bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does prenatal nicotine exposure alter the brain's response to nicotine in adolescence? A neuroanatomical analysis
Authors: Mychasiuk R. , Muhammad A. , Carroll C. , Kolb B.
Published: May 2013

This study examined changes in dendritic morphology and spine density in multiple brain regions [Zilles' areas: (i) the Cg3 region of the anterior cingulate cortex or the medial prefrontal cortex, layer III (Cg3); (ii) the dorsal agranular insular cortex, layer III (AID); (iii) the PAR I region of the parietal cortex, layer III (Par1) and (iv) the nucleus accumbens (NAc)]of Long–Evans rats following exposure to nicotine prenatally, in late adolescence, or both prenatally and in adolescence. Prenatal nicotine exposure induced enduring changes in neuroanatomical organisation that varied between male and female offspring, with males exhibiting increased dendritic complexity of neurons in AID and NAc whereas females experienced increased dendritic complexity in Par1 but decreased dendritic complexity of neurons in NAc. Similarly, nicotine given in late adolescence dramatically reorganised neural circuitry of both male and female offspring, with males exhibiting decreased dendritic complexity of neurons in Par1 and Cg3 but increased dendritic complexity in AID, and females exhibiting decreased dendritic complexity in Cg3 and NAc but increased complexity in AID. Exposure to nicotine both prenatally and in adolescence produced few neuroanatomical parameters that demonstrated a prenatal experience × adolescent drug administration interaction. Females showed additive effects in Par1, Cg3 and NAc whereas males demonstrated additive effects only in AID. Thus, the timing of nicotine exposure produced differential effects on cerebral organisation in a regionally specific manner.
Thymus histology and concomitant autoimmune diseases in Japanese patients with muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase‐antibody‐positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Nakata R. , Motomura M. , Masuda T. , Shiraishi H. , Tokuda M. , Fukuda T. , Ando T. , Yoshimura T. , Tsujihata M. , Kawakami A.
Published: May 2013

Background and purpose

The differences in the characteristics of thymus histology, coexisting autoimmune diseases and related autoantibodies between anti‐muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK)‐antibody (Ab)‐positive myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, and anti‐acetylcholine receptor (AChR)‐Ab‐positive MG patients are not clearly defined.

Methods

The types of thymus histology, coexisting autoimmune diseases and associated Abs in 83 MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients nationwide were investigated and were compared with those in AChR‐Ab‐positive patients followed at our institute (n = 83). As for the autoantibodies associated with thymoma, titin Abs were measured.

Results

Thymoma was not present in any of the MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients but presented in 21 patients (25.3%) amongst the AChR‐Ab‐positive patients. Titin Abs were absent in MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients but positive in 25 (30.1%) of the AChR‐Ab‐positive patients. Concomitant autoimmune diseases were present in eight MuSK‐Ab‐positive patients (9.6%) amongst whom Hashimoto's thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis predominated, whereas 22 AChR‐Ab‐positive patients (26.5%) had one or more concomitant autoimmune diseases of which Graves' disease predominated.

Conclusions

Differences in frequency of thymoma and thymic hyperplasia, coexisting autoimmune diseases and autoantibody positivity between MuSK‐Ab‐positive and AChR‐Ab‐positive MG were indicated, suggesting that, in contrast with AChR‐Ab‐positive MG, thymus does not seem to be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of MuSK‐Ab‐positive MG.
Neuropsychological course of voltage‐gated potassium channel and glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody related limbic encephalitis
Authors: Frisch C. , Malter M. P. , Elger C. E. , Helmstaedter C.
Published: May 2013

Background and purpose

Autoantibodies (abs) to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and to voltage‐gated potassium channels (VGKC) induce distinct courses of limbic encephalitis, related to MRI findings, seizure outcome and cognition.

Methods

A detailed analysis of the cognitive course of the two forms is presented, spanning a median time interval of 28 months, including parameters of attention, learning and memory in 15 VGKC‐ab‐positive and 16 GAD‐ab‐positive patients.

Results

In both groups, the initially significantly impaired attention performance recovered to a putatively premorbid level. In VGKC patients the partially severely impaired learning and memory performance improved under treatment but remained subnormal at last follow‐up. By contrast, GAD‐ab‐positive patients had initially less impaired learning and memory scores but did not show an improvement under treatment.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence of distinct relations between inductive processes and cognitive outcome in VGKC‐ab‐positive and GAD‐ab‐positive subforms of limbic encephalitis, which possibly depend on differences in pathogenic molecular mechanisms and affected cerebral loci.
Atrial fibrillation in young stroke patients: do we underestimate its prevalence?
Authors: Prefasi D. , Martínez‐Sánchez P. , Rodríguez‐Sanz A. , Fuentes B. , Filgueiras‐Rama D. , Ruiz‐Ares G. , Sanz‐Cuesta B. E. , Díez‐Tejedor E.
Published: May 2013

Background and purpose

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in young stroke patients has rarely been reported and is considered an uncommon ischaemic stroke (IS) aetiology. Our objective was to analyse the prevalence of AF in IS patients up to 50 years of age and its relationship with stroke severity and outcomes.

