bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root Rot of Pea and Faba Bean in Southern Sweden Caused by Phytophthora pisi sp. nov.
Authors: Heyman F. , Blair J. E. , Persson L. , Wikström M.
Published: November 2012

A root rot disease of pea and faba bean caused by a Phytophthora sp. was observed in fields and field soil samples in southern Sweden. Observations of the disease in pea root rot greenhouse assays were systematically recorded, and incidence and geographic distribution data were compared with the pea root rot caused by Aphanomyces euteiches. Following one successful isolation of the pathogen, isolation procedures and selective media were optimized to retrieve more isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates belong to a novel lineage, closely related to Phytophthora sojae, and proposed here as a new species, P. pisi sp. nov. In a collection of 13 isolates from separate fields, intraspecific variation was detected in both nuclear and mitochondrial loci. Pathogenicity tests on a range of crop plants and wild legumes suggest that the host range of the pathogen is restricted to a group of legumes closely related to pea which, in addition to pea, include the crop species faba bean, lentil, common vetch, and chickpea. Morphology, growth requirements, and pathogenicity traits indicate that the species may be identical to the organism previously described as P. erythroseptica var. pisi. The work characterizes a novel Phytophthora sp. causing root rot of legume crops.
Embryo manipulation via assisted reproductive technology and epigenetic asymmetry in mammalian early development
Authors: Kohda Takashi , Ishino Fumitoshi
Published: November 2012

The early stage of mammalian development from fertilization to implantation is a period when global and differential changes in the epigenetic landscape occur in paternally and maternally derived genomes, respectively. The sperm and egg DNA methylation profiles are very different from each other, and just after fertilization, only the paternally derived genome is subjected to genome-wide hydroxylation of 5-methylcytosine, resulting in an epigenetic asymmetry in parentally derived genomes. Although most of these differences are not present by the blastocyst stage, presumably due to passive demethylation, the maintenance of genomic imprinting memory and X chromosome inactivation in this stage are of critical importance for post-implantation development. Zygotic gene activation from paternally or maternally derived genomes also starts around the two-cell stage, presumably in a different manner in each of them. It is during this period that embryo manipulation, including assisted reproductive technology, is normally performed; so it is critically important to determine whether embryo manipulation procedures increase developmental risks by disturbing subsequent gene expression during the embryonic and/or neonatal development stages. In this review, we discuss the effects of various embryo manipulation procedures applied at the fertilization stage in relation to the epigenetic asymmetry in pre-implantation development. In particular, we focus on the effects of intracytoplasmic sperm injection that can result in long-lasting transcriptome disturbances, at least in mice.
Transcriptional control of lipid metabolism by the MarR‐like regulator FamR and the global regulator GlxR in the lipophilic axilla isolate Corynebacterium jeikeium K411
Authors: Barzantny Helena , Guttmann Sarah , Lässig Charlotte , Brune Iris , Tauch Andreas
Published: November 2012

Corynebacterial fatty acid metabolism has been associated with human body odour, and is therefore discussed as a potential target for the development of new deodorant additives. For this reason, the transcription levels of fad genes associated with lipid metabolism in the axilla isolate Corynebacterium jeikeium were analysed during growth on different lipid sources. The transcription of several fad genes was induced two‐ to ninefold in the presence of Tween 60, including the acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase gene fadE6. DNA affinity chromatography identified the MarR‐like protein FamR as candidate regulator of fadE6. DNA band shift assays and in vivo reporter gene fusions confirmed the direct interaction of FamR with the mapped fadE6 promoter region. Moreover, DNA affinity chromatography and DNA band shift assays detected the binding of GlxR to the promoter regions of fadE6 and famR, revealing a hierarchical control of fadE6 transcription by a feed‐forward loop. Binding of GlxR and FamR to additional fad gene regions was demonstrated in vitro by DNA band shift assays, resulting in the co‐regulation of fadA, fadD, fadE and fadH genes. These results shed first light on the hierarchical transcriptional control of lipid metabolism in C. jeikeium, a pathway associated with the development of human axillary odour.
Pseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiaedetection in kiwifruit plant tissue and bleeding sap
Authors: Biondi E. , Galeone A. , Kuzmanović N. , Ardizzi S. , Lucchese C. , Bertaccini A.
Published: November 2012

The rapid spreading of the disease during last few years highlighted the need of a quick, sensitive and reliable method forPseudomonas syringaepv.actinidiae(Psa) detection, to find possible inoculum sources and limit the pathogen spreading. APCRmethod, using new primers designed on the gene encoding a putative outer membrane proteinP1, was developed to detect Psa in symptomatic and asymptomatic tissue; a nested‐PCRwas also applied. Bleeding sap samples, collected in early spring from orchards with symptomatic and asymptomatic trees, were used both forPCRassays and for pathogen isolation and identification. ThePCRand nestedPCRmethods were able to detect Psa presence at very low concentration from plant and pollen extracts;RFLPanalyses withBclI on PCR and nested PCR amplicons confirmed the assay specificity, while the digestion withBfmI andAluI allowed to discriminate Psa strains isolated before 2008 from those isolated after 2008. Furthermore, the PCR and nested PCR on crude bleeding sap samples detected the presence of the pathogen in 3 and 5 of the 15 assayed samples, respectively. Direct isolation from the same samples and bacterial identification confirmed the results of molecular analysis.
Assessing the Influence of Insulation on Intravenous Fluid Infusion Temperature
Authors: Studnek Jonathan R. , Watts John A. , Vandeventer Steven , Pearson David
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Inducing therapeutic hypothermia using chilled saline in resuscitated cardiac arrest patients has been shown to be feasible and effective. Limited research exists assessing the efficiency of this cooling method. The objective of this study was to assess the change in temperature of 4°C saline upon exiting an infusion set in the laboratory setting while varying conditions of fluid delivery.

