AHC diagnosis, which is also a common issue worldwide. Greater efforts are needed to establish appropriate reporting systems, as well as more supplemental methods to distinguish between prevalent and incident cases.
Oral feeding after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Authors: Ong Jeannie PL , Fock Kwong Ming
Published: June 2010

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2010; 25: 1227–1231
Ecabet sodium: A potential new agent in the management of distal colitis
Authors: Lawrance Ian C
Published: June 2010

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2010; 25: 1259–1265
The role of fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the surgical management of thyroid cancer
Authors: Raj Mariolyn D. , Grodski Simon , Martin Sarah Anne , Yeung Meei , Serpell Jonathan W.
Published: June 2010

Background:  Diagnosis of thyroid malignancy relies on clinical assessment, imaging and fine‐needle aspiration cytology ‘FNAC’ of thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how effective synoptically reported FNAC is in clinical practice in diagnosing thyroid cancer. We also examined the effectiveness of using preoperative FNAC results to plan the type of operation for treating thyroid cancer.

Method:  A retrospective case series of all patients undergoing thyroid surgery from 1993 to 2008 was analysed. All data were collected prospectively and recorded in a dedicated endocrine surgery database. Data analysed included age, sex, preoperative FNAC result, type of surgery, final histology and complications. Cytology was reported based on a five‐tiered classification system.

Results:  There were 1373 patients in total and 125 patients with a final diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Female to male ratio was 3:1. Cytology reported as ‘malignant’ was confirmed as thyroid cancer in 100% of the cases. Of the patients, 47% with ‘suspicious’ cytology report and 14% with ‘follicular/indeterminate’ cytology report had a final diagnosis of cancer. Thyroid cancer subtypes were 90 patients with papillary thyroid cancer ‘PTC’, 24 with follicular ‘FTC’, eight with medullary ‘MTC’ and two with anaplastic cancer. Cytology was suggestive of cancer in 89% of the patients with PTC >10 mm, 75% with FTC and 88% with MTC. Transient hypocalcaemia was the commonest complication occurring in 7.2%. There were no cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Recurrent laryngeal nerve neuropraxia occurred in 2.4% with a permanent palsy occurring in 0.8%. There were three cancer‐related deaths.

Conclusions:  Preoperative synoptically reported FNAC is effective when used in diagnosing and planning surgery for thyroid cancer.
Preoperative fine needle cytology and imaging facilitates the management of submandibular salivary gland lesions
Authors: Taylor Martyn J. , Serpell Jonathan W. , Thomson Peter
Published: June 2010

Background:  Lesions of the submandibular gland represent a pleomorphically diverse group in which benign and malignant pathologies are difficult to differentiate from each other. Accurate diagnosis and surgical intervention relies upon clinical presentation, examination and investigations to guide appropriate management. The current series aimed to identify the roles of preoperative cytology and imaging with subsequent histopathology in the management of these lesions.

Methods:  Between 1998 and 2008, 54 patients of median age 54 years (range 25–94), with a male : female ratio of 1:3.5 were identified, of which, 50 patients underwent 52 excisions of the submandibular gland. Demographic data were recorded. The utility of imaging and cytology were analysed, and the accuracy of cytology correlated with histology.

Results:  Pathologies of resected specimens were sialadenitis 17 (32%), pleomorphic adenomas nine (17%), calculi eight (15%), lymphoma five (10%), squamous cell carcinoma two (4%), adenoid cystic carcinoma one (2%) and other 10 (20%). Twenty‐eight patients (52%) underwent fine‐needle aspiration cytology/core biopsies, of which 25 (89%) were correlated with histology. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the fine‐needle aspiration cytology correlation with histology were 88.0%, 71.4% and 94.4%, respectively. Overall, the complication rate was 9.6%; involving five temporary nerve palsies of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, including one temporary lingual nerve palsy.