Methods

This was an observational study of consecutive IS patients up to 50 years of age admitted to a stroke centre during a 5‐year period (2007–2011). A complete cardiology study was performed with a daily electrocardiogram and cardiac monitoring for 72 h as well as echocardiography. In cases of stroke of unknown aetiology a 24‐h Holter monitoring was performed. Baseline data, previously or newly diagnosed AF, structural heart disease (SHD) (valvulopathy/cardiomyopathy), stroke severity on admission as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (moderate‐severe stroke if NIHSS ≥ 8) and 3‐month outcomes according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (good outcome if mRS ≤ 2) were analysed. AF was classified as AF associated with SHD (AF‐SHD) and AF not associated with SHD (AF‐NSHD).

Results

One hundred and fifty‐seven patients were included (mean age 43 years, 58.6% male). Fourteen subjects (8.9%) presented with AF, four with AF‐NSHD and 10 with AF‐SHD. AF was previously known in 10 patients (6.3%), two with AF‐NSHD and eight with AF‐SHD. A multivariate analysis showed an independent association between AF and moderate‐severe IS (odds ratio 3.771, 95% CI 1.182–12.028), but AF was not an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusion

AF may be more common than expected in young patients with IS and is associated with increased NIHSS scores.
Diagnosis of drug‐induced parkinsonism: can transcranial sonography make the difference?
Authors: Poewe W. , Seppi K.
Published: May 2013

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Defining pseudoprogression in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Van Mieghem E. , Wozniak A. , Geussens Y. , Menten J. , De Vleeschouwer S. , Van Calenbergh F. , Sciot R. , Van Gool S. , Bechter O. E. , Demaerel P. , Wilms G. , Clement P. M.
Published: May 2013

Background and purpose

Pseudoprogression is a frequent phenomenon observed since the introduction of postoperative therapy with radiotherapy and temozolomide (RT/TMZ) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. However, the criteria defining pseudoprogression, its incidence, the time of occurrence and its impact on therapy and outcome remain poorly defined.

Methods

The objective of this study is to compare two sets of criteria (liberal and stringent), defining pseudoprogression, in a cohort of patients treated before and after the introduction of RT/TMZ in the standard postoperative treatment. This retrospective review includes 136 unselected and consecutively treated patients with pathologically diagnosed GBM.

Results

Pseudoprogression was observed in 10 (12%) cases applying the stringent criteria, and in 18 (23%) patients when using the liberal criteria, in the cohort treated with RT/TMZ. Pseudoprogression was observed in only one patient treated with RT alone. The median time to pseudoprogression was 4 weeks after the end of RT. Patients with pseudoprogression had a median survival time of 28 months, compared with 12 months for patients without pseudoprogression.

Conclusions

The incidence of pseudoprogression after RT/TMZ strongly depends on the applied criteria. However, regardless of the stringency of the criteria, the impact on survival remains the same.
Decreased striatal dopamine transporter uptake in the non‐fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Gil‐Navarro S. , Lomeña F. , Cot A. , Lladó A. , Montagut N. , Castellví M. , Bosch B. , Rami L. , Antonell A. , Balasa M. , Pavia J. , Iranzo A. , Molinuevo J. L. , Sánchez‐Valle R.
Published: May 2013

Background and purpose

Patients with the non‐fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA) may develop atypical parkinsonian syndromes. However, there is no current biomarker to assess which patients are at high risk of developing parkinsonism. 123I‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐N‐(3‐fluoropropyl)‐nortropane (123I‐FP‐CIT)‐SPECT detects striatal dopamine dysfunction in vivo. The objective of the present study was to study whether non‐fluent/agrammatic patients without parkinsonism at baseline present decreased striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake.

Methods

Visual and semi‐quantitative assessments of the striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake ratio were carried out in 15 patients with nfvPPA, eight patients with the logopenic variant of PPA (lvPPA) and 18 controls. To rule out progranulin mutations or underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), serum progranulin levels and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of AD (Aβ42, total‐tau, phosphorylated‐tau181) were determined. A second 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT analysis in the biomarker‐enriched groups was also carried out.

Results

Patients with nfvPPA presented reduced striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT binding, especially in the left hemisphere (P = 0.002), compared with controls. All lvPPA patients had normal striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake. 123I‐FP‐CIT striatal binding in nfvPPA patients with normal progranulin and CSF biomarker levels (nfvPPA/bio‐) was also significantly reduced (P < 0.05) compared with lvPPA patients with positive AD biomarkers. Sixty‐four per cent (9/14) of nfvPPA patients and 80% of nfvPPA/bio‐ patients (8/10) showed a diminished individual left striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake ratio. On follow‐up, seven nfvPPA/bio‐ patients developed parkinsonism (median 1.9 years; range 1.2–2.9), six of them with baseline reduced 123I‐FP‐CIT uptake.

