bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BK Virus Replication in Patients with Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Geetha D. , Levine S.M. , Manno R.L. , Valsamakis A. , Ghazarian S. , Seo P.
Published: January 2014

Background: BK virus (BKV) is an important cause of renal dysfunction in kidney transplant (KTX) recipients. Immunosuppression intensity is a major risk factor for BKV replication in these patients. The prevalence of BKV replication in immunosuppressed patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) without transplant is not known. Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 37) with a diagnosis of GPA (n = 25) or MPA (n = 12) without history of KTX were evaluated for plasma BKV replication by quantitative PCR (group A). Descriptive data were collected. BKV replication in this nontransplant immunosuppressed vasculitis cohort was compared with a historical cohort of vasculitis KTX recipients (group B). Results: Group A patients had mean disease duration of 75 months. Mean age was 57 years and 54% were female. Mean time from vasculitis onset to BKV testing was 36 months, and 19/37 patients were tested within 24 months of induction therapy. At the time of BKV testing, 73% were on prednisone (P) with azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), methotrexate or leflunomide. None of the nontransplanted vasculitis patients had detectable plasma BKV. Among 35 patients in group B, 16 were tested for BKV; 5/16 (31%) had detectable virus in plasma at a mean of 6 months after TX (p = 0.002). Most (94%) were on maintenance therapy with MMF, P and tacrolimus. Conclusion: Immunosuppressed patients with GPA/MPA without KTX had no evidence of plasma BKV. However, BKV was common in GPA/MPA patients after KTX, suggesting that replication may be related to differences in immunosuppression, alloimmune activation or differences in host defense mechanisms.
Minimalinvasive Chirurgie bei Malignomen des Gastrointestinaltrakts: Ösophagus - Pro-Position
Authors: Wolter Stefan , Mann Oliver , Izbicki Jakob R.
Published: January 2014

Hintergrund: Die offene onkologische Resektion ist derzeit der Goldstandard in der Behandlung des Plattenepithel- und Adenokarzinoms des Ösophagus. Die mit den Therapieverfahren assoziierte Morbidität und Mortalität konnte in den letzten Jahren durch die Verbesserung des chirurgischen und perioperativen Managements deutlich gesenkt werden, bleibt aber im Vergleich zu anderen Eingriffen am Gastrointestinaltrakt weiterhin hoch. Methoden: Diese Übersicht basiert auf einer strukturierten Analyse der aktuellen, in MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE und den Cochrane Databases gelisteten Studien. Ergebnisse: In den letzten 20 Jahren sind zunehmend Arbeiten erschienen, die seit der Erstbeschreibung der minimalinvasiven Ösophagusresektion zeigen, dass in entsprechend erfahrenen Zentren die hohe Morbidität und Mortalität, insbesondere für pulmonale Komplikationen durch minimalinvasive Ösophagusresektionen, drastisch gesenkt werden konnte - ohne Verzicht auf onkologische Radikalität und ohne Verschlechterung des onkologischen Outcomes. Die postoperative Lebensqualität war ebenfalls nicht schlechter für minimalinvasiv operierte Patienten. Allerdings sind die minimalinvasiven Techniken im Bereich der Ösophaguschirurgie mit einer signifikanten Lernkurve verbunden - ein weiteres Argument für eine Zentralisierung der Ösophaguschirurgie. Schlussfolgerungen: Die bisher erhobenen Daten zur minimalinvasiven Ösophagusresektion sind zwar sehr vielversprechend, jedoch sind weitere kontrollierte randomisierte Studien erforderlich, um die bisher erhobenen Daten zu erhärten.
Spontaneous Cutaneous Endometriosis of the Umbilicus
Authors: Gin Thomas J. , Gin Alexander D. , Gin Douglas , Pham Alan , Cahill Jennifer
Published: January 2014

Cutaneous endometriosis that arises de novo, without a prior history of surgery, is a rare phenomenon. The clinical diagnosis of cutaneous endometriosis remains challenging due to the variable clinical appearance and symptoms of the condition, and therefore must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any umbilical lesion. We report a 31-year-old woman who presented with spontaneous cutaneous endometriosis of the umbilicus.
Adverse Skin Reactions due to Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Combination Therapy with Pegylated Interferon-α2a
Authors: Shindo Masahisa , Terai Isamu
Published: January 2014

The introduction of ribavirin to hepatitis C combination therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α2a has improved sustained responses, but it has been accompanied by an increased incidence of cutaneous side effects. Most cases of drug eruption caused by ribavirin and PEG-IFN-α2 or IFN-α combination therapy were not severe and we progressed without discontinuation of the antiviral treatment. We describe a 59-year-old Japanese woman with a chronic hepatitis C infection who developed erythema during PEG-IFN-α2a and ribavirin combination therapy. The eruption at the injection site of IFN occurred after each injection, and then, eruption on her exposed skin was observed. Twenty milligrams of prednisolone was administered. The eruption recurred after each administration of prednisolone and ribavirin. She finally had infiltrative erythema without any mucosal symptoms on her body. It seemed to be an erythema multiforme type drug eruption of PEG-IFN-α2a, ribavirin and/or fluvastatin sodium from the clinical course. The lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) of ribavirin was positive. This is the first case of a positive result of an LTT for ribavirin. A photosensitive type drug eruption with ribavirin treatment has been reported. We should not only consider IFN, but also ribavirin in case of a generalized eruption, especially on an exposed area with combination therapy for HCV.
A Case of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor with Rhabdomyoblastic Differentiation: Malignant Triton Tumor
Authors: Mae Kenichiro , Kato Yukihiko , Usui Kae , Abe Namiko , Tsuboi Ryoji
Published: January 2014

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) constitute a rare variety of soft tissue sarcomas thought to originate from Schwann cells or pluripotent cells of the neural crest. Malignant triton tumor (MTT), a very rare, highly aggressive soft tissue tumor, is a subgroup of MPNST and is comprised of malignant Schwann cells coexisting with malignant rhabdomyoblasts. We herein report the case of a 24-year-old man who presented a subcutaneous mass in his right thigh. The mass was removed surgically in its entirety and radiation therapy was applied locally to prevent tumor regrowth. Nonetheless, the patient died 10 months after surgery from metastases to the lung and brain. He presented neither cafe-au-lait spots nor cutaneous neurofibromas. The histopathology showed a transition from a neurofibroma to an MTT, making this the second report of an MTT arising from a neurofibroma without neurofibromatosis type 1, an autosomal dominant disorder with which 50-70% of tumors reported in previous studies were associated. A histopathological examination using immunostaining with desmin confirmed this diagnosis. MTT has a poorer prognosis than MPNST and should therefore be regarded as a distinct clinical entity.
Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Early in Pregnancy: Targeting the Long-Term Complications
Authors: Correa Paula J. , Vargas J. Francisco , Sen Sarbattama , Illanes Sebastián E.
Published: January 2014

Gestational diabetes (GD), defined as carbohydrate intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy, has a prevalence of 7% and is a growing problem worldwide. Infants born to mothers with GD are more likely to be large for gestational age, incur traumatic birth injury, require a stay in the intensive care unit and develop postnatal metabolic disturbances. As the worldwide epidemic of obesity worsens, more women are entering pregnancy with metabolic alterations and preexisting insulin resistance, which is heightened by the hormonal milieu of pregnancy. The Hyperglycemia Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) study has clearly shown that GD-related complications correlate with glycemic control. We will review the current understanding of the physiology of GD and the screening and treatment guidelines that are commonly utilized in clinical care. In addition, we will discuss the need for development of multiparametric models combining maternal clinical risk factors and biomarkers early in pregnancy to better stratify and predict risk of GD-related complications and offer targeted intervention.
Diagnostic Methods for Platelet Bacteria Screening: Current Status and Developments
Authors: Störmer Melanie , Vollmer Tanja
Published: January 2014

Bacterial contamination of blood components and the prevention of transfusion-associated bacterial infection still remains a major challenge in transfusion medicine. Over the past few decades, a significant reduction in the transmission of viral infections has been achieved due to the introduction of mandatory virus screening. Platelet concentrates (PCs) represent one of the highest risks for bacterial infection. This is due to the required storage conditions for PCs in gas-permeable containers at room temperature with constant agitation, which support bacterial proliferation from low contamination levels to high titers. In contrast to virus screening, since 1997 in Germany bacterial testing of PCs is only performed as a routine quality control or, since 2008, to prolong the shelf life to 5 days. In general, bacterial screening of PCs by cultivation methods is implemented by the various blood services. Although these culturing systems will remain the gold standard, the significance of rapid methods for screening for bacterial contamination has increased over the last few years. These new methods provide powerful tools for increasing the bacterial safety of blood components. This article summarizes the course of policies and provisions introduced to increase bacterial safety of blood components in Germany. Furthermore, we give an overview of the different diagnostic methods for bacterial screening of PCs and their current applicability in routine screening processes.
A Case of Water Intoxication with Prolonged Hyponatremia Caused by Excessive Water Drinking and Secondary SIADH
Authors: Yamashiro Mari , Hasegawa Hajime , Matsuda Akihiko , Kinoshita Masanobu , Matsumura Osamu , Isoda Kazuo , Mitarai Tetsuya
Published: January 2014

Water intoxication is a life-threatening disorder accompanied by brain function impairment due to severe dilutional hyponatremia. We treated a 22-year-old man without psychotic illness who had been put in a detention facility. He drank 6 liters of water over a 3-hour period at the facility as a game's penalty, and he showed progressive psychiatric and neurological signs including restlessness, peculiar behavior and convulsions. On his admission, 15 h after the discontinuation of the water drinking, he was in a coma, showing intermittent convulsions and remarkable hyponatremia (120 mmol/l). Because his laboratory tests showed hypertonic urine and normal sodium excretion, the diagnosis of secondary development of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) was strongly suggested and later confirmed by the suppression of the renin-aldosterone system and the inappropriately elevated secretion of ADH. Saline infusion and an initial administration of furosemide in addition to dexamethasone as treatments for the patient's brain edema successfully improved his laboratory data and clinical signs by the 3rd hospital day, and he was returned to the facility without physical or psychiatric abnormalities on the 6th day. The secondary SIADH might have been due to the prolonged emesis, recurrent convulsions and rapid elevation of intracranial pressure.
Fasting Therapy for Treating and Preventing Disease - Current State of Evidence
Authors: Michalsen Andreas , Li Chenying
Published: January 2014

Periods of deliberate fasting with restriction of solid food intake are practiced worldwide, mostly based on traditional, cultural or religious reasons. There is large empirical and observational evidence that medically supervised modified fasting (fasting cure, 200-500 kcal nutritional intake per day) with periods of 7-21 days is efficacious in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, chronic pain syndromes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. The beneficial effects of fasting followed by vegetarian diet in rheumatoid arthritis are confirmed by randomized controlled trials. Further beneficial effects of fasting are supported by observational data and abundant evidence from experimental research which found caloric restriction and intermittent fasting being associated with deceleration or prevention of most chronic degenerative and chronic inflammatory diseases. Intermittent fasting may also be useful as an accompanying treatment during chemotherapy of cancer. A further beneficial effect of fasting relates to improvements in sustainable lifestyle modification and adoption of a healthy diet, possibly mediated by fasting-induced mood enhancement. Various identified mechanisms of fasting point to its potential health-promoting effects, e.g., fasting-induced neuroendocrine activation and hormetic stress response, increased production of neurotrophic factors, reduced mitochondrial oxidative stress, general decrease of signals associated with aging, and promotion of autophagy. Fasting therapy might contribute to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases and should be further evaluated in controlled clinical trials and observational studies.
Successful Treatment of Congenital Lymphangioma Circumscriptum of the Vulva with CO2 and Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Lasers
Authors: Sasaki Ryosuke , Negishi Kei , Akita Hirotaka , Suzuki Kayoko , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: January 2014

A 16-year-old girl presented with a 9-year history of vesicles on the vulva. She had initially taken a wait-and-see approach, but required treatment because of bleeding. Histological examination of a biopsied vesicle revealed dilated lymph channels in the upper dermis, suggesting lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC). The challenge for this pathology has been to find a conservative treatment with low morbidity and better results than those reported for surgical excision, which has been the mainstay of therapy. In this case, LC of the vulva was successfully treated using a 10,600-nm CO2 laser and long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Use of the 10,600-nm CO2 laser and long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser appeared effective for treating LC.
Gene Mutations Versus Clinically Relevant Phenotypes
Authors: Niemann Markus , Rolfs Arndt , Störk Stefan , Bijnens Bart , Breunig Frank , Beer Meinrad , Ertl Georg , Wanner Christoph , Weidemann Frank
Published: January 2014

Background—

Currently, no method is available to identify α-galactosidase A (agalA) mutations determining clinically relevant Fabry disease. In our largest European Fabry cohort, we investigated whether a biomarker, specific for the defect, could stratify persons at risk.

Methods and Results—

A total of 124 individuals with agalA mutations were investigated with a comprehensive clinical workup, genetic analysis, and laboratory testing, including measurements of agalA activity and lyso-Gb3 (degradation product of the accumulating Gb3). Additionally, an extensive family screening with a clinical workup of relatives was performed. The patient population was divided into 2 samples: previously described mutations (n=72) and novel mutations (n=52). The patients with previously described mutations were subdivided into 2 groups: classical mutations, which were known to cause the classic type of Fabry disease with specific symptoms and a high risk for major events in all 3 main organs (heart, kidney, and central nervous system), and atypical mutations without the typical presentation. All patients with atypical mutations (n=17) had lower lyso-Gb3 levels than any of the patients with classical Fabry disease (n=55). A cutoff value of 2.7 ng/mL separated the 2 groups. Six out of 52 patients with novel mutations showed a lyso-Gb3 level <2.7 ng/mL. Clinical investigation, blinded to lyso-Gb3 results, revealed no classic organ involvement in these patients or their relatives. In contrast, the characterization of patients with lyso-Gb3≥2.7ng/mL suggested classical Fabry mutations in most of the patients (93%).

Conclusions—

Our data show that the biomarker lyso-Gb3 may identify the clinically relevant agalA mutations leading to Fabry disease.
Analysis of Circulating Cholesterol Levels as a Mediator of an Association Between ABO Blood Group and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Chen Yequn , Chen Chang , Ke Xiayi , Xiong Longgen , Shi Yongying , Li Jiafu , Tan Xuerui , Ye Shu
Published: January 2014

Background—

Non-O type of ABO blood group has been associated with a predisposition to coronary heart disease. It is thought that this association is partly mediated by increased cholesterol levels in non–O-type individuals. In this study, we sought to estimate the mediation effect size.

