bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL-27 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenic factor production in a STAT1-dominant pathway in human non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kachroo Puja , Lee Mi-Heon , Zhang Ling , Baratelli Felicita , Lee Gina , Srivastava Minu K , Wang Gerald , Walser Tonya C , Krysan Kostyantyn , Sharma Sherven , Dubinett Steven M , Lee Jay M
Published: November 2013

Background

Interleukin-27 signaling is mediated by the JAK-STAT pathway via activation of STAT1 and STAT3, which have tumor suppressive and oncogenic activities, respectively. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis are key processes in carcinogenesis. Although IL-27 has been shown to have potent anti-tumor activity in various cancer models, the role of IL-27 in EMT and angiogenesis is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-27 in regulating EMT and angiogenesis through modulation of the STAT pathways in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells.

Methods

STAT activation following IL-27 exposure was measured in human NSCLC cell lines. Expression of epithelial (E-cadherin, γ-catenin) and mesenchymal (N-cadherin, vimentin) markers were assessed by Western blot analysis. Production of pro-angiogenic factors (VEGF, IL-8/CXCL8, CXCL5) were examined by ELISA. Cell motility was examined by an in vitro scratch and transwell migration assays. Selective inhibitors of STAT1 (STAT1 siRNAs) and STAT3 (Stattic) were used to determine whether both STAT1 and STAT3 are required for IL-27 mediated inhibition of EMT and secretion of angiogenic factors.

Results

Our results demonstrate that IL-27 stimulation in NSCLC resulted in 1) STAT1 and STAT3 activation in a JAK-dependent manner, 2) development of epithelial phenotypes, including a decrease in the expression of a transcriptional repressor for E-cadherin (SNAIL), and mesenchymal marker (vimentin) with a reciprocal increase in the expression of epithelial markers, 3) inhibition of cell migration, and 4) reduced production of pro-angiogenic factors. STAT1 inhibition in IL-27–treated cells reversed the IL-27 effect with resultant increased expression of Snail, vimentin and the pro-angiogenic factors. The inhibition of STAT3 activation had no effect on the development of the epithelial phenotype.

Conclusion

IL-27 induces mesenchymal to epithelial transition and inhibits the production of pro-angiogenic factors in a STAT1–dominant pathway. These findings highlight the importance of STAT1 in repressing lung carcinogenesis and describe a new anti-tumor mechanism of IL-27.
Local change of butterfly species in response to global warming and reforestation in Korea
Authors: Kwon Tae-Sung , Kim Sung-Soo , Lee Cheol Min
Published: November 2013

Background

It is expected that the successful nationwide reforestation and global warming will greatly change the butterfly fauna in South Korea. We compared current data (2002 to 2007) regarding the abundance and presence of butterfly species at two sites in the central portion of the Korean Peninsula with similar data from the late 1950s and early 1970s for the same sites. The expected changes were documented by an abundance change of butterflies at the two study sites in a previous study. Using the same data, the most greatly changed species and the change of species presence were analyzed.

Results

Population changes of 99 butterfly species which occurred at both sites were significantly correlated between the two sites. The greatly increased species included three southern (S) species and one northern (N) species. However, the species showing great decline included five N species and no S species.

Conclusions

This change is consistent with the expectation of northward movement of butterfly species due to global warming. The current status of the greatly changed species is discussed along with other studies. The binary data (presence/absence) in the present study support the expected changes of butterfly species based on global warming and reforestation. The interactive effect of two environmental changes was also recognized, as well as the change of abundance in the previous study.
Quality of life in anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not-otherwise-specified
Authors: DeJong Hannah , Oldershaw Anna , Sternheim Lot , Samarawickrema Nelum , Kenyon Martha D , Broadbent Hannah , Lavender Anna , Startup Helen , Treasure Janet , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: November 2013

Background

This study aimed to assess differences in Quality of Life (QoL) across eating disorder (ED) diagnoses, and to examine the relationship of QoL to specific clinical features.

Results

199 patients with a diagnosed ED completed the Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA) [Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Eating Disorders, 315–318, 2008] and the Eating Disorders Examination (EDE) [Int J Eat Disord6:1–8]. Differences between diagnostic groups were examined, as were differences between restrictive and binge-purge subtypes.

CIA scores and EDE scores were positively correlated and higher in groups with binge-purge behaviours. CIA scores were not correlated with BMI, illness duration or frequency of bingeing/purging behaviours, except in the binge-purge AN group, where CIA scores negatively correlated with BMI.