Conclusion:  This series demonstrates histological outcomes in patients specific to the submandibular salivary gland. The malignancy rate was low compared to current published literature. The transcervical surgical approach to submandibular gland pathology is a safe and effective method with minimal morbidity when performed by experienced surgeons. No single investigative modality can be solely aligned with diagnosing a specific lesion of the submandibular gland.
Initial short‐term intensive insulin therapy as a strategy for evaluating the preservation of beta‐cell function with oral antidiabetic medications: a pilot study with sitagliptin
Authors: Retnakaran R. , Qi Y. , Opsteen C. , Vivero E. , Zinman B.
Published: June 2010

Aim: Studies evaluating the effects of oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) on beta‐cell function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are confounded by an inability to establish the actual baseline degree of beta‐cell dysfunction, independent of the deleterious effects of hyperglycaemia (glucotoxicity). Because intensive insulin therapy (IIT) can induce normoglycaemia, we reasoned that short‐term IIT could enable evaluation of the beta‐cell protective capacity of OADs, free from confounding hyperglycaemia. We applied this strategy to assess the effect of sitagliptin on beta‐cell function.

Methods: In this pilot study, 37 patients with T2DM of 6.0 + 6.4 years duration and A1c 7.0 + 0.8% on 0–2 OADs were switched to 4–8 weeks of IIT consisting of basal detemir and premeal insulin aspart. Subjects achieving fasting glucose <7.0 mmol/l 1 day after completing IIT (n = 21) were then randomized to metformin with either sitagliptin (n = 10) or placebo (n = 11). Subjects were followed for 48 weeks, with serial assessment of beta‐cell function [ratio of AUCCpep to AUCgluc over Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) (AUCCpep/gluc/HOMA‐IR)] on 4‐h meal tests.

Results: During the study, fasting glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 was higher (p = 0.003) and A1c lower in the sitagliptin arm (p = 0.016). Nevertheless, although beta‐cell function improved during the IIT phase, it declined similarly in both arms over time (p = 0.61). By study end, AUCCpep/gluc/HOMA‐IR was not significantly different between the placebo and sitagliptin arms (median 71.2 vs 80.4; p = 0.36).

Conclusions: Pretreatment IIT can provide a useful strategy for evaluating the beta‐cell protective capacity of diabetes interventions. In this pilot study, improved A1c with sitagliptin could not be attributed to a significant effect on preservation of beta‐cell function.
The therapeutics of lifestyle management on obesity
Authors: Dyson P. A.
Published: June 2010

The global incidence and prevalence of obesity continue to increase, with the fastest rate of increase in the developing world. Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Weight loss can reduce the risk of developing these diseases and can be achieved by means of surgery, pharmacotherapy and lifestyle interventions. Lifestyle interventions for prevention and treatment of obesity include diet, exercise and psychological interventions. All lifestyle interventions have a modest but significant effect on weight loss, but there is little evidence to indicate that any one intervention is more effective. There is evidence of an additive effect for adjunct therapy, and the combination of diet, exercise and behavioural interventions appears to be most effective for both the prevention and treatment of obesity.
Continuation versus discontinuation of insulin secretagogues when initiating insulin in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Swinnen S. G. , Dain M.‐P. , Mauricio D. , DeVries J. H. , Hoekstra J. B. , Holleman F.
Published: June 2010

We compared the combined use of basal insulin, metformin and insulin secretagogues with a combination of basal insulin and metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes starting basal insulin analogue therapy. This analysis was part of a 24‐week trial, in which 964 insulin‐naive patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral agents (including metformin) were randomized to insulin glargine or detemir. Secretagogues were stopped or maintained at the site‐investigators' discretion. During the study, 57.6% of patients continued their secretagogue treatment. Compared with patients stopping secretagogues, those who continued experienced significantly more hypoglycaemia and weight gain. Insulin doses, however, were significantly lower: 0.6 ± 0.4 versus 0.8 ± 0.4 U/kg/day (p < 0.001). The difference between groups in mean HbA1c reduction was not statistically significant. In conclusion, in type 2 diabetic patients starting basal insulin analogue therapy, continuing both metformin and secretagogues results in more hypoglycaemia and weight gain and lower insulin doses than only maintaining metformin.
Superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis: a little‐known complication of subinguinal varicocelectomy
Authors: Arango Octavio , Lorente José A. , Nohales Gloria , Rijo Enrique , Bielsa Oscar
Published: June 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

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

The superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis (SDPVT) has been described in connection with different medical and surgical conditions but never in subinguinal varicocelectomy.