Methods

Efficiency was studied by assessing change in fluid temperature (°C) during the infusion under four laboratory conditions. Each condition was performed four times using 1‐L bags of normal saline. Fluid was infused into a 1000‐mL beaker through 10 gtt/mL tubing. Flow rate was controlled using a tubing clamp and in‐line transducer with a flow meter, while temperature was continuously monitored in a side port at the terminal end of the intravenous (IV) tubing using a digital thermometer. The four conditions included different insulation methods. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were performed to assess changes in fluid temperature.

Results

The mean (±SD) fluid temperature at time 0 was 3.2°C (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.0 to 3.4 °C) with no significant difference in starting temperature between groups (p = 0.45). When flow rate was constant, it was determined that fluid temperatures were significantly cooler when infused using a chilled, gel‐filled sleeve around the saline bag (p < 0.006).

Conclusions

In a laboratory setting, the most efficient method of infusing cold fluid appears to be a method that both keeps the bag of fluid insulated and infused at a faster rate.
Single Rescuer Exertion Using a Mechanical Resuscitation Device: A Randomized Controlled Simulation Study
Authors: Fischer Henrik , Zapletal Bernhard , Neuhold Stephanie , Rützler Kurt , Fleck Tatjana , Frantal Sophie , Theiler Lorenz , Stumpf Dominik , Havel Christof , Greif Robert
Published: November 2012

Objectives

The goal of this experimental study was to investigate rescuer exertion when using “Animax,” a manually operated hand‐powered mechanical resuscitation device (MRD) for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), compared to standard basic life support (BLS).

Methods

This was a prospective, open, randomized, crossover simulation study. After being trained, 80 medical students with substantial knowledge in BLS performed one‐rescuer CPR using either the MRD or the standard BLS for 12‐minute intervals in random order. The main outcome parameter was the heart rate pressure product (RPP) as an index of cardiac work. Secondary outcome parameters were physical exhaustion quantified by the Borg scale (measurement of perceived exertion), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT; measurement of fine motor skills), and capillary lactate concentration during testing.

Results

While no significant difference could be found for the RPP, a significantly increased mean heart rate during the final minute of standard BLS compared to the MRD was found (139 ± 22 beats/min vs. 135 ± 26 beats/min, p = 0.027). By contrast, subjective exertion using the MRD was rated significantly higher on the Borg scale (15.1 ± 2.4 vs. 14.6 ± 2.6, p = 0.027). Mean serum lactate concentration was significantly higher when the MRD was used compared to standard BLS (3.4 ± 1.5 mmol/L vs. 2.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Use of the MRD leads to a RPP of the rescuers comparable to standard BLS. These findings suggest that there is no clinically relevant reduction of exertion if this MRD is used by a single rescuer. If this kind of MRD is used for CPR, frequent changeovers with a second rescuer should be considered as the guidelines suggest for standard CPR.
A Search to Identify Genetic Risk Factors for Endometriosis
Authors: Rotman Carlos , Fischel Larry , Cortez Gabriela , Greiss Hisham , Rana Nasiruddin , Rinehart John , Coulam Carolyn B.
Published: November 2012

Problem

To search for molecular markers of endometriosis the following polymorphisms: p53 codon 72 Pro (apoptosis), TNF alpha‐308 (inflammation), VEGF‐1164AA (angiogenesis), and SOD2 (oxidative stress) were investigated.

Method of study

Forty‐two women—24 with surgically proven endometriosis and 18 with no endometriosis found at the time of laparoscopy–had buccal swabs taken for DNA analyses of 4 gene polymorphisms including p53codon72, TNF‐308 G/A, VEGF‐1154G/A, SOD Ala16Val DNA. The frequencies of genotypes and alleles of these polymorphisms were compared between women with and without endometriosis.

Results

No specific gene mutation differences for the four genes tested nor differences in the frequencies of heterozygous and homozygous mutations were found between patients with endometriosis and controls. In addition, no differences in allelic frequencies of the four genetic polymorphisms were observed between patients with endometriosis and control.

Conclusion

Endometriosis is not associated with gene mutations for p53codon72, TNF‐308 G/A, VEGF‐1154G/A, SOD Ala16Val.
Extremely low birthweight infants: how neonatal intensive care unit teams can reduce postnatal malnutrition and prevent growth retardation
Authors: Loÿs Claire‐Marie , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Guy Brigitte , Putet Guy , Picaud Jean‐Charles , Haÿs Stéphane
Published: November 2012

Aim

To evaluate the impact of an improved nutritional policy for extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants on nutritional deficits and postnatal growth.