Conclusions

Patients with EDs have poor QoL and impairment increases with illness severity. Patients with binge/purge diagnoses are particularly impaired. It remains unclear which clinical features best predict the degree of impairment experienced by patients with EDs.
A case of Strongyloides hyperinfection associated with tuberculosis
Authors: Iwashita Yoshiaki , Suzuki Kei , Masui Asami , Kawamoto Eiji , Yokoyama Kazuto , Yamamoto Akitaka , Omori Yukinari , Ishikura Ken , Hatada Tsuyoshi , Fujioka Masaki , Takeda Taichi , Imai Hiroshi
Published: November 2013

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection that occurs in tropical regions. Hyperinfection, which is an accelerated autoinfection, is often associated with an immunosuppressive state, such as HTLV-1 infection or steroid use. Immunosuppression can also lead to reactivation of tuberculosis infection. These infections may have interacted as a result of impaired cellular immunity. A 28-year-old Nepali male was referred to our hospital for slight abdominal pain and high fever. An abdominal CT scan showed ascites and intestinal swelling. He was admitted with suspected gastroenteritis. Results of stool microscopy on the third day of hospitalization revealed abundant strongylid larvae. We diagnosed a Strongyloides hyperinfection and prescribed ivermectin. Although the numbers of strongylid organisms in the patient’s stool soon diminished, his temperature remained high. After receiving a second dose of ivermectin on day 17, he was transferred to a nearby hospital for observation, where he was noted to have massive pleural effusion. He returned to our hospital where his pleural effusion was found to be positive for adenosine deaminase (ADA), and he was diagnosed with a tuberculosis infection. Strongyloides hyperinfection can occur in a non-endemic region. It can be associated with tuberculosis infection possibly due to impaired cellular immunity. It is important to consider other possible infections when treating a patient with an infection associated with impaired cellular immunity.
A novel risk-based analysis for the production system under epistemic uncertainty
Authors: Khalaj Mehran , Khalaj Fereshteh , Khalaj Amineh
Published: November 2013

Risk analysis of production system, while the actual and appropriate data is not available, will cause wrong system parameters prediction and wrong decision making. In uncertainty condition, there are no appropriate measures for decision making. In epistemic uncertainty, we are confronted by the lack of data. Therefore, in calculating the system risk, we encounter vagueness that we have to use more methods that are efficient in decision making. In this research, using Dempster-Shafer method and risk assessment diagram, the researchers have achieved a better method of calculating tools failure risk. Traditional statistical methods for recognizing and evaluating systems are not always appropriate, especially when enough data is not available. The goal of this research was to present a more modern and applied method in real world organizations. The findings of this research were used in a case study, and an appropriate framework and constraint for tools risk were provided. The research has presented a hopeful concept for the calculation of production systems' risk, and its results show that in uncertainty condition or in case of the lack of knowledge, the selection of an appropriate method will facilitate the decision-making process.
The S-Connect study: results from a randomized, controlled trial of Souvenaid in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shah Raj C , Kamphuis Patrick J , Leurgans Sue , Swinkels Sophie H , Sadowsky Carl H , Bongers Anke , Rappaport Stephen A , Quinn Joseph F , Wieggers Rico L , Scheltens Philip , Bennett David A
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Souvenaid® containing Fortasyn® Connect is a medical food designed to support synapse synthesis in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Fortasyn Connect includes precursors (uridine monophosphate; choline; phospholipids; eicosapentaenoic acid; docosahexaenoic acid) and cofactors (vitamins E, C, B12, and B6; folic acid; selenium) for the formation of neuronal membranes. Whether Souvenaid slows cognitive decline in treated persons with mild-to-moderate AD has not been addressed.

Methods

In a 24-week, double-masked clinical trial at 48 clinical centers, 527 participants taking AD medications [52% women, mean age 76.7 years (Standard Deviation, SD = 8.2), and mean Mini-Mental State Examination score 19.5 (SD = 3.1, range 14–24)] were randomized 1:1 to daily, 125-mL (125 kcal), oral intake of the active product (Souvenaid) or an iso-caloric control. The primary outcome of cognition was assessed by the 11-item Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog). Compliance was calculated from daily diary recordings of product intake. Statistical analyses were performed using mixed models for repeated measures.

Results

Cognitive performance as assessed by ADAS-cog showed decline over time in both control and active study groups, with no significant difference between study groups (difference =0.37 points, Standard Error, SE = 0.57, p = 0.513). No group differences in adverse event rates were found and no clinically relevant differences in blood safety parameters were noted. Overall compliance was high (94.1% [active] and 94.5% [control]), which was confirmed by significant changes in blood (nutritional) biomarkers.

Conclusions

Add-on intake of Souvenaid during 24 weeks did not slow cognitive decline in persons treated for mild-to-moderate AD. Souvenaid was well tolerated in combination with standard care AD medications.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register number: NTR1683.
Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Circumferential Resection Margin Predicts Disease-Free Survival and Local Recurrence: 5-Year Follow-Up Results of the MERCURY Study
Authors: Taylor Fiona G.M. , Quirke Philip , Heald Richard J. , Moran Brendan J. , Blomqvist Lennart , Swift Ian R. , Sebag-Montefiore David , Tekkis Paris , Brown Gina
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The prognostic relevance of preoperative high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement is unknown. This follow-up study of 374 patients with rectal cancer reports the relationship between preoperative MRI assessment of CRM staging, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM stage, and clinical variables with overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and time to local recurrence (LR).