This study provides the description of a new surgical complication in the subinguinal varicocelectomy: SDPVT. We analysed the pathophisiology and the management of this entity.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of superficial thrombosis of the dorsal penile vein – the most common complication of subinguinal varicocelectomy – and analyse the possible mechanisms involved in the development of the condition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical records of 326 patients who underwent varicocele repair during the last 10 years was reviewed. The technique used was subinguinal varicocelectomy with arterial preservation. A mini‐Doppler probe was used during surgery for artery identification. We report on the postoperative complications of varicocelectomy, with special attention to superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis, and provide a detailed description of the anatomy of the superficial venous system of the penis.

RESULTS

Complications usually associated with varicocele surgery occurred in less than 1% of patients. However, the most common complication in our series was superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis, which occurred in 2.1% of patients. The use of the mini‐Doppler probe allowed us to identify and preserve the arteries in all 326 patients.

CONCLUSION

Subinguinal varicocelectomy with intra‐operative use of a mini‐Doppler probe is a rapid and safe technique. The outcomes and complications are similar to those reported for subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. Superficial dorsal penile vein thrombosis is a benign self‐limited condition whose association with subinguinal varicocelectomy has not been previously reported.
Lymphadenectomy at the time of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy: results from the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium
Authors: Hellenthal Nicholas J. , Hussain Abid , Andrews Paul E. , Carpentier Paul , Castle Erik , Dasgupta Prokar , Kaouk Jihad , Khan Shamim , Kibel Adam , Kim Hyung , Manoharan Murugesan , Menon Mani , Mottrie Alex , Ornstein David , Palou Joan , Peabody James , Pruthi Raj , Richstone Lee , Schanne Francis , Stricker Hans , Thomas Raju , Wiklund Peter , Wilding Greg , Guru Khurshid A.
Published: June 2010

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

It is known that the lymph node yield in open cystectomy is variable and dependent, in some part, upon surgeon experience.

This study, the largest of its kind reporting on outcomes associated with robot‐assisted radical cystectomy, demonstrates that lymph node yields in experienced hands at the time of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy is comparable to that seen in open series.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence of, and predictors for, lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) for bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Utilizing the International Robotic Cystectomy Consortium (IRCC) database, 527 patients were identified who underwent RARC at 15 institutions from 2003 to 2009. After stratification by age group, sex, pathological T stage, nodal status, sequential case number, institutional volume and surgeon volume, logistic regression was used to correlate variables to the likelihood of undergoing lymphadenectomy (defined as ≥10 nodes removed).

RESULTS

Of the 527 patients, 437 (82.9%) underwent lymphadenectomy. A mean of 17.8 (range 0–68) lymph nodes were examined. Tumour stage, sequential case number, institution volume and surgeon volume were significantly associated with the likelihood of undergoing lymphadenectomy. Surgeon volume was most significantly associated with lymphadenectomy on multivariate analysis. High‐volume surgeons (>20 cases) were almost three times more likely to perform lymphadenectomy than lower‐volume surgeons, all other variables being constant [odds ratio (OR) = 2.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.39–4.05; P= 0.002].

CONCLUSION

The rates of lymphadenectomy at RARC for advanced bladder cancer are similar to those of open cystectomy series using a large, multi‐institutional cohort. There does, however, appear to be a learning curve associated with the performance of lymphadenectomy at RARC.
Interventions for the prevention of overweight and obesity in preschool children: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Monasta L. , Batty G. D. , Macaluso A. , Ronfani L. , Lutje V. , Bavcar A. , van Lenthe F. J. , Brug J. , Cattaneo A.
Published: June 2010