Method

We compared two groups of 37 ELBW infants, born before and after the introduction of an improved nutritional policy in April 2006. Group A (born 2005 to early 2006) and group B (born 2009) stayed in a French neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for at least 7 weeks. Optimal energy and protein intakes were 120 and 3.5 g/kg/day, respectively, and used to calculate cumulative deficits. Delta z‐scores for weight, length and head circumference were calculated between birth and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). The improved nutritional policy focused on earlier and higher parenteral intake of lipids and proteins, earlier and higher human milk fortification and earlier transition to preterm formula.

Results

The two groups did not differ in gestational age and birthweight. However, protein and energy deficits were significantly reduced in group B. Between birth and 36 weeks of PMA, delta z‐scores were significantly reduced for length (p = 0.012) but not for weight (p = 0.09) or head circumference (p = 0.83).

Conclusion

Higher parenteral intake and close attention to enteral feeding reduced nutritional deficits and linear growth restriction in infants admitted to a French NICU.
Successful tocilizumab treatment in a patient with human herpesvirus 8‐positive and human immunodeficiency virus‐negative multicentric Castleman's disease of plasma cell type nonresponsive to rituximab‐CVP therapy
Authors: Műzes Györgyi , Sipos Ferenc , Csomor Judit , Sréter Lídia
Published: November 2012

We present and discuss the case of a HIV‐negative female finally diagnosed upon histopathologic and molecular biologic evaluations with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8)‐positive multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) of plasma cell type, but with no detectable HHV8‐DNA in peripheral blood. She failed to respond to combination immunosuppressive therapeutic trials of corticosteroids and azathioprine, and neither an immunochemotherapy of rituximab‐CVP (R‐CVP) induced disease resolution. However, monoclonal anti‐IL‐6R antibody (tocilizumab) immunotherapy resulted in beneficial disease stabilization. A control lymph node biopsy indicated mild polyclonal plasmacytosis, and a negative HHV8 determination. The patient is still receiving tocilizumab. This case emphasizes the individual nature of MCD requiering more personalized disease management.
Meta‐analysis: Barrett's oesophagus and the risk of colonic tumours
Authors: Andrici J. , Tio M. , Cox M. R. , Eslick G. D.
Published: November 2012

Background

Barrett's oesophagus (BO) is a premalignant condition associated with oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Although speculation exists, it is currently unclear if BO is associated with an increased risk of colonic tumours.

Aim

To conduct a meta‐analysis of studies reporting the prevalence of colonic tumours in patients with BO vs. controls and thus quantify the risk of colonic tumours associated with BO.

Methods

A search was conducted through Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Current Contents Connect to 7 October 2012. We calculated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random‐effects model for the risk of all colonic tumours associated with BO, as well as for the subgroups of colorectal cancer (CRC) and benign adenomatous tumours.

Results

In total, 11 studies, with 2580 BO cases, met our inclusion criteria. BO was associated with an increased risk of any colonic tumours (OR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.56–2.46). BO was associated with an increased risk of benign adenomatous tumours (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.20–2.39), as well as an increased risk of CRC (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.35–2.67). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed. Publication bias was not present.

Conclusions

Barrett's oesophagus was associated with an increased risk of both benign adenomatous colonic tumours and colorectal cancer. Barrett's oesophagus had a stronger association with colorectal cancer than with benign colonic tumours. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the relationship.
Effects of 25‐hydroxy‐cholecalciferol on the development of osteochondrosis in swine
Authors: Sugiyama Toshie , Kusuhara Seiji , Chung Thau Kiong , Yonekura Hiroshi , Azem Elisabeth , Hayakawa Takehiko
Published: November 2012

The principal objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of 25‐hydroxy‐cholecalciferol (25‐OH‐D3) on the development of osteochondrosis in 6‐ to 110‐kg castrated male pigs. The growth rate and serum calcium and inorganic phosphate levels neither increased nor decreased in response to supplementation of 25‐OH‐D3. However, supplemental 25‐OH‐D3significantly increased serum levels of 25‐OH‐D3and 1α,25‐hydroxy‐cholecalciferol without any influence on bone mineral density. The 25‐OH‐D3‐treated group had significant (P < 0.05) reduced incidence of osteochondrotic lesions compared to the control group as evidenced by macroscopically examining the articular cartilage of the distal humerus (32.4% vs. 59.3%) and distal femur (47.1% vs. 87.5%). Likewise, supplemental 25‐OH‐D3significantly reduced osteochondrotic lesions over the control when histologically examining humerus (20.6% vs. 43.8%) and femur (52.9% vs. 87.5%). The results of this experiment suggested that 25‐OH‐D3supplementation in pig diets had a tendency to promote normal endochondral ossification, inhibit osteochondrosis progression and possibly regenerate destroyed cartilage tissue.
The preventive effect of Bacillus subtilus strain DB9011 against experimental infection with enterotoxcemic Escherichia coli in weaning piglets
Authors: Tsukahara Takamitsu , Tsuruta Takeshi , Nakanishi Nobuo , Hikita Chie , Mochizuki Masami , Nakayama Keizo
Published: November 2012