Conclusions

Reduced striatal tracer uptake in nfvPPA patients prior to clinical parkinsonism can be detected by 123I‐FP‐CIT‐SPECT, especially in those with nfvPPA/bio‐, suggesting subclinical nigrostriatal degeneration. Decreased striatal 123I‐FP‐CIT binding might identify PPA patients at increased risk of developing atypical parkinsonian syndromes, probably related to tau‐pathology.
What can mathematical models bring to the control of equine influenza?
Authors: Daly J. M. , Newton J. R. , Wood J. L. N. , Park A. W.
Published: May 2013

Mathematical modelling of infectious disease is increasingly regarded as an important tool in the development of disease prevention and control measures. This article brings together key findings from various modelling studies conducted over the past 10 years that are of relevance to those on the front line of the battle against equine influenza.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Ultrasound‐guided injection of the maxillary nerve in the horse
Authors: O'Neill H. D. , Garcia‐Pereira F. L. , Mohankumar P. S.
Published: May 2013

Reasons for performing study

Infiltration of the equine maxillary nerve with local anaesthetic can be useful for both diagnostic and surgical procedures. The deep location and proximity of the nerve to surrounding vascular and orbital structures make an accurate, complication‐free injection a challenge using traditional techniques reliant upon surface anatomical landmarks.

Objectives

To develop an ultrasound‐guided injection technique of the maxillary nerve in equine cadavers and to evaluate its efficacy and potential for complications in vivo.

Study design

Descriptive cadaver anatomical and clinical study.

Methods

The relevant anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa was reviewed in 6 cadaver heads from mature horses of a range of ages, breeds and genders. In an additional 13 cadaver heads, ultrasound‐guided injection of 0.2 ml New Methylene Blue dye was performed on both left and right maxillary nerves (n = 26 attempts) in the pterygopalatine fossa. An independent observer dissected the area and recorded the number of times that dye successfully contacted the nerve, along with inadvertent penetration of other structures. The procedure was then performed on 8 clinical cases undergoing a variety of standing surgical procedures on the head.

Results

Dye was successfully deposited in contact with the nerve during all attempts on cadaver heads, with no penetration of the orbital cone, deep facial vein and maxillary artery or associated branches. In a single cadaver, a unilateral gas artefact in the masseter muscle prohibited an injection attempt. Analgesia of the maxillary nerve was achieved in <15 min in all clinical cases, with complete loss of ipsilateral cutaneous sensation over the rostral face. No gross or ultrasonographic abnormalities were detected following the procedure.

Conclusions

Using ultrasonographic landmarks of the pterygopalatine fossa, local anaesthetic can be deposited around the maxillary nerve without the inadvertent penetration of adjacent vital structures.

Potential relevance

The technique allows for vascular structures to be visualised and avoided, which is currently not possible using traditional blind approaches.
Food and Nutrition Security: Examples of International Development Work in Sub‐Saharan African Regions
Authors: Leonhäuser Ingrid‐Ute
Published: May 2013

One main focus of the section “nutrition security” of the Center for International Development and Environmental Research (ZEU) of Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany, is the analysis of the causes and effects of food insecurity and of deficiency and malnutrition in developing and transforming countries and also of poverty groups in western society. Research is based on a livelihood system approach that is meant to mirror the complexity of food security and nutrition in an extensive context. Researchers examine the food supply, nutritional situation, and behavior at the microeconomic level as explained by the households and families with regard to food insecurity and coping strategies. A primary focus is the intrahousehold dynamic from a gender perspective, with a regional focus on Africa. Nutrition scientists with a socioeconomic expertise are working on the projects described in this article. This outlook indicates that international development cooperation is needed to strengthen research with households.
Future Orientation and Saving for Medium‐Term Expenses
Authors: Anong Sophia T. , Fisher Patti J.
Published: May 2013

This study examined the gap between planning and doing among 3,666 future orienters in the 2010 Survey of Consumer Finances. Future orienters were those who expected at least one foreseeable major expense in 5–10 years. A theory of planned behavior cumulative logistic model testing saving implementation as a strategy was rejected. Then a multinomial logistic regression was estimated. The odds to be currently saving or to have already saved were higher for those with longer planning horizons, moderate risk tolerance, those who were married, White people, blue‐collar workers, and those with self‐discipline in spending and saving habits. A favorable attitude toward installment credit increased the likelihood of not saving. The number rather than the type of expense was more influential in saving although health, family, and general purchases decreased the odds of saving. Attitudes, norms, and behavior control helped explain a lack of saving among future orienters.
Food Pantry Nutrition Education about Whole Grains and Self‐Efficacy
Authors: Yao Ping , Ozier Amy , Brasseur Kelly , Robins Susan , Adams Courtney , Bachar Dani
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this quasi‐experimental 4‐week study was to examine the effects of a nutrition‐education intervention on perceptions about increasing whole‐grain food consumption and self‐efficacy in choosing and preparing foods that include whole grains. The theoretical framework was the social cognitive theory. The sample included 205 food pantry clients who participated in the study and 204 food pantry clients who were the control group. The 205 participants tasted a chicken‐and‐whole‐grain pasta dish and then were given the ingredients and invited to prepare the recipe at home. The 204 members of the control group did not receive the intervention. Food pantry clients in the intervention group completed verbal interviews before the intervention and 1 week and 1 month after the intervention. Both perception of whole‐grain consumption and self‐efficacy improved significantly for the intervention group compared with the control group. The results suggest that nutrition education consisting of tasting a food followed by preparing it at home can influence perceptions about eating more whole‐grain foods and self‐efficacy in choosing and preparing foods that include whole grains.
Becoming a Published Author
Authors: DeVaney Sharon A.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this paper is to help authors succeed in preparing and submitting their manuscripts for publication. First, the characteristics that distinguish qualitative and quantitative research are reviewed. Then, suggestions for developing research skills are presented. This is followed by specific comments about manuscript preparation and submission.
Advanced intravital subcellular imaging reveals vital three‐dimensional signalling events driving cancer cell behaviour and drug responses in live tissue
Authors: Nobis Max , Carragher Neil O. , McGhee Ewan J. , Morton Jennifer P. , Sansom Owen J. , Anderson Kurt I. , Timpson Paul
Published: May 2013