The objective of this study was to analyse interventions for the prevention of overweight and obesity in children under 5 years of age. We carried out a systematic review focusing exclusively on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data sources include Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINHAL, PsychInfo and Web of Science. Data were extracted from seventeen articles describing seven RCTs identified through electronic search, screening of references in systematic reviews, own files and contact with authors. RCTs were assessed with the Jadad scale. Four trials were carried out in preschool settings, one with an exclusive educational component, two with an exclusive physical activity component and one with both. Two trials were family‐based, with education and counselling for parents and children. The remaining trial was carried out in maternity hospitals, with a training intervention on breastfeeding. None of the interventions had an effect in preventing overweight and obesity. The failure to show an effect may be due to the choice of outcomes, the quality of the RCTs, the suboptimal implementation of the interventions, the lack of focus on social and environmental determinants. More rigorous research is needed on interventions and on social and environmental factors that could impact on lifestyle.
A hybrid swarm intelligence algorithm for the travelling salesman problem
Authors: Kuo I‐Hong , Horng Shi‐Jinn , Kao Tzong‐Wann , Lin Tsung‐Lieh , Lee Cheng‐Ling , Chen Yuan‐Hsin , Pan YI , Terano Takao
Published: June 2010

Abstract: We present a hybrid model named HRKPG that combines the random‐key search method and an individual enhancement scheme to thoroughly exploit the global search ability of particle swarm optimization. With a genetic algorithm, we can expand the area of exploration of individuals in the solution space. With the individual enhancement scheme, we can enhance the particle swarm optimization and the genetic algorithm for the travelling salesman problem. The objective of the travelling salesman problem is to find the shortest route that starts from a city, visits every city once, and finally comes back to the start city. With the random‐key search method, we can search the ability of the particle and chromosome. On the basis of the proposed hybrid scheme of HRKPG, we can improve solution quality quite a lot. Our experimental results show that the HRKPG model outperforms the particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm in solution quality.
The Dynamics of Top‐Down Organizational Change: Donald Rumsfeld's Campaign to Transform the U.S. Defense Department
Authors: CAME TIMOTHY , CAMPBELL COLIN
Published: June 2010

Drawing upon interviews with 69 defense policymakers and close observers, this article develops an extrapolation‐oriented case study of Donald Rumsfeld's campaign to transform the development of the U.S. Defense Department's future capabilities. This reform effort, launched by President George W. Bush during his first presidential campaign, encountered difficulties in developing and promoting the content of the proposed transformation and in executing it. Following Eugene Bardach's work on institutional craftsmanship and Michael Barzelay's efforts to further develop Bardach's methodology for extrapolation‐oriented case studies, the article explores the sources of the transformation campaign's difficulties, identifying several mechanisms linking common process context factors, exacerbated by process design features, to these negative outcomes. It also offers suggestions for rendering the design of change campaigns more robust to these vulnerabilities.
Migrants' social protection as a transnational process: public policies and emigrant initiative in the case of Ecuador
Authors: Boccagni Paolo
Published: June 2010

Boccagni P. Migrants' social protection as a transnational process: public policies and emigrant initiative in the case of Ecuador

Int J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: 318–325 © 2010 The Author(s), International Journal of Social Welfare © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.

The article explores social protection as a transnational welfare process for migrants from Ecuador in Italy. It focuses specifically on the social protection for the family members left behind which is provided by migrants' remittances as well as by their transnational caregiving practices. It examines the discourse of, and policies relating to, migration in Ecuador, and analyses migrants' personal practices in social protection terms, drawing on an ethnographic study of Ecuadorians in Italy. In so doing, it reviews the interactions between formal top‐down and informal bottom‐up initiatives to ensure social protection for migrant households and, to some degree, their local communities. As a ‘transnational welfare’ measure, Ecuadorian migrants' rights and opportunities have gained unprecedented salience in their home country because of governmental attempts to cultivate citizen loyalty and national identification at a distance. Still, working overseas remains the key means of social protection for migrant families despite the social and emotional costs for those who migrate and those left behind.
Investigating gradients of gene expression involved in early human cortical development
Authors: Ip Bui K. , Wappler Ilka , Peters Heiko , Lindsay Susan , Clowry Gavin J. , Bayatti Nadhim
Published: June 2010

