bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presurgical functional magnetic resonance imaging in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Ravn Søren , Holmberg Mats , Sørensen Preben , Frokjaer Jens B , Carl Jesper
Published: December 2014

Background

Clinical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is still an upcoming diagnostic tool because it is time-consuming to perform the post-scan calculations and interpretations. A standardized and easily used method for the clinical assessment of fMRI scans could decrease the workload and make fMRI more attractive for clinical use.

Purpose

To evaluate a standardized clinical approach for distance measurement between benign brain tumors and eloquent cortex in terms of the ability to predict pre- and postoperative neurological deficits after intraoperative neuronavigation-assisted surgery.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study of 34 patients. The fMRI data were reanalyzed using a standardized distance measurement procedure combining data from both fMRI and three-dimensional T1 MRI scans. The pre- and postoperative neurological status of each patient was obtained from hospital records. Data analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis to determine whether the distance measured between the tumor margin and fMRI activity could serve as a predictor for neurological deficits.

Results

An odds ratio of 0.89 mm–1 ( P = 0.03) was found between the risk of preoperative neurological motor deficits and the tumor-fMRI distance. An odds ratio of 0.82 mm–1 ( P = 0.04) was found between the risk of additional postoperative neurological motor deficits and the tumor-fMRI distance. The tumor was radically removed in 10 cases; five patients experienced additional postoperative motor deficits (tumor-fMRI distance <18 mm) and five did not (tumor-fMRI distance >18 mm) ( P = 0.008).

Conclusion

This study indicates that the distance measured between the tumor margin and fMRI activation could serve as a valuable predictor of neurological motor deficits.
Moving in the Right Direction but at What Speed, and How Smoothly?
Authors: Deshler Donald D.
Published: December 2014

In this article, I describe two of our field’s most notable advancements for students with high-incidence disabilities. The first has been to enhance our knowledge of how to design effective instructional interactions between teachers and students (in both small and large groups) that lead to dramatic increases in student outcomes. The second area of progress has been an increased understanding of how to design effective learning environments across an entire school.
Malnutrition‐Induced Wernicke's Encephalopathy Following a Water‐Only Fasting Diet
Authors: Hutcheon Deborah A.
Published: December 2014

Background: Wernicke's encephalopathy is a critical condition of neurological dysfunction resulting from a deficiency in thiamine. Chronic alcoholism is recognized as the most common cause of Wernicke's encephalopathy, but other causes, including fasting/starvation and malnutrition, have been documented within the scientific literature. These causes may not be readily recognized by healthcare professionals and may lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy being overlooked as a diagnosis when a nonalcoholic patient presents with classic signs and symptoms of the disorder. Materials and Methods: A narrative review of thiamine and its relationship to the development, diagnosis, and treatment of Wernicke's encephalopathy is presented based on a review of evidence‐based guidelines and published research. To heighten awareness of the development of Wernicke's encephalopathy in fasted/starved and malnourished patients and to contribute to the scientific body of knowledge for the identification and management of Wernicke's encephalopathy in these patients, the clinical course and treatment of an adult woman who developed Wernicke's encephalopathy following a 40‐day water‐only fasting diet is outlined. Results: Clinical suspicion was required to identify the patient's condition and initiate immediate intervention through parenteral thiamine administration. Oral thiamine supplementation of 100 to 800 mg per day for 6 months was required to aid recovery. Outcomes: The patient's clinical course and response to treatment illustrate the necessity for clinical awareness and suspicion of Wernicke's encephalopathy among healthcare professionals, timely and adequate parenteral thiamine administration, and oral thiamine supplementation at therapeutic doses to correct the nutrient deficiency, halt the progression of Wernicke's encephalopathy, and promote recovery.
Application of a combined metal magnetic memory–magnetic Barkhausen noise technique for on-site detection of the stress-free temperature of a continuous welded rail
Authors: Shu Di , Yin Liang , Bu Jin , Chen Juan , Qi Xin
Published: December 2014