Patients and Methods

Patients underwent protocol high-resolution pelvic MRI. Tumor distance to the mesorectal fascia of ≤ 1 mm was recorded as an MRI-involved CRM. A Cox proportional hazards model was used in multivariate analysis to determine the relationship of MRI assessment of CRM to survivorship after adjusting for preoperative covariates.

Results

Surviving patients were followed for a median of 62 months. The 5-year OS was 62.2% in patients with MRI-clear CRM compared with 42.2% in patients with MRI-involved CRM with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.97 (95% CI, 1.27 to 3.04; P < .01). The 5-year DFS was 67.2% (95% CI, 61.4% to 73%) for MRI-clear CRM compared with 47.3% (95% CI, 33.7% to 60.9%) for MRI-involved CRM with an HR of 1.65 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.69; P < .05). Local recurrence HR for MRI-involved CRM was 3.50 (95% CI, 1.53 to 8.00; P < .05). MRI-involved CRM was the only preoperative staging parameter that remained significant for OS, DFS, and LR on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

High-resolution MRI preoperative assessment of CRM status is superior to AJCC TNM–based criteria for assessing risk of LR, DFS, and OS. Furthermore, MRI CRM involvement is significantly associated with distant metastatic disease; therefore, colorectal cancer teams could intensify treatment and follow-up accordingly to improve survival outcomes.
Convoluted Paths: Mapping Genre in Contemporary Footsteps Travel Writing
Authors: Keirstead Christopher M.
Published: November 2013

Footsteps travel writing—narrative accounts of journeys that retrace the routes of earlier travelers—constitutes one of the most prolific and controversial subgenres in contemporary travel writing. This article examines three broadly illustrative examples of footsteps travel writing drawn from postcolonial contexts: Caroline Alexander's One Dry Season (1990), Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild (1996), and Bruce Chatwin's In Patagonia (1977). Highly intertextual and characterized by deep immersion in the discursive and personal space of the subject, footsteps travel writing holds a unique capacity to undermine the still-powerful cultural myth of the self-sustaining, solitary traveler. The effort to re-create a journey in turn refocuses our attention on travel writing's status as a border genre between fiction and nonfiction. Tracing the physical and textual pathways of others for these authors forms the basis of a uniquely evocative, intertextual mode of critical cosmopolitanism—itself a highly contested term that footsteps travel writing allows us to productively reassess. In its most compelling forms, footsteps travel does not just mechanically follow a well-beaten path. Rather, it enables a wider, more measured point of view characterized by stronger attention to the historical and cultural contexts of travel.
“Chosen Representatives in the Field of Shagging”: Bridget Jones, Britishness, and Reproductive Futurism
Authors: Devereux Cecily
Published: November 2013

This article considers Helen Fielding's two Bridget Jones novels as foundational texts in the genre of chick lit as it “produces, disseminates, and proliferates certain feminist and liberal subjectivities” (Butler and Desai 2008, 5). The focus is on tracing in these two novels a racialized, situated, national subject whose narrative leads not simply to romantic union but to reproduction. Engaging with Lee Edelman's important theory of reproductive futurism, this article undertakes to trace and to problematize chick lit's narrative with reference to its primary concern with women and maternity in a national context.
Can Montana Participate in the Lumber Export Market to China?
Authors: Scudder Micah , Venn Tyron , Morgan Todd A
Published: November 2013

The severe recession and the housing and lumber market collapse in the 2007 to 2011 period has led to increased interest in market diversification in an attempt to cushion the impact of market swings in the United States. An international market diversification strategy has been implemented by several lumber manufacturers in Oregon and Washington that allowed them to be well positioned to shift sales to the Asian market during this domestic lumber market collapse. By diversifying a portion of sales into new international markets, Montana sawmills may be able to stabilize demand for their products instead of being subject to domestic market demand swings. To determine if Montana sawmills can participate in the Chinese export market and to identify the best export opportunities, a strategic assessment was conducted through the use of a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis. For this process, Montana's lumber industry core competencies were identified and aligned with Chinese wood product demand to highlight potential export opportunities for the Montana sawmill industry. It was found that the optimal export opportunity consisted of dimension lumber from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) species with nominal 2 by 4 dimensions and with No. 3 utility and No. 4 economy product grades. This product mix provided the best fit with Montana's timber supply, manufacturing capabilities, and Chinese product demand. By incorporating this strategy with the help of international lumber brokers and experienced exporters, Montana sawmills will be well positioned to respond to domestic market fluctuations and future Chinese product demand opportunities.
A Review of Partnership Studies in the Forest Products Value Chain: With a Focus on Developed Countries (United States, Canada, and Western Europe)
Authors: Piltan Mehdi , Sowlati Taraneh
Published: November 2013