Porcine edema disease (ED) is caused by Shiga toxin 2e‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Post‐weaned piglets often suffer from ED as a result of intestinal infection with STEC, which causes impaired growth performance and high mortality. Antimicrobial therapy is a curative treatment for piglets infected with STEC, but the emergence of antimicrobial‐resistant STEC has become a serious problem for Japanese pig farmers. Therefore, an alternative strategy other than antimicrobial therapy is needed for the prevention or treatment of ED. In this study, we evaluated the effect of oral administration of Bacillus subtilis DB9011 (DB9011) to prevent the experimental infection of STEC in weaning piglets. Eight 21‐day‐old piglets were divided into two groups: STEC challenge with the basal diet, and STEC challenge with DB9011 supplemented diet. The challenge was carried out when the animals were 25, 26 and 27 days old using STEC contained in capsules resistant against gastric digestion. All pigs were euthanized at 36 days of age. DB9011 improved the symptoms of ED and decreased the number of STEC in the ileal digesta and feces. Accordingly, oral administration of DB9011 in weaned piglets prevents ED through the suppression of the growth of STEC in the ileum.
One year weight loss in the TRAMOMTANA study. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tur Juan Jesús , Escudero Antonio Jorge , Alos María Micaela , Salinas Ramón , Terés Emma , Soriano Joan B. , Nicola Gabriela , Urgelés Juan Ramón , Pagán Alberto , Cortes Baltasar , González Xavier , Burguera Bartolomé
Published: November 2012

Background

Morbid obesity is a major health problem and bariatric surgery is currently the most effective therapy available to induce weight loss in these patients. This report describes 1‐year changes in weight and metabolic parameters, in a trial designed to examine the effects of a nonsurgical approach, Intensive Life style Intervention (ILI) on the therapy of morbid obesity.

Methods

The primary outcome was change in body weight. Patients were randomized to ILI (n = 60) or conventional obesity therapy (COT) (n = 46). The ILI group received behavioural therapy and nutritional/physical activity counselling. The COT group received the standard medical treatment available for these patients. A third group consisted of the patients already included in our bariatric surgery waiting list (n = 37).

Findings

We present here 1‐year data showing that patients who received ILI with no restrictions in calorie intake had a greater percentage of weight loss than patients receiving COT (−11·58% vs −0·4%; P < 0·001). Importantly, 31·4% of patients included in the ILI group were not morbidly obese after 6 months of intervention. This number increased to 42·8% after 12 months of intervention.

Interpretation

ILI was associated with significant weight loss compared with COT in a group of morbidly obese patients. The weight loss effect was already obtained after 6 months of ILI intervention. These results seriously question the efficacy of the COT approach to morbid obesity. Furthermore, they underscore the use of ILI programmes in the hospital setting to effectively treat morbidly obese patients and might help to reduce the number of candidate patients for bariatric surgery.
Increased prolidase activity and oxidative stress in PCOS
Authors: Hilali Nese , Vural Mehmet , Camuzcuoglu Hakan , Camuzcuoglu Aysun , Aksoy Nurten
Published: November 2012

Aim

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been considered to have a role in various pathological processes, including inflammatory response, cardiovascular disease and recently also in ovarian dysfunction. Since prolidase could be accepted as a matrix metalloproteinase, on the biochemical level, we aimed to evaluate serum prolidase activity and oxidative–antioxidative status in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy individuals.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐three PCOS patients and 28 healthy nonhyperandrogenic women were studied. Levels of prolidase activity, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) were calculated.

Results

Levels of prolidase activities, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, LH, PRL, and T were significantly higher in PCOS group than in the control group. Total antioxidant status levels were lower in PCOS group than healthy group, but it was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between PCOS and control groups in term of FSH.

Conclusion

Women with PCOS have increased serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress. It might be hypothesized that elevated serum prolidase activity and oxidative stress may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk in PCOS and/or menstrual irregularities associated with this syndrome.
Utility of quantitative 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake measurement to identify occult tonsillar carcinoma in patients with cervical metastasis of unknown primary tumours: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Lee H.J. , Kim J.S. , Roh J.‐L. , Lee J.H. , Cho K.‐J. , Park G.C. , Choi S.‐H. , Nam S.Y. , Kim S.Y.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Due to relatively high 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in the tonsillar region, the detection of occult tonsillar cancers by 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography remains controversial. Therefore, we assessed the usefulness of quantitative tonsil 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in identifying occult tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.

Design

A case–control study of retrospective cohorts.

Setting

University Teaching Hospital.

