bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SapC–DOPS Nanovesicles as Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Shuli , Chu Zhengtao , Blanco Victor M. , Nie Yunzhong , Hou Yayi , Qi Xiaoyang
Published: February 2015

Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women. In this study, we evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a biotherapeutic agent composed of a lysosomal protein (Saposin C, SapC) and a phospholipid (dioleoylphosphatidylserine, DOPS), which can be assembled into nanovesicles (SapC–DOPS) with selective antitumor activity. SapC–DOPS targets phosphatidylserine, an anionic phospholipid preferentially exposed in the surface of cancer cells and tumor-associated vasculature. Because binding of SapC to phosphatidylserine is favored at acidic pHs, and the latter characterizes the milieu of many solid tumors, we tested the effect of pH on the binding capacity of SapC–DOPS to lung tumor cells. Results showed that SapC–DOPS binding to cancer cells was more pronounced at low pH. Viability assays on a panel of human lung tumor cells showed that SapC–DOPS cytotoxicity was positively correlated with cell surface phosphatidylserine levels, whereas mitochondrial membrane potential measurements were consistent with apoptosis-related cell death. Using a fluorescence tracking method in live mice, we show that SapC–DOPS specifically targets human lung cancer xenografts, and that systemic therapy with SapC–DOPS induces tumor apoptosis and significantly inhibits tumor growth. These results suggest that SapC–DOPS nanovesicles are a promising treatment option for lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(2); 491–8. ©2015 AACR.
Fluid Area Measurements in the Posterior Fossa at 11-13 Weeks in Normal Fetuses and Fetuses with Open Spina Bifida
Authors: Karl Katrin , Heling Kai Sven , Chaoui Rabih
Published: February 2015

Objectives: To measure the area of the intracranial translucency (IT) (syn: 4th ventricle) and the future cisterna magna (CM) in normal fetuses and to compare with fetuses with open spina bifida. Patients: In the midsagittal plane of the face of 220 fetuses between 11 and 13 weeks' gestation, the areas of the IT and CM were measured and the sum, defined as the posterior fossa fluid (PFF) area was calculated. Reference ranges were constructed in relation to the crown-rump length. The study group consisted of 21 fetuses with open spina bifida and showed in all cases a single pocket of fluid in the posterior fossa. Fetuses with no fluid in the fossa were excluded. This PFF-area was measured and compared with the reference range of the IT-area and the PFF-area of normal fetuses and Z-scores were calculated. Results: In normal fetuses, a significant increase of the IT-, the CM- and the PFF-area was found as a sign of the expanding posterior fossa. The mean PFF-area increased from 8.55 to 29.72 mm2 in the observation period. Fetuses with open spina bifida had reduced fluid in the posterior fossa with values ranging between 2.39 and 5.08 mm2 and significantly lower Z-scores. Conclusions: Fetuses with open spina bifida have an abnormally small posterior fossa at 11-13 weeks' and in cases where the cerebrospinal fluid is still present, the fluid area in the midsagittal plane is reduced when compared to normal fetuses. Area fluid assessment can be an additional useful measurement in suspicious cases for open spina bifida in early gestation.
Laparoscopic Splenectomy as Quaternary Cytoreduction for Isolated Parenchymal Splenic Recurrence of Epitelial Tubo-Ovarian Cancer: Report of a Case and Literature Review
Authors: Sorbi Flavia , Prosperi Paolo , Villanucci Alessandro , Berti Valentina , Sisti Giovanni , Fambrini Massimiliano
Published: February 2015

Isolated parenchymal splenic lesions are very rare and may occur as recurrences in the form of epithelial tubo-ovarian cancer (ETOC). We report a case of solitary parenchymal splenic recurrence of ETOC, which developed 50 months after the initial treatment. A 66-year-old woman underwent laparotomic primary cytoreduction in 2008. After platinum-based chemotherapy, she developed recurrences; thus, she underwent secondary and tertiary cytoreduction in 2011 and 2012 respectively. In April 2013, CT scan documented a solitary parenchymal splenic lesion and it was confirmed by FDG PET/CT. She underwent quaternary cytoreduction by laparoscopic splenectomy. Histopathological evaluation revealed metastatic parenchymal disease consistent with recurrent ETOC. She was alive and disease-free for ten months since splenectomy. In literature there are 35 cases of isolated spleen parenchymal metastasis of ETOC and our report is the first case of laparoscopic splenectomy in the setting of quaternary cytoreduction. Laparoscopic splenectomy as quaternary cytoreduction is safe and feasible and could be congruent to the well-established experiences already reported for the primary, secondary or even tertiary cytoreduction where the absence of residual disease has been translated in a significant survival benefit.
Treatment Challenges with Benign Bone Tumors of the Orbit
Authors: Merritt Helen , Yin Vivian T. , Pfeiffer Margaret L. , Wang Wei-Lien , Sniegowski Matthew C. , Esmaeli Bita
Published: February 2015