The integration of signal transduction pathways plays a fundamental role in governing disease initiation, progression and outcome. It is therefore necessary to understand disease at the signalling level to enable effective treatment and to intervene in its progression. The recent extension of in vitro subcellular image‐based analysis to live in vivo modelling of disease is providing a more complete picture of real‐time, dynamic signalling processes or drug responses in live tissue. Intravital imaging offers alternative strategies for studying disease and embraces the biological complexities that govern disease progression. In the present review, we highlight how three‐dimensional or live intravital imaging has uncovered novel insights into biological mechanisms or modes of drug action. Furthermore, we offer a prospective view of how imaging applications may be integrated further with the aim of understanding disease in a more physiological and functional manner within the framework of the drug discovery process.
Progress in understanding mood disorders: optogenetic dissection of neural circuits
Authors: Lammel S. , Tye K. M. , Warden M. R.
Published: May 2013

Major depression is characterized by a cluster of symptoms that includes hopelessness, low mood, feelings of worthlessness and inability to experience pleasure. The lifetime prevalence of major depression approaches 20%, yet current treatments are often inadequate both because of associated side effects and because they are ineffective for many people. In basic research, animal models are often used to study depression. Typically, experimental animals are exposed to acute or chronic stress to generate a variety of depression‐like symptoms. Despite its clinical importance, very little is known about the cellular and neural circuits that mediate these symptoms. Recent advances in circuit‐targeted approaches have provided new opportunities to study the neuropathology of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. We review recent progress and highlight some studies that have begun tracing a functional neuronal circuit diagram that may prove essential in establishing novel treatment strategies in mood disorders. First, we shed light on the complexity of mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) responses to stress by discussing two recent studies reporting that optogenetic activation of midbrain DA neurons can induce or reverse depression‐related behaviors. Second, we describe the role of the lateral habenula circuitry in the pathophysiology of depression. Finally, we discuss how the prefrontal cortex controls limbic and neuromodulatory circuits in mood disorders.
Cortical–striatal gene expression in neonatal hippocampal lesion (NVHL)‐amplified cocaine sensitization
Authors: Chambers R. A. , McClintick J. N. , Sentir A. M. , Berg S. A. , Runyan M. , Choi K. H. , Edenberg H. J.
Published: May 2013

Cortical–striatal circuit dysfunction in mental illness may enhance addiction vulnerability. Neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions (NVHL) model this dual diagnosis causality by producing a schizophrenia syndrome with enhanced responsiveness to addictive drugs. Rat genome‐wide microarrays containing >24 000 probesets were used to examine separate and co‐occurring effects of NVHLs and cocaine sensitization (15 mg/kg/day × 5 days) on gene expression within medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), and caudate‐putamen (CAPU). Two weeks after NVHLs robustly amplified cocaine behavioral sensitization, brains were harvested for genes of interest defined as those altered at P < 0.001 by NVHL or cocaine effects or interactions. Among 135 genes so impacted, NVHLs altered twofold more than cocaine, with half of all changes in the NAC. Although no genes were changed in the same direction by both NVHL and cocaine history, the anatomy and directionality of significant changes suggested synergy on the neural circuit level generative of compounded behavioral phenotypes: NVHL predominantly downregulated expression in MPFC and NAC while NVHL and cocaine history mostly upregulated CAPU expression. From 75 named genes altered by NVHL or cocaine, 27 had expression levels that correlated significantly with degree of behavioral sensitization, including 11 downregulated by NVHL in MPFC/NAC, and 10 upregulated by NVHL or cocaine in CAPU. These findings suggest that structural and functional impoverishment of prefrontal‐cortical‐accumbens circuits in mental illness is associated with abnormal striatal plasticity compounding with that in addictive disease. Polygenetic interactions impacting neuronal signaling and morphology within these networks likely contribute to addiction vulnerability in mental illness.
Urbanization and its effects on personality traits: a result of microevolution or phenotypic plasticity?
Authors: Miranda Ana Catarina , Schielzeth Holger , Sonntag Tanja , Partecke Jesko
Published: May 2013