Main outcome measures

We assessed all patients diagnosed with tonsillar cancers or cervical lymph node metastasis of unknown primary tumours between 2005 and 2010 who underwent 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography. The subjects were grouped into A (apparent early pT‐stage tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma; n = 27), B (occult tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma, primary tumours were found by surgery; n = 21), C (cervical metastasis of unknown primary tumour, primary tumours were not found by surgery and for follow‐up; n = 16) and D (33 healthy controls). Tonsillar maximum standardised uptake values were bilaterally measured and compared between groups.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of qualitative assessment of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography for detection of occult tonsillar cancers were 67% and 69%, respectively. Mean maximum standardised uptake values of tonsils with cancer were 11.19 ± 5.46 in group A and 8.12 ± 4.52 in group B, which were significantly higher than that of group C (4.62 ± 1.76) or group D (4.57 ± 1.62) (P < 0.01). The mean maximum standardised uptake value differences of groups A (6.35) and B (3.11) were significantly greater than those of groups C (0.32) and D (0.59) (P < 0.01). Similarly, the mean maximum standardised uptake value ratios of groups A (2.47) and B (1.73) were significantly greater than those of groups C (1.06) and D (1.16) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerised tomography with tonsil SUVmax measurement is useful to identify occult tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.
Comparison of Left Atrial Mechanical Function in Nondipper versus Dipper Hypertensive Patients: A Speckle Tracking Study
Authors: Açar Göksel , Bulut Mustafa , Arslan Kursat , Alizade Elnur , Ozkan Birol , Alici Gokhan , Tanboga Ibrahim Halil , Yazicioğlu Mehmet Vefik , Akcakoyun Mustafa , Esen Ali Metin
Published: November 2012

Aim: Nondippers are known to carry a high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dipper and nondipper status of hypertension on longitudinal systolic and diastolic functions of left atrial (LA) myocardial tissue by means of two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography in treated hypertensive patients. Methods: A total of 78 outpatients treated with antihypertensive drugs for at least 1 year were included in the study. The patients were classified as nondippers if their daytime ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not decrease by at least 10% during the night. Global longitudinal LA strain/strain rate data were obtained by two‐dimensional speckle imaging with automated software and compared between the groups. Results: LA volume index, left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and mass index as well as filling pressure (E/E′) were significantly higher in nondippers (all P < 0.001), whereas systolic tissue velocity (S′) was significantly lower in nondippers. They also had decreased values of mean peak LA strain (dippers = 27.6 ± 5.5% vs. nondippers = 21.5 ± 4.5%, P < 0.001), strain rate during reservoir (dippers = 1.27 ± 0.4/sec vs. nondippers = 0.98 ± 0.3/sec, P = 0.001), and conduit period (dippers = 1.41 ± 0.4/sec vs. nondippers = 1.06 ± 0.3/sec, P < 0.001). Moreover, we found that LA mechanical dysfunction was closely associated with LV mass, filling pressure, and regional LV contractility. Conclusion: Nondipping in treated hypertensive patients was associated with an adverse cardiac remodeling and impaired LA mechanical function. Further studies are warranted to demonstrate the long‐term prognostic significance of these findings.
Relationship between Endoscopic and Histologic Gastric Atrophy and Intestinal Metaplasia
Authors: Quach Duc Trong , Le Huy Minh , Hiyama Toru , Nguyen Oanh Thuy , Nguyen Trung Sao , Uemura Naomi
Published: November 2012

Background

The severity of endoscopic gastric atrophy (EGA), high‐stage Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment (OLGA) gastritis (i.e., stage III or IV), and extensive intestinal metaplasia (IM) with incomplete subtype have been separately reported as high‐risk factors of gastric cancer (GC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between these endoscopic and pathologic characteristics.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 280 patients with functional dyspepsia at the University Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Biopsies were taken according to the updated Sydney System. EGA was assessed according to the Kimura–Takemoto classification, and gastritis stage was assessed according to the OLGA system.

Results

All of patients with high‐stage OLGA gastritis (i.e., stage III or IV) clustered in the subgroup of patients with moderate‐to‐severe EGA: 13/126 (10.3%) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe EGA versus 0/154 (0%) in patients with none‐to‐mild EGA (p < .001). Moderate‐to‐severe EGA was also significantly associated with extensive IM (p < .001, OR = 28.1 (CI 95% 6.4–173.3)) and incomplete IM subtype (p < .001, OR = 36.7 (CI 95% 5.1–742.1). Extensive IM was also associated with incomplete IM subtype (p = .01).

Conclusions

High‐stage OLGA gastritis, extensive IM with incomplete subtype clustered in patients with moderate‐to‐severe EGA. Assessing the severity of EGA could potentially help to identify patients who should be taken systemic biopsy for evaluating GC risk.
Dupes of Patriarchy: Feminist Strong Substantive Autonomy's Epistemological Weaknesses
Authors: Sperry Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

Feminist strong substantive autonomy (FSSA), as presented by Natalie Stoljar and Anita Superson, pronounces judgment on the autonomy status of certain women living under oppression. These women act on deformed desires, Superson explains, and as deformed desires cannot be the agent's own, the women are heteronomous. Stoljar argues that some women's choices violate the Feminist Intuition; by acting on false and oppressive values, these women render themselves heteronomous. I argue against Stoljar and Superson on epistemological grounds. I present six different ways in which agents' choices can be related to deformed desires, with varying results for their autonomy statuses. I show that Stoljar and Superson are not able to distinguish properly among the differing autonomy statuses in these six cases, because doing so requires attention to agents' inner processes of decision‐making, as those processes are enacted in the agents' social and temporal contexts. Stoljar and Superson judge others' autonomy statuses based on abstract generalizations rather than via empirical attention to agents' actual decision‐making processes. Consequently, their judgments are not adequate to the lived self‐direction of real persons. Assessing others' autonomy status requires consideration of agents' inner choice‐making in sociotemporal context, which favors a procedural or weak substantive account of autonomy.
Reactions to the Fairness of Promotion Methods: Procedural justice and job satisfaction
Authors: García‐Izquierdo Antonio L. , Moscoso Silvia , Ramos‐Villagrasa Pedro J.
Published: November 2012