Benign mesenchymal tumors of the craniofacial complex present unique challenges for orbital surgeons because of their potential for orbital compartment syndrome, ocular morbidity, and facial disfigurement and because definitive surgical management may be associated with significant morbidity. While the precise classification of such lesions depends on radiologic as well as histologic evaluations and remains controversial, benign tumors involving the bony walls of the orbit share features of bony expansion, facial deformity, and the potential to cause significant orbital and ophthalmic morbidity. We herein present 2 cases of benign mesenchymal tumors with bony involvement in the orbitofacial region (1 juvenile ossifying fibroma and 1 central giant cell granuloma) and review the current management of similar benign fibro-osseous and reactive bone lesions of the orbit. These rare entities presented share common orbital and ophthalmic manifestations and remain without any effective definitive treatment options.
Respiratory Viruses and Torque Teno Virus in Adults with Acute Respiratory Infections
Authors: Prasetyo Afiono Agung , Desyardi Martinus Nuherwan , Tanamas Jimmy , Suradi  , Reviono  , Harsini  , Kageyama Seiji , Chikumi Hiroki , Shimizu Eiji
Published: February 2015

Objective: To define the molecular epidemiology of respiratory viral infections in adult patients. Methods: Nasal and throat swabs were collected from all adult patients with influenza-like illness (ILI), acute respiratory infection (ARI), or severe ARI (SARI) admitted to a tertiary hospital in Surakarta, Indonesia, between March 2010 and April 2011 and analyzed for 19 respiratory viruses and for torque teno virus (TTV) and human gyrovirus (HGyV). Results: Respiratory viruses were detected in 61.3% of the subjects, most of whom had ARI (90.8%, OR = 11.39), were hospitalized (96.9%, OR = 22.31), had asthma exacerbation (90.9%, OR = 8.67), and/or had pneumonia (80%, OR = 4.0). Human rhinovirus (HRV) A43 predominated. Influenza A H3N2, human metapneumovirus (HMPV) subtypes A1 and A2, the influenza B virus, human adenovirus B, and human coronavirus OC43 were also detected. All respiratory viruses were detected in the transition month between the rainy and dry seasons. No mixed respiratory virus infection was found. Coinfections of the influenza A H3N2 virus with TTV, HMPV with TTV, HRV with TTV, and human parainfluenza virus-3 with TTV were found in 4.7, 2.8, 19.8, and 0.9% of the samples, respectively. Conclusions: This study highlights the need to perform routine detection of respiratory viruses in adults hospitalized with ARI, asthma exacerbation, and/or pneumonia.
Low to Moderate Doses of Infrared A Irradiation Impair Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis of the Skin and Contribute to Skin Photodamage
Authors: Robert Cécile , Bonnet Magali , Marques Sandra , Numa Marine , Doucet Olivier
Published: February 2015

Human skin is daily exposed to sun rays, which include not only ultraviolet radiation, but also an important quantity of infrared (IR) radiation. In the past few years, many publications have underlined the negative impact of IR radiation on the human skin, particularly when the skin and/or the cells are exposed to high sun irradiance and significant doses of IR. In the present study, we demonstrate, in vitro on normal human fibroblasts, that even under low irradiance with single or very few repeated doses, infrared A irradiation (IRA) produces free radicals, triggers major changes in the expression of the type I collagen and elastin network, impairs the dermal-epidermal junction, upregulates several matrix metalloproteinases and has an impact on the expression of key genes of the extracellular matrix. We conclude that chronic or discretionary exposure to IRA could play a role that is more important than expected in premature skin aging.
An Evolutionary Medicine Approach to Understanding Factors That Contribute to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Aoshiba Kazutetsu , Tsuji Takao , Itoh Masayuki , Yamaguchi Kazuhiro , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: February 2015

Although many studies have been published on the causes and mechanisms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the reason for the existence of COPD and the reasons why COPD develops in humans have hardly been studied. Evolutionary medical approaches are required to explain not only the proximate factors, such as the causes and mechanisms of a disease, but the ultimate (evolutionary) factors as well, such as why the disease is present and why the disease develops in humans. According to the concepts of evolutionary medicine, disease susceptibility is acquired as a result of natural selection during the evolutionary process of traits linked to the genes involved in disease susceptibility. In this paper, we discuss the following six reasons why COPD develops in humans based on current evolutionary medical theories: (1) evolutionary constraints; (2) mismatch between environmental changes and evolution; (3) co-evolution with pathogenic microorganisms; (4) life history trade-off; (5) defenses and their costs, and (6) reproductive success at the expense of health. Our perspective pursues evolutionary answers to the fundamental question, ‘Why are humans susceptible to this common disease, COPD, despite their long evolutionary history?' We believe that the perspectives offered by evolutionary medicine are essential for researchers to better understand the significance of their work.
Relationship between Foetal Growth Restriction and Maternal Nutrition Status Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Leptin, and Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Authors: Ferrero Silvia , Mazarico Edurne , Valls Carme , Di Gregorio Silvana , Montejo Rocío , Ibáñez Lourdes , Gomez-Roig M. Dolores
Published: February 2015