Human‐altered environmental conditions affect many species at the global scale. An extreme form of anthropogenic alteration is the existence and rapid increase of urban areas. A key question, then, is how species cope with urbanization. It has been suggested that rural and urban conspecifics show differences in behaviour and personality. However, (i) a generalization of this phenomenon has never been made; and (ii) it is still unclear whether differences in personality traits between rural and urban conspecifics are the result of phenotypic plasticity or of intrinsic differences. In a literature review, we show that behavioural differences between rural and urban conspecifics are common and taxonomically widespread among animals, suggesting a significant ecological impact of urbanization on animal behaviour. In order to gain insight into the mechanisms leading to behavioural differences in urban individuals, we hand‐raised and kept European blackbirds (Turdus merula) from a rural and a nearby urban area under common‐garden conditions. Using these birds, we investigated individual variation in two behavioural responses to the presence of novel objects: approach to an object in a familiar area (here defined as neophilia), and avoidance of an object in a familiar foraging context (defined as neophobia). Neophilic and neophobic behaviours were mildly correlated and repeatable even across a time period of one year, indicating stable individual behavioural strategies. Blackbirds from the urban population were more neophobic and seasonally less neophilic than blackbirds from the nearby rural area. These intrinsic differences in personality traits are likely the result of microevolutionary changes, although we cannot fully exclude early developmental influences.
Crustal volatile release at Merapi volcano; the 2006 earthquake and eruption events
Authors: Troll Valentin R. , Chadwick Jane P. , Jolis Ester M. , Deegan Frances M. , Hilton David R. , Schwarzkopf Lothar M. , Blythe Lara S. , Zimmer Martin
Published: May 2013

High‐temperature gas in volcanic island arcs is widely considered to originate predominantly from the mantle wedge and from subducted sediments of the down‐going slab. Over the decade (1994–2005) prior to the 2006 eruption of Merapi volcano, summit fumarole CO2 gas δ13C ratios are relatively constant at −4.1 ± 0.3‰. In contrast, CO2 samples taken during the 2006 eruption and after the May 26th 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake (M6.4) show a dramatic increase in carbon isotope ratios to −2.4 ± 0.2‰. Directly following the earthquake (hypocentre depth 10–15 km), a 3–5‐fold increase in eruptive intensity was observed. The elevated carbon isotope gas data and the mid‐crustal depth of the earthquake source are consistent with crustal volatile components having been added during the 2006 events, most probably by the thick local limestone basement beneath Merapi. This ‘extra’ crustal gas likely played an important role in modifying the 2006 eruptive behaviour at Merapi and it appears that crustal volatiles are able to intensify and maintain eruptions independently of traditional magmatic recharge and fractionation processes.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for symptomatic portal hypertension in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhao Yan , Qi Xingshun , Cai Guohong , He Chuangye , Guo Wengang , Yin Zhanxin , Chen Hui , Chen Xi , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong
Published: May 2013

Aim

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) represents a major advance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. However, this procedure is contraindicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TIPS in these patients with portal hypertension and determine the predictors of survival after TIPS creation.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2011, 58 consecutive HCC patients with symptomatic portal hypertension and concomitant PVTT underwent TIPS placement. Procedure‐related complications, treatment efficacy of portal hypertension complications and survival were evaluated.

Results

After TIPS, no patient experienced major procedure‐related complications such as hemorrhage or contrast extravasation. Portosystemic pressure gradient was decreased by 14 mmHg on average. Refractory ascites was partially or completely resolved in 19 of 20 patients. Hydrothorax was decreased in all of eight patients. Acute variceal bleeding was successfully controlled in all of five patients. Severe diarrhea was controlled successfully in all of nine patients. During the follow‐up period (mean, 78.5 days; range, 11–1713), 56 patients died and two patients remained alive. The median survival period after TIPS was 77 days. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ascites (P = 0.026), white blood cell (P = 0.007) and degree of PVTT (P < 0.001) were independent predictors for survival.

Conclusion

TIPS may be effective for the palliative treatment of portal hypertension in HCC patients with PVTT. Major procedure‐related complications were rarely observed. Ascites, white blood cell and degree of PVTT were independently associated with survival.
MALDI imaging on large‐scale tissue microarrays identifies molecular features associated with tumour phenotype in oesophageal cancer
Authors: Quaas Alexander , Bahar Ahmad Soliaman , von Loga Katharina , Seddiqi Ahmad Shoaib , Singer Julius Magnus , Omidi Maryam , Kraus Olga , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Trusch Maria , Minner Sarah , Burandt Eike , Stahl Phillip , Wilczak Waldemar , Wurlitzer Marcus , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Marx Andreas , Schlüter Hartmut
Published: May 2013

Aims

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI‐MSI) and tissue microarray (TMA) technologies were jointly utilized to search for molecular features associated with clinicopathological parameters in oesophageal cancer.

Methods and results

Two TMAs from formalin‐fixed tissue samples, including 300 adenocarcinomas and 177 squamous cell carcinomas with clinical follow‐up data, were analysed. MALDI‐MSI analysis revealed 72 distinct mass per charge (m/z) signals associated with tumour cells, 48 of which were found in squamous cell carcinomas only, and 12 of which were specific for adenocarcinomas. In adenocarcinomas, six signals were linked to early‐stage (pT1–T2) tumours (two signals) and the presence (one signal) or absence (three signals) of lymph node metastasis. In squamous cell carcinomas, 24 signals were strongly linked to different phenotypic features, including tumour stage (four signals), histological grade (four signals), and lymph node metastasis (three signals).

