bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement invariance of the center for epidemiological studies depression scale (CES-D) among chinese and dutch elderly
Authors: Zhang Baoshan , Fokkema Marjolein , Cuijpers Pim , Li Juan , Smits Niels , Beekman Aartjan
Published: May 2011

Background

Although previous studies using non- elderly groups have assessed the factorial invariance of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) across different groups with the same social-cultural backgrounds, few studies have tested the factorial invariance of the CES-D across two elderly groups from countries with different social cultures. The purposes of this study were to examine the factorial structure of the CES-D, and test its measurement invariance across two different national elderly populations.

Methods

A total of 6806 elderly adults from China (n = 4903) and the Netherlands (n = 1903) were included in the final sample. The CES-D was assessed in both samples. Three strategies were used in the data analysis procedure. First, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out to determine the factor structures of the CES-D that best fitted the two samples. Second, the best fitting model was incorporated into a multi-group CFA model to test measurement invariance of the CES-D across the two population groups. Third, latent mean differences between the two groups were tested.

Results

The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed: 1) in both samples, Radloff's four-factor model resulted in a significantly better fit and the four dimensions (somatic complaints, depressed affect, positive affect, and interpersonal problems) of the CES-D seem to be the most informative in assessing depressive symptoms compared to the single-, three-, and the second-order factor models; and 2) the factorial structure was invariant across the populations under study. However, only partial scalar and uniqueness invariance of the CES-D items was supported. Latent means in the partial invariant model were lower for the Dutch sample, compared to the Chinese sample.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence of a valid factorial structure of the CES-D that could be applied to elderly populations from both China and the Netherlands, producing a meaningful comparison of total scores between the two elderly groups. However, for some specific factors and items, caution is required when comparing the depressive symptoms between Chinese and Dutch elderly groups.
Y-box protein-1/p18 fragment identifies malignancies in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Tacke Frank , Kanig Nicolas , En-Nia Abdelaziz , Kaehne Thilo , Eberhardt Christiane S , Shpacovitch Victoria , Trautwein Christian , Mertens Peter R
Published: May 2011

Background

Immunohistochemical detection of cold shock proteins is predictive for deleterious outcome in various malignant diseases. We recently described active secretion of a family member, denoted Y-box (YB) protein-1. We tested the clinical and diagnostic value of YB-1 protein fragment p18 (YB-1/p18) detection in blood for malignant diseases.

Methods

We used a novel monoclonal anti-YB-1 antibody to detect YB-1/p18 by immunoblotting in plasma samples of healthy volunteers (n = 33), patients with non-cancerous, mostly inflammatory diseases (n = 60), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; n = 25) and advanced solid tumors (n = 20). YB-1/p18 was then tested in 111 patients with chronic liver diseases, alongside established tumor markers and various diagnostic measures, during evaluation for potential liver transplantation.

Results

We developed a novel immunoblot to detect the 18 kD fragment of secreted YB-1 in human plasma (YB-1/p18) that contains the cold-shock domains (CSD) 1-3 of the full-length protein. YB-1/p18 was detected in 11/25 HCC and 16/20 advanced carcinomas compared to 0/33 healthy volunteers and 10/60 patients with non-cancerous diseases. In 111 patients with chronic liver disease, YB-1/p18 was detected in 20 samples. Its occurrence was not associated with advanced Child stages of liver cirrhosis or liver function. In this cohort, YB-1/p18 was not a good marker for HCC, but proved most powerful in detecting malignancies other than HCC (60% positive) with a lower rate of false-positive results compared to established tumor markers. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was most sensitive in detecting HCC, but simultaneous assessment of AFP, CA19-9 and YB-1/p18 improved overall identification of HCC patients.

Conclusions

Plasma YB-1/p18 can identify patients with malignancies, independent of acute inflammation, renal impairment or liver dysfunction. The detection of YB-1/p18 in human plasma may have potential as a tumor marker for screening of high-risk populations, e.g. before organ transplantation, and should therefore be evaluated in larger prospective studies.
Literature survey on epidemiology and pathology of gangliocytic paraganglioma
Authors: Okubo Yoichiro , Wakayama Megumi , Nemoto Tetsuo , Kitahara Kanako , Nakayama Haruo , Shibuya Kazutoshi , Yokose Tomoyuki , Yamada Manabu , Shimodaira Kayoko , Sasai Daisuke , Ishiwatari Takao , Tsuchiya Masaru , Hiruta Nobuyuki
Published: May 2011

Background

Although gangliocytic paraganglioma (GP) has generally been regarded as a neuroendocrine tumor, its origin remains unclear. We therefore aimed to investigate the details of this disease by carefully analyzing and extracting common features of the disease as presented in selected publications.