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine if maternal nutritional status, as defined by body composition, leptin, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels, relates to foetal growth. Methods: In this prospective study, mothers of foetuses with foetal growth restriction (FGR; cases; n = 46) and mothers of appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) foetuses (controls; n = 81) were consecutively recruited over a 14- month period. A maternal blood sample was obtained during the third trimester (between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation) for the assessment of IGF-I and leptin. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within the first 15 days after delivery. The study used the SPSS-PC statistical package, version 19.0, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean serum IGF-I levels were lower in the cases than in the controls (p < 0.05), whereas leptin concentrations were higher in the cases after adjusting for age, body mass index and cigarette consumption (p < 0.05). Cases had less lean and fat tissue than controls (p < 0.05) but a relatively higher fat percentage. Conclusions: The mothers of foetuses with FGR have a body composition pattern characterized by a slightly increased fraction of fat mass, lower IGF-I concentrations, and increased serum leptin levels. Optimization of maternal nutritional status should be considered, as the nutritional status may be involved in the pathogenesis of FGR.
Risk of Major Hemorrhage after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Sood Manish M. , Garg Amit X. , Bota Sarah E. , Marisiddappa Limesh , McArthur Eric , Naylor Kyla L. , Kapral Moira K. , Kim S. Joseph , Lam Ngan N. , Molnar Amber O. , Harel Ziv , Perl Jeffrey , Knoll Greg A.
Published: February 2015

Background: Major hemorrhagic events are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We examined the three-year cumulative incidence of hospitalization with major nontraumatic hemorrhage after kidney transplantation. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using healthcare administrative data of all adult-incident kidney-only transplantation recipients in Ontario, Canada from 1994 to 2009. We calculated the three-year cumulative incidence, event rate, and incident rate ratio of hospitalization with major hemorrhage, its subtypes and those undergoing a hemorrhage-related procedure. Results were stratified by patient age and donor type and compared to a random and propensity-score matched sample from the general population. Results: Among 4,958 kidney transplant recipients, the three-year cumulative incidence of hospitalization with nontraumatic major hemorrhage was 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-4.1%, 12.7 events per 1,000 patient-years) compared to 0.4% (95% CI 0.4-0.5%) in the general population (RR = 8.2, 95% CI 6.9-9.7). The crude risk of hemorrhage was 3-9-fold higher in all subtypes (upper/lower gastrointestinal, intra-cranial) and 15-fold higher for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures compared to the random sample from the general population. After propensity score matching, the relative risk for major hemorrhage and its subtypes attenuated but remained elevated. The cumulative incidence of hemorrhage was higher for older individuals and those with a deceased donor kidney. Conclusion: Kidney transplantation recipients have a higher risk of hospitalization with hemorrhage compared to the general population, with about 1 in 30 recipients experiencing a major hemorrhage in the three years following transplant.
Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination Ruled Out in the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) via Molecular Cytogenetics and Incubation Experiments across Populations
Authors: Mu Yi , Zhao Bo , Tang Wen-Qi , Sun Bao-Jun , Zeng Zhi-Gao , Valenzuela Nicole , Du Wei-Guo
Published: February 2015