Conclusions

The high number of m/z signals that were found to be significantly linked to one or more phenotypic features of oesophageal cancer highlights the power of MALDI‐MSI in the analysis of high‐density TMAs. The data also emphasise substantial biological differences between adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
‘The Others’: Sex Offenders' Social Identities in Probation Approved Premises
Authors: Reeves Carla
Published: May 2013

Through reporting on an ethnographic study of a Probation Approved Premises, this article explores the informal social structures which shape life for sex offenders in hostels, and the significance of these in terms of social exclusion, support and the work of the institution. The findings illustrate how the practice of the hostel both demonises and reinforces the personal and social identity constructs of residents convicted of sexual offences to accord with the dominant discourse of ‘sex offender’. Of note, the article identifies how informal structural and cultural processes define sex offender residents as essentially different from other people.
Rural Probation Work: Isolation or Autonomy?
Authors: Minkes John , Raynor Peter
Published: May 2013

Rural probation work has been largely ignored by academic researchers. This article is based on interviews with probation staff who were appointed to rural mid‐Wales between the 1950s and 1980s. It shows that, contrary to the assumption that isolation is problematic, they enjoyed the autonomy and responsibility that rural work offered. They were proud to have contributed to a service which, in their view, held to traditional values and had lessons to offer to probation work as a whole. The article concludes that practice in small communities and non‐urban locations can be demonstrably effective and even sometimes advanced.
Industrial orange juice debittering: effect on volatile compounds and overall quality attributes
Authors: Fernández‐Vázquez Rocío , Stinco Carla M. , Hernanz Dolores , Heredia Francisco J. , Vicario Isabel M.
Published: May 2013

This study was aimed to analyse the impact of the debittering process (DP) in the overall sensory properties of orange juice (OJ) (Citrus sinensis L. Var. Salustiana). The fresh industrial squeezed orange juice (FOJ) and the corresponding OJ after the DP (DOJ) were taken. No significant differences were found in acidity, pH and total soluble solids. Colour was evaluated by image analysis (DigiEye System). Hue and lightness were lower (more reddish and darker) after debittering (P < 0.001). Odour profile (limonene, α‐pinene, ethyl butanoate, octanal, linalool, citral and terpineol) decreased significantly (from 16% to 61% on average) as well as total phenolic compounds measured by Folin–Ciocalteu (P < 0.05). The influence of the debittering on the perceived colour, smell and taste was evaluated by paired comparison tests. The naïve panellists found significant differences not only in taste but also in colour and aroma between FOJ and DOJ; however, preference was not clear.
The development of free amino acids and volatile compounds in cheese ‘Oloumoucké tvarůžky’ (PGI) during ripening
Authors: Pachlová Vendula , Buňka František , Chromečková Martina , Buňková Leona , Barták Petr , Pospíšil Pavel
Published: May 2013

Twenty‐two free amino acid (FAA) concentrations were observed during manufacture (7 days) and ripening period (42 days follow‐up) of Olomoucké tvarůžky (PGI, smear acid cheese). During the ripening period, the amounts of volatile compounds and selected sensory attributes were also analysed. The free amino acids were determined by means of ion‐exchange chromatography, and the volatile compounds were detected and identified using HS‐SPME coupled with GC/MS method. The development of the individual FAA content positively correlated with the ripening period (r = 0.7734–0.9229; P < 0.01). Forty‐six volatile compounds (14 alcohols; 10 esters; 7 ketones; 5 acids; 4 aldehydes; 3 sulphur compounds; 2 phenol compounds; and 1 terpene) were identified. Concentrations of several compounds increased (e.g. 3‐methylbutanal, 2‐butanol, 2‐butanone; P < 0.05) or decreased (e.g. dimethyldisulphide, methanethiol, 2‐phenylethylacetate, methylbutyric acid; P < 0.05) over cheese ageing. The results gave information about the development of sensory active substances and its precursors in Olomoucké tvarůžky during ripening. In conclusion, we found that free amino acid concentrations and sulphur compounds are positive with improved flavour.
Standardisation of the sour cassava starch reduces the processing time by fermentation water monitoring
Authors: de Sena Aquino Ana C. M. , Pereira Juliane M. , Watanabe Lucas B. , Amante Edna R.
Published: May 2013

This work investigated the pH, titratable acidity and total solids of the cassava starch fermentation water, using the traditional method and a method modified through the addition of glucose. Sour cassava starch production controlled by the characteristic of the fermentation water produced the best product (biscuit specific volume of 7.66 ± 0.41 mL g−1) at 33th day of fermentation in the modified method and at 85th day (biscuit specific volume of 6.53 ± 0.59 mL g−1) in traditional method. But, comparatively to the commercial sour cassava starch (biscuit specific volume of 3.48 ± 0.12 mL g−1), both traditional and modified methods, controlled by titratable acidity of fermentation water, can be retired from the fermentation tank in the 19th and 32th day of fermentation, with biscuit specific volume of 4.75 ± 0.30 and 5.17 ± 0.46 mL g−1, respectively. Determining fermentation time can help to standardise sour cassava starch and to promote future applications of the fermentation water as a raw material.
A comparative study on phenolic profile, vitamin C content and antioxidant activity of Italian honeys of different botanical origin
Authors: Perna Annamaria , Intaglietta Immacolata , Simonetti Amalia , Gambacorta Emilio
Published: May 2013