The division of the neocortex into functional areas (the cortical map) differs little between individuals, although brain lesions in development can lead to substantial re‐organization of regional identity. We are studying how the cortical map is established in the human brain as a first step towards understanding this plasticity. Previous work on rodent development has identified certain transcription factors (e.g. Pax6, Emx2) expressed in gradients across the neocortex that appear to control regional expression of cell adhesion molecules and organization of area‐specific thalamocortical afferent projections. Although mechanisms may be shared, the human neocortex is composed of different and more complex local area identities. Using Affymetrix gene chips of human foetal brain tissue from 8 to 12.5 post‐conceptional weeks [PCW, equivalent to Carnegie stage (CS) 23, to Foetal stage (F) 4], human material obtained from the MRC‐Wellcome Trust Human Developmental Biology Resource (http://www.hdbr.org), we have identified a number of genes that exhibit gradients along the anterior–posterior axis of the neocortex. Gene probe sets that were found to be upregulated posteriorally compared to anteriorally, included EMX2, COUPTFI and FGF receptor 3, and those upregulated anteriorally included cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and protocadherins, as well as potential motor cortex markers and frontal markers (e.g. CNTNAP2, PCDH17, ROBO1, and CTIP2). Confirmation of graded expression for a subset of these genes was carried out using real‐time PCR. Furthermore, we have established a dissociation cell culture model utilizing tissue dissected from anteriorally or posteriorally derived developing human neocortex that exhibits similar gradients of expression of these genes for at least 72 h in culture.
Flotation preferentially selects saccate pollen during conifer pollination
Authors: Leslie Andrew B.
Published: June 2010

Commentary p6
Costs of Integrating Economics and Conservation Planning
Authors: ARPONEN ANNI , CABEZA MAR , EKLUND JOHANNA , KUJALA HEINI , LEHTOMÄKI JOONA
Published: June 2010

Abstract: Recent literature on systematic conservation planning has focused strongly on economics.It is a necessary component of efficient conservation planning because the question is about effective resource allocation.Nevertheless, there is an increasing tendency toward economic factors overriding biological considerations.Focusing too narrowly on economic cost may lead us back toward solutions resembling those obtained by opportunistic choice of areas, the avoidance of which was the motivation for development of systematic approaches.Moreover, there are many overlooked difficulties in incorporating economic considerations reliably into conservation planning because available economic data and the free market are complex.For instance, economies based on free markets tend to be shortsighted, whereas biodiversity conservation aims far into the future.Although economic data are necessary, they should not be relied on too heavily or considered separately from other sociopolitical factors.We suggest focusing on development of more‐comprehensive ecological‐economic modeling, while not forgetting the importance of purely biological analyses that are needed as a point of reference for evaluating conservation outcomes.
Using Expert Opinion Surveys to Rank Threats to Endangered Species: A Case Study with Sea Turtles
Authors: DONLAN C. JOSH , WINGFIELD DANA K. , CROWDER LARRY B. , WILCOX CHRIS
Published: June 2010

Abstract:  Little is known about how specific anthropogenic hazards affect the biology of organisms. Quantifying the effect of regional hazards is particularly challenging for species such as sea turtles because they are migratory, difficult to study, long lived, and face multiple anthropogenic threats. Expert elicitation, a technique used to synthesize opinions of experts while assessing uncertainty around those views, has been in use for several decades in the social science and risk assessment sectors. We conducted an internet‐based survey to quantify expert opinion on the relative magnitude of anthropogenic hazards to sea turtle populations at the regional level. Fisheries bycatch and coastal development were most often ranked as the top hazards to sea turtle species in a geographic region. Nest predation and direct take followed as the second and third greatest threats, respectively. Survey results suggest most experts believe sea turtles are threatened by multiple factors, including substantial at‐sea threats such as fisheries bycatch. Resources invested by the sea turtle community, however, appear biased toward terrestrial‐based impacts. Results from the survey are useful for conservation planning because they provide estimates of relative impacts of hazards on sea turtles and a measure of consensus on the magnitude of those impacts among researchers and practitioners. Our survey results also revealed patterns of expert bias, which we controlled for in our analysis. Respondents with no experience with respect to a sea turtle species tended to rank hazards affecting that sea turtle species higher than respondents with experience. A more‐striking pattern was with hazard‐based expertise: the more experience a respondent had with a specific hazard, the higher the respondent scored the impact of that hazard on sea turtle populations. Bias‐controlled expert opinion surveys focused on threatened species and their hazards can help guide and expedite species recovery plans.
Leukocyte Telomere Length Is Associated with Disability in Older U.S. Population
Authors: Risques Rosa Ana , Arbeev Konstantin G. , Yashin Anatoli I. , Ukraintseva Svetlana V. , Martin George M. , Rabinovitch Peter S. , Oshima Junko
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether mean leukocyte telomere length (LTL) serves as a biomarker of disability assessed according to activities of daily living (ADLs) and what factors may modify this relationship.