Fairness in promotions is a core issue for organizations as it is directly related to some of the most important organizational outcomes. However, the majority of the existing research about this question has been focused on entry‐level selection, and there is a gap in knowledge in the context of promotions. This paper focuses on how workers’ perceptions of promotion systems affect organizational justice and job satisfaction. In the present study, 213 employees and supervisors from 31 different private sector organizations complete a survey regarding procedural justice (PJ), job satisfaction, transparency, promotion systems, and some demographic variables. The results show that participants who perceived organizational promotion methods as transparent reported a high level of perceived PJ, and that the methods they see as fairer are those based on assessment of performance. In addition, transparency is considered as an important antecedent of PJ. Moreover, the interaction between organizational rank and gender moderates the relationship between transparency and promotion systems with PJ. Finally, organizational justice is strongly related with job satisfaction.
Oral health condition and treatment needs among young athletes with intellectual disabilities in Indonesia
Authors: Trihandini Indang , Wiradidjaja Adiwoso Adiningrum , Erri Astoeti Tri , Marks Luc
Published: November 2012

Background

Data on the oral situation of young people with intellectual disabilities are scarce, especially data of children from a developing country.

Aim

To describe and to evaluate the oral treatment needs of Special Olympics Special Smiles Athletes in Indonesia between 2004 and 2009.

Design

A cross‐sectional study data were collected through interviews and clinical examinations using the Special Olympics Special Smiles CDC protocol.

Participants

Indonesian Special Smiles athletes; their mean age was 13.46 years ± 2.97.

Results

More than 70% of athletes had visible untreated decay. Almost 30% (29.8%) of the athletes had gingival inflammation. Pain in the oral cavity was reported by 28.6%. Athletes who had untreated decay reported 6.67 times (95% CI OR; 4.00–11.14) more pain compared to those who did not have untreated decay. Athletes living in provinces on Java Island had 1.54 times (95% CI OR; 1.15–2.07) more untreated decay compared to the athletes who live in provinces in outer Java Island. 21.63% of the screened athletes were referred to the dentist for urgent treatment.

Conclusion

The results suggest that there is an elevated oral treatment need in Indonesian Special Smiles population.
Piscine reovirus (PRV) in wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and sea‐trout, Salmo trutta L., in Norway
Authors: Garseth Å. H. , Fritsvold C. , Opheim M. , Skjerve E. , Biering E.
Published: November 2012

This is the first comprehensive study on the occurrence and distribution of piscine reovirus (PRV) in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., caught in Norwegian rivers. PRV is a newly discovered reovirus associated with heart and skeletal muscle inflammation (HSMI), a serious and commercially important disease affecting farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway. A cross‐sectional survey based on real‐time RT‐PCR screening of head kidney samples from wild, cultivated and escaped farmed Atlantic salmon caught from 2007 to 2009 in Norwegian rivers has been conducted. In addition, anadromous trout (sea‐trout), Salmo trutta L., caught from 2007 to 2010, and anadromous Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), caught from 2007 to 2009, were tested. PRV was detected in Atlantic salmon from all counties included in the study and in 31 of 36 examined rivers. PRV was also detected in sea‐trout but not in anadromous Arctic char. In this study, the mean proportion of PRV positives was 13.4% in wild Atlantic salmon, 24.0% in salmon released for stock enhancement purposes and 55.2% in escaped farmed salmon. Histopathological examination of hearts from 21 PRV‐positive wild and one cultivated salmon (Ct values ranging from 17.0 to 39.8) revealed no HSMI‐related lesions. Thus, it seems that PRV is widespread in Atlantic salmon returning to Norwegian rivers, and that the virus can be present in high titres without causing lesions traditionally associated with HSMI.
Efficacy of DEET and non‐DEET‐based insect repellents against bites of Simulium damnosum vectors of onchocerciasis
Authors: WILSON M. D. , OSEI‐ATWENEBOANA M. , BOAKYE D. A. , OSEI‐AKOTO I. , OBUOBI E. , WIAFE C. , KISZEWSKI A.
Published: November 2012

Coping strategies including smoke screens are used against nuisance bites of Simulium damnosum Theobald (Diptera:Simuliidae) in onchocerciasis endemic communities. To find more effective alternatives, the efficacy of commercially available N,N‐diethyl‐3‐methylbenzamide (DEET) products with active concentrations of 9.5, 13, 25, 50 and 98.1–100% and ‘NO MAS,’ (active component: para‐menthane‐3,8‐diol and lemon grass oil) were tested at Bui‐Agblekame, Ghana. A Latin square study design was implemented using eight groups of two vector collectors each, who used repellents (treatment), mineral oil or nothing each day until the end of the study. Flies were caught and their numbers each hour recorded using the standard methods for onchocerciasis transmission studies. T‐tests were used to compare the mean duration of protection and a one‐way analysis of variance controlling for catchers and repellents was performed. Tukey's test was used to compare protection by repellents and mineral oil. The highest percentage protection was 80.8% by NO MAS and the least 42.5% by the 13% DEET product. The period of absolute protection was 5 h by NO MAS and 1 h by 50% DEET product. No significant increase in protection was offered beyond 25% active DEET products and no significance was observed in terms of catcher × repellent effect (F = 1.731, d.f. = 48, P = 0.209).
How accurate is intraoperative frozen section in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors?
Authors: Malipatil Renuka , Crasta Julian A.
Published: November 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section of ovarian tumors and to analyze the factors that influence the accuracy.

Material and Methods

We compared the frozen section diagnosis of 218 ovarian tumors with their final diagnosis in paraffin sections, over a period of 10 years from 1999 to 2008.

Results

Results were analyzed on two parameters: (i) status of malignancy and (ii) histological type. The overall accuracy was 95%. The sensitivity for benign, borderline and malignant tumors was 99.3%, 86.66% and 96.3%, respectively. The corresponding specificities were 92.6%, 97% and 100%. Most of the discrepant cases were of borderline category. The overall accuracy for histological diagnosis was 80.7%. The number of sections examined at frozen and paraffin had a statistically significant association with the accuracy of frozen section.

Conclusion

Frozen section diagnosis is of high quality at our center with a few exceptions in borderline category. The numbers of sections examined have a statistically significant influence on the accuracy of frozen section of ovarian masses.
Impact of the transobturator tape procedure on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Dursun Murat , Otunctemur Alper , Ozbek Emin , Cakir Suleyman Sami , Polat Emre Can
Published: November 2012

Aim

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a serious problem in women who have delivered vaginally, and causes some sexual dysfunction. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is one of the most common methods for the treatment of SUI. In the present study, we investigated the effect of the TOT procedure on sexual function in women.

Material and Methods

From June 2008 to March 2011, 117 patients underwent the TOT procedure for SUI in our clinic. Ninety‐six sexually active women participated in the study and the mean age was 49.2 (29–61) years. Before and 6 months after surgery, the patients' sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain during sexual intercourse and sexual functions were all evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. The results were compared statistically using the Wilcoxon test.

Results

The cure rate of the TOT procedure for SUI was 87%. Of the 96 women who were sexually active, 35 (36%) experienced urinary loss during sexual activity. Thirty‐three (95%) of these patients were cured after surgery completely. Female Sexual Function Index scores for desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and in total increased slightly after surgery but none of these improvements reached a statistically significant level. However, statistically significant improvement was determined for satisfaction and pain after surgery (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

SUI causes some problems affecting quality of life, including sexual dysfunction. After the TOT procedure, significant improvement was determined in sexual function affected by SUI.
PARENTAL EARNINGS AND CHILDREN'S WELL‐BEING: AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY OF INCOME AND PROGRAM PARTICIPATION MATCHED TO SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION EARNINGS DATA
Authors: MAZUMDER BHASHKAR , DAVIS JONATHAN M. V.
Published: November 2012

We estimate the association between parental earnings and child well‐being using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation matched to Social Security Administration earnings records. We use very large samples on a wide variety of measures of child well‐being that are also linked to long histories of parent earnings from administrative records. Consistent with previous studies, we find that the use of longer time averages of parent earnings leads to substantially higher estimated associations compared to using only a single year of parent earnings. Using 7‐year time averages of parent earnings, we show, for example, that a doubling of parent earnings is associated with a reduced probability of a teenager reporting being in poor health by close to 50% and a decrease in the likelihood of a child repeating a grade by 39%. We also examine how the associations vary by the timing of when parental earnings are received during childhood. We find suggestive evidence that parental earnings received during the child's school‐going years (ages 6 to 17) are more strongly associated with college enrollment and children's future earnings as adults than parent earnings received earlier or later in the child's life. (JEL J13, I1, I2)
Retributivism and Legal Moralism
Authors: Brink David O.
Published: November 2012

This article examines whether a retributivist conception of punishment implies legal moralism and asks what liberalism implies about retributivism and moralism. It makes a case for accepting the weak retributivist thesis that culpable wrongdoing creates a pro tanto case for blame and punishment and the weak moralist claim that moral wrongdoing creates a pro tanto case for legal regulation. This weak moralist claim is compatible with the liberal claim that the legal enforcement of morality is rarely all‐thing‐considered desirable. Though weak moralism has some plausibility, it does not follow from weak retributivism if legitimate state functions are limited in certain ways.
Positivism and Plural Legal Systems
Authors: Eekelaar John
Published: November 2012

This paper considers whether the positivist account of law is useful in guiding states in how they should deal with religious or customary legal orders followed by minority groups within their jurisdiction. It argues, first, that such orders can be said to exist despite the prevalence of disagreement about the grounds of law. It then argues, contrary to views advanced by Scott Shapiro and Joseph Raz, that there are good reasons for perceiving that the resolution of legal disputes by reference to moral principle involves the application of pre‐existing law. However, the paper concludes by arguing that the Social Thesis has an important role in supplying the basis upon which the application of law can be deemed to be legitimate, and that this has relevance to the way states might respond to minority legal orders.
Requirement‐Sensitive Legal Moralism: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Nielsen Morten Ebbe Juul
Published: November 2012

Requirement‐sensitive legal moralism is a species of legal moralism in which the legitimacy of turning moral into legal demands depends on the existence of a legitimate moral requirement, producing a legitimate social requirement, which can then ground a legitimate legal requirement. Crucially, each step is defeasible by contingent or instrumental, but not intrinsic moral factors. There is no genuinely moral sphere (e.g., a private sphere) in which the law is not to interfere; only contingent, non‐moral factors can defeat this. Using William A. Edmundson's Three Anarchical Fallacies as a foil, this idea is spelled out; it is shown why considerations based on the harm principle, consent, and the fact of pluralism do not immediately defeat it, but several problems with Edmundson's account are examined to point out where the idea could be further developed.
Comparative vs. Transcendental Approaches to Justice: A Misleading Dichotomy in Sen's The Idea of Justice
Authors: Biondo Francesco
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the distinction drawn by Amartya Sen between transcendental and comparative theories of justice, and its application to Rawls' doctrine. It then puts forward three arguments. First, it is argued that Sen offers a limited portrayal of Rawls' doctrine. This is the result of a rhetorical strategy that depicts Rawlsian doctrine as more “transcendental” than it really is. Although Sen deploys numerous quotations in support of his interpretation, it is possible to offer a less transcendental interpretation of Rawls. Second, the dichotomy between transcendental and comparative approaches to questions of justice is partly misleading, insofar as any plausible moral doctrine has both transcendental and comparative elements. Transcendental elements are necessary to avoid the confusion between the general acceptance of a norm, value or principle and its justification. A comparative view highlights the conditions of application of the doctrine to the real world, taking into account the possibility of moral dilemmas, evaluative disagreements and limited resources, while proposing possible provisos and caveats to the risk of the doctrine being self‐defeating. Third, although the transcendental approach is useful, it is argued that in elaborating this dichotomy Sen overlooks the merits of the third way between comparative and transcendental doctrines, what he calls “conglomerate theory,” and also the possibility that his doctrine (the capability approach) might be considered as an example of such a theory. The paper concludes with the argument that conglomerate theory does not aim to produce complete moral orderings, but rather a comparative approach with transcendental elements, as a form of weak transcendentalism.
VALUES IN SCIENCE
Authors: McMullin Ernan
Published: November 2012

Abstract In this essay, which was his presidential address to the Philosophy of Science Association, Ernan McMullin argued that the watershed between “classic” philosophy of science (by this meaning, not just logical positivism but the logicist tradition in theory of science stretching back through Kant and Descartes to Aristotle) and the “new” philosophy of science can best be understood by analyzing the change in our perception of the role played by values in science. He begins with some general remarks about the nature of value, goes on to explore some of the historical sources for the claim that judgement in science is value‐laden, and concludes by reflecting on the implications of this claim for traditional views of the objectivity of scientific knowledge‐claims.
Survey of the Effects of a Column for Adsorption of β2‐Microglobulin in Patients With Dialysis‐Related Amyloidosis in Japan
Authors: Gejyo Fumitake , Amano Izumi , Ando Tetsuo , Ishida Mari , Obayashi Seiichi , Ogawa Hiroshi , Ono Toshihiko , Kanno Yutaka , Kitaoka Tateki , Kukita Kazutaka , Kurihara Satoshi , Sato Motoyoshi , Shin Jeongsoo , Suzuki Masashi , Takahashi Susumu , Taguma Yoshio , Takemoto Yoshiaki , Nakazawa Ryoichi , Nakanishi Takeshi , Nakamura Hidetoshi , Hara Shigeko , Hiramatsu Makoto , Furuya Ryuichi , Masakane Ikuto , Tsuchida Kenji , Motomiya Yasuki , Morita Hiroyuki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Yoshiya Kunihiko , Yamakawa Tomoyuki ,   The Society of β2‐Microglobulin Adsorption Therapy
Published: November 2012

Dialysis‐related amyloidosis is a serious complication of long‐term hemodialysis. Its pathogenic mechanism involves accumulation of β2‐microglobulin in the blood, which then forms amyloid fibrils and is deposited in tissues, leading to inflammation and activation of osteoclasts. Lixelle, a direct hemoperfusion column for adsorption of β2‐microglobulin, has been available since 1996 to treat dialysis‐related amyloidosis in Japan. However, previous studies showing the therapeutic efficacy of Lixelle were conducted in small numbers of patients with specific dialysis methods. Here, we report the results of a nationwide questionnaire survey on the therapeutic effects of Lixelle. Questionnaires to patients and their attending physicians on changes in symptoms of dialysis‐related amyloidosis by Lixelle treatment were sent to 928 institutions that had used Lixelle, and fully completed questionnaires were returned from 345 patients at 138 institutions. The patients included 161 males and 184 females 62.9 ± 7.7 years age, who had undergone dialysis for 25.9 ± 6.2 years and Lixelle treatment for 3.5 ± 2.7 years. Based on self‐evaluation by patients, worsening of symptoms was inhibited in 84.9–96.5% of patients. Of the patients, 91.3% felt that worsening of their overall symptoms had been inhibited, while attending physicians evaluated the treatment as effective or partially effective for 72.8% of patients. Our survey showed that Lixelle treatment improved symptoms or prevented the progression of dialysis‐related amyloidosis in most patients.