The aim of our study was to identify and quantify the phenolic acids, flavonoids and vitamin C and to evaluate the antioxidant activity in ninety Italian honeys of different botanical origins (chestnut, sulla, eucalyptus, citrus and multifloral). The results showed that total phenolic and flavonoid contents varied from 11.08 to 14.26 mg GAE per 100 g honey and from 5.82 to 12.52 mg QE per 100 g honey, respectively. HPLC–UV analysis showed a similar but quantitatively different phenolic profile of the studied honeys. Vitamin C is present in all samples. Multifloral honey showed the highest amount of the detected total phenolic compounds and the highest vitamin C content. The DPPH value varied from 55.06 to 75.37%. Among the unifloral honeys, chestnut honey presented the highest levels of phenolic acids, flavonoids and vitamin C, which are closely associated with its high antioxidant activity. The results show that honey contains high amount of biologically active compounds, which play an important role in defining the nutraceutical quality of the product, and that the distribution of these compounds is influenced by the botanical origin.
British pharmacists' work-life balance – is it a problem?
Authors: Seston Elizabeth , Hassell Karen
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Using a validated tool, the study aimed to explore pharmacists' experiences of maintaining work/life balance in a large, nationally representative sample of pharmacists in Great Britain (GB).

Methods

A two-page postal questionnaire was sent in 2008 to all GB-domiciled pharmacists who were registered with the regulatory body for pharmacy in GB (just over 44 000 pharmacists). Demographic information, work patterns and other employment data were collected and analysed using regression techniques to explore the link between these characteristics and a validated measure of work/life balance.

Key findings

The response rate to the census was 69.6% (n = 30 517). Eighty-three per cent (n = 25 243) of respondents were working as a pharmacist and were therefore eligible to complete the work/life balance statements. The results reported here relate to 12 364 individuals who had full data for the work/life balance scale and the demographic and work variables. Findings indicate that age, ethnicity, having caring responsibilities, sector of practice, hours of work and type of job are significant predictors of work/life balance problems.

Conclusions

Pharmacy employers and government should recognise the changing demographic characteristics of the profession and consider what support might be available to the workforce to help alleviate work/life balance problems being experienced by certain groups of pharmacists.
An odorant receptor from the common cutworm (Spodoptera litura) exclusively tuned to the important plant volatile cis‐3‐Hexenyl acetate
Authors: Zhang J. , Liu C. C. , Yan S. W. , Liu Y. , Guo M. B. , Dong S. L. , Wang G. R.
Published: May 2013

Olfaction plays an important role in insect behaviours. The odorant receptor (OR) repertoire, housed within the dendritic membrane of sensory neurons, is one of the primary determinants of odour recognition. ORs in moths could be classified into pheromone receptors (PRs) and non‐pheromone receptors (non‐PR ORs). Much research in the field of insect olfaction recently has been focused on PRs of the male moth, but few Lepidoptera studies have been done on the functional study of non‐PR ORs. In the present study, we identified and characterized four non‐PR ORs from Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) antennae. The tissue expression pattern showed that the four ORs were mainly expressed in adult antennae and further in situ hybridization revealed SlituOR12 was expressed in both long and short sensilla trichodea and sensilla basiconica. A functional analysis of the four SlituORs was conducted in the heterologous expression system Xenopus oocytes. SlituOR12 was exclusively and sensitively tuned to cis‐3‐Hexenyl acetate and SlituOR19 slightly responded to 4′‐Ethylacetophenone; however, SlituOR44 and SlituOR51 did not respond to any chemicals tested in this study. It is proposed that SlituOR12 might partially account for some key behaviours of the female, such as detection of host location and oviposition site.
A prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled study of human fibroblast‐derived dermal substitute (Dermagraft) in patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Harding Keith , Sumner Michael , Cardinal Matthew
Published: May 2013

This was an open‐label, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human fibroblast‐derived dermal substitute (HFDS) plus four‐layer compression therapy compared with compression therapy alone in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. The primary outcome variable was the proportion of patients with completely healed study ulcers by 12 weeks. The number healed was further summarised by ulcer duration and baseline ulcer size. Sixty‐four (34%) of 186 patients in the HFDS group experienced healing by week 12 compared with 56 (31%) of 180 patients in the control group (P = 0·235). For ulcers ≤ 12 months duration, 49 (52%) of 94 patients in the HFDS group versus 36 (37%) of 97 patients in the control group healed at 12 weeks (P = 0·029). For ulcers ≤ 10 cm2, complete healing at week 12 was observed in 55 (47%) of 117 patients in the HFDS group compared with 47 (39%) of 120 patients in the control group (P = 0·223). The most common adverse events (AEs) were wound infection, cellulitis and skin ulcer. The frequency of AEs did not markedly differ between the treatment and control groups.
Severity of psychiatric and physical problems is associated with lower quality of life in methadone patients in Indonesia
Authors: Iskandar Shelly , van Crevel Reinout , Hidayat Teddy , Siregar Ike M.P. , Achmad Tri H. , van der Ven Andre J. , De Jong Cor A.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objectives

The goal of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is to reduce the harm and to improve patients' quality of life (Qol). However, the Qol is also influenced by other co‐occurring disorders. Data regarding the Qol and the co‐occurrence of these disorders is lacking in low‐middle income countries. We therefore describe the prevalence of physical, psychiatric, and drug abuse co‐occurring disorders among MMT patients in Indonesia and determine the association between the severity of the co‐occurring disorders and the Qol.