DESIGN: Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

SETTING: A subset of the National Long Term Care Survey (NTLCS), a Medicare‐based U.S. population longitudinal study focused on trends of overall health and functional status in older adults.

PARTICIPANTS: Six hundred and twenty‐four individuals from the 1999 wave of the NTLCS cohort.

MEASUREMENTS: Relative LTL determined according to quantitative polymerase chain reaction. LTL has previously been shown to correlate with common age‐related disorders and mortality, as well as with socioeconomic status.

RESULTS: A sex difference in LTL was observed but not age‐dependent shortening or association with socioeconomic status. LTL was associated with disability and functional status assessed according to ADLs. The association between ADLs and LTL was stronger in subjects without diabetes mellitus, whereas associations were not seen when only subjects with diabetes mellitus were analyzed. Associations between LTL and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer were also present in the group without diabetes mellitus but not in the group with diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION: These findings support the concept that LTL is a biomarker of overall well‐being that is predictive of disability of older individuals in the U.S. population. Diabetes mellitus plays an important role as a modifier of the association between LTL and disability, CVD, and cancer. These associations have clinical implications because of the potential predictive value of LTL and deserve further investigation.
Effect of Situational and Clinical Variables on the Likelihood of Physicians Ordering Physical Restraints
Authors: Mion Lorraine C. , Sandhu Satinderpal K. , Khan Rabia Halim , Ludwick Ruth , Claridge Jeffrey A. , Pile James , Harrington Michael , Dietrich Mary S. , Winchell Janice
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVES: To model clinical and situational variables that may affect likelihood of physicians to order physical restraints.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional, factorial survey.

SETTING: One academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty‐nine physicians: interns in all specialty practices and resident and attending physicians in departments of surgery, general internal medicine, family practice, emergency medicine, and psychiatry.

MEASUREMENTS: Vignettes were randomly generated using different values of six situational and eight clinical variables. Each physician received five unique vignettes for which they indicated their likelihood to order restraint on a 10‐point scale.

RESULTS: Nine hundred six distinct vignettes were completed. The mean likelihood that physicians would order restraint was 3.9±3.0 (range 0 (not at all) to 9 (absolutely)). Exploratory regression analysis on physician's likelihood to restrain with independent variables of secondary diagnosis, patient age, sex, time of day, familiarity and trust with requesting nurse, patient behavior, vital signs, oxygen saturation, and dehydration explained 12.5% of variance (F=5.43, P<.001). Independent factors of unsafe patient behavior (P=.001) and secondary diagnosis of dementia (P=.06) resulted in greater likelihood of ordering restraint, whereas lack of trust in the judgment of the reporting nurse (P=.008) resulted in lower likelihood of ordering restraints.

CONCLUSION: Patients' clinical status had less influence on physicians' likelihood of ordering physical restraints than the working relationship with the requesting nurse or the patient's behavior. Interdisciplinary team approaches with active physician input for nonrestraint strategies in the management of patient behavior is emphasized to minimize restraint use.
Modified Split‐Cast Technique: A New, Timesaving Clinical Remount Technique
Authors: Liu Fang‐Chun , Luk Kwing‐Chi , Suen Piin‐Chau , Tsai Tzong‐shiun , Ku Yen‐Chen
Published: June 2010

Interocclusal discrepancies can be eliminated by a clinical remount procedure, but most practitioners avoid it because of the time involved. This article introduces a new timesaving method, the modified split‐cast technique. It uses a semi‐adjustable articulator, tin foil as plaster separator, and an addition‐type, silicone bite‐registration material. The technician does most of the remounting procedures before the denture delivery appointment, so the dentist spends very little time chairside to complete the clinical remount procedure. Compared with the conventional and two other remounting techniques, the new technique is faster and easier to manipulate.