The sex determination mechanism for the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is subject to controversy. Some populations have been shown to possess sex chromosomes and thus genotypic sex determination (GSD), while others were reported to exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). To test whether TSD and GSD coexist in this species or whether populations differ in their sex-determining system, we conducted egg incubation experiments to investigate how temperature influences hatchling sex in a wide range of populations of this species in China. In parallel, we used comparative genome hybridization (CGH) to study the micro-sex chromosomes of adult P. sinensis in the 2 populations that were previously identified to be TSD. The incubation experiments showed that temperature did not affect hatchling sex in any of the studied populations. CGH indicated that turtles have micro-sex chromosomes of the female heterogametic (ZZ/ZW) system in the 2 disputed populations. These results indicate that P. sinensis is a GSD rather than a TSD species. Thus, the apparent coexistence of TSD and GSD in this species is the result of previous misdiagnosis in purportedly TSD populations.
Regulation of Renal Fibrosis by Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Pan Bixia , Liu Guohui , Jiang Zongpei , Zheng Dongwen
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: Since renal fibrosis always predisposes end-stage renal disease, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the progression of renal fibrosis may substantially improve the understanding and treatment for renal failure. Previous studies have highlighted an important counteraction between transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1) and bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells during chronic renal injury. Macrophages are also believed to play a critical role in renal fibrosis. However, the relationship between macrophages and EMT is unknown. Methods: Here, we used a mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model to address to these questions, and analyzed macrophage and its subpopulations purified by flow cytometry. Results: We found that the recruited macrophages are polarized to a M2 subtype after renal injury. M2 macrophages released high levels TGFβ1 to suppress BMP7 to enhance EMT-induced renal fibrosis. Depletion of M2 macrophages, but not of M1 macrophages, specifically inhibited EMT, and subsequently the renal fibrosis. Adoptive transplantation of M2 macrophages deteriorated renal fibrosis. Conclusion: Thus, our study highlights M2 macrophages as a critical target for treating renal fibrosis.
Evaluation of the Response to Ranibizumab Therapy following Bevacizumab Treatment Failure in Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Hanhart Joel , Chowers Itay
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: Bevacizumab and ranibizumab are routinely used to treat diabetic macular edema (DME). We aim to evaluate the usefulness of switching to ranibizumab therapy following bevacizumab treatment failure in eyes with DME. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a consecutive group of patients with DME who received ranibizumab injections following the failure of bevacizumab injections. The injections were delivered following a pro re nata protocol every 4-6 weeks. The data collected included demographics, systemic and ophthalmic findings, as well as the central subfield thickness according to spectral-domain OCT. Results: Eight eyes (5 patients) were included in the study. The median number of bevacizumab injections prior to the switch to ranibizumab was 4, and the median number of ranibizumab injections during the study was 2. The mean follow-up period was 541 ± 258 days. The mean central retinal thickness (CRT) (±SEM) was 539 ± 75 μm before the initiation of bevacizumab treatment, and 524 ± 43 μm after the last bevacizumab injection (p = 0.7). It reduced to 325 ± 26 μm following the ranibizumab injections (p = 0.0063). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 4 eyes and remained stable in 4 eyes following the ranibizumab injections. Conclusion: A ranibizumab therapy was effective in reducing the CRT in eyes that failed bevacizumab therapy. A BCVA improvement can also occur in these eyes. Switching between anti-vascular endothelial growth factor compounds may be beneficial in eyes with DME.
Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Optic Nerve Head Drusen Treated with Anti-VEGF Agents
Authors: Saffra Norman A. , Reinherz Benjamin J.
Published: February 2015

Optic nerve head drusen can be associated with peripapillary choroidal neovascularization, in both the pediatric and adult population. These membranes can involve the macula, causing significant visual loss. Herein, we present a case that required treatment with an anti-VEGF agent. The patient failed to respond to the initial agent, but subsequently responded to a change of agent. Adult patients with macular degeneration involving peripapillary choroidal neovascularization associated with optic nerve head drusen may require individualized treatment plans.
Sex Differences in Perceived Stress and Early Recovery in Young and Middle-Aged Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Xu Xiao , Bao Haikun , Strait Kelly , Spertus John A. , Lichtman Judith H. , D’Onofrio Gail , Spatz Erica , Bucholz Emily M. , Geda Mary , Lorenze Nancy P. , Bueno Héctor , Beltrame John F. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: February 2015

Background—

Younger age and female sex are both associated with greater mental stress in the general population, but limited data exist on the status of perceived stress in young and middle-aged patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

We examined sex difference in stress, contributing factors to this difference, and whether this difference helps explain sex-based disparities in 1-month recovery using data from 3572 patients with acute myocardial infarction (2397 women and 1175 men) 18 to 55 years of age. The average score of the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale at baseline was 23.4 for men and 27.0 for women (
P
<0.001). Higher stress in women was explained largely by sex differences in comorbidities, physical and mental health status, intrafamily conflict, caregiving demands, and financial hardship. After adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, women had worse recovery than men at 1 month after acute myocardial infarction, with mean differences in improvement score between women and men ranging from −0.04 for EuroQol utility index to −3.96 for angina-related quality of life (
P
<0.05 for all). Further adjustment for baseline stress reduced these sex-based differences in recovery to −0.03 to −3.63, which, however, remained statistically significant (
P
<0.05 for all). High stress at baseline was associated with significantly worse recovery in angina-specific and overall quality of life, as well as mental health status. The effect of baseline stress on recovery did not vary between men and women.

Conclusions—

Among young and middle-aged patients, higher stress at baseline is associated with worse recovery in multiple health outcomes after acute myocardial infarction. Women perceive greater psychological stress than men at baseline, which partially explains women’s worse recovery.
Common Grace and the Ends of Creation in Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck
Authors: Skaff Jeffrey
Published: February 2015

Despite its marginal place in contemporary dogmatics, the doctrine of common grace potentially has much to offer to a theological account of the created order. Describing its relationship to special grace, however, to salvation, is no easy task. This article finds that Abraham Kuyper—the most prominent supporter of the doctrine—attempts to describe this relationship in two ultimately irreconcilable ways. In addition, it argues that only one of these ways—one in which common grace is always ordered to special grace—is acceptable. Such an account, which is defended by Kuyper’s contemporary Herman Bavinck, provides the basis for an understanding of the created order that should resonate with Christian theologians both inside and outside the Neo-Calvinist tradition, including those who have been influenced by Karl Barth.
Adaptive morpho-traits, taxonomy and biogeography of Metania Gray, 1867 (Porifera: Spongillina: Metaniidae) with the description of a new species from Madagascar
Authors: MANCONI RENATA , CADEDDU BARBARA , PRONZATO ROBERTO
Published: February 2015