Methods

Data were collected in 112 injection drug abusers (IDUs) attending a MMT program in West Java, Indonesia, using validated questionnaires, medical records and laboratory testing. For comparison, 154 IDUs not enrolled in MMT were recruited by respondent driven sampling.

Results

The most frequent co‐occurring disorders were hepatitis C (92%), HIV (77%), benzodiazepine abuse (56%), and anxiety disorders (32%). IDUs in MMT had one (26%), two (47%), or three (27%) co‐occurring disorders. Higher severity in psychiatric and physical problems was associated with poorer Qol. IDUs not enrolled in MMT had similar co‐occurring problems.

Conclusions

The prevalence of co‐occurring disorders in IDUs in Indonesia is high and they influence their Qol.

Scientific Significance

Therefore, comprehensive treatment, especially focusing on the common co‐occurring disorders should be provided in MMT to improve the Qol. (Am J Addict 2013;22:425–431)
Spatial predictors of fish species composition in European lowland lakes
Authors: Mehner Thomas , Emmrich Matthias , Hartwig Sebastian
Published: May 2013

Composition of animal communities can be shaped by both local and regional processes. Among others, dispersal of organisms links local and regional patterns and determines the similarity of communities at increasing spatial distances. Unique and shared spatial and environmental contributions to fish community composition were calculated for watercourse distances between 49 hydrologically connected lakes in the German lowland area. Variation partitioning indicated a dominant unique effect of spatial predictors on fish community composition, whereas the effects of lake morphometry and productivity were weaker. The spatial effect was attributable to an uneven occurrence of small, littoral fish species found even at the small spatial extension covered here (maximum spatial distance ˜550 km). Distance decay of community similarity was moderate, but significant, if all 31 fish species were considered, but the slope of the decay function became steeper if only 11 small‐sized, primarily littoral species were included. These results suggest that fish in European lowland lakes can be considered a metacommunity with limited dispersal along watercourse connections in particular for small‐sized species. The analysis supports that for an appropriate evaluation of spatial effects on fish community similarity, reliable estimates of local richness are required which include in particular also rare, small‐sized species occurring primarily in littoral areas. Furthermore, watercourse distance is a more reliable approximation than Euclidean distance to the real spatial dimension of fish dispersal.
Keloid formation on the great toe after chronic paronychia secondary to ingrown nail
Authors: Lee Kang Woo , Burm Jin Sik , Yang Won Yong
Published: May 2013

Keloid is a clinically intractable fibro‐proliferative disease that spreads beyond the original scar or lesion. Although several theories have attempted to explain the mechanism of keloid formation, the phenomenon still remains obscure. Our present study examines a rare case of keloid formation that occurred on the great toe after a repeated paronychia secondary to an ingrown nail. The 22‐year‐old female patient had a large keloid with chronic paronychia and a history of ingrown nails on her left great toe on both the lateral nail folds. We excised the keloids and made new lateral nail grooves without extracting the nail. The open wounds were conservatively managed with the help of moisturized dressings until the wounds were completely epithelialised. Adjuvant therapies with oral medication, intermittent intralesional injection and toe care were performed during the follow‐up period. Histopathological analysis of the specimen revealed the presence of irregular, thick, glassy and dense collagen of keloid and inflammation of paronychia. During the 14‐month follow‐up period, adjuvant combination therapies successfully inhibited recurrence of keloid as well as paronychia and the normal appearance of the great toe was maintained. This study addresses a case of keloid formation on the great toe due to repeated recurrence of ingrown nails and consequent chronic paronychia. It is implied that if an ingrown nail is not controlled, it will result in the production of chronic inflammation and tension stress, which might trigger the formation of a secondary keloid.
Mixed incentive contracts in partnerships
Authors: Chao Hong , Siqueira Kevin
Published: May 2013

This paper illustrates the impact of mixed contracts on teamwork and welfare in a partnership when production depends on the efforts of agents in their own tasks as well as their efforts in helping other teammates. We show that a mixed contract that combines compensation based on team output with that of a tournament based on individual output leads to higher welfare than a purely team‐output‐based contract, despite the possibility of sabotage and the possible adverse impacts that the contract may have on the allocation of agent efforts.
Common‐value auctions with asymmetrically informed bidders and reserve price
Authors: Shi Xinyan
Published: May 2013

In this paper, I study common‐value auctions with a reserve price. First, I consider a static auction in which one bidder has perfect information about the value of the object and the other does not have any private information. Then I consider a dynamic auction in which the informed bidder obtains private information in two consecutive periods, while the other does not have any private information. In both auctions, I derive the optimal reserve price and establish conditions under which the exclusion principle fails. In addition, I compare the dynamic auction with the single‐period auction and provide conditions under which one auction outperforms the other.