The forest products sector in developing countries has been losing its competitiveness due to the fast rate of change in technologies and globalization. Partnership with other companies within and outside the sector could help as a strategy to remain competitive. However, partnership is costly and has a high failure rate. Therefore, partner selection and partnership evaluation are important. This article summarizes the success factors in partnerships based on the literature and reviews the previous studies on partnership in the forest industry. Previous studies in the forest products sector have identified the potential opportunities and attributes of partnerships in different business functions, such as in marketing, procurement, and transportation. Nonetheless, the objectives of entering into partnerships and the factors contributing to successful partnerships in the forest products industry have not been investigated yet. Moreover, to our knowledge, no study has focused on the selection of partners and evaluation of partnerships in forest products value chains using analytical frameworks.
Law-Enforcement Officials' Views of Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification
Authors: Tewksbury Richard , Mustaine Elizabeth Ehrhardt
Published: November 2013

Little is known about how criminal justice officials perceive the efficacy and scope of sex offender registration and community notification (SORN) procedures. This study examines the attitudes regarding SORN among a sample of law enforcement agency supervisors/managers using a survey methodology and the Community Attitudes Toward Sex Offenders (CATSO) scale. Results show that law enforcement officials tend to hold harsh views about sex offenders. Additionally, the CATSO appears to be an efficient way of categorising the views of law enforcement officials. When considered relative to other populations, law enforcement officials appear to hold views similar to college students, and in contrast to other criminal justice officials.
Police Officers Killed on Duty: A Different View
Authors: Kachurik Sarah , Ruiz Jim , Staub Megan
Published: November 2013

The policing profession is fraught with countless hazards, not the least of which is being killed in the line of duty. Although yearly data are collected by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) pertaining to police officers killed and/or injured in the line of duty, the department has limited itself primarily to age, race/ethnicity, gender, length of service, modality of injury/death and location. In addition to these variables, the authors collected data that included whether the slain officers were married and had children. Analysis of the data suggested that officers with greater social investments (wife and children) were less likely to be killed, and that younger officers had a lower probability of being killed in the line of duty than did officers with more experience.
Thirty Years of Police Stops: Findings from the Crime Survey for England and Wales
Authors: Qureshi Faiza , Grove Louise
Published: November 2013

Trends in police stop and search of pedestrians and motor vehicles are examined using data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) from 1982 to 2010. The average number of stops per survey year stood at 215.7 ( SD = 62.3) compared with 26.7 ( SD = 8.5) for searches per 1,000 of the population. From the late 1980s onwards, the distribution of police stops and searches decreased. There were steep declines in the number of stops after 1997 (following the Stephen Lawrence enquiry), but some increases in pedestrian stops have been evident since 2001 (possibly owing to new terrorist concerns). The likelihood of a search resulting from a stop decreased from 28 to 23 per cent from the 1990s to the 2000s for pedestrians, but remained stable at around 10 per cent for motor vehicles. The arrest yield of police stops and searches was low, but it was evident that pedestrian encounters were more investigative in nature than motor vehicle encounters, as it appeared that police officers were more inclined to ask those stopped on foot further questions. By contrast, the police tactic was targeted towards motorists who had committed some form of motoring offence. However, it is apparent that police stops are very unevenly distributed. Each year, the majority of all stops are repeats of the same pedestrians or vehicles, and a small proportion are stopped frequently. Findings from the 2010/11 CSEW showed that around 9.8 per cent of persons stopped on foot accounted for 81.7 per cent of stops, and around 4.8 per cent of stopped vehicles for 62.0 per cent of stops (two or more stops). Further research and policy attention to the repetitive nature of stops and searches is warranted.
State of the Art for Measurement of Urine Albumin: Comparison of Routine Measurement Procedures to Isotope Dilution Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bachmann Lorin M , Nilsson Goran , Bruns David E , McQueen Matthew J , Lieske John C , Zakowski Jack J , Miller W Greg
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

Urine albumin is the primary biomarker for detection and monitoring of kidney damage. Because fixed decision criteria are used to identify patients with increased values, we investigated if commonly used routine measurement procedures gave comparable results.

METHODS

Results from 17 commercially available urine albumin measurement procedures were investigated vs an isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) procedure. Nonfrozen aliquots of freshly collected urine from 332 patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension were distributed to manufacturers to perform urine albumin measurements according to the respective instructions for use for each procedure. Frozen aliquots were used for measurements by the IDMS procedure. An error model was used to determine imprecision and bias components.

RESULTS

Median differences between the largest positive and negative biases vs IDMS were 45%, 37%, and 42% in the concentration intervals of 12–30 mg/L, 31–200 mg/L, and 201–1064 mg/L, respectively. Biases varied with concentration for most procedures and exceeded ±10% over the concentration interval for 14 of 16 quantitative procedures. Mean biases ranged from −35% to 34% at 15 mg/L. Dilution of samples with high concentrations introduced bias for 4 procedures. The combined CV was >10% for 5 procedures. It was not possible to estimate total error due to dependence of bias on concentration. CVs for sample-specific influences were 0% to 15.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Bias was the dominant source of disagreement among routine measurement procedures. Consequently, standardization efforts will improve agreement among results. Variation of bias with concentration needs to be addressed by manufacturers.
Fundamental biological importance of solvated electrons in humans
Authors: Getoff Nikola
Published: November 2013