A change in the actual stress-free temperature of a continuous welded rail (CWR) has a major influence on its strength and stability. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately select the stress-free temperature in each region when laying CWR. However, due to the difficulty of performing nondestructive testing, the possible application of a combined metal magnetic memory-magnetic Barkhausen noise (MMM-MBN) technique is explored in this paper and its features, such as hardware circuit, control algorithm and control system, are investigated. Also, a stability model and its associated formula for CWR are established. Additionally, formulas for the stress-free temperature of CWR and methods for its on-site detection and implementation are established based on the thermal stress and the temperature of the CWR. A support vector machine algorithm is used to calculate the thermal stress in a CWR, and the value detected using an in-house built measurement system is compared with the theoretically calculated value; a relative error of less than 4.78% is obtained.
Estimation of nasal shedding and seroprevalence of organisms known to be associated with bovine respiratory disease in Australian live export cattle
Authors: Moore S. Jo , O’Dea Mark A. , Perkins Nigel , O’Hara Amanda J.
Published: December 2014

The prevalence of organisms known to be associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was investigated in cattle prior to export. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect nucleic acids from the following viruses and bacteria in nasal swab samples: Bovine coronavirus (BoCV; Betacoronavirus 1), Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 (BVDV-1), Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), Bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3), Histophilus somni, Mycoplasma bovis, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Pasteurella multocida. Between 2010 and 2012, nasal swabs were collected from 1,484 apparently healthy cattle destined for export to the Middle East and Russian Federation. In addition, whole blood samples from 334 animals were tested for antibodies to BoHV-1, BRSV, BVDV-1, and BPIV-3 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The nasal prevalence of BoCV at the individual animal level was 40.1%. The nasal and seroprevalence of BoHV-1, BRSV, BVDV-1, and BPIV-3 was 1.0% and 39%, 1.2% and 46%, 3.0% and 56%, and 1.4% and 87%, respectively. The nasal prevalence of H. somni, M. bovis, M. haemolytica, and P. multocida was 42%, 4.8%, 13.4%, and 26%, respectively. Significant differences in nasal and seroprevalence were detected between groups of animals from different geographical locations. The results of the current study provide baseline data on the prevalence of organisms associated with BRD in Australian live export cattle in the preassembly period. This data could be used to develop strategies for BRD prevention and control prior to loading.
Classification and clinical features in 88 cases of equine cutaneous lymphoma
Authors: Miller Craig A. , Durham Amy C. , Schaffer Paula A. , Ehrhart E. J. , Powers Barb E. , Duncan Colleen G.
Published: December 2014

Equine cutaneous lymphoma is an uncommon disease that can present with variable clinical signs, immunosuppression, and rapid systemic disease progression. Various subtypes of equine lymphoma have been described and classified according to a veterinary adaptation of the World Health Organization classification system, but little data is available regarding the association between lymphoma subtypes and epidemiological criteria and/or clinical outcome. The objective of the current study was to classify previously diagnosed cases of equine cutaneous lymphoma and correlate subtypes with clinical data to investigate epidemiological trends and prognostic implications. Results from the study confirm T-cell–rich, large B-cell lymphoma (TCRLBCL) as the predominant subtype in equine cutaneous lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) was the second most common phenotype in the current study. To the authors’ knowledge, a description of the morphological and immunohistochemical features of CTCL in horses, an epitheliotropic neoplasm similar to the cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma variant (mycosis fungoides) observed in human beings and canids, has not been previously described. Less common lymphoma subtypes identified in the study include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma. Quarter Horses almost exclusively developed TCRLBCL, while the frequency of CTCL was increased significantly in Thoroughbreds compared with other breeds. TCRLBCLs more frequently presented as multiple masses while CTCLs were more often solitary nodules. When multiple regions of the body were affected, 100% of cases were TCRBCL. Finally, there was an observable trend for longer survival in cases of TCRLBCL without local recurrence, suggesting adequate surgical excision may be an effective treatment modality.
Cystic Nephroma/Mixed Epithelial Stromal Tumor
Authors: Sun Belinda L. , Abern Michael , Garzon Steven , Setty Suman
Published: December 2014

Cystic nephroma (CN) is a rare, benign, renal neoplasm composed of epithelial and stromal elements. Only about 200 cases have been reported since 1892 and recurrence has rarely been observed. We report a 32-year-old Hispanic woman, with a history of a right, complex cystic, renal mass treated by robotic decortication 2 years ago, who presented with flank pain, hematuria, and recurrent urinary tract infection. A magnetic resonance imaging study showed a 3.4-cm multicystic lesion with thickened septa and enhancement at the right kidney. The partial nephrectomy specimen revealed a well-circumscribed, multicystic tumor abutting the renal pelvis, with thick septa and smooth walls, filled with clear fluid. Microscopic examination showed variably sized cysts lined by cuboidal epithelium with focal hobnailing, without significant cytologic atypia and mitosis. The epithelial lining was positive for CK19, high molecular weight cytokeratin, and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase suggesting a primitive tubular epithelial phenotype. Primitive glomeruli-like structures were also present. The ovarian-like stroma was condensed around the cysts and was variably cellular with areas of muscle differentiation and thick-walled vessels. The stroma was positive for desmin, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and CD10. We suggest that CN represents a variable mixture of epithelial and stromal elements, immature glomerular, tubular, muscle, and vascular elements, which may be present in variable proportions creating a spectrum of lesions previously described as CN and mixed epithelial and stromal tumors (MEST). This case emphasizes that CN/MEST clinically/radiologically mimics other cystic renal neoplasms, especially cystic renal cell carcinoma and tubulocystic carcinoma, necessitating histopathological examination and immunohistochemial studies for definitive diagnosis. Additionally, CN has the tendency to recur when not completely excised initially.
Thromboelastometric Monitoring of the Hemostatic Effect of Platelet Concentrates Transfusion in Thrombocytopenic Children Undergoing Chemotherapy
Authors: Ziegler Bernhard , Solomon Cristina , Cadamuro Janne , Jones Neil
Published: December 2014

Prophylactic platelet concentrates transfusion represents a therapeutic choice in patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia. This prospective, non-interventional study evaluated the effects of platelet concentrates transfusion on thromboelastometric parameters of platelet function in 36 transfusion occasions for 11 thrombocytopenic children undergoing chemotherapy. Pre- and posttransfusion (1-2 hours) blood samples were analyzed using standard coagulation tests and thromboelastometry (ROTEM) measurements (EXTEM and FIBTEM tests). Platelet component of the clot was calculated based on the EXTEM and FIBTEM maximum clot elasticity (MCE) results. After transfusion, mean platelet count increased from 16.5 × 109/L to 43.0 × 109/L ( P < .001) and platelet component increased from 34.1 to 73.0 ( P < .001). Statistically significant increases for posttransfusion EXTEM parameters A10, A20, and maximum clot firmness (MCF) were observed compared to pretransfusion values ( P < .001). The EXTEM α-angle values increased posttransfusion ( P < .05). The FIBTEM measurements were comparable pre- and posttransfusion. The study showed that platelet concentrates transfusion in thrombocytopenic children undergoing chemotherapy improves platelet-related coagulation pattern.
The Financial Burden of Medical Spending
Authors: Abramowitz Joelle , O’Hara Brett
Published: December 2014

This article uses the 2013 Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement to estimate the financial burden of medical out-of-pocket costs by comparing medical out-of-pocket expenditures to income. This measure is important for evaluating the magnitude of burden, better understanding who bears it, and establishing a baseline to assess the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. We examine the distribution of burden and the incidence of high burden across all families and by individuals’ health insurance status and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We look more closely at one group vulnerable to having high burden: those younger than age 65 with incomes between 138% and 200% of the federal poverty line. We find that 18.5% of these individuals have incomes below the threshold of expansion Medicaid eligibility after accounting for non-over-the-counter medical expenses and examine the characteristics associated with being classified below this threshold.
Maternal ADHD Symptoms, Personality, and Parenting Stress: Differences Between Mothers of Children With ADHD and Mothers of Comparison Children
Authors: Perez Algorta Guillermo , Kragh Carolyn A. , Arnold L. Eugene , Molina Brooke S. G. , Hinshaw Stephen P. , Swanson James M. , Hechtman Lily , Copley LaRae M. , Lowe Matthew , Jensen Peter S.
Published: December 2014

Objective: Mothers raising a child with ADHD can experience high parenting stress. We evaluated if mothers’ personality traits and own ADHD symptoms could also affect parenting stress. Method: 430 biological mothers from the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA mothers) and 237 of a local normative comparison group (LNCG mothers) were evaluated at baseline. Interactions were tested between mothers’ group and maternal personality/ADHD symptoms related to parenting stress. Results: Compared to LNCG, MTA mothers had higher parenting stress, self-reported ADHD, neuroticism, and lower conscientiousness and agreeableness. When personality and ADHD were evaluated together, ADHD symptoms interacted with mothers’ group: high maternal ADHD was positively associated with parenting stress for LNCG but not MTA mothers. Conclusion: Personality traits or ADHD characteristics do not appear operative for the high parenting stress of mothers of a child with ADHD. However, high maternal ADHD or low conscientiousness are associated with stress levels similar to raising a child with ADHD.
Collective input/output under memory constraints
Authors: Lu Yin , Chen Yong , Zhuang Yu , Liu Jialin , Thakur Rajeev
Published: December 2014

Compared with current high-performance computing (HPC) systems, exascale systems are expected to have much less memory per node, which can significantly reduce necessary collective input/output (I/O) performance. In this study, we introduce a memory-conscious collective I/O strategy that takes into account memory capacity and bandwidth constraints. The new strategy restricts aggregation data traffic within disjointed subgroups, coordinates I/O accesses in intranode and internode layers, and determines I/O aggregators at run time considering memory consumption among processes. We have prototyped the design and evaluated it with commonly used benchmarks to verify its potential. The evaluation results demonstrate that this strategy holds promise in mitigating the memory pressure, alleviating the contention for memory bandwidth, and improving the I/O performance for projected extreme-scale systems. Given the importance of supporting increasingly data-intensive workloads and projected memory constraints on increasingly larger scale HPC systems, this new memory-conscious collective I/O can have a significant positive impact on scientific discovery productivity.
Perioperative anaesthetic care of the cat undergoing dental and oral procedures
Authors: de Vries Marieke , Putter Gerhard
Published: December 2014

Clinical challenges:

Anaesthesia for dental and oral procedures in cats can be challenging and many factors need to be taken into consideration. Often it is older patients requiring these procedures and, while old age itself is not a contraindication for general anaesthesia, older patients tend to have limited homeostatic reserves and are, therefore, more prone to anaesthesia-induced insults of vital organs. Most sedative and anaesthetic agents have cardiovascular side effects, which may result in detrimental consequences in older patients in which organ reserves are likely reduced.

Aims:

The need for good patient assessment and management during the entire perianaesthetic period cannot be overemphasised. This article describes how both anaesthetic protocol and intravenous fluid therapy should be tailored to the individual cat’s needs. Application of a multimodal analgesic protocol (the combination of different analgesic agents) and a balanced anaesthetic technique incorporating local nerve blocks is highly recommended and a particular focus of the review. The use of local anaesthetic agents for the latter not only provides optimal pre-emptive analgesia, but also reduces the amount of anaesthetic agents needed to maintain an adequate level of anaesthesia and, therefore, limits their side effects. Other key aspects of perianaesthetic care of the feline dental and oral patient include airway protection, monitoring and maintenance of body temperature, eye protection, and analgesia extending well into the post-anaesthetic period.

Evidence base:

The authors draw on their clinical experience and the referenced literature to provide a practical overview of this critical but often-overlooked aspect of feline dentistry.
Mindfulness of the kindness of others: The contemplative practice of Naikan in cultural context
Authors: Ozawa-de Silva Chikako
Published: December 2014

Mindfulness in the Buddhist tradition involves a variety of practices, and contemporary secular forms of mindfulness practices, therapies, and interventions can similarly be broadened to include more of these forms. The Japanese practice of Naikan takes one mindfulness practice from the Buddhist tradition—that of recollecting the kindness of others—and asks clients to engage in this practice for 1 solid week, 15 hours per day. Difficult interpersonal relationships and a perceived lack of social support are chief sources of stress, and Japanese selfhood in particular has been described as interdependent and highly social in nature. It is unsurprising therefore that Japanese would be drawn to relational forms of practice like Naikan, and that they would find particular benefit from such practices. Recent ethnographic and survey work I have conducted at 2 Naikan centers suggests that Naikan significantly improves positive mental health, perceived connection with others, and perceived meaning in life, even up to 6 months later, thereby potentially undercutting factors contributing to depression and suicide. Naikan practice is not entirely limited to Japan, however, and its use in Europe and North America prompts us to ask about the culturally specific and universal aspects of mindfulness practices, and how we may construct mindfulness interventions that are best suited for addressing the mental health problems that face our communities.
Enhanced academic performance using a novel classroom physical activity intervention to increase awareness, attention and self-control: Putting embodied cognition into practice
Authors: McClelland Elizabeth , Pitt Anna , Stein John
Published: December 2014

When language is processed, brain activity occurs not only in the classic ‘language areas’ such as Broca’s area, but also in areas which control movement. Our systems of understanding, including higher level cognition, are rooted in bodily awareness which needs to be developed as a precursor to intellectual reasoning. Cognition is embodied, and this concept may offer a radical new way of improving school education by improving children’s systems of physical understanding. A new classroom physical intervention, called Move4words, based on embodied cognition, was developed for pupils aged 7–13 years and trialled with 348 typical pupils in 10 mainstream UK schools. Three pilot controlled trials showed significant improvements in academic performance, particularly for struggling pupils performing in the lowest 20 percent. Effect sizes were large for the lowest achievers: Hedges’ g = 0.86 for national examinations at age 11 (KS2 SATs) and g = 1.24 for progress through National Curriculum Levels in reading, writing and maths. Performance gains were maintained for at least 1 year after the end of the intervention.
Are weight-related attitudes and behaviours associated with the accuracy of BMI derived from self-reported weight and height among 13-year-olds?
Authors: Gebremariam Mekdes Kebede , Frost Andersen Lene , Bjelland Mona , Bergh Ingunn Holden , Totland Torunn Holm , Ommundsen Yngvar , Grydeland May , Lien Nanna
Published: December 2014

Aims: The aim was to explore the association between weight-related attitudes and behaviours and the accuracy of body mass index (BMI) derived from self-reported weight and height. Methods: A total of 828 adolescents from the Health In Adolescents study were included. Self-reported and objective weight and height data were collected, and BMI was computed. Information about weight-related attitudes and behaviours was obtained. The association between weight-related attitudes and behaviours and the difference between BMI computed from self-reported and objective measures was assessed using generalized linear mixed model analyses. Results: BMI was under-reported by overweight girls ( p<0.001) and boys ( p<0.001) compared to their normal weight counterparts. Underweight girls on the other hand over-reported their BMI ( p=0.002). Girls who reported trying to lose weight under-reported their BMI compared to girls who had not tried to do anything about their weight ( p=0.02). Girls who perceived their weight as being too much under-reported their BMI compared to girls who thought their weight was ok, the association was however borderline significant ( p=0.06); this association was also found among boys ( p=0.03). Self-weighing and the reported importance of weight for how adolescents perceive themselves were not associated with the accuracy of BMI. Conclusions: Weight perception and weight control behaviour (among girls only) were related to the accuracy of self-reported BMI; no association was found with self-weighing behaviour and the perceived importance of weight for how adolescents perceive themselves. Knowledge of such factors will allow for a better interpretation and possibly adjustment/correction of results of surveys based on self-reported weight and height data.
Burden of care, social support, and sense of coherence in elderly caregivers living with individuals with symptoms of dementia
Authors: Stensletten Kari , Bruvik Frøydis , Espehaug Birgitte , Drageset Jorunn
Published: December 2014

Family members are often the care providers of individuals with dementia, and it is assumed that the need for this will increase. There has been little research into the association between the burden of care and the caregiver’s sense of coherence or receipt of social support. This study examined the relationship between the social support subdimensions and sense of coherence and the burden of care among older people giving care to a partner with dementia. The study was a cross-sectional observation study of 97 individuals, ≥65 years old and living with a partner who had symptoms of dementia. We used the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, the Relative Stress Scale, the Social Provisions Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale, and a questionnaire on sociodemographic variables. We used multiple regression analysis in a general linear model procedure. We defined statistical significance as p < 0.05. With adjustments for sociodemographic variables, the association with burden of care was statistically significant for the subdimension attachment ( p < 0.01) and for sense of coherence ( p < 0.001). The burden of care was associated with attachment and with sense of coherence. Community nurses and other health professionals should take necessary action to strengthen attachment and sense of coherence among the caregivers of people with dementia. Qualitative studies could provide deeper understanding of the variation informal caregivers experience when living together with their partner with dementia.
Citizenship as practice: Handling communication problems in encounters between persons with dementia and social workers
Authors: JH Österholm , L-C Hydén
Published: December 2014

The overall aim of the study was to investigate if and how persons with dementia were able to take part in negotiations for formal support, as cases of citizenship as practice. The transcripts used for analysis were from 11 assessment meetings conducted in Sweden, in which the formal applicant was a person with dementia. The findings suggest that the actual participation of persons with dementia in assessment meetings varies. Communication problems were found in the meetings to different degrees and were dealt with differently and with various consequences. For those persons with dementia contributing at the same levels as the other participants, there was an attempt at mutual understanding. For those making fewer contributions, the other interlocutors took over the initiative and thus affected the practice of citizenship by persons with dementia in a negative way. The practice of citizenship is situation based and varies depending on all participants. When the person with dementia is able to participate in the conversation, social workers can facilitate for them to overcome communication problems by giving them more time and signaling acceptance. If the person with dementia has great problems in participating, the other participants can find different strategies to at least involve her or him in the conversation.
Possibilities and challenges of early critical literacy practices: Bilingual preschoolers’ exploring multiple voices and gender roles
Authors: Kim So Jung
Published: December 2014

Despite the emphasis on the significance of critical literacy, there has been a startling paucity of studies examining how critical literacy pedagogies can be implemented to preschool bilingual settings. In order to address this gap in the research, this qualitative case study examines the possibilities and challenges of critical literacy in bilingual Korean preschool contexts. Based on Freire’s notion that literacy is inherently political, this study focused on six 4-year-old Korean bilingual children’s reading of picture books during a read-aloud session at the Korean Language School in a Midwestern state. The data were collected for 5 months using multiple collection sources such as audio/video recordings, observational field notes, interviews, children’s artifacts, and an informal notebook, including memos and field jottings. Findings suggest that critical literacy helps young bilingual children to explore multiple perspectives and challenge the dominant gender ideologies. For professionals in early childhood education, the study may contribute to our understanding of the significance of critical literacy conversations with bilingual preschool children.
Modifications to the CIE 115-2010 procedure for selecting lighting classes for roads
Authors: Strbac-Hadzibegