bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Protein Kinase C/Twist1 Signaling Augments Anticancer Effects of Androgen Deprivation and Enzalutamide in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Yokomizo Akira , Takeuchi Ario , Imada Kenjiro , Kashiwagi Eiji , Song YooHyun , Inokuchi Junichi , Tatsugami Katsunori , Uchiumi Takeshi , Naito Seiji
Published: December 2013

Purpose: The progression of prostate cancer to metastatic and castration-resistant disease represents a critical step. We previously showed that the transcription factor Twist1, which promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition, was involved in castration-resistant progression. Similarly, protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in both metastatic progression and castration resistance in prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of PKC/Twist1 signaling in castration resistance, and to apply this information to the development of a novel therapeutic concept using PKC inhibitor Ro31-8220 against prostate cancer using various prostate cancer cell lines.

Results: Androgen deprivation and the next-generation antiandrogen enzalutamide induced PKC activation and Twist1 expression, which were reversed by the PKC inhibitor Ro31-8220. Ro31-8220 suppressed cell proliferation in androgen-dependent prostate cancer LNCaP cells, which was augmented by its combination with androgen deprivation or enzalutamide. The favorable anticancer effects of the combination of Ro31-8220 and enzalutamide were also observed in castration-resistant C4-2 and 22Rv1 cells. Furthermore, PKC phosphorylation was elevated in castration-resistant and enzalutamide-resistant cells compared with their parental cells, leading to persistent sensitivity to Ro-31-8220 in castration- and enzalutamide-resistant cells.

Conclusions: Taken together, these findings indicate that PKC/Twist1 signaling contributes to castration resistance as well as enzalutamide resistance in prostate cancer, and suggest that therapeutics targeting PKC/Twist1 signaling, such as PKC inhibitors, represent a promising novel therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer, especially castration-resistant prostate cancer, when combined with enzalutamide. Clin Cancer Res; 20(4); 951–61. ©2013 AACR.
Prognostic Impact of Intratumoral C-Reactive Protein Expression in Patients with Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Can Cavit , Acikalin Mustafa Fuat , Ozen Ata , Dundar Emine
Published: December 2013

Background: Elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level has been demonstrated to predict poorer survival of both localized and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, the prognostic value of intratumoral CRP expression has not been sufficiently studied. Patients and Methods: In the present study, the expression of CRP was evaluated with immunohistochemical analysis in 127 patients who had undergone curative surgery for clear cell renal cell carcinoma. CRP staining was scored using the immunoreactivity score. An immunoreactivity score of 4 (median value) or lower was considered negative, a score higher than 4 was considered positive CRP expression. Results: Univariate analysis revealed that Fuhrman grade, necrosis, vascular invasion, TNM stage and CRP expression were associated with tumor-specific survival. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards regression method revealed only TNM stage as an independent predictor of tumor-specific survival (p = 0.001). A trend towards significance (p = 0.066) was observed with CRP expression, but it did not reach significance. Patients with a positive CRP score were 3.46 times more likely to die than patients with a negative CRP score. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the assessment of intratumoral CRP expression may be a useful tool for predicting the prognosis in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Molecular Classification of Metaplastic Carcinoma Using Surrogate Immunohistochemical Staining
Authors: Kim Hye Min , Kim Do Hee , Jung Woo Hee , Koo Ja Seung
Published: December 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate molecular subtyping and its implications on metaplastic carcinoma according to surrogate immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Methods: Following tissue microarray analysis of 34 cases of metaplastic carcinoma, IHC staining for cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), claudin-3, claudin-4, claudin-7, E-cadherin, STAT-1, androgen receptor and GGT was performed and classified into basal-like, molecular apocrine, claudin-low, immune-related, mixed and null types. Results: Among the 34 cases of metaplastic carcinoma, 13 were of the basal-like type (35.2%), 9 of the mixed type (26.5%), 8 of the null type (23.5%), 3 of the claudin-low type (8.8%), and 1 was of the molecular apocrine type (2.9%). Depending on the cell type, there were differences between molecular subtypes, with the matrix-producing type occupying the largest proportion in the basal-like, null and mixed types. The spindle cell type represented the largest proportion in the claudin-low and molecular apocrine types, and the squamous cell type characterized the largest proportion in the basal-like type. Conclusion: Following molecular subtyping of metaplastic carcinomas using surrogate IHC markers, the largest number of cases was of the basal-like type, followed by the mixed, null, claudin-low and molecular apocrine types. There were differences between molecular subtypes according to the cell type.
Fracture during Intravenous Bisphosphonate Treatment in a Child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: An Argument for a More Frequent, Low-Dose Treatment Regimen
Authors: Biggin Andrew , Briody Julie N. , Ormshaw Elizabeth , Wong Karen K.Y. , Bennetts Bruce H. , Munns Craig F.
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy is the mainstay of medical treatment in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and has been shown to increase bone mass, decrease bone pain, improve mobility, and reduce the incidence of fractures. Sclerotic metaphyseal lines parallel to the growth plate are seen on long bone radiographs following cyclical intravenous therapy. These areas create stress risers within the bone that may act as foci for subsequent fractures as exemplified in this clinical case. Methods: An 8-year-old girl with OI sustained a distal radial fracture following 3 years of treatment with 6-monthly intravenous zoledronate. Her diagnosis, response to treatment, and subsequent fracture at a sclerotic metaphyseal line is described. Results: Peripheral quantitative computer tomography was used to characterise the presence of multiple stress risers at the distal forearm. Trabecular bone mineral density fluctuated from 34 to 126% compared to neighbouring 2-mm regions. Conclusion: There remain many unanswered questions about optimal bisphosphonate treatment regimens in children with OI. The formation of stress risers following intravenous bisphosphonate treatment raises the hypothesis that a more frequent and low-dose bisphosphonate regimen would provide more uniform dosing of bone in the growing child and reduce the likelihood of fractures compared to current treatment practices.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Is Required for the Cytotoxicity of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells
Authors: Cai Chunyuan , Chen Weibo , Miao Daoyi , Cheng Li , Yang Guojing , Zhang Linzhou , Li Yongjiang , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2013

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are heterogeneous effector T cells with diverse T-cell receptor specificities with non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted cytolytic activities against tumor cells and are considered a promising therapeutic approach against hematologic malignancy. Recently, it has been reported that IL-15-activated CIK cells are superior to cells generated according to the standard protocol; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we found that in IL-15-stimulated CIK cells, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression was upregulated. Upon knockdown of TLR4, the cytolytic activity was considerably compromised. Re-expression of TLR4 in CIK cells restored their function, confirming the essential role of TLR4 in CIK cell cytotoxicity. Collectively, our study demonstrated that TLR4 was essential for the cytotoxicity of CIK cells against tumor cells, which might provide a novel approach to promote the therapeutic efficacy of CIK cells against hematologic malignancy.
Long-Term Survival of Patients with IgA Nephropathy After Dialysis Therapy
Authors: Komatsu Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Masao , Nakagawa Hideto , Fukuda Akihiro , Iwakiri Takashi , Toida Tatsunori , Sato Yuji , Kitamura Kazuo , Fujimoto Shouichi
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: How dialysis affects the survival of patients with biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is not fully understood. The present long-term cohort study quantifies the survival rates and incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) among such patients in Japan. Methods: Fifty-two of 433 patients with IgAN who had reached end-stage kidney disease underwent renal replacement therapy (RRT) between 1981 and 2010. The overall survival rate and incidence of CCVDs in these patients were evaluated during follow-up for 11.3 ± 6.4 years. Results: The mean age at starting RRT was 42.8 ± 13.3 years. Only seven patients died during follow-up (mortality rate, 1.2/100 person-years) and Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed favorable survival rates of 93.3% and 65.1% at 10 and 20 years, respectively, compared with that of patients with glomerulonephritis in the registry of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy who required RRT. Malignancy and CCVDs were causes of death at 13.6 ± 4.8 and 3.9 ± 1.3 years, respectively, after starting RRT. Fatal and non-fatal CCVDs developed in 15 (incidence, 2.7/100 person-years) patients and acute coronary syndrome and cerebral hemorrhage developed relatively soon after starting RRT. Cox proportional hazards models revealed that age at the time of starting RRT was a significant factor affecting the onset of CCVDs. Meanwhile, a history of having had corticosteroid as an initial treatment did not affect the onset of events. Conclusion: Although the survival of patients with IgAN is favorable after dialysis, the onset of CCVDs during the early phase of dialysis should be carefully monitored.
Re-Evaluation of Clinical Dementia Diagnoses with Pittsburgh Compound B Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Degerman Gunnarsson M. , Lindau M. , Santillo A.F. , Wall A. , Engler H. , Lannfelt L. , Basun H. , Kilander L.
Published: December 2013

Objectives: There is an overlap regarding Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) retention in patients clinically diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-AD dementia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there are any differences between PIB-positive and PIB-negative patients in a mixed cohort of patients with neurodegenerative dementia of mild severity regarding neuropsychological test performance and regional cerebral glucose metabolism measured with [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). Methods: Eighteen patients clinically diagnosed as probable AD or frontotemporal dementia were examined with PIB PET, FDG PET and neuropsychological tests and followed for 5-9 years in a clinical setting. Results: The PIB-positive patients (7 out of 18) had slower psychomotor speed and more impaired visual episodic memory than the PIB-negative patients; otherwise performance did not differ between the groups. The initial clinical diagnoses were changed in one third of the patients (6 out of 18) during follow-up. Conclusions: The subtle differences in neuropsychological performance, the overlap of hypometabolic patterns and clinical features between AD and non-AD dementia highlight the need for amyloid biomarkers and a readiness to re-evaluate the initial diagnosis.
Effects of Age and Gender in Normal-Speaking Children on the Nasality Severity Index: An Objective Multiparametric Approach to Hypernasality
Authors: Bettens Kim , Wuyts Floris L. , De Graef Caroline , Verhegge Lies , Van Lierde Kristiane M.
Published: December 2013

Objective: Since resonance disorders have a multidimensional nature and occur in several craniofacial pathologies, the aim of the present study was to determine the influence of age and gender in normal-speaking children without resonance disorders on an objective multiparametric index of hypernasality. Patients and Methods: A total of 74 Flemish children (37 boys and 37 girls), aged 4-12 years, without resonance disorders were included. A Nasometer was used to obtain nasalance scores (1 phoneme, 2 reading passages). An aerodynamic value was calculated using maximum duration time, and the mirror-fogging test by Glatzel was applied to visualize nasality as measured by condensation. With the obtained results, a ‘Nasality Severity Index' (NSI) was calculated. Results: A significant age effect was found, in which the NSI increased with increasing age (p < 0.001). No significant difference for the NSI was detected concerning gender (p > 0.05). Unfortunately, considerable standard deviations from the mean NSI were found. Conclusion: Although a multiparametric index can form a more powerful approach in the assessment of and treatment planning for individuals with hypernasality, the present study revealed large interindividual differences in the current NSI. Therefore, adaptation of the current NSI is recommended, by which the influences of personal and environmental variables are taken into account.
Formant Transitions in Varied Utterance Positions
Authors: Kuo Christina
Published: December 2013

Aim: Acoustic characteristics associated with varied utterance positions were examined to understand the acoustic consequences of potential articulatory changes near utterance boundaries. Methods: Second formant transition characteristics, including transition duration (ms), transition extent (Hz), and derived slope of transition (Hz/ms), of 12 healthy speakers of American English were examined for two diphthong transitions in sew and sigh and one consonant-vowel transition in bee in utterance-initial, utterance-final, and utterance-end positions. Speakers performed a task of contrastive stress variation that served to demonstrate the changeability of acoustic characteristics as an index of articulatory change in shaping the vocal tract. Results: Contrastive stress, as compared to words spoken without increased stress, was associated with longer transition duration, greater transition extent, and a decreased slope. Although some utterance position effects were present, no systematic differences consistent with boundary strengthening or declination were found. Conclusion: Findings suggest that varied utterance positions may be associated with stimulus-dependent variation in articulatory changes that is reflected in the acoustic output. These results indicate the need to further understand the construct of utterance-level speech materials, such as carrier phrases, in clinical practice and research.
Specific Management of Anemia and Hypertension in Renal Transplant Recipients: Influence of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade
Authors: Salzberg Daniel J. , Karadsheh Feras F. , Haririan Abdolreza , Reddivari Venkata , Weir Matthew R.
Published: December 2013

Background: Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition has proven to be helpful in reducing cardiovascular and kidney disease progression in the general population; whether kidney transplant patients would derive similar benefits is unknown. RAS inhibition also reduces posttransplantation erythrocytosis in kidney transplant recipients, but its effect on hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients without posttransplantation erythrocytosis is unclear. Methods: The Specific Management of Anemia and Hypertension in Renal Transplant (SMAhRT) recipients study was designed to examine the cardiovascular benefits of RAS blockade with telmisartan 80 mg versus placebo, and Hb management with darbepoetin α in a randomized, double-blind, single-center controlled trial in 2,000 patients over 3 years. The primary efficacy variable was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction or stroke. Results: The SMAhRT study was stopped prematurely due to a lower than expected event rate. At that point, 136 patients were enrolled and were followed for a mean duration of 15 months. The use of RAS blockade was not associated with an increased risk of adverse events such as worsening anemia or hyperkalemia. Likewise, the correction of Hb with darbepoetin was not associated with any increase in thrombotic events. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the safety of RAS inhibition and Hb correction with an erythrocyte-stimulating agent in kidney transplant recipients.
Predicting the Glomerular Filtration Rate in Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: Friedman Allon N. , Moe Sharon , Fadel William F. , Inman Margaret , Mattar Samer G. , Shihabi Zak , Quinney Sara K.
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: Identifying the best method to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in bariatric surgery patients has important implications for the clinical care of obese patients and research into the impact of obesity and weight reduction on kidney health. We therefore performed such an analysis in patients before and after surgical weight loss. Methods: Fasting measured GFR (mGFR) by plasma iohexol clearance before and after bariatric surgery was obtained in 36 severely obese individuals. Estimated GFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation, the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation using serum creatinine only, the CKD-EPI equation using serum cystatin C only and a recently derived equation that uses both serum creatinine and cystatin C (CKD-EPIcreat-cystC) and then compared to mGFR. Results: Participants were primarily middle-aged white females with a mean baseline body mass index of 46 ± 9, serum creatinine of 0.81 ± 0.24 mg/dl and mGFR of 117 ± 40 ml/min. mGFR had a stronger linear relationship with inverse cystatin C before (r = 0.28, p = 0.09) and after (r = 0.38, p = 0.02) surgery compared to the inverse of creatinine (before: r = 0.26, p = 0.13; after: r = 0.11, p = 0.51). mGFR fell by 17 ± 35 ml/min (p = 0.007) following surgery. The CKD-EPIcreat-cystC was unquestionably the best overall performing estimating equation before and after surgery, revealing very little bias and a capacity to estimate mGFR within 30% of its true value over 80% of the time. This was true whether or not mGFR was indexed for body surface area. Conclusions: In severely obese bariatric surgery patients with normal kidney function, cystatin C is more strongly associated with mGFR than is serum creatinine. The CKD-EPIcreat-cystC equation best predicted mGFR both before and after surgery.
Missense Mutations in Plakophilin-2 Cause Sodium Current Deficit and Associate With a Brugada Syndrome Phenotype
Authors: Cerrone Marina , Lin Xianming , Zhang Mingliang , Agullo-Pascual Esperanza , Pfenniger Anna , Chkourko Gusky Halina , Novelli Valeria , Kim Changsung , Tirasawadichai Tiara , Judge Daniel P. , Rothenberg Eli , Chen Huei-Sheng Vincent , Napolitano Carlo , Priori Silvia G. , Delmar Mario
Published: December 2013

Background—

Brugada syndrome (BrS) primarily associates with the loss of sodium channel function. Previous studies showed features consistent with sodium current (
I
Na
) deficit in patients carrying desmosomal mutations, diagnosed with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy). Experimental models showed correlation between the loss of expression of desmosomal protein plakophilin-2 (PKP2) and reduced
I
Na
. We hypothesized that
PKP2
variants that reduce
I
Na
could yield a BrS phenotype, even without overt structural features characteristic of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

We searched for
PKP2
variants in the genomic DNA of 200 patients with a BrS diagnosis, no signs of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and no mutations in BrS-related genes
SCN5A, CACNa1c, GPD1L
, and
MOG1.
We identified 5 cases of single amino acid substitutions. Mutations were tested in HL-1–derived cells endogenously expressing Na
V
1.5 but made deficient in PKP2 (PKP2-KD). Loss of PKP2 caused decreased
I
Na
and Na
V
1.5 at the site of cell contact. These deficits were restored by the transfection of wild-type PKP2, but not of BrS-related PKP2 mutants. Human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes from a patient with a PKP2 deficit showed drastically reduced
I
Na
. The deficit was restored by transfection of wild type, but not BrS-related PKP2. Super-resolution microscopy in murine PKP2-deficient cardiomyocytes related
I
Na
deficiency to the reduced number of channels at the intercalated disc and increased separation of microtubules from the cell end.

Conclusions—

This is the first systematic retrospective analysis of a patient group to define the coexistence of sodium channelopathy and genetic PKP2 variations.
PKP2
mutations may be a molecular substrate leading to the diagnosis of BrS.
A new species of the genus Mallomonas (Chrysophyceae: Synurales), Mallomonas kuzminii sp. nov., from lake Frolikha (Russia, Baikal region)
Authors: Gusev Evgeniy Sergeevich , Kulikovskiy Maxim Sergeevich
Published: December 2013

Mallomonas kuzminii sp. nov. is described from an oligotrophic lake located in Russia, East Siberia, Northern Baikal region. The description is based on silica-scale morphology studied by means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy. This new species belongs to the section Mallomonas and has several types of scales with or without dome. The form of the scales, the strongly hooded V-rib, and a dome with ribs surrounded by the extensions of the anterior rib, are the main features which distinguish this new taxon from the other species of the section.
An update of the blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) of the Galápagos Islands, and first record of Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) from mainland Ecuador
Authors: TANTAWI TAREK I. , SINCLAIR BRADLEY J.
Published: December 2013

Seven species of Calliphoridae are reported from the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Lucilia pionia (Walker), L. setosa (James), L. deceptor (Curran), L. eximia (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius). Lucilia eximia is newly recorded from the islands. Lucilia sp. near pionia is recorded from the island of Española. The distribution and collection records of these species are discussed and listed, and a key to their identification is provided. Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) is reported for the first time from mainland Ecuador and the identification of this species is outlined.
Diurnal Radiation Cycle Impact on the Pregenesis Environment of Hurricane Karl (2010)
Authors: Melhauser Christopher , Zhang Fuqing
Published: December 2013

Through convection-permitting ensemble and sensitivity experiments, this study examines the impact of the diurnal radiation cycle on the pregenesis environment of Hurricane Karl (2010). It is found that the pregenesis environmental stability and the intensity of deep moist convection can be considerably modulated by the diurnal extremes in radiation. Nighttime destabilization of the local and large-scale environment through radiative cooling may promote deep moist convection and increase the genesis potential, likely enhancing the intensity of the resultant tropical cyclones. Modified longwave and shortwave radiation experiments found tropical cyclone development to be highly sensitive to the periodic cycle of heating and cooling, with suppressed formation in the daytime-only and no-radiation experiments and quicker intensification compared with the control for nighttime-only experiments.
How Populist Are the People? Measuring Populist Attitudes in Voters
Authors: Akkerman Agnes , Mudde Cas , Zaslove Andrej
Published: December 2013

The sudden and perhaps unexpected appearance of populist parties in the 1990s shows no sign of immediately vanishing. The lion’s share of the research on populism has focused on defining populism, on the causes for its rise and continued success, and more recently on its influence on government and on public policy. Less research has, however, been conducted on measuring populist attitudes among voters. In this article, we seek to fill this gap by measuring populist attitudes and to investigate whether these attitudes can be linked with party preferences. We distinguish three political attitudes: (1) populist attitudes, (2) pluralist attitudes, and (3) elitist attitudes. We devise a measurement of these attitudes and explore their validity by way of using a principal component analysis on a representative Dutch data set ( N = 600). We indeed find three statistically separate scales of political attitudes. We further validated the scales by testing whether they are linked to party preferences and find that voters who score high on the populist scale have a significantly higher preference for the Dutch populist parties, the Party for Freedom, and the Socialist Party.
Do newspaper reports of suicides comply with standard suicide reporting guidelines? A study from Bangalore, India
Authors: Chandra Prabha S , Doraiswamy Padmavathy , Padmanabh Anuroopa , Philip Mariamma
Published: December 2013

Background:

Several countries have prescribed standard guidelines for media professionals on suicide reporting. However, the implementation of these guidelines has been varied. Suicide rates in South Asia are one of the highest in the world, and it is known that media guidelines for suicide reporting are not followed adequately. However, there are no published reports available from this region.

Aim:

This study aimed at assessing newspaper reports of suicide for quality of reporting based on standard reporting guidelines and to study differences between English and vernacular ( Kannada) newspapers in Bangalore, South India.

Methods:

A total of 341 newspaper reports of suicide from 550 newspapers (3 English and 3 Kannada) over 3 months were systematically assessed for compliance with reporting guidelines. Each report was evaluated on 2 domains and 36 parameters. Data were analyzed for frequency of inappropriate reporting and patterns compared between vernacular and English newspapers.

Results:

In all, 87% of the reports were those of completed suicide. Non-compliant reporting – method of suicide was reported in 89% and 32% of reports were in prominent pages of the newspaper, 95% mentioned gender, 90% reported the name, 80% reported age and suicide location, 75% reported life events related to suicide, 70% reported occupation, 69% had headline explicity on suicide and 61% reported monocausality. Only 16% reported mental disorder related to suicide, and less than 3% included information on suicide prevention and helplines. Vernacular papers showed significantly better compliance in 16 of the 20 areas. However, protective characteristics were better reported in English newspapers.

Conclusion:

Majority of reports on suicides in newspapers from Bangalore did not comply with standard guidelines of reporting. There is a strong need to evolve local guidelines and mechanisms for ensuring responsible reporting which have important implications in prevention of suicide.
General health workers’ description of mental health problems and treatment approaches used in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Koka Betty E , Deane Frank P , Lyons Geoffrey CB , Lambert Gordon
Published: December 2013

Background:

Papua New Guinea is a developing country with limited resources for specialist mental health services. Little is known about the mental health and treatment services of Papua New Guinea.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to clarify the presenting mental health problems encountered by Papua New Guinean health workers and the common treatment approaches used.

Methods:

A total of 203 Papua New Guinean health workers completed a retrospective quantitative survey about their three most recent mental health patients. The survey asked about presenting symptomatology, diagnoses (including culture-bound diagnoses) and treatment approaches.

Results:

The major presenting mental health problems for males included schizophrenia, substance use disorder, sorcery and spirit possession. Depression was the most common diagnoses for women, followed by sorcery and somatisation. Over 65% of patients were prescribed psychotropic medication, over 50% received some form of psychological intervention and 28% were receiving traditional treatments.

Conclusions:

Somatic symptoms are common among both male and female Papua New Guineans; however, males may be more likely to present with psychotic symptoms and females with mood-related problems. Schizophrenia and depression are commonly identified with substance use disorder more problematic among males. Culture-specific explanations and treatment are commonly used.
Simvastatin Inhibits LPS-induced Alveolar Bone Loss during Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Jin J. , Machado E.R. , Yu H. , Zhang X. , Lu Z. , Li Y. , Lopes-Virella M.F. , Kirkwood K.L. , Huang Y.
Published: December 2013

Studies in recent years have shown a positive relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and periodontal disease (PD). Given that patients with MS take statins to reduce cholesterol, and statins also have anti-inflammatory effects, it is important to determine if statin intake hinders the progression of MS-associated PD. In this study, PD was induced in Zucker fat rats (ZFRs), an animal model for MS, and in control lean rats by periodontal injection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while simvastatin was given to some of the rats via gavage. After 4 wk of treatment, alveolar bone loss was determined by micro-computed tomography. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we determined the effect of simvastatin on tissue inflammation and the expression of molecules involved in osteoclastogenesis. Results showed that while bone loss was increased by LPS in both ZFRs and the control lean rats, it was significantly more in the former than the latter. Simvastatin effectively alleviated bone loss in both ZFRs and the control rats. Results also showed that LPS stimulated leukocyte tissue infiltration and expression of molecules for osteoclastogenesis, but simvastatin significantly modulated the stimulation. This study demonstrated that simvastatin inhibited LPS-induced alveolar bone loss and periodontal tissue inflammation in rats with MS.
The Contribution of Gang Membership to the Victim–Offender Overlap
Authors: Pyrooz David C. , Moule Richard K. , Decker Scott H.
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Although a vast literature has investigated the consequences of gang membership for offending and victimization, little is known about the contribution of gang membership to the victim–offender overlap. We advance a group process theoretical model and provide an empirical extension of the victim–offender overlap to gang membership.

Method:

Using data gathered from 621 respondents in five cities, the contribution of gang membership to the victim–offender overlap is determined by examining (1) a typology of four victim–offender arrangements using multinomial logistic regression modeling and (2) the latent propensity for violent offending and victimization using multilevel item response theory modeling.

Results:

Gang members were over twice as likely as nongang members to be both victims and offenders, even after adjusting for low self-control, adherence to street codes, and routine activities. Neither contemporary theoretical perspectives on the overlap nor the reciprocal relationship between violent outcomes eliminated the association of gang membership with violent victimization and violent offending.

Conclusion:

By theoretically and empirically integrating gang membership into current knowledge on the victim–offender overlap, the results suggest that there is much to be gained for research and practice by unpacking the features of criminal and deviant networks.
Academic Success for Students of Color . . . At What Cost? The Importance of School Context at Birch High School
Authors: Chambers Terah T. Venzant , Tabron Lolita A.
Published: December 2013

Kiara, an African American rising freshman, has aspirations to become a medical doctor. She enrolls at Birch High School because of the reputation of the principal, Mr. Brown, whose vision for academic excellence permeates every corner of the school. Kiara graduates from high school with top honors, but realizes her success may have come at a steep price. By using “snapshots” of five critical aspects of the school culture at Birch, this case study invites readers to consider the ways schools may foster academic success for some students of color, but at what cost?
Economic consequences of failed autonomous adaptation to extreme floods: A case study from Bangladesh
Authors: Younus Md Aboul Fazal , Harvey Nick
Published: December 2013

This paper focuses on ‘autonomous adaptation’ and has one aim. It assesses the economic consequences of the failure effects of autonomous adaptation in response to extreme flood events. The study found that Bangladeshi farmers are highly resilient to extreme flood events, but the economic consequences of failure effects of autonomous crop adaptation on marginal farmers are large. The failure effects are defined as total input costs plus the small profit (otherwise) made from selling the small surplus remaining from subsistence needs. The total input costs increase with the number of flood events in the studied area. Total agricultural cost includes cost of seedlings, fertilizer, pesticides, land preparation, human labour and watering. The paper concludes that the economic loss accelerates food insecurity and could ultimately lead to human insecurity in Bangladesh, which could be exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
Reduced neck-shoulder muscle strength and aerobic power together with increased pericranial tenderness are associated with tension-type headache in girls: A case-control study
Authors: Tornoe Birte , Andersen Lars L , Skotte Jørgen H , Jensen Rigmor , Gard Gunvor , Skov Liselotte , Hallström Inger
Published: December 2013

Background

Tension-type headaches (TTH) are common among children worldwide and mean a potential risk of disability and medication overuse headache. The associated mechanisms, however, remain unsolved. Our study investigated muscle strength in the neck-shoulder region, aerobic power and pericranial tenderness in girls with TTH compared with healthy controls.

Methods

A blinded case-control study comprising 41 girls with TTH and 41 age-matched healthy controls. Standardised testing of isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and force steadiness of neck flexion and extension, as well as MVC and rate-of-force development of dominant shoulder, was conducted. VO2 max was recorded by a submaximal ergometer test and pericranial tenderness by standardised manual palpation. Logistic regression analyses were applied.

Results

Girls with TTH demonstrated significantly higher pericranial tenderness than controls, in correlation with headache frequency ( r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Results indicated that the odds ratio of girls having headache are 7.6 (95% CI 1.4–40.9) for weak to strong shoulder muscles; weak to average neck-shoulder strength OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.2–8.1); neck flexion strength OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.0–1.6) and 5.2 (95% CI: 1.4–19.6) for each unit of decrease in VO2 max.

Conclusions

Reduced neck-shoulder strength and aerobic power together with increased pericranial tenderness are associated with TTH in girls. Future interventions should be directed towards health promoting patient educational programmes on enhanced physical exercising. Much more exact and detailed research in young girls and boys are needed.
Prolactinoma-associated headache and dopamine agonist treatment
Authors: Kallestrup Mia-Maiken , Kasch Helge , Østerby Toke , Nielsen Edith , Jensen Troels S , Jørgensen Jens OL
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aim of this article is to investigate the phenotype and etiology of prolactinoma-associated headache as well as present and discuss the plausible pain-relieving effect of dopamine agonist treatment.

Methods

In this case-based audit we included 11 patients with prolactinomas and one patient with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia presenting with headache that subsequently improved or resolved after dopamine agonist treatment.

Results

A significant ipsilateral location of tumor mass and reported headache symptoms was observed ( p = 0.018). After dopamine agonist treatment seven out of 12 patients became pain free within 2.5 months; after one year of treatment 11 out of 12 reported headache improvement or resolution. Average tumor volume reduction after treatment was 47 ± 22% during 9.5 ± 8.4 months of follow-up. There was no significant association between headache relief and tumor shrinkage ( p = 0.43) or normalization of serum prolactin ( p = 1.00), respectively.

Conclusions

1) The significant association between lateralization of tumor and headache suggests a mechanical origin of the headache, 2) headache responded to dopamine agonist treatment in most patients, and 3) our observations encourage future prospective controlled trials to investigate the role of hyperprolactinemia in the pathogenesis of headache as well as the therapeutic effects of dopamine agonists.
Fiber synergy in multi-scale fiber-reinforced cementitious composites
Authors: Zhang Cong , Cao Mingli
Published: December 2013

A multi-scale fiber blend containing steel fibers, polyvinyl alcohol fibers and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) whiskers was designed to increase the multi-scale cracking resistance for cementitious composites. This multi-scale fiber-reinforced composite was tested for fiber synergy in compressive behavior and flexural performance. The results indicated that the multi-scale fiber improves not only the softening branch of the compressive stress–strain curve and the strain capacity at ultimate stress but also the compressive toughness, achieving a ductile fracture mode during compression. The flexural strength and toughness are significantly enhanced, which is also reflected in the deflection hardening behavior and multiple cracking performance. This suggests that there is an obvious positive fiber synergy in multi-scale fiber-reinforced cementitious composites and the multi-scale fiber can effectively interact with the multi-scale cracking process of cementitious composites. Moreover, it seems possible that steel fibers and polyvinyl alcohol fibers can be partly replaced with CaCO3 whiskers, thus the production cost of fiber-reinforced cement-based composites can be decreased.
Biodegradation behaviour of natural rubber composites reinforced with natural resource fillers – monitoring by soil burial test
Authors: Sareena C , Sreejith MP , Ramesan MT , Purushothaman E
Published: December 2013

Biodegradation studies of natural rubber composites reinforced with natural resource fillers like peanut shell powder and coconut shell powder of 10 and 40 parts per hundred part of rubber (phr) filler loadings were carried out under soil burial conditions for three/six months. The extent of biodegradation of natural rubber and natural rubber composites were evaluated through tensile strength and hardness measurements. It was observed that the durability of the composites was greatly dependent on chemical treatment, filler particle size and filler content. The stability of composites decreased with increase in filler content. Composites containing chemically treated fillers were found to be more resistant to soil erosion. But composites containing larger sized fillers were found to be less resistant to soil erosion. Surface morphology of the composites was determined using scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the degradation of the samples. The results indicate that the tensile strength and hardness were decreased after soil burial testing due to the possible biological attack by microbes onto the samples.
Modelling thermal effects in machining of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Santiuste C , Díaz-Álvarez J , Soldani X , Miguélez H.
Published: December 2013

Machining-induced damage is commonly observed when manufacturing components based on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. Despite the importance of thermal effects in machining CFRPs, this problem has been poorly analyzed in the literature. Predictive tools are not available for thermal phenomena involved during cutting, while only few experimental studies have been found. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model of orthogonal machining of CFRPs including thermal effects is presented. Predicted thermal and mechanical intralaminar damage showed strong influence of fiber orientation. Thermally affected area was larger than mechanically damaged zone. This fact confirms the importance of accounting for thermal effects when modelling CFRP machining.
De NovoSCN8A Mutation Identified by Whole-Exome Sequencing in a Boy With Neonatal Epileptic Encephalopathy, Multiple Congenital Anomalies, and Movement Disorders
Authors: Vaher Ulvi , Nõukas Margit , Nikopensius Tiit , Kals Mart , Annilo Tarmo , Nelis Mari , Õunap Katrin , Reimand Tiia , Talvik Inga , Ilves Pilvi , Piirsoo Andres , Seppet Enn , Metspalu Andres , Talvik Tiina
Published: December 2013

Epileptic encephalopathies represent a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders, majority of which are of unknown etiology. We used whole-exome sequencing of a parent-offspring trio to identify the cause of early infantile epileptic encephalopathy in a boy with neonatal seizures, movement disorders, and multiple congenital anomalies who died at the age of 17 months because of respiratory illness and identified a de novo heterozygous missense mutation (c.3979A>G; p.Ile1327Val) in SCN8A (voltage-gated sodium-channel type VIII alpha subunit) gene. The variant was confirmed in the proband with Sanger sequencing. Because the clinical phenotype associated with SCN8A mutations has previously been identified only in a few patients with or without epileptic seizures, these data together with our results suggest that mutations in SCN8A can lead to early infantile epileptic encephalopathy with a broad phenotypic spectrum. Additional investigations will be worthwhile to determine the prevalence and contribution of SCN8A mutations to epileptic encephalopathies.
Prognostic Factors for Outcome in Pediatric Probable Lesional Frontal Lobe Epilepsy With an Unknown Cause (Cryptogenic)
Authors: Lee Inn-Chi , Chen Yung-Jung , Lee Hong-Shen , Li Shuan-Yow
Published: December 2013

The outcomes of children with cryptogenic seizures most probably arising from the frontal lobe are difficult to predict. We retrospectively collected data on 865 pediatric patients with epilepsy. In 78 patients with cryptogenic frontal lobe epilepsy, the age at first seizure was inversely correlated with the outcome, including the degree of intellectual disability/developmental delay ( P = .002) and seizure frequency ( P = .02) after adequate treatment. Intellectual disability was more prevalent in children with a first seizure at 0 to 3 years old ( P = .002), and seizures were more frequent in those with a first seizure at 0 to 6 years old than at 7 to 16 years old ( P = .026). For pediatric cryptogenic frontal lobe epilepsy, the age at first seizure is important and inversely correlated with outcome, including seizure frequency and intellectual disability.
Comment on Proposed SEC Reporting Requirement
Authors: Kalfen Donald
Published: December 2013

On September 18, 2013, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a proposed rule on the CEO pay ratio disclosure mandated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank). The core of the proposed rule is deceptively simple: the requirement that public companies disclose the mathematical relationship between CEO total compensation and median employee total compensation. However, the proposed rule raises two fundamental questions: (1) what will investors glean from the CEO pay ratio disclosure; and (2) what is the SEC’s position on the cost benefit of the CEO pay ratio disclosure? The answers to those questions reveal that while the potential value to investors of the CEO pay ratio disclosure is speculative at best, the cost of compliance will be quite real, both in terms of time and resources.
Ebola at Mbarara, Uganda: Aesthetic Expressions of the Lived Worlds of People Waiting to Know
Authors: Locsin Rozzano C.
Published: December 2013

The Ebola epidemic of 2000 was a disastrous experience for the people of Uganda. Prior outbreaks in neighboring African sub-Saharan countries heightened the realization of death from this devastating disease. Waiting to know is a phenomenon described as an excruciating inactivity uniquely experienced by individuals who were exposed to persons with Ebola but who had not yet exhibited signs and symptoms of the disease. In the recent Ebola epidemic in Uganda, contact persons described their experience of waiting to know as “helplessness in anticipation and fear of dying or premature death; agonizing and languishing over losing relatives, friends, and loved ones; trusting no one; and helplessness and hopelessness with the persisting time.” In this column, these experiences will be discussed, and visual artworks will further illustrate the lived experience of waiting to know. Human and artistic expressions facilitate understanding of lived experience, and understanding is known to inspire meaningful, compassionate, and competent nursing practice.
Emergency Contraception, Institutional Conscience, and Pharmacy Practice
Authors: Card Robert F. , Williams Karl G.
Published: December 2013

“Emergency contraception” case law from the state of Washington is reviewed and analyzed. Important legal, social policy, and professional ethical questions are considered with focus on professional and institutional conscientious objection to participating in this therapy.
Promoting Pharmacy-Based Referrals to the Tobacco Quitline
Authors: Wahl Kimberly R. , Woolf Brittany L. , Hoch Matthew A. , Zillich Alan J. , Hudmon Karen Suchanek
Published: December 2013

Objective:

To conduct a pilot study of a student-delivered academic detailing initiative to promote brief, pharmacy-based tobacco cessation interventions, and referrals to the tobacco quitline.

Methods:

Pharmacy students (n = 11) received training and delivered academic detailing sessions for promoting brief tobacco cessation interventions at community pharmacies (n = 37). Six months after the session, a survey was faxed to each pharmacy to assess (1) the quality and acceptance of the academic detailing session and the materials provided during the session and (2) tobacco cessation counseling perceptions and practices.

Results:

Pharmacists from 30 (81%) sites responded to the survey; of these, 37% reported that they increased the number of patients asked about smoking since the academic detailing session, 70% reported an increase in the number of participants advised to quit smoking, 57% reported an increase in the number of patients counseled, and 50% reported routinely providing referrals to the tobacco quitline.

Conclusion:

pharmacy students are capable of providing academic detailing for brief tobacco cessation interventions in community pharmacies. Results of this pilot study suggest a positive impact of this service on pharmacists’ counseling behavior for tobacco cessation.
A model-based method for the design of intermittent pneumatic compression systems acting on humans
Authors: Ferraresi Carlo , Maffiodo Daniela , Hajimirzaalian Hamidreza
Published: December 2013

Intermittent pneumatic compression is a well-known technique, which can be used for several therapeutic treatments like sports recovery, lymphoedema drainage, deep vein thrombosis prevention or others, which may require very different operating characteristics as regards the desired pressure values and the operating velocity. The performance and the effectiveness of the device are often difficult to predict and must be usually optimized through empirical adjustments. This article presents a general method based on the mathematical modelling of a generic IPC system, aimed at studying and developing such a device with physical and dynamical characteristics suitable for the intended application.