In recent years, “solvated electrons” were shown to be emitted by various biological systems in humans such as hormones, enzymes, amino acids, etc., even by vitamins, dyes, and other organic compounds. Based on experimental results and data from the literature, it is hypothesized that most biological systems in humans are capable of emission. Most systems in humans generate as well as consume and transfer them to other moieties, hence enabling intersystem communication via the brain. Emission of is associated with generation of free radicals, which are likewise involved in biological processes in humans. The data presented in this article underline this hypothesis, which offers a completely new concept in the course of biological mechanisms in humans.
Neuropeptides and skin aging
Authors: Elewa Rana , Makrantonaki Evgenia , Zouboulis Christos C.
Published: November 2013

Neuropeptides (NP) are peptides that are released as chemical messengers from nerve cells. They act either in an endocrine manner, where they reach their target cells via the bloodstream or a paracrine manner, as co-transmitters modulating the function of neurotransmitters. To date approximately 100 different NP have been described in the literature. In recent years, several studies have documented that human skin expresses several functional receptors for NP, such as corticotropin-releasing hormone, melanocortins, β-endorphin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene-related peptide. These receptors modulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, proliferation, differentiation, lipogenesis and hormone metabolism in human skin cells. In addition, several NP are directly produced by human skin cells, indicating the complexity of understanding the real functions of NPs in human skin. In this review we address the possible effects of neuropeptides on the pathogenesis of aged skin.
A Fourier truncated regularization method for a Cauchy problem of a semi-linear elliptic equation
Authors: Zhang Hongwu , Wei Ting
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a Cauchy problem for a semi-linear elliptic equation is considered. This problem is well known to be severely ill-posed and regularization methods are required. We use a Fourier truncated regularization method to deal with it, and a convergence estimate for the regularized solution is obtained under an a-priori bound assumption for the exact solution. Some numerical results are given to show the effectiveness of truncated method.
The Use of Numerical Extrapolation to Accelerate Delayed Ettringite Formation Tests
Authors: Robertson J. Bret , Ley M. Tyler
Published: November 2013

Current test methods for evaluating the potential for delayed ettringite formation (DEF) are quite time consuming. It is common for these tests to take over one year to complete due to the fact that there are no minimum expansion criteria at a prescribed number of days. A novel numerical extrapolation technique is presented that can predict the final expansion of the specimen after expansion starts. The accuracy of the method is shown for 30 tests from laboratory and field concrete with expansion from DEF. The technique was able to accurately predict the ultimate expansion within 0.18 % and shorten the test by over 80 %. This time savings would be especially useful for owners who need to evaluate the potential for DEF expansion for an existing structure.
Vanishing large ovarian cyst with thyroxine therapy
Authors: Dharmshaktu Pramila , Kutiyal Aditya , Dhanwal Dinesh
Published: November 2013

A 21-year-old female patient recently diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism was found to have a large ovarian cyst. In view of the large ovarian cyst, she was advised to undergo elective laparotomy in the gynaecology department. She was further evaluated in our medical out-patient department (OPD), and elective surgery was withheld. She was started on thyroxine replacement therapy, and within a period of 4 months, the size of the cyst regressed significantly, thereby improving the condition of the patient significantly. This case report highlights the rare and often missed association between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts. Although very rare, profound hypothyroidism that can cause ovarian cysts in an adult should always be kept in the differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary ovarian surgery.

Learning points

Hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adult females presenting with multicystic ovarian tumours.

Adequate thyroid hormone replacement therapy can prevent these patients from undergoing unnecessary and catastrophic ovarian resection.

Surgical excision should be considered only when adequate thyroid replacement therapy fails to resolve ovarian enlargement.

In younger women with ovarian cysts, it is also desirable to avoid unnecessary surgery so as to not compromise fertility in the future.
Malignant Paraganglioma Presenting With Hemorrhagic Stroke in a Child
Authors: Luiz Henrique V. , da Silva Tiago N. , Pereira Bernardo D. , Santos Joaquim G. , Gonçalves Diogo , Manita Isabel , Portugal Jorge
Published: November 2013