A comparative analysis of gemmular architecture adaptive morpho-traits at family level is reported for Metaniidae together with the discovery and description of a new species from the River Mangoky (High Plateau), Madagascar. The new Malagasy species, ascribed to Metania for diagnostic traits of the skeleton and the gemmular architecture, differs from all the other known species of the genus in its unique combination of diagnostic traits. Metania madagascariensis sp. nov. is characterised by encrusting growth form, conulose surface, specialized ectosomal skeleton, alveolate-reticulate choanosomal skeleton, two types of megascleres as smooth oxeas (α) and acanthoxeas (β) ornamented with spines and/or tubercles, one type of microsclere as acanthoxeas with dense spines/tubercles bearing rosettes of microspines at tips; gemmules with or without cage of megascleres and frequently surrounded by microscleres; gemmular theca trilayered with pneumatic layer of fibrous spongin, boletiform (trumpet-like) gemmuloscleres with proximal true rotule large, smooth and with irregular blunt margins, and distal knob-like pseudorotule notably smaller, with a few hooks at the margins. M. madagascariensis belongs to the Afrotropical species group of Metania. Identification keys and an annotated checklist at global level are also provided together with a species-level discussion of Metania focusing on morphology, taxonomy, nomenclature and biogeography.
Korean species of the genus Neoperla Needham, 1905 (Plecoptera: Perlidae)
Authors: MURÁNYI DÁVID , LI WEIHAI , JEON MI JEONG , HWANG JEONG MI , SEO HONG YUL
Published: February 2015

Two new species of the perlid genus Neoperla, N. adamantea Murányi & Li, sp. n. and N. goguryeo Murányi & Li, sp. n. are described from both sexes, collected in the Kumgang and Myohyang Mountains of North Korea by personnel of the Hungarian Natural History Museum during the 1970’s. Two additional species, N. coreensis Ra, Kim, Kang & Ham, 1994 and N. ussurica Sivec & Zhiltzova, 1996 are redescribed from North Korean specimens. Neoperla quadrata Wu & Claassen, 1934 is redescribed on the basis of the holotype from Sichuan Province, China, and the Korean occurrence of this species requires confirmation. Korean and global distributions of the five Neoperla species reported from the peninsula are depicted on maps.
On the Internal Variability of Simulated Daily Precipitation*
Authors: Schindler Anne , Toreti Andrea , Zampieri Matteo , Scoccimarro Enrico , Gualdi Silvio , Fukutome Sophie , Xoplaki Elena , Luterbacher Jürg
Published: February 2015

Climate model simulations are currently the main tool to provide information about possible future climates. Apart from scenario uncertainties and model error, internal variability is a major source of uncertainty, complicating predictions of future changes. Here, a suite of statistical tests is proposed to determine the shortest time window necessary to capture the internal precipitation variability in a stationary climate. The length of this shortest window thus expresses internal variability in terms of years. The method is applied globally to daily precipitation in a 200-yr preindustrial climate simulation with the CMCC-CM coupled general circulation model. The two-sample Cramér–von Mises test is used to assess differences in precipitation distribution, the Walker test accounts for multiple testing at grid cell level, and field significance is determined by calculating the Bejamini–Hochberg false-discovery rate. Results for the investigated simulation show that internal variability of daily precipitation is regionally and seasonally dependent and that regions requiring long time windows do not necessarily coincide with areas with large standard deviation. The estimated time scales are longer over sea than over land, in the tropics than in midlatitudes, and in the transitional seasons than in winter and summer. For many land grid cells, 30 seasons suffice to capture the internal variability of daily precipitation. There exist regions, however, where even 50 years do not suffice to sample the internal variability. The results show that diagnosing daily precipitation change at different times based on fixed global snapshots of one climate simulation might not be a robust detection method.
Paleoprecipitation Reconstruction in the Indus and Ganges Basins by Inverse Modeling of Tree-Ring-Based PDSI
Authors: Davtalab Rahman , Wang Dingbao , Zhu Tingju , Ringler Claudia
Published: February 2015