Methods and Results—

In a group of individuals (n=6476) undergoing coronary angiography, we detected associations of non-O type with significant coronary artery disease with >50% stenosis in ≥1 coronary arteries (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.39;
P
=2.6×10
−4
) and with prevalent or incident myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.37;
P
=1.2×10
−3
). Subjects of non-O type had higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean [SEM] in mmol/L: 4.931[0.021], 3.041 [0.018], and 3.805 [0.020] in non-O type compared with 4.778 [0.026], 2.906 [0.021], and 3.669 [0.024] in O type;
P
=3.8×10
−7
,
P
=1.5×10
−7
, and
P
=3.1×10
−7
, respectively). Mediation analyses indicated that 10% of the effect of non-O type on coronary artery disease susceptibility was mediated by increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (
P
=7.8×10
−4
) and that 11% of the effect of non-O type on myocardial infarction risk was mediated by raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (
P
=2.0×10
−3
).

Conclusions—

In a model in which it is presumed that cholesterol is a mediator of the associations of ABO group with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction, around 10% of the effect of non-O type on coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction susceptibility was mediated by its influence on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level.
Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Identifies a Heterozygous Deletion of the Entire
KCNJ2
Gene as a Cause of Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Marquis-Nicholson Renate , Prosser Debra O. , Love Jennifer M. , Zhang Liangtao , Hayes Ian , George Alice M. , Crawford Jackie R. , Skinner Jonathan R. , Love Donald R.
Published: January 2014

Background—

Large gene rearrangements, not detectable by standard molecular genetic sequencing techniques, are present in a minority of patients with long QT syndrome. We aimed to screen for large rearrangements in genes responsible for long QT syndrome as part of the molecular autopsy of a 36-year-old woman who died suddenly and had a negative autopsy. A retrospective analysis of an ECG identified a long QT interval, but sequencing of known LQT genes was uninformative.

Methods and Results—

Array comparative genomic hybridization was used to screen for deletions and duplications in 101 genes implicated in cardiac disorders and sudden death using a postmortem blood sample. A 542 kb deletion encompassing the entire
KCNJ2
gene was identified in the decedent. The mother had electrocardiographic U-wave changes consistent with Andersen–Tawil syndrome and exaggerated by exercise but none of the characteristic noncardiac features. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the deletion in the decedent and established its presence in the mother.

Conclusions—

A novel application of array comparative genomic hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization has identified that long QT syndrome and sudden cardiac death may occur as a result of a deletion of an entire gene. The case also supports recent research suggesting that noncardiac features of Andersen–Tawil syndrome occur only with missense or minor gene rearrangements in the
KCNJ2
gene, resulting in a dominant negative effect on Kir2.x channels.
Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Significant Myxomatous Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing Exercise Echocardiography
Authors: Naji Peyman , Griffin Brian P. , Asfahan Fadi , Barr Tyler , Rodriguez L. Leonardo , Grimm Richard , Agarwal Shikhar , Stewart William J. , Mihaljevic Tomislav , Gillinov A. Marc , Desai Milind Y.
Published: January 2014

Background—

Significant myxomatous mitral regurgitation leads to progressive left ventricular (LV) decline, resulting in congestive heart failure and death. Such patients benefit from mitral valve surgery. Exercise echocardiography aids in risk stratification and helps decide surgical timing. We sought to assess predictors of outcomes in such patients undergoing exercise echocardiography.

Methods and Results—

This is an observational study of 884 consecutive patients (age, 58±14 years; 67% men) with grade III+ or greater myxomatous mitral regurgitation who underwent exercise echocardiography between January 2000 and December 2011 (excluding functional mitral regurgitation, prior valvular surgery, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, rheumatic valvular disease, or greater than mild mitral stenosis). Clinical and echocardiographic data (mitral regurgitation, LV ejection fraction, LV dimensions, right ventricular systolic pressure) and exercise variables (metabolic equivalents, heart rate recovery at 1 minute after exercise) were recorded. Composite events of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and progression to congestive heart failure were recorded. Mean LV ejection fraction, indexed LV end-systolic dimension, resting right ventricular systolic pressure, peak stress right ventricular systolic pressure, metabolic equivalents achieved, and heart rate recovery were 58±5%, 1.6±0.4 mm/m
2
, 31±12 mm Hg, 46±17 mm Hg, 9.6±3, and 33±14 beats, respectively. During 6.4±4 years of follow-up, there were 87 events. On stepwise multivariable Cox analysis, percent of age/sex-predicted metabolic equivalents (hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–0.99;
P
=0.005), heart rate recovery (hazard ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.17–0.50;
P
<0.001), resting right ventricular systolic pressure (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.004–1.05;
P
=0.02), atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–3.41;
P
=0.03), and LV ejection fraction (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–0.99;
P
=0.04) predicted outcomes.

Conclusions—

In patients with grade III+ or greater myxomatous mitral regurgitation undergoing exercise echocardiography, lower percent of age/sex-predicted metabolic equivalents, lower heart rate recovery, atrial fibrillation, lower LV ejection fraction, and high resting right ventricular systolic pressure predicted worse outcomes.
Identifying Common Genetic Variants in Blood Pressure Due to Polygenic Pleiotropy With Associated Phenotypes
Authors: Andreassen Ole A. , McEvoy Linda K. , Thompson Wesley K. , Wang Yunpeng , Reppe Sjur , Schork Andrew J. , Zuber Verena , Barrett-Connor Elizabeth , Gautvik Kaare , Aukrust Pål , Karlsen Tom H. , Djurovic Srdjan , Desikan Rahul S. , Dale Anders M.
Published: January 2014

Blood pressure is a critical determinant of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is affected by environmental factors, but has a strong heritable component. Despite recent large genome-wide association studies, few genetic risk factors for blood pressure have been identified. Epidemiological studies suggest associations between blood pressure and several diseases and traits, which may partly arise from a shared genetic basis (genetic pleiotropy). Using genome-wide association studies summary statistics and a genetic pleiotropy-informed conditional false discovery rate method, we systematically investigated genetic overlap between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 12 comorbid traits and diseases. We found significant enrichment of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with SBP as a function of their association with body mass index, low-density lipoprotein, waist/hip ratio, schizophrenia, bone mineral density, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and celiac disease. In contrast, the magnitude of enrichment due to shared polygenic effects was smaller with the other phenotypes (triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, type 2 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and height). Applying the conditional false discovery rate method to the enriched phenotypes, we identified 62 loci associated with SBP (false discovery rate <0.01), including 42 novel loci. The observed polygenic overlap between SBP and several related disorders indicates that the epidemiological associations are not mediated solely via lifestyle factors but also reflect an etiologic relation that warrants further investigation. The new gene loci identified implicate novel genetic mechanisms related to lipid biology and the immune system in SBP.
Power, Preferences, or Ideas? Explaining West Germany's Armaments Strategy, 1955–1972
Authors: Creswell Michael H. , Kollmer Dieter H.
Published: January 2014

Which major theory of international relations—neorealism, liberalism, or constructivism—best explains states' weapons procurement strategies? This article addresses that question by examining the case of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) during the Cold War. Through an in-depth analysis of the FRG's armaments strategy from the time the country was admitted into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1955 until the early 1970s, the article demonstrates that although ideas and external security concerns did play a role, economic concerns won out more often than not. IR scholars must therefore account for a variety of factors when attempting to explain the FRG's weapons procurement strategy during this period. Neorealism, liberalism, and constructivism are useful in thinking about West Germany's purchases of weapons, but none of the three theories is adequate on its own.
Reflections on George F. Kennan: An American Life
Authors: Hershberg James G.
Published: January 2014

Nine experts on Cold War history offer commentaries about John Lewis Gaddis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of George F. Kennan, the first head of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff. The commentators come from several countries and offer a wide range of perspectives about Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life, published by Penguin Books in 2011. Although most of the commentators express highly favorable assessments of the book, they also raise numerous points of criticism. Two of the commentators, Barton J. Bernstein and Anders Stephanson, present extended critiques of Gaddis's biography. The forum concludes with a reply by Gaddis to all the commentaries, especially those by Bernstein and Stephanson.
Gaddis's Achievement: Taking the Measure of Kennan
Authors: Pechatnov Vladimir O.
Published: January 2014

Nine experts on Cold War history offer commentaries about John Lewis Gaddis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of George F. Kennan, the first head of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff. The commentators come from several countries and offer a wide range of perspectives about Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life, published by Penguin Books in 2011. Although most of the commentators express highly favorable assessments of the book, they also raise numerous points of criticism. Two of the commentators, Barton J. Bernstein and Anders Stephanson, present extended critiques of Gaddis's biography. The forum concludes with a reply by Gaddis to all the commentaries, especially those by Bernstein and Stephanson.
An Assessment of John Lewis Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life
Authors: Kurilla Ivan
Published: January 2014

Nine experts on Cold War history offer commentaries about John Lewis Gaddis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of George F. Kennan, the first head of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff. The commentators come from several countries and offer a wide range of perspectives about Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life, published by Penguin Books in 2011. Although most of the commentators express highly favorable assessments of the book, they also raise numerous points of criticism. Two of the commentators, Barton J. Bernstein and Anders Stephanson, present extended critiques of Gaddis's biography. The forum concludes with a reply by Gaddis to all the commentaries, especially those by Bernstein and Stephanson.
Commentary on John Lewis Gaddis, George F. Kennan: An American Life
Authors: Kampmark Binoy
Published: January 2014

Nine experts on Cold War history offer commentaries about John Lewis Gaddis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of George F. Kennan, the first head of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff. The commentators come from several countries and offer a wide range of perspectives about Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life, published by Penguin Books in 2011. Although most of the commentators express highly favorable assessments of the book, they also raise numerous points of criticism. Two of the commentators, Barton J. Bernstein and Anders Stephanson, present extended critiques of Gaddis's biography. The forum concludes with a reply by Gaddis to all the commentaries, especially those by Bernstein and Stephanson.
George F. Kennan and the Division of Europe
Authors: Smetana Vít
Published: January 2014

Nine experts on Cold War history offer commentaries about John Lewis Gaddis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of George F. Kennan, the first head of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff. The commentators come from several countries and offer a wide range of perspectives about Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life, published by Penguin Books in 2011. Although most of the commentators express highly favorable assessments of the book, they also raise numerous points of criticism. Two of the commentators, Barton J. Bernstein and Anders Stephanson, present extended critiques of Gaddis's biography. The forum concludes with a reply by Gaddis to all the commentaries, especially those by Bernstein and Stephanson.
Reply to the Commentaries
Authors: Gaddis John Lewis
Published: January 2014

Nine experts on Cold War history offer commentaries about John Lewis Gaddis's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of George F. Kennan, the first head of the U.S. State Department's Policy Planning Staff. The commentators come from several countries and offer a wide range of perspectives about Gaddis's George F. Kennan: An American Life, published by Penguin Books in 2011. Although most of the commentators express highly favorable assessments of the book, they also raise numerous points of criticism. Two of the commentators, Barton J. Bernstein and Anders Stephanson, present extended critiques of Gaddis's biography. The forum concludes with a reply by Gaddis to all the commentaries, especially those by Bernstein and Stephanson.
Taxonomic revision of the species of Parvanachis Radwin, 1968 (Gastropoda: Columbellidae) from the Gulf of Panama
Authors: De MAINTENON MARTA J.
Published: January 2014

Species of Parvanachis Radwin, 1968 collected from the Gulf of Panama are anatomically characterized and taxonomically revised. Six species are reported to occur in the region: P. pygmaea (Sowerby, 1832), P. pardalis (Hinds, 1843), P. diminuta (C.B. Adams, 1852), P. albonodosa (Carpenter, 1857), P. milium (Dall, 1916), and P. dalli Bartsch, 1931. Of these six, three are confirmed as described. P. milium was not found in new collections or the previous survey collection and may be more common further south. P. dalli is a synonym of P. pygmaea; and P. albonodosa (auct.) is renamed, because the type material represents a different species. Two new species are described, P. dichroma and P. adamsi. P. pardalis, based on anatomy and shell and radular morphology, is referred to the genus Anachis, and Costoanachis nigricans (Sowerby, 1844), based on anatomy and shell morphology, is transferred to Parvanachis. The resulting seven species of Parvanachis constitute two groups; one (including the type species) with smaller shells and a simple penis morphology, and a group of four larger species with more complex penis morphology.
Description of a new species of Terminalichus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Tenuipalpidae) from China
Authors: XU YUN , FAN QING-HAI , HUANG JIAN
Published: January 2014

A new species Terminalichus sanya Xu & Fan sp. nov. (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae) from China is described and illustrated. The ontogenetic changes in ventral and leg chaetotaxy on the female, deutonymph, protonymph and larva are presented. The generic definition of Terminalichus is updated and a key to the world species is provided.
The genus Paracholula (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae: Rhyparochrominae: Myodochini)
Authors: PEREDO LUIS CERVANTES , SANTACRUZ JEZABEL BAEZ
Published: January 2014

The genus Paracholula Harrington has been represented by two species, P. picta (Fab) and P. thoracica (Distant), both recorded from Mexico. Individuals of one population from Guerrero were studied and compared with individuals of both species from different collections, including the types. Using scanning electron micrographs of different structures, and observation of the male genitalia of some individuals, together with a close examination of all the individuals from the population from Guerrero, we discovered, that there is great variation in all the structures and that some characters that were used to separate the two species are present within the population from Guerrero. Therefore we synonymize both species, stating that the valid name for this species is Paracholula picta (Fab). Descriptions and illustrations of all the immature stages from the Guerrero population are included. Notes about host plants, biology and distributional records are also included.
A new species of Munidopsis from a seamount of the Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge (Decapoda: Munidopsidae)
Authors: MACPHERSON ENRIQUE , AMON DIVA , CLARK PAUL F.
Published: January 2014

Wood and whale bone colonisation experiments were undertaken on the Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge, 18 November 2009. Later, 14 December 2011, squat lobsters were recovered from the submerged wood and assigned to Munidopsis sp. Further study indicated that the specimens belonged to the group of species having a rostrum without lateral spines, presence of two strong epigastric spines, unarmed abdominal segments, one dorsal eye-spine, and with the second pereiopod not reaching the end of the first. They were similar to M. hemingi Alcock & Anderson, 1899 but differed in that the epigastric spines are well developed (vs. tubercles in M. hemingi), the lateral margins of the carapace are straight (vs. more convex in M. hemingi), the eye has a tubercular process mediodorsally (vs. a papilliform spinule at mesial angle) and the epipods on the fourth pereiopod were absent (vs. present in M. hemingi). Consequently the Munidopsis specimens from the Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge were considered to be an undescribed species.
Changing the National Narrative: Evolution in Citizenship and Integration in Germany, 2000–10
Authors: Williams Helen
Published: January 2014

The past 10 years of German history give evidence of a paradigm shift in Germany’s national narrative. The early years of the decade were marked by widespread denial at the elite level that Germany was a country of immigration and adherence to an assimilationist model of integration but progressed to the creation of a National Integration Plan by Christian Union Chancellor Angela Merkel and the liberalization of public opinion. Germany’s recent history shows dramatic discursive and policy changes. This article documents the changes in elite discursive scripts, showing the gradual acceptance and rejection of discourses about integration and their implications for national identity. It concludes that, though the changes are not universally liberal, the decade as a whole constitutes a remarkable liberalization of both elite discourse and public opinion.
Displaced Persons in Postwar Germany: Parallel Societies in a Hostile Environment
Authors: Antons Jan-Hinnerk
Published: January 2014

This article explores the relationship between Displaced Persons (DPs) and Germans in the postwar decade, focusing mostly on Ukrainian DPs. It shows how their almost complete separation from the German population led to well developed parallel societies, which were mutually approved for some time, and analyses the dissimilar motives of DPs and Germans for separation. As a consequence of mass resettlement, it is argued, the national microcosms lost their positive features while the hostile attitude of the outside world persisted. The missing revision in the segregation of foreigners from German society after the downfall of National Socialism is recognized as a burden on their future treatment in the FRG.
Migration and Migration Policy: West Germany and the Recruitment of Foreign Labour, 1945–61
Authors: Steinert Johannes-Dieter
Published: January 2014

Between 1945 and 1961 West Germany experienced one of the greatest waves of emigration in German history. However, before the emigration of Germans to European and overseas countries had even reached its zenith, German migration policy had laid the foundations for the immigration of foreign workers, and the era of organized recruitment had begun, which lasted until 1973. This article analyses how the migration agreements with Italy (1955), Spain (1960), Greece (1960) and Turkey (1961) came about. Based on official documents it will argue (a) that the Mediterranean countries had initiated the negotiations about these agreements in order to regulate at least parts of their outward migration according to the needs of their own labour markets, and (b) that German politicians and ministerial civil servants involved held no fundamental debate during their period of deliberation about the possible length of the employment of foreign workers, and avoided a public discussion about migration and migration policies.
Asylum in Postwar Germany: Refugee Admission Policies and Their Practical Implementation in the Federal Republic and the GDR Between the Late 1940s and the Mid-1970s
Authors: Poutrus Patrice G.
Published: January 2014

This article is a history of the refugee and asylum policies in the two postwar German states from the end of the 1940s to the mid-1970s and describes the developments leading to the 1993 constitutional amendment. In West Germany, the right to political asylum was permanently the subject of conflicts and new interpretations based on contradictions between a liberal constitutional law of political asylum and a restrictive institutional practice of migration policy. The resulting developments in asylum policy were part of the democratization of the political culture in the West German society, in which the constitution was recognized as standing above other regulations and political considerations. In contrast, in the GDR asylum remained an arbitrary act under total control of the Communist Party officials and can be seen as a continuation of German nationalistic migration policy under the notion of a homogenous population. The refugee issue was always tied to fundamental questions about the political and moral foundations of the West German society and became the major subject of public debate in the 1980s. These debates culminated in the 1993 constitutional reform popularly known as the ‘asylum compromise’, a combination of democratic values and the traditional notion of national belonging in reunified Germany.
Immune Cells Link Obesity-associated Type 2 Diabetes and Periodontitis
Authors: Zhu M. , Nikolajczyk B.S.
Published: January 2014

The clinical association between obesity-associated type 2 diabetes (T2D) and periodontitis, coupled with the increasing prevalence of these diseases, justifies studies to identify mechanisms responsible for the vicious feed-forward loop between systemic and oral disease. Changes in the immune system are critical for both obesity-associated T2D and periodontitis and therefore may link these diseases. Recent studies at the intersection of immunology and metabolism have greatly advanced our understanding of the role the immune system plays in the transition between obesity and obesity-associated T2D and have shown that immune cells exhibit similar functional changes in obesity/T2D and periodontitis. Furthermore, myeloid and lymphoid cells likely synergize to promote obesity/T2D-associated periodontitis despite complexities introduced by disease interaction. Thus the groundwork is being laid for researchers to exploit existing models to understand immune cell dysfunction and break the devastating relationship between obesity-associated T2D and oral disease.
Robert Post’s theory of freedom of speech
Authors: Jarymowicz Tomasz
Published: January 2014

Deliberative democracy’s approach with its emphasis on a multidimensional conception of freedom is very well suited to offer a sophisticated and critical account of freedom of speech in the democratic public sphere. Nevertheless, it has rarely engaged other competing free speech theories in order to offer a valuable social critique of other ways of thinking about freedom of expression. This article tries to fill this gap by critically engaging Robert Post’s theory of freedom of speech based on democratic self-government. On Post’s account, the key to effective democratic self-government is political autonomy, which he reduces to negative liberty and formal equality. I argue that this reduction creates serious problems. A purely procedural account of democracy makes it difficult to politicize new issues in the public sphere and also makes a dominant discourse resistant to contestation. Further, given his theory, Post does not have enough normative resources to offer an account of public justification, which would expand effective political liberty.
Transmastoid Approach to Spontaneous Temporal Bone Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Hearing Improvement and Success of Repair
Authors: Kim Leslie , Wisely Clayton Ellis , Dodson Edward E.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine whether the transmastoid approach to repair of spontaneous temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is safe and effective and if improvement in conductive hearing loss is an achievable goal with this approach.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Fifteen consecutive patients (16 ears) presented with spontaneous temporal bone CSF leaks over a 6‐year period. Clinical data, imaging, audiometry, operative reports, and postoperative course were reviewed.

Results

Median age was 59.5 years. Mean body mass index was 40.7 kg/m2. All presented with chronic otorrhea after tympanostomy tube placement and conductive/mixed hearing loss. The mean preoperative air‐bone gap was 19 dB. A transmastoid approach alone was used in 15 cases; 1 underwent middle fossa craniotomy. Most defects were located in the tegmen mastoideum and tympani. All repairs were multilayered, typically using autologous mastoid bone, temporalis fascia, and tissue sealant. Primary repair was successful in 15 cases; 1 patient with persistent postoperative otorrhea subsequently underwent middle fossa craniotomy, but no frank leakage was found. No serious complications were encountered. Following transmastoid repair, postoperative audiograms were available for 14 patients. The mean improvement in air‐bone gap was 12 dB. Closure of the air‐bone gap to ≤12 dB occurred in 100% of cases.

Conclusion

The transmastoid approach to repair of spontaneous temporal bone CSF leak is highly successful. Furthermore, patients in this series had excellent hearing results with closure of their air‐bone gap to ≤12 dB, which has not been previously described.
Exploring SEER‐Medicare for Changes in the Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Jean Raymond A. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Strope Seth A. , Hardin Frances Mei , Rich Jason T. , Piccirillo Jay F.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To explore the change in frequency of treatment, and its association with 5‐year survival, among elderly Medicare enrollees with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCCL).

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of a national cancer database.

Subjects and Methods

This was an analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare data set of elderly patients diagnosed with SCCL between 1992 and 2007. Surgical and nonsurgical treatments were identified, and changes in frequency by year of cancer diagnosis were explored. A propensity‐matched multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the impact of treatment.

Results

There were 3324 cases of primary SCCL diagnosed between 1992 and 2007 studied. Most were male (n = 2605; 78%), white (n = 2845; 87%), and between 66 and 74 years of age (n = 1874; 56%). Between 1992 and 2005, there was a significant trend for increasing 5‐year overall survival (43% in 1992 to 54% in 2005‐2007; P <. 01). There was a significant trend for decreasing frequency of surgical therapy (47% in 1992‐1995 to 41% in 2005‐2007; P =. 03). Surgical therapy was associated with a decreased risk of overall mortality (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.68‐0.86) in comparison to nonsurgical treatments.

Conclusion

The analysis demonstrates an increase in survival among elderly Medicare enrollees diagnosed with SCCL between 1992 and 2007. Despite a significant trend for its decreasing use, there was a significantly decreased risk of overall mortality associated with surgical therapy.
Thirty years of music and drama education in the Madeira Island: Facing future challenges
Authors: Mota Graça , Abreu Liliana
Published: January 2014

In this paper we give an overview of relevant findings of a three years long case study that was carried out in the Madeira Island, Portugal. It addresses a thirty years old project in music and drama education in primary schools, which involves all children within the school curriculum, but also in extra-curriculum activities. The study used mainly qualitative methodologies for the case study approach, and statistical analysis concerning the questionnaires that were sent out to classroom teachers, supporting teachers, and parents. Findings indicate the magnitude of the project, its educational relevance, and a strong sense of ownership and leadership as revealed both by results from the questionnaires and emerging themes in the interviews. Taking into account the contributions of activity theory, critical points were identified that may bring about a qualitative transformation capable of fostering good practices in music and drama education in primary schools in Madeira.
Music without a music specialist: A primary school story
Authors: de Vries Peter A.
Published: January 2014

This case study focuses on generalist primary (elementary) school teachers teaching music in an Australian school. With the onus for teaching music moving away from the specialist music teacher to the generalist classroom teacher, this case study adds to a growing body of literature focusing on generalist primary school teachers and music teaching. Previous literature largely focuses on these teachers self-reporting regarding their teaching of music. This case study aimed to identify what factors facilitate the teaching of music and the kinds of music teaching occurring in the school through interviews and observations of generalist teachers teaching music. Singing was core to the teaching of music by the generalist teachers, who valued a sequential and developmental approach to music teaching. The role of the school principal was key in supporting this music teaching, both financially and personally, as was music professional development attended by the teachers. Working as members of a community of practice, these teachers were able to articulate a shared vision of music education in their school.