Sympathetic paragangliomas are rare catecholamine-secreting tumors of extra-adrenal origin, and their diagnosis in children is even more infrequent. They usually manifest as hypertension, palpitations, headache, sweating, and pallor. Malignant paragangliomas are identified by the presence of metastasis. Hemorrhagic stroke in the pediatric population is a life-threatening condition with several etiologies. We report here the case of a 12-year-old boy with malignant sympathetic paraganglioma presenting with hemorrhagic stroke. Severe hypertension was found and the patient evolved into a coma. Brain computed tomography scan showed right thalamus hemorrhage with intraventricular extension. After clinical improvement, further investigation revealed elevated catecholamine and metanephrine levels, and 2 abdominal tumors were identified by computed tomography. Resection of both lesions was performed, and histologic findings were consistent with paraganglioma. Multiple metastatic involvement of bones and soft tissues appeared several years later. Genetic testing identified a mutation in succinate dehydrogenase subunit B gene, with paternal transmission. 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine therapy was performed 3 times with no tumoral response. Our patient is alive, with adequate quality of life, 25 years after initial diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first pediatric case of paraganglioma presenting with hemorrhagic stroke. Intracerebral hemorrhage was probably caused by severe hypertension due to paraganglioma. Therefore, we expand the recognized clinical spectrum of the disease. Physicians evaluating children with hemorrhagic stroke, particularly if hypertension is a main symptom, should consider the possibility of catecholamine-secreting tumors. Metastatic disease is associated with succinate dehydrogenase subunit B mutations and, although some patients have poor prognosis, progression can be indolent.
Adiposity and Different Types of Screen Time
Authors: Falbe Jennifer , Rosner Bernard , Willett Walter C. , Sonneville Kendrin R. , Hu Frank B. , Field Alison E.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Few prospective studies have examined separate forms of screen time in relation to adiposity. Our objective was to assess independent relations of television, electronic games (video/computer), and digital versatile disc (DVD)/videos and total screen time with change in adolescent BMI.

METHODS:

Using data from the 2004, 2006, and 2008 waves of the ongoing Growing up Today Study II, we assessed baseline and 2-year change in reported screen time in relation to concurrent change in BMI among 4287 girls and 3505 boys aged 9 to 16 years in 2004. Gender-specific models adjusted for previous BMI, age, race/ethnicity, growth/development, months between questionnaires, and physical activity.

RESULTS:

Among girls and boys, each hour per day increase in reported television viewing was associated with a 0.09 increase in BMI (Ps < .001), and each hour per day increase in total screen time was associated with a 0.07 increase among girls and 0.05 increase among boys (Ps < .001). Among girls only, greater baseline television, games, and total screen time and change in DVDs/videos were associated with gains in BMI (Ps < .05). BMI gains associated with change in television and total screen time were stronger among overweight girls than lean girls (Ps-heterogeneity < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Television, which remains the steadiest source of food advertising, was most consistently associated with BMI gains. Among girls, electronic games and DVDs/videos were also related to increased BMI, possibly due to influences of product placements and advergames on diet and/or distracted eating. Adolescents, especially overweight adolescents, may benefit from reduced time with multiple types of media.
National, Regional, and State Abusive Head Trauma: Application of the CDC Algorithm
Authors: Shanahan Meghan E. , Zolotor Adam J. , Parrish Jared W. , Barr Ronald G. , Runyan Desmond K.
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To examine national, regional, and state abusive head trauma (AHT) trends using child hospital discharge data by applying a new coding algorithm developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

METHODS:

Data from 4 waves of the Kids’ Inpatient Database and annual discharge data from North Carolina were used to determine trends in AHT incidence among children <1 year of age between 2000 and 2009. National, regional, and state incidence rates were calculated. Poisson regression analyses were used to examine national, regional, and state AHT trends.

RESULTS:

The CDC narrow and broad algorithms identified 5437 and 6317 cases, respectively, in the 4 years of KID weighted data. This yielded average annual incidences of 33.4 and 38.8 cases per 100 000 children <1 year of age. There was no statistically significant change in national rates. There were variations by region of the country, with significantly different trends in the Midwest and West. State data for North Carolina showed wide annual variation in rates, with no significant trend.

CONCLUSIONS:

The new coding algorithm resulted in the highest AHT rates reported to date. At the same time, we found large but statistically insignificant annual variations in AHT rates in 1 large state. This suggests that caution should be used in interpreting AHT trends and attributing changes in rates as being caused by changes in policies, programs, or the economy.
Neuraminidase Inhibitors for Critically Ill Children With Influenza
Authors: Louie Janice K. , Yang Samuel , Samuel Michael C. , Uyeki Timothy M. , Schechter Robert
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Timely treatment with neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) drugs appears to improve survival in adults hospitalized with influenza. We analyzed California surveillance data to determine whether NAI treatment improves survival in critically ill children with influenza.

METHODS:

We analyzed data abstracted from medical records to characterize the outcomes of patients aged 0 to 17 years hospitalized in ICUs with laboratory-confirmed influenza from April 3, 2009, through September 30, 2012.

RESULTS:

Seven hundred eighty-four influenza cases aged <18 years hospitalized in ICUs had information on treatment. Ninety percent (532 of 591) of cases during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (April 3, 2009–August 31, 2010) received NAI treatment compared with 63% (121 of 193) of cases in the postpandemic period (September 1, 2010–September 30, 2012; P < .0001). Of 653 cases NAI-treated, 38 (6%) died compared with 11 (8%) of 131 untreated cases (odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.34–1.36). In a multivariate model that included receipt of mechanical ventilation and other factors associated with disease severity, the estimated risk of death was reduced in NAI-treated cases (odds ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.16–0.83). Treatment within 48 hours of illness onset was significantly associated with survival (P = .04). Cases with NAI treatment initiated earlier in illness were less likely to die.

CONCLUSIONS:

Prompt treatment with NAIs may improve survival of children critically ill with influenza. Recent decreased frequency of NAI treatment of influenza may be placing untreated critically ill children at an increased risk of death.
Reproducibility of the Brazilian version of the Edmonton Frail Scale for elderly living in the community
Authors: Fabrício-Wehbe Suzele Cristina Coelho , Cruz Idiane Rosset , Haas Vanderlei José , Diniz Marina Aleixo , Dantas Rosana Aparecida Spadoti , Rodrigues Rosalina Aparecida Partezani
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to verify the inter and intra-rater reproducibility of the Brazilian adapted version of the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) in an elderly group of residents. METHOD: in order to test the inter-rater reproducibility, two assessments were independently conducted by two researchers on the same day but at different times, in a sample of 103 elderly. Concerning the intra-rater reproducibility, the instrument was administered to 83 elderly (80.6% of the initial sample) by the same researcher in a time gap of 15 days between the two assessments. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: in relation to the inter-rater test, the Kappa was 0.81 (CI 0.61-1.00) and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) corresponded to 0.87 (CI 0.82-0.91, p<0.001). In relation to the intra-rater test, the Kappa was 0.83 (CI 0.72-0.94) and the ICC 0.87 (CI 0.81-1.00, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: the results show that the EFS is reliable and can be used as a tool to improve geriatric nursing care in Brazil.
Factors of the Kaingang culture which influence care for the older adult: the view of the health professional
Authors: Rissardo Leidyani Karina , Moliterno Aline Cardoso Machado , Borghi Ana Carla , Carreira Lígia
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE: to describe the health professionals' perception in relation to the factors of the Kaingang culture which influence the undertaking of healthcare practices with the elders in this ethnic group. METHOD: descriptive research with a qualitative approach, grounded in the ethnographic method, undertaken with ten health professionals who work in the Indigenous Territory in Faxinal, in the Brazilian state of Paraná. The data was collected in the period November 2010 to February 2012 through interviews and participant observation, and was analyzed in the light of the Transcultural Nursing Theory. RESULTS: evidence was found that the Kaingang culture has a strong influence on the professional care for the older adult, principally due to the cultural strangeness of certain customs, aspects which limit the health care for such older adults being listed. CONCLUSION: knowledge of the influences on the care can contribute to the forming of a framework of information relevant to the professional in the provision of care for the Kaingang older adults.
Breast Cancer in Young Women in Latin America: An Unmet, Growing Burden
Authors: Villarreal-Garza Cynthia , Aguila Christian , Magallanes-Hoyos Maria C. , Mohar Alejandro , Bargalló Enrique , Meneses Abelardo , Cazap Eduardo , Gomez Henry , López-Carrillo Lizbeth , Chávarri-Guerra Yanin , Murillo Raúl , Barrios Carlos
Published: November 2013

Background.

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of malignancy-related deaths among women aged ≤45 years. There are unexplored and uncertain issues for BC in this particular group in Latin America. The aim of this study is to evaluate BC incidence and mortality among young women and related clinicopathological and survivorship aspects in this region.

Materials and Methods.

Data were obtained from Globocan 2008 and the International Agency for Research on Cancer's Cancer Incidence in Five Continents series plus databases. We requested collaboration from the 12 different national cancer institutes in Latin America through SLACOM, the Latin American and Caribbean Society of Medical Oncology, and conducted a systematic literature review to obtain local data regarding the prevalence of BC among young women and their characteristics, outcomes, and survivorship-related issues.

Results.

BC incidence and mortality proportions for Latin American women aged <44 years were higher when compared with those of developed countries (20% vs. 12% and 14% vs. 7%, respectively). We found only a few Latin American series addressing this topic, and prevalence varied between 8% and 14%. Stage II and III disease, high histological grade, and triple-negative and HER2 BC were features frequently observed among young Latin American BC patients.

Conclusion.

The rising incidence and mortality of BC in young Latin American women is a call to action in the region. It is necessary to monitor the epidemiological and clinical data through reliable cancer registries and to consider the implementation of protocols for education of patients and health professionals. This unmet, growing burden must be considered as a top priority of the national programs in the fight against BC, and models of specialized units should be implemented for this particular group of patients to provide better care for this emergent challenge.
Economic Evaluation of Oil and Gas Project Acknowledging Reserves Risk Premium
Authors: Ali Memon Imtiaz , Yousaf Muhammad , Wadood Abdul , Ahmed Javed , Qureshi Abdul Qayyum
Published: November 2013

Petroleum economics is a part of back bone of Oil and Gas industry. This encompasses all aspects of industry like Exploration, Subsurface, Production, Process Engineering, which are translated into financial numbers and analysed through statistical tools.

Considering WACC (Weighted Average Cost of Capital) as the benchmark, oil companies’ management make decisions to develop/undeveloped the projects with a critical review of company's MARR (Minimum Accepted ROR). A firm's WACC is the overall required return on the firm as a whole and, as such, it is often used internally by company to determine the economic feasibility of expansionary opportunities, divestments, acquisitions, farm-in, farm-out and mergers etc.

WACC/MARR is a weighted average cost of capital of two financial components which are Equity and Debt calculated by using CAPM (capital asset pricing model) method and corporate tax considerations respectively.

The cost of debt (effective rate) that a company pays on its current debt is determined on Btax and Atax basis. Whilst CAPM model is used to calculate cost of equity i.e. Risk Free Rate + Beta × Market Risk Premium

This phenomenon relates to all industries. However, in oil industry the Reserves Risk Premium is an important factor for economic evaluation of the matured projects under the guidelines of SPE-PRMS.

This paper is an effort to seek validity and effect of Reserves Risk Premium quantified from P90, P50 and P10 cumulative reserves estimated cases and added to CAPM model to calculate cost of equity of project.

Economic Evaluation of a project is undertaken based on 1P, 2P and 3P reserves categories after finding their conventional WACC with addition to Reserves Risk Premium. WACC of corporate level and project level (based on 1P, 2P and 3P) was compared and impact of Reserves Risk Premium was determined.
The life and death of Dutch groundwater tax
Authors: Schuerhoff Marianne , Weikard Hans-Peter , Zetland David
Published: November 2013

We examine the Dutch national groundwater tax (GWT) – a ‘win–win, green’ tax that promised to reduce distortions by simultaneously reducing the income tax burden and improving environmental outcomes. We find no evidence of these impacts. Instead, we see that the GWT increased distortions by taxing a narrow base (a few drinking-water companies reliant on raw groundwater) and interfering with groundwater management programmes funded by an existing provincial groundwater fee. The Dutch government revoked the GWT for being fiscally inefficient and environmentally unhelpful on 31 December 2011, but this story provides some useful lessons.
Developing a national water quality criteria system in China
Authors: Zhen-guang Yan , Hong Wang , Yi-zhe Wang , Ya-hui Zhang , Ruo-zhen Yu , Jun-li Zhou , Leung Kenneth M. Y. , Zheng-tao Liu
Published: November 2013

Water quality criteria (WQC) form a scientific basis for the development of water quality standards. The study of WQC in China has been insufficient. This mini review introduces the progress that has been made towards the establishment of a WQC system in China. A systematic WQC study has been ongoing in China for several years, mainly referring to the WQC system in the United States. Some important kinds of WQC have been studied, including aquatic life, biological, sediment quality, lake nutrient and human health criteria, focusing on the aquatic life criteria in the present phase. Technical guidelines for deriving the major criteria and their values for some typical pollutants have been preliminarily proposed. The future research needs for WQC development include the screening of priority pollutants, the investigation of aquatic biota distribution, establishment of a toxicity test method and the development of environmental quality criteria database, etc.
Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Commentary on Nonsurgical and Surgical Treatments
Authors: Farr II Jack , Miller Larry E. , Block Jon E.
Published: November 2013

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) has a significant negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Identification of therapies that improve HRQoL in patients with knee OA may mitigate the clinical, economic, and social burden of this disease. The purpose of this commentary is to report the impact of knee OA on HRQoL, describe the change in HRQoL attributable to common knee OA interventions, and summarize findings from clinical trials of a promising therapy. Nonsurgical therapies do not reliably modify HRQoL in knee OA patients given their general inability to alleviate physical manifestations of OA. Surgical knee OA interventions generally result in good to excellent patient outcomes. However, there are significant barriers to considering surgery, which limits clinical utility. Therapies that most effectively control OA-related pain with a low risk: benefit ratio will likely have the greatest benefit on HRQoL with greater rates of patient adoption. Initial clinical trial findings suggest that less invasive joint unloading implants hold promise in bridging the therapeutic gap between nonsurgical and surgical treatments for the knee OA patient.
In Vitro Elution Characteristics of Gentamicin and Vancomycin from Synthetic Bone Graft Substitutes
Authors: Maier Gerrit Steffen , Roth Klaus Edgar , Andereya Stefan , Birnbaum Klaus , Niedhart Christopher , Lühmann Markus , Ohnsorge Jörg , Maus Uwe
Published: November 2013

Objects:

Beta tricalciumphosphate pellets loaded with individualized antibiotics may represent novel options in the treatment of osteomyelitis and infectious bone disease. Here, the in vitro antibiotic elution of vancomycin and gentamicin from the synthetic bone graft substitutes Cerasorb®and Cerasorb M®was tested.

Methods:

Antibiotic elution and concentration of gentamcin and vancomycin were measured using photometrically-based measurement and homogeneous particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassays (PETINIA).

Results:

Initially both materials showed a high release of the loaded antibiotics, with Cerasorb M®showing lower release levels for gentamicin and vancomycin than Cerasorb®. Gentamicin concentrations of Cerasorb M granules and Cerasorb were below the minimum detectiontreshold until day four and six of the experiment respectively. The vancomycin release-level followed a similar pattern, although the vancomycin concentration eluted by Cerasorb M®granules stayed above the detection threshold during the experimental time.

Conclusions:

Cerasorb®and Cersorb M®may represent a new treatment option in osteomyelitis and infectious bone disease.