The South Asian monsoon is critically important for agricultural production in the region that includes the vast, fertile Indus and Ganges basins. However, the behavior of the South Asian monsoon is not well understood because of its complex nature, and existing instrumental climate records are insufficient for investigating the risks of the low-frequency but high-impact megadroughts that have historically occurred. This paper develops an inverse Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) model to retrieve paleoprecipitation for the region during the time period of 1300–1899, using available data of the water-holding capacity of soil, temperature, and reconstructed PDSI based on the tree-ring analysis of Cook et al.. Temperature data are reconstructed by a regression analysis utilizing an existing temperature reconstruction in an adjacent region and the Pacific decadal oscillation. Based on the retrieved paleoprecipitation, several megadroughts are identified during the reconstruction period. The drought frequency in the Indus basin is higher than that in the Ganges basin. The intensity, frequency, and spatial extent of severe droughts increased from 1300–1899 to 1900–2010. As a signal of climate change, increasing intensity and frequency of severe drought in the Indus and Ganges River basins needs adaptation strategies and drought preparedness measures to secure the food production in this area.
Dexamethasone Controlled Release on TGF-β1 Treated Vocal Fold Fibroblasts
Authors: Kosinski Aaron M. , Pothen Jewel M. , Panitch Alyssa , Sivasankar M. Preeti
Published: February 2015

Objective:

Corticosteroids may be beneficial in treating vocal fold scarring. Current drug delivery methods do not permit controlled corticosteroid release. Here we investigate the effects of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microparticles loaded with the corticosteroid dexamethasone in reducing collagen synthesis and inflammation in vocal fold fibroblasts treated with and without TGF-β1.

Study Design:

Experimental, in vitro study.

Methods:

PLGA microparticles of differing molecular weight and terminating moieties were synthesized using a hydrogel template method. The release of dexamethasone was characterized from these microparticles over 4 days. Based on the release studies, ester-terminated low molecular weight PLGA microparticles were loaded with dexamethasone and applied to TGF-β1 treated vocal fold fibroblasts for 4 days. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to assess the effects of released dexamethasone on collagen synthesis and inflammatory mediators.

Results:

COL3A1 and COL1A2 were significantly down-regulated after exposure to ester-terminated low molecular weight PLGA microparticles loaded with dexamethasone. The loaded microparticles also reduced interleukin-6 synthesis.

Conclusion:

These data show promise in using a PLGA microparticle-based delivery system to control dexamethasone release over 4 days. Our findings lay the groundwork for developing more effective treatments for vocal fold scarring.
Effect of Lidocaine on Swallowing During FEES in Patients With Dysphagia
Authors: O’Dea Meredith B. , Langmore Susan E. , Krisciunas Gintas P. , Walsh Michael , Zanchetti Linsey L. , Scheel Rebecca , McNally Edel , Kaneoka Asako Satoh , Guarino Anthony J. , Butler Susan G.
Published: February 2015

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to assess the effects of 0.2 mL of 4% atomized lidocaine on swallowing and tolerability during Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).

Methods:

A single blinded study was conducted with 17 dysphagic patients, who received 4 standardized boluses in 2 sequential FEES exams under 2 conditions: non-anesthetized (decongestant only) and anesthetized (lidocaine 4% + decongestant). After each procedure, patients rated their pain on the Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Clinicians scored each swallow with the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) and an author-developed Residue Rating Scale. Because the assessments were ordinal, a series of Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to detect differences between the 2 conditions.

Results:

No significant differences were detected between groups on PAS or residue in the 4 boluses. Pain scores, however, were significantly lower in the anesthetized condition than the decongested-only condition ( P = .035).

Conclusion:

The findings of this study indicated that 0.2 mL of 4% lidocaine enhanced exam tolerability and did not impair the swallow in dysphagic patients.
Professional Identity Development Through Service Learning
Authors: Beck Jimmy , Chretien Katherine , Kind Terry
Published: February 2015

Objective. To describe the experience of medical students volunteering at a camp for children with a variety of medical conditions. Methods. Rising second-year medical students who had served as counselors for 1 week at a medical specialty camp were invited to participate. We conducted a 2-part qualitative study using on-site focus groups and follow-up individual interviews. Results. Nine medical students participated. Students described their experience as motivating and career reinforcing. It helped them “move beyond the textbook” and deepened their commitment to serving future patients with compassion. One theme that emerged was the idea that their camp experience fostered the development of their professional identities. Conclusions. A 1-week, immersive community service experience at a medical specialty camp played a role in influencing the early formative professional identities of rising second-year medical students. Medical schools could use camps as a promising community service-learning experiences to foster professional identity.
The politics of budget surpluses: the case of China’s Hong Kong SAR
Authors: Fong Brian
Published: February 2015

In recent years when many Western economies are facing serious public debt crises and undergoing massive fiscal austerity, China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s experience is quite different as it has achieved successive years of huge budget surpluses and has accumulated an unprecedented level of fiscal reserves. Ironically, the strong budgetary position does not help the Hong Kong government formulate a well-received budget. Despite the huge budget surpluses in recent years the Hong Kong government remains conservative in increasing recurrent expenditure items and chooses to spend billions of dollars on various one-off relief measures and set aside the remaining surpluses in fiscal reserves. However, such a budgetary strategy fails to accommodate rising public demands, and public resentment of the budget has boiled over into waves of social protests. Currently, much of the existing budgetary literature is focused on the politics of budget deficits in Western democracies. This article will make a contribution to the literature by offering an illustrative case study of the politics of budget surpluses.

Points for practitioners

This article uses the case of Hong Kong to illustrate the political challenges facing policy-makers in a time of huge budget surpluses. For policy-makers, the lesson from the case of Hong Kong is that consistent budget surpluses, similar to recurring budget deficits, will give rise to continuous budget battles. More policy learning is necessary for policy-makers to share the experiences of handling political challenges arising from budget surpluses.
The rhythms of the city: The performance of time and space in Suhayl Saadi’s Psychoraag
Authors: Rodríguez González Carla
Published: February 2015

This article concentrates on Suhayl Saadi’s novel Psychoraag, which is analysed in the light of urban space theory, paying special attention to Henri Lefebvre’s Rhythmanalysis. It contextualizes the text within the emergence of postcolonial writing in post-devolution Scotland. It focuses on the articulation of the consumption, production, and performance of the rhythms of the city by its protagonist, whose corporeal and metaphysical exploration of space and time will be alleged to mirror the analytical standpoint termed by Lefebvre as “rhythmanalyst”; namely, to represent a subject who enquires into the social, emotional, and biological rhythms of everyday life, as developed in his work. It will be argued that the novel in fact has two protagonists. One is Glasgow and its social body, which is clearly polyrhythmic, if experiencing constant states of arrhythmia. The other one is Zaf, a young Pakistani-Glaswegian, who challenges the normativity of Glasgow’s polyrhythms by intentionally creating individual, multi-layered states of disorder and interference. Lefebvre’s classification of rhythms into “secret”, “public”, and “dominating–dominated” will be used to revise the portrayal of personal and social exchanges: intergenerational relations, interethnic affection, and the negotiation of new masculinities in the framework of a deregularized environment.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 20–Dentin Sialophosphoprotein Interaction in Oral Cancer
Authors: Saxena G. , Koli K. , de la Garza J. , Ogbureke K.U.E.
Published: February 2015

Matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP-20), widely regarded as tooth specific, participates with MMP-2 in processing dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) into dentin sialoprotein, dentin phosphoprotein, and dentin glycoprotein. In biochemical system, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 bind with high affinity to, and are activated by, specific small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs): bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, and dentin matrix protein 1, respectively. Subsequent reports documented possible biological relevance of SIBLING-MMP interaction in vivo by showing that SIBLINGs are always coexpressed with their MMP partners. However, the cognate MMPs for 2 other SIBLINGs—DSPP and matrix extracellular phosphogylcoprotein—are yet to be identified. Our goal was to investigate MMP-20 expression and to explore preliminary evidence of its interaction with DSPP in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). Immunohistochemistry analysis of sections from 21 cases of archived human OSCC tissues showed immunoreactivity for MMP-20 in 18 (86%) and coexpression with DSPP in all 15 cases (71%) positive for DSPP. Similarly, 28 (93%) of 30 cases of oral epithelial dysplasia were positive for MMP-20. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis on OSCC cell lines showed upregulation of MMP-20 protein and mRNA, respectively, while immunofluorescence showed coexpression of MMP-20 and DSPP. Colocalization and potential interaction of MMP-20 with dentin sialoprotein was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis of immunoprecipitation product from OSCC cell lysate, and in situ proximity ligation assays. Significantly, results of chromatin immunoprecipation revealed a 9-fold enrichment of DSPP at MMP-20 promoter–proximal elements. Our data provide evidence that MMP-20 has a wider tissue distribution than previously acknowledged. MMP-20–DSPP specific interaction, excluding other MMP-20–SIBLING pairings, identifies MMP-20 as DSPP cognate MMP. Furthermore, the strong DSPP enrichment at the MMP-20 promoter suggests a regulatory role in MMP-20 transcription. These novel findings provide the foundation to explore the mechanisms and significance of DSPP-MMP-20 interaction in oral carcinogenesis.
Retrenchment, Reform, Continuity: Welfare under the Coalition
Authors: Gaffney Declan
Published: February 2015

The Coalition's record on working age social security is reviewed under the headings of continuity (with the policies of the previous government), retrenchment and reform. Under continuity, the Coalition's decision to proceed with the previous government's planned reassessment of incapacity benefit claims was a notable policy mistake which led to the near-collapse of the assessment system by 2014. Retrenchment measures are dominated by benefit uprating changes which, along with measures targeting higher-income groups, have been less regressive than alternative approaches to expenditure reduction. However these changes were accompanied by a number of smaller-scale retrenchment measures, with substantial cumulative impacts on income. Retrenchment has thus been less regressive than it might have been but more regressive than it needed to be, taking the retrenchment targets as given. Policy failure and exogenous economic factors have offset the effect of retrenchment measures, with the result that expenditure by 2014/15 was little different to that planned in the Labour government's last budget. Full implementation of major reforms has been deferred to the next parliament. The main achieved policy change has been an unprecedented tightening of the benefit sanctions regime.
Ethical misconduct by registered psychologists in South Africa during the period 2007–2013
Authors: Nortje Nico , Hoffmann Willem A
Published: February 2015

Psychologists are faced with numerous challenges in their daily practices. Literature indicates that the most frequent ethical transgressions in the 1970s–1990s were the invalid presentation of professional qualifications, unprofessional advertisements, and irresponsible public communications. However, at the turn of the century, it has changed to include sexual or dual relationships with patients as well as unprofessional, unethical, or negligent practice. The objective of this research project is to analyse the case content of all guilty verdicts related to professional standard breaches and ethics misconduct against Health Professions Council of South Africa–registered psychologists in the period 2007–2013 via a qualitative research paradigm focusing on a historical research approach. The findings of this study indicate that only a small fraction of psychologists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa are annually guilty of ethics misconduct. The results indicate that the majority, around one-third, of transgressions can be regarded as improper professional role conduct. It was followed by negligent and/or incompetent treatment and/or patient care (27%), fraudulent conduct (20%), and disclosure of confidential information without permission (13%). As the age of electronic and social media advances, along with online diagnosis and therapy, clients may have better access to resources of varying authority and reliability, possibly giving them more confidence to question the practices of their service providers.
Differential Treatment of Female Defendants
Authors: Tillyer Rob , Hartley Richard D. , Ward Jeffrey T.
Published: February 2015

Past research indicates that men and women are treated differently at the sentencing phase, but the specifics of this relationship have not been fully explicated. The current study draws on the chivalry and evil woman hypotheses to examine how a defendant’s gender may interact with criminal history to affect sentence length in federal narcotics cases. Results indicate that gender’s effect on sentence length is nuanced, complex, and dependent on a defendant’s criminal history score; thus, conditional support is found for both the chivalry and evil woman hypotheses. Specifically, female defendants with lower criminal history scores received more lenient treatment (relative to male defendants) whereas those with higher criminal history scores received more severe sentences. These findings suggest that further exploration of interactions between extralegal and legal factors is necessary to uncover the complex ways in which gender influences court outcomes.
Accidental Bolus of Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Lodeserto Frank , Al‐Jaghbeer Mohammed , Huang David
Published: February 2015

There is a paucity of data that exists regarding acute toxicity and management in the setting of parental nutrition (PN) overdose. We describe a case of a patient who received an accidental rapid bolus of PN and fat emulsion. She developed a seizure, metabolic acidosis, arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, altered mental status, hypotension, and hypoxemia likely caused by elevated triglycerides, leading to a hyperviscosity syndrome. After failing standard therapy, she was successfully treated with a single‐volume plasma exchange with resolution of symptoms. Fat emulsion or intravenous lipid emulsion and much of its safety have been recently described in its use as a rescue therapy in resuscitation from drug‐related toxicity. Elevated serum triglyceride levels can result in a picture similar to a hyperviscosity syndrome. Plasma exchange is a known therapeutic modality for the management of hyperviscosity syndrome and a novel therapy in the treatment of hyperviscosity syndrome due to fat emulsion therapy. In a patient receiving PN with development of rapid deterioration of clinical status, without an obvious etiology, there should be consideration of PN overdose. A rapid assessment and treatment of severe electrolyte abnormalities should be undertaken immediately to prevent life‐threatening cardiovascular and central nervous system collapse. If fat emulsion was rapidly coadministered and there are signs and symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome, then consideration should be given to plasma exchange as an effective therapeutic treatment option.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Identity and Well-Being in Sensemaking About Retention and Turnover
Authors: Rothausen Teresa J. , Henderson Kevin E. , Arnold James K. , Malshe Avinash
Published: February 2015

Explanations of turnover from extant management research focus on the what (content) and how (process) of turnover. This study engages a sensemaking framework to explore the why (meaning) for employees of quitting or staying at an employing organization, in order to add a new layer to our understanding of retention and turnover. Analysis of data from in-depth interviews with leavers and stayers, both post hoc and in situ, using grounded theory methods, reveals identity and well-being assessment sensemaking cycles, which occur periodically or when threat to core elements of identity and well-being across life domains is perceived. Core elements of identity and well-being include purpose, trajectory, relatedness, expression, acceptance, and differentiation. Perceived threat to identity and well-being across life domains leads to varying levels of psychophysiological strain, coping with threat and strain, and reassessment, often in escalating cycles resulting in turnover and continuing into new jobs. Lack of threat to, or facilitation of, identity and well-being, and successful coping result in retention. Overall, these findings suggest that from the perspective of the actors “being retained” or “turning over,” these phenomena are part of a deeply felt quest for positive, congruent identity and psychological well-being across life domains. Along with other research, these findings suggest that when people consider leaving jobs, it may invoke a liminal identity stage, which makes family and other life domains salient to turnover decisions. Implications for research on retention, turnover, identity, well-being, work-life, and psychophysiological health in organizations, as well as practical implications, are discussed.