Methods

We searched for English and Japanese cases of GP using the PubMed and IgakuChuoZasshi databases on August 2010. We then extracted and sampled raw data from the selected publications and performed appropriate statistical analyses. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of hormone receptors based on our previously reported case.

Results

192 patients with GP were retrieved from the databases. Patient ages ranged from 15 y to 84 y (mean: 52.3 y). The gender ratio was 114:76 (male to female, 2 not reported). Maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 5.5 mm to 100 mm (mean: 25.0 mm). The duodenum (90.1%, 173/192) was found to be the most common site of the disease. In 173 patients with duodenal GP, gastrointestinal bleeding (45.1%, 78/173) was found to be the most common symptom of the disease, followed by abdominal pain (42.8%, 74/173), and anemia (14.5%, 25/173). Rate of lymph node metastasis was 6.9% (12/173). Our statistical analysis indicated that significant differences were found for gender between GP within the submucosal layer and exceeding the submucosal layer. Furthermore, our immunohistochemical evaluation showed that both epithelioid and pancreatic islet cells showed positive reactivity for progesterone receptors.

Conclusions

Our literature survey revealed that there were many more cases of GP exceeding the submucosal layer than were expected. Meanwhile, our statistical analyses and immunohistochemical evaluation supported the following two hypotheses. First, vertical growth of GP might be affected by progesterone exposure. Second, the origin of GP might be pancreatic islet cells. However, it is strongly suspected that our data have been affected by publication bias and to confirm these hypotheses, further investigation is required.
Construction of high quality Gateway™ entry libraries and their application to yeast two-hybrid for the monocot model plant Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Cao Shuanghe , Siriwardana Chamindika L , Kumimoto Roderick W , Holt Ben F
Published: May 2011

Background

Monocots, especially the temperate grasses, represent some of the most agriculturally important crops for both current food needs and future biofuel development. Because most of the agriculturally important grass species are difficult to study (e.g., they often have large, repetitive genomes and can be difficult to grow in laboratory settings), developing genetically tractable model systems is essential. Brachypodium distachyon (hereafter Brachypodium) is an emerging model system for the temperate grasses. To fully realize the potential of this model system, publicly accessible discovery tools are essential. High quality cDNA libraries that can be readily adapted for multiple downstream purposes are a needed resource. Additionally, yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) libraries are an important discovery tool for protein-protein interactions and are not currently available for Brachypodium.

Results

We describe the creation of two high quality, publicly available Gateway™ cDNA entry libraries and their derived Y2H libraries for Brachypodium. The first entry library represents cloned cDNA populations from both short day (SD, 8/16-h light/dark) and long day (LD, 20/4-h light/dark) grown plants, while the second library was generated from hormone treated tissues. Both libraries have extensive genome coverage (~5 × 107 primary clones each) and average clone lengths of ~1.5 Kb. These entry libraries were then used to create two recombination-derived Y2H libraries. Initial proof-of-concept screens demonstrated that a protein with known interaction partners could readily re-isolate those partners, as well as novel interactors.

Conclusions

Accessible community resources are a hallmark of successful biological model systems. Brachypodium has the potential to be a broadly useful model system for the grasses, but still requires many of these resources. The Gateway™ compatible entry libraries created here will facilitate studies for multiple user-defined purposes and the derived Y2H libraries can be immediately applied to large scale screening and discovery of novel protein-protein interactions. All libraries are freely available for distribution to the research community.
Highly efficient concentration of lenti- and retroviral vector preparations by membrane adsorbers and ultrafiltration
Authors: Zimmermann Katrin , Scheibe Oliver , Kocourek Andreas , Muelich Jutta , Jurkiewicz Elke , Pfeifer Alexander
Published: May 2011

Background

Lentiviral vectors (LVs) can efficiently transduce a broad spectrum of cells and tissues, including dividing and non-dividing cells. So far the most widely used method for concentration of lentiviral particles is ultracentrifugation (UC).

An important feature of vectors derived from lentiviruses and prototypic gamma-retroviruses is that the host range can be altered by pseudotypisation. The most commonly used envelope protein for pseudotyping is the glycoprotein of the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV.G), which is also essential for successful concentration using UC.

Results

Here, we describe a purification method that is based on membrane adsorbers (MAs). Viral particles are efficiently retained by the anionic exchange MAs and can be eluted with a high-salt buffer. Buffer exchange and concentration is then performed by utilizing ultrafiltration (UF) units of distinct molecular weight cut off (MWCO). With this combined approach similar biological titers as UC can be achieved (2 to 5 × 109 infectious particles (IP)/ml). Lentiviral particles from small starting volumes (e.g. 40 ml) as well as large volumes (up to 1,000 ml) cell culture supernatant (SN) can be purified. Apart from LVs, vectors derived from oncoretroviruses can be efficiently concentrated as well. Importantly, the use of the system is not confined to VSV.G pseudotyped lenti- and retroviral particles and other pseudotypes can also be purified.

Conclusions

Taken together the method presented here offers an efficient alternative for the concentration of lenti- as well as retroviral vectors with different pseudotypes that needs no expensive equipment, is easy to handle and can be used to purify large quantities of viral vectors within a short time.
Anti-malarial effect of gum arabic
Authors: Ballal Adil , Bobbala Diwakar , Qadri Syed M , Föller Michael , Kempe Daniela , Nasir Omaima , Saeed Amal , Lang Florian
Published: May 2011

Background

Gum Arabic (GA), a nonabsorbable nutrient from the exudate of Acacia senegal, exerts a powerful immunomodulatory effect on dendritic cells, antigen-presenting cells involved in the initiation of both innate and adaptive immunity. On the other hand GA degradation delivers short chain fatty acids, which in turn have been shown to foster the expression of foetal haemoglobin in erythrocytes. Increased levels of erythrocyte foetal haemoglobin are known to impede the intraerythrocytic growth of Plasmodium and thus confer some protection against malaria. The present study tested whether gum arabic may influence the clinical course of malaria.

Methods

Human erythrocytes were in vitro infected with Plasmodium falciparum in the absence and presence of butyrate and mice were in vivo infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA by injecting parasitized murine erythrocytes (1 × 106) intraperitoneally. Half of the mice received gum arabic (10% in drinking water starting 10 days before the day of infection).

Results

According to the in vitro experiments butyrate significantly blunted parasitaemia only at concentrations much higher (3 mM) than those encountered in vivo following GA ingestion (<1 μM). According to the in vivo experiments the administration of gum arabic slightly but significantly decreased the parasitaemia and significantly extended the life span of infected mice.

Discussion

GA moderately influences the parasitaemia and survival of Plasmodium- infected mice. The underlying mechanism remained, however, elusive.

Conclusions

Gum arabic favourably influences the course of murine malaria.
Glial TNFα in the Spinal Cord Regulates Neuropathic Pain Induced by HIV gp120 Application in Rats
Authors: Zheng Wenwen , Ouyang Handong , Zheng Xuexing , Liu Shue , Mata Marina , Fink David J , Hao Shuanglin
Published: May 2011

Background:

HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) is one of the most common forms of peripheral neuropathy, affecting about 30% of people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The symptoms of HIV-SN are dominated by neuropathic pain. Glia activation in the spinal cord has become an attractive target for attenuating chronic pain. This study will investigate the role of spinal TNFα released from glia in HIV-related neuropathic pain.

Results:

Peripheral gp120 application into the rat sciatic nerve induced mechanical allodynia for more than 7 weeks, and upregulated the expression of spinal TNFα in the mRNA and the protein levels at 2 weeks after gp120 application. Spinal TNFα was colocalized with GFAP (a marker of astrocytes) and Iba1 (a marker of microglia) in immunostaining, suggesting that glia produce TNFα in the spinal cord in this model. Peripheral gp120 application also increased TNFα in the L4/5 DRG. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of TNFα siRNA or soluble TNF receptor reduced gp120 application-induced mechanical allodynia.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that TNFα in the spinal cord and the DRG are involved in neuropathic pain, following the peripheral HIV gp120 application, and that blockade of the glial product TNFα reverses neuropathic pain induced by HIV gp120 application.
How is Telemedicine perceived? A qualitative study of perspectives from the UK and India
Authors: Martínez Álvarez Melisa , Chanda Rupa , Smith Richard D
Published: May 2011

Background

Improvements in communication and information technologies have allowed for the globalisation of health services, especially the provision of health services from other countries, such as the use of telemedicine. This has led countries to evaluate their position on whether and to what extent they should open their health systems to trade. This often takes place from the context of multi-lateral trade agreements (under the auspices of the World Trade Organisation), which is misplaced as a significant amount of trade takes place regionally or bi-laterally. We report here the results of a qualitative study assessing stakeholders' views on the potential for a bi-lateral trade relationship between India and the UK, where India acts as an exporter and the UK as an importer of telemedicine services.

Methods

19 semi-structured interviews were carried out with stakeholders from India and the UK. The themes discussed include prospects on the viability of a bi-lateral relationship between the UK and India on telemedicine, current activities and operations, barriers, benefits and risks.

Results

The participants in general believed there were good prospects for telemedicine trade, and that this could bring benefits to "importing" countries in terms of cost-savings and faster delivery of care and to "exporting" countries in the form of foreign exchange and quality improvement. However, there were some concerns regarding quality of care, regulation, accreditation and data security.

Conclusions

There is potential for trade in this type of health services to succeed and bring about important benefits to the countries involved. However, issues around data security and accreditation need to be taken into consideration. Countries may wish to consider entering bi-lateral agreements, as they provide more potential to address the concerns and capitalise on the benefits. Finally, this paper concludes that more data should be collected, both on the volume of telemedicine trade and on the impact it is having on health systems, as currently there is very limited data on this.
Distinct DNA methylation epigenotypes in bladder cancer from different Chinese sub-populations and its implication in cancer detection using voided urine
Authors: Chen Pi-Che , Tsai Ming-Hsuan , Yip Sidney KH , Jou Yeong-Chin , Ng Chi-Fai , Chen Yanning , Wang Xiaoling , Huang Wei , Tung Chun-Liang , Chen Gary CW , Huang Martin MS , Tong Joanna HM , Song Eing-Ju , Chang De-Ching , Hsu Cheng-Da , To Ka-Fai , Shen Cheng-Huang , Chan Michael WY
Published: May 2011

Background

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and the incidence is particularly high in southwestern Taiwan. Previous studies have identified several tumor-related genes that are hypermethylated in bladder cancer; however the DNA methylation profile of bladder cancer in Taiwan is not fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we compared the DNA methylation profile of multiple tumor suppressor genes (APC, DAPK, E-cadherin, hMLH1, IRF8, p14, p15, RASSF1A, SFRP1 and SOCS-1) in bladder cancer patients from different Chinese sub-populations including Taiwan (104 cases), Hong Kong (82 cases) and China (24 cases) by MSP. Two normal human urothelium were also included as control. To investigate the diagnostic potential of using DNA methylation in non-invasive detection of bladder cancer, degree of methylation of DAPK, IRF8, p14, RASSF1A and SFRP1 was also accessed by quantitative MSP in urine samples from thirty bladder cancer patients and nineteen non-cancer controls.

Results

There were distinct DNA methylation epigenotypes among the different sub-populations. Further, samples from Taiwan and China demonstrated a bimodal distribution suggesting that CpG island methylator phentotype (CIMP) is presented in bladder cancer. Moreover, the number of methylated genes in samples from Taiwan and Hong Kong were significantly correlated with histological grade (P < 0.01) and pathological stage (P < 0.01). Regarding the samples from Taiwan, methylation of SFRP1, IRF8, APC and RASSF1A were significantly associated with increased tumor grade, stage. Methylation of RASSF1A was associated with tumor recurrence. Patients with methylation of APC or RASSF1A were also significantly associated with shorter recurrence-free survival. For methylation detection in voided urine samples of cancer patients, the sensitivity and specificity of using any of the methylated genes (IRF8, p14 or sFRP1) by qMSP was 86.7% and 94.7%.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that there are distinct methylation epigenotypes among different Chinese sub-populations. These profiles demonstrate gradual increases with cancer progression. Finally, detection of gene methylation in voided urine with these distinct DNA methylation markers is more sensitive than urine cytology.
Improving the interpretability of air-gun seismic reflection data using deterministic filters: A case history from offshore Cape Leeuwin, southwest Australia
Authors: Sargent Colin , Hobbs Richard W. , Gröcke Darren R.
Published: May 2011

To identify drilling targets for an Integrated Ocean Drilling Program project to investigate high-latitude black shales required reinterpretation of legacy seismic data. The original processing had identified the major structures but was of insufficient resolution to map the more-subtle markers at the top of the shale sequence. By reprocessing these 2004 vintage 2D air-gun marine seismic reflection data we show that the application of filters determined from deepwater data yields subbottom geological imaging superior to statistical methods and arguably better than modeled source deconvolution methods, particularly for recovery of low frequencies. The data were acquired to the southwest of Australia in an area with swells that are typically 2–4 m and cause distortions to the predicted source and receiver response functions. These distortions cannot be incorporated in an idealized modeled source function; hence, we have opted to design the deterministic filters from the seismic data. We applied the deconvolution in two steps: a prestack filter to suppress the air-gun bubble pulse signal and a poststack filter to suppress the notches in the amplitude spectrum caused by the free-surface reflections at the source and the receiver. Through this strategy, we expanded the seismic data bandwidth at the low and high frequencies and improved resolution. The tie with the single borehole in the area was significantly improved and has enabled a more-confident interpretation of the shale horizons.
Approach to the Girl with Early Onset of Pubic Hair
Authors: Oberfield Sharon E. , Sopher Aviva B. , Gerken Adrienne T.
Published: May 2011

Premature pubarche, or the development of pubic hair before the age of 8 in girls or 9 in boys, is most commonly caused by premature adrenarche. Adrenarche is the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis in both boys and girls, resulting in the development of pubic hair, axillary hair, and adult apocrine body odor. Although originally thought to be a benign variant of normal development, premature adrenarche has been associated with insulin resistance and the later development of metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. Although further studies are needed to confirm these relationships, the case presented herein argues for periodic assessment of children at risk. Indeed, recognition of these associations may allow for early preventive measures.
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: What Can Be Unified and What Needs to Be Individualized?
Authors: Eckel Robert H. , Kahn Steven E. , Ferrannini Ele , Goldfine Allison B. , Nathan David M. , Schwartz Michael W. , Smith Robert J. , Smith Steven R.
Published: May 2011

Objective:

This report examines what is known about the relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes and how future research in these areas might be directed to benefit prevention, interventions, and overall patient care.

Research Design and Methods:

An international working group of 32 experts in the pathophysiology, genetics, clinical trials, and clinical care of obesity and/or type 2 diabetes participated in a conference held on 6–7 January 2011 and cosponsored by The Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. A writing group comprising eight participants subsequently prepared this summary and recommendations. Participants reviewed and discussed published literature and their own unpublished data.

Results:

The writing group unanimously supported the summary and recommendations as representing the working group's majority or unanimous opinions.

Conclusions:

The major questions linking obesity to type 2 diabetes that need to be addressed by combined basic, clinical, and population-based scientific approaches include the following: 1) Why do not all patients with obesity develop type 2 diabetes? 2) Through what mechanisms do obesity and insulin resistance contribute to β-cell decompensation, and if/when obesity prevention ensues, how much reduction in type 2 diabetes incidence will follow? 3) How does the duration of type 2 diabetes relate to the benefits of weight reduction by lifestyle, weight-loss drugs, and/or bariatric surgery on β-cell function and glycemia? 4) What is necessary for regulatory approval of medications and possibly surgical approaches for preventing type 2 diabetes in patients with obesity? Improved understanding of how obesity relates to type 2 diabetes may help advance effective and cost-effective interventions for both conditions, including more tailored therapy. To expedite this process, we recommend further investigation into the pathogenesis of these coexistent conditions and innovative approaches to their pharmacological and surgical management.
Pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients without air-meniscus sign and underlying lung disease: CT findings and histopathologic features
Authors: Yoon Soon Ho , Park Chang Min , Goo Jin Mo , Lee Hyun Ju
Published: May 2011

Background

Pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients has been described as a saprophytic infection with pre-existing lung lesions showing an air-meniscus sign on chest radiograph or CT scans. There have been rare articles dealing with pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients without pre-existing lung lesions.

Purpose

To evaluate the CT findings of pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompetent patients without air-meniscus and underlying lung disease and to correlate the CT findings and pathologic features of pulmonary aspergillosis in these patients.

Material and Methods

A total of seven surgically proven pulmonary aspergillosis found in immunocompetent patients without an air-meniscus and underlying lung disease (M:F = 1:6; mean age 63.4 years) were included. On CT, the lesion shape, margin, type, location, diameter, presence of satellite nodules, presence of CT halo sign or hypodense sign, and interval growth were evaluated. Histopathologic features of each lesion were classified as one of the following; primary aspergilloma, chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis, or invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Correlation between CT findings and pathological features was performed.

Results

All lesions presented as a nodule or mass unable to differentiate from malignancy. Most lesions had well-defined margins ( n = 4), appeared as solid lesions ( n = 7), and were located in the upper lobe ( n = 5). Mean diameter of lesions was 2.3 cm. Satellite nodules ( n = 2), CT halo sign ( n = 1), and hypodense sign ( n = 4) were found. Only one lesion increased in size during follow-up. Lesions were pathologically classified as primary aspergilloma ( n = 3) and chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis ( n = 4). The hypodense sign on CT was pathologically proved as dense fungal hyphae filled in bronchus and CT halo sign as parenchymal hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Pulmonary aspergillosis predominantly presented as a nodule or mass mimicking malignancy in the upper lobes on CT scan in elderly without underlying lung disease and immunosuppressive conditions except for age, and was histopathologically revealed to be either primary aspergilloma or chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis.
Does power Doppler ultrasonography improve the BI-RADS category assessment and diagnostic accuracy of solid breast lesions?
Authors: Tozaki Mitsuhiro , Fukuma Eisuke
Published: May 2011

Background

Power Doppler ultrasonography (US) is used in addition to B-mode US as a tool for the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lesions. However, there are few data showing how useful power Doppler US is for BI-RADS category assessment.

Purpose

To assess how much power Doppler US contributed to increasing the category diagnosis from Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR BI-RADS®-US) category 3 to category 4.

Material and Methods

A total of 2426 patients (age range 16–91 years, mean 52 years) who underwent B-mode and power Doppler breast US using a linear 10-MHz transducer were analyzed. We devised integrated US category classification (BI-RADS-Integral) based on BI-RADS descriptors and vascularity. Masses with a circumscribed margin, parallel orientation, and negative vascularity on power Doppler US were defined as category 3. Irregular-shaped masses with a spiculated margin or echogenic halo were defined as category 5. Masses with one of the four suspicious findings (no circumscribed margin, no parallel orientation, microcalcifications, and positive vascularity) were defined as category 4a, and masses with two or more suspicious findings were defined as category 4b.

Results

There were 98 breast cancer cases, and the average sizes of invasive and non-invasive cancers were 15 mm and 18 mm, respectively. The frequency of breast cancer according to category was: 0.4% (3/714) of the category 3 cases, 2.7% (7/256) in category 4a, 64% (47/73) in category 4b, and 100% (41/41) in category 5. Among the cases with a category 4a mass lesion, there were 183 lesions whose category diagnosis had been raised from category 3 to category 4a based on the Doppler blood flow findings alone, and 3 (1.6%) of those lesions were breast cancer. All three of them were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases. When the cut-off point was placed between category 3 and category 4, BI-RADS-Integral and BI-RADS-US without power Doppler had a sensitivity of 96.9% and 93.9%, respectively, specificity of 72.1% and 90.4%, respectively, and accuracy of 74.4% and 90.7%, respectively.

Conclusion

The presence of Doppler blood flow increases the malignancy pick-up rate, but at the expense of a significant decrease in specificity and diagnostic accuracy and an increase in biopsy rate.
The role of serum basic fibroblast growth factor, estradiol and urine basic fibroblast growth factor in differentiating infantile haemangiomas from vascular malformations
Authors: Yang X J , Jiang Y H , Zheng J W , Hong L , Zhou Q , Qin Z P
Published: May 2011

Objective

To investigate the role of serum basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), estradiol (E2) and urine bFGF in differentiating infantile haemangiomas from vascular malformations.

Method

Between October 2007 and January 2009, 97 patients with haemangiomas and 25 patients with vascular malformations who had not been treated previously were included in this prospective study. Forty-eight patients with cleft lip and/or palate were selected as controls. The age of all subjects ranged from 1 to 30 months. The serum and urine levels of bFGF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum levels of E2 were examined via radioimmunoassay. All data were analysed with SPSS 11.5 software package.

Results

The concentration of serum and urine bFGF was significantly different among the three groups (haemangiomas, vascular malformations and controls) ( P = 0.027, P = 0.001). Significantly different urine bFGF levels were found in patients with proliferating and involuting haemangiomas ( P = 0.04). The serum E2 levels were significantly higher in patients with haemangiomas than vascular malformations ( P = 0.001) and controls ( P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Serum bFGF and E2 as well as urine bFGF can be used to supplement the clinical diagnosis of congenital vascular anomalies. Urine bFGF combined with serum E2 may be the most potential markers for diagnosing haemangiomas and determining the proliferating stage of haemangiomas.
The impact of insurance company mandated compression stocking trial on rate of intervention in patients with symptomatic venous reflux disease
Authors: Calcagno D , Rossi J A
Published: May 2011

Objective

Insurance companies have criteria for a venous intervention to be a covered procedure, including symptoms, vein size, and a trial of conservative therapy with compression stockings. The goal of this study was to see the impact of such mandated stocking use on ultimate intervention.

Method

A retrospective review was done of prospectively gathered data entered in the electronic medical record. Two-hundred consecutive new patients evaluated at our vein center were included.

Results

Forty-four of the 200 patients did not require any procedures and 39 patients had procedures scheduled for small or asymptomatic venous changes that did not meet insurance criteria. This left 117 patients with venous symptoms in whom evaluation concluded that a corrective procedure could be performed. These interventions included largely radiofrequency ablation and phlebectomy. Of these 117 patients, 48 had previously used compression stockings. In the remaining 69 patients, stockings were provided on the day of initial consultation and these 69 patients served as the subjects for this review. At three month follow up, one patient reported the stockings help enough that she did not want to pursue correction. Two patients had continued pain and were planning correction once other unrelated issues resolved. Three patients said they never wore the stockings. Sixty-one patients had procedures performed. The average length of stocking use in patients who chose corrective procedures was 103 days. One patient could not be reached.

Conclusion

Of the patients that reported they used the stockings as prescribed, one chose chronic stocking therapy and 63 patients either had procedures or were planning procedures. Use of prescription stockings was effective in avoiding intervention in one of 64 cases (2%), despite an average trial of 103 days. These results cast doubt on the merits of the use of an insurance company mandated stocking trial.
Rapid diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction in community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Kumar Surinder , Saigal Sanjeev R , Sethi G R
Published: May 2011

Two hundred children hospitalized for community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) were investigated for Mycoplasma pneumoniae employing serological tests and a P1 adhesin gene-based polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) on nasopharyngeal aspirates. Serological evidence of M. pneumoniae infection was observed in 68 (34%) patients and PCR was positive in 20 (10%) children. Together PCR and/or enzyme immuno assay detected M. pneumoniae in 71(35.5%) children. Our data underline the role of M. pneumoniae in Indian children with community-acquired LRTIs even in children aged < 24 months.
Life Satisfaction Amongst Police Officers Working in the Area of Child Abuse Investigation
Authors: Powell Martine B. , Tomyn Adrian J.
Published: May 2011

Child abuse investigation is an area of work reported to be associated with high levels of work stress. This potentially places professionals at risk of psychological harm and may lead to lower life satisfaction than in the general population. The current study examined this issue within a large sample of Australian police officers. Specifically, 214 officers working in the area of child abuse investigation responded to a single global measure of life satisfaction (LS) known to be highly related to other measures of subjective wellbeing as well as clinical depression. The results revealed that, irrespective of the officers' gender or degree of exposure to child abuse cases, the mean score from LS score was within the expected adult normative range. Further, the overall incidence of low LS in this sample (1.9 per cent) was not significantly different from the general population (4.3 per cent). The implications of these findings for police organisations are discussed.
Targeting Discretion: An Exploration of Organisational Communication between Rank Levels in a Medium-Sized Southern US Police Department
Authors: LaFrance T. Casey
Published: May 2011

As part of an ongoing research agenda exploring police discretion and accountability, I devised a diagnostic tool, the target model of discretion, aimed at comparing the discretionary priorities of top managers with the priorities of frontline workers. To test the efficacy of the target model as an organisation development tool, I conducted an analysis of intraorganisational communication between frontline officers and command staff members in a medium-sized Southern municipal police organisation. Specifically, top managers and frontline officers were asked to rate the amount of influence each of eight variables had on their use of discretion. This study is premised on the notion that effective communication within an agency would lead to reasonable similarities between the responses of those at the top and bottom of the organisation's hierarchy. The opposite proposition is also assumed. That is, in organisations with poor communication between levels, one would expect to see statistically significant differences in the responses of frontline officers and command staff members. I present my findings and recommendations for the case at hand. I conclude by discussing the potential utility of the target model for organisation development in other public sector organisations.
Work-Related Violence, Debriefing and Increased Alcohol Consumption among Police Officers
Authors: Leino Tuula , Eskelinen Kaisa , Summala Heikki , Virtanen Marianna
Published: May 2011

Purpose: this study examined the associations between increased alcohol consumption and work-related violence among police officers. Data consisted of a representative sample of Finnish police officers (N = 1,734), who responded anonymously to a postal questionnaire. Methods: binary logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios and their 95 per cent confidence intervals (CIs) for increased alcohol consumption. Results: 5 per cent of the study group rated that they had increased their alcohol consumption due to violence. The odds ratios of the increase were 6.96 (95 per cent CI = 2.08–23.25) for lack of debriefing, 2.18 (95 per cent CI = 1.26–3.78) for shortage of patrol personnel, and 1.71 (95 per cent CI = 1.11–2.62) for lack of training to handle violent situations. Conclusions: those who lacked debriefing, patrol personnel, and training to handle violent situations all seem to increase their alcohol use due to violence. Increased alcohol consumption may reflect attempts to cope with some intolerable emotions or situations originating from violent encounters in their work.
The Highway to Hooliganism? An Evaluation of the Impact of Combat Sport Participation on Individual Criminality
Authors: Jenkins Craig , Ellis Tom
Published: May 2011

The aim of this research was to evaluate whether combat sport has an impact on participants' criminality, and if so, whether combat sport is appropriate for use in offender treatment programmes and crime reduction strategies. The paper first provides a comprehensive summary review of the existing evidence on the relationship between crime and sports participation in general, and then on crime and combat sports in particular. The paper then presents and discusses findings from new primary research designed to address the issues raised in the review. A semi-structured questionnaire, combining Likert scale items and open questions, was issued to 50 individuals who regularly trained at two different combat sports facilities. The research was designed to assess the relationship between combat sports participants and commonly experienced sociocultural and individual risk factors. Based on the findings, we argue that participation in combat sports can distance individuals from nonstructural risk factors in behavioural, community/social and economic spheres. Detachment from risks in these areas makes combat sport potentially appropriate for use within interventions aimed at: violent offenders; those who offend in groups; emotionally impulsive offenders; and as a moderator of antisocial behaviour. However, further research is required to understand fully the impact of such interventions.
Privatising Criminal Justice? Shopping in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Calster Patrick J. V.
Published: May 2011

The Netherlands is encouraging Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for reducing problems of crime and anti-social behaviour. This article reports research done by the author on the Collective Shop Ban, allegedly the most successful form of Public Private Partnerships currently operating in the Netherlands. With the Collective Shop Ban, shopkeepers have their own measure to keep individuals who exhibit anti-social behaviour from entering their shops. In this way private parties, i.e. shopkeepers and security personnel, are co-responsible for detecting and punishing classic punishable acts such as shoplifting and fraud. The Collective Shop Ban is an interesting measure to study, all the more because it is no longer based primarily on criminal law, but on civil law. It is interesting to see to what extent the Collective Shop Ban differs from the Dutch criminal law approach, what this civil law approach means for the perpetrator, and what are the legal and societal consequences.
Rebalancing, Reviewing or Rebranding the Treatment of Terrorist Suspects: The Counter-Terrorism Review 2011
Authors: Middleton Ben
Published: May 2011

On 26 January 2011, the Home Secretary unveiled the outcome of the much-anticipated Counter-Terrorism Review, which straddled a political fault line between Conservative and Liberal Democrat policies. This article considers the impact of that review on the treatment of terrorist suspects. It is suggested that the review was both over-inclusive and under-inclusive in scope. While welcome reform and rebalancing has been instigated in some areas, the review represents missed opportunities in others, and on occasion offers little more than modest rebranding of pre-existing powers. It is argued that the review falls short of its target in three main areas: consideration should have been given to the use of a wide range of commonly charged terrorism offences; diplomatic assurances that individuals will not be subjected to ill-treatment following their deportation still need to be meaningfully assessed and reformed; and the regime which is set to replace control orders requires careful scrutiny. More welcome advances are clear in relation to the use of pre-charge detention and powers of stop and search. It is contended that the current political momentum needs to be seized if further advances are to be made in restoring the balance of civil liberties in these areas.
Fungal degradation of bamboo samples
Authors: Schmidt Olaf , Sheng Wei Dong , Liese Walter , Wollenberg Elisabeth
Published: May 2011

The degradation of several Asian bamboo species by white-, brown-, and soft-rot fungi was investigated under laboratory conditions by means of different test methods. Severe deterioration was caused by all three fungi types. The bamboo species differed in durability. Samples from 6 months young culms decayed more than older ones. There were no significant differences between 1- and 3-year-old culms. Samples taken from the culm top were more vulnerable to decay than those from the bottom. Wet bamboo samples with soil contact were especially degraded by the white-rot fungus Schizophyllum commune, whereas the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana produced the greatest mass loss in drier samples. The sealing of bamboo crosscut ends reduced the rate of decay.
A methodological critique of parenting research in Hong Kong
Authors: Fok Hung-Kit , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: May 2011

This paper attempts to examine methodological issues pertinent to parenting research in Hong Kong. Using 90 studies indexed in the PsycINFO database, eight methodological limitations of parenting research in Hong Kong are highlighted. The limitations include over-reliance on non-locally validated translated measurements, lack of longitudinal studies, infrequent utilization of perspectives based on multiple informants, lack of usage of multiple indicators of different parenting processes, infrequent use of advanced statistical data analysis methods, underuse of linear mixed method analyses, predominance of convenience sampling, and lack of qualitative studies. Future research directions with reference to these methodological limitations are discussed.
Poverty and adolescent developmental outcomes: a critical review
Authors: Leung Janet T.Y. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: May 2011

This paper reviews the impact of poverty on adolescent developmental outcomes. Based on a review of the literature, the impact of poverty on the psychological development of adolescents, the pathways through which poverty operates, and the protective factors of adolescents from the impact of poverty are outlined. The review showed conceptual problems in the literature, including the neglect of attention paid to cultural diversity and intervening processes between poverty and child developmental outcomes. This review also highlights methodological challenges, including the lack of longitudinal and qualitative studies in the field and the problems of using single informant perspective to study dynamic family processes. Recommendations for directions of future research are offered.
Fears about treatment among young drug abusers in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Yida Y.H. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: May 2011

This study examined fears about drug treatment among 300 young male heroin abusers in Hong Kong (172 newcomers and 128 repeaters) recruited from non-government treatment agencies. An indigenous 35-item Fears about Treatment Scale (Fears Scale) was developed to measure fears about treatment among the participants. Results showed that four factors (fear of failure, fear of labeling or disclosure, fear of maladaptation and fear of withdrawal) were abstracted from the scale. Reliability analyses showed that subscales based on these four factors and the total scale were internally consistent. The findings showed that treatment failure was the major fear in the respondents. The present findings suggest that drug treatment and rehabilitation services should help clients, particularly young substance abusers, mitigate their treatment fears.
Getting to hear the voices of the unwed mothers: their decisions to keep their babies for lone motherhood
Authors: Lit Siu-Wai
Published: May 2011

Drawing upon interview data from a study investigating the experiences of 20 unwed mothers in Hong Kong, this article explores the narratives of the participants, especially their decisions in keeping their babies and to taking up the responsibilities of lone motherhood. Specific focus is given to the importance of their narratives so that their voices are heard – how they positioned themselves in relation to dominant cultural scripts surrounding lone motherhood. Their voices have relevance for helping professionals working with young people who play a useful role in facilitating and supporting unwed mothers within their locality, as well as for the general public who play an important role in “breaking” the labels and isolations of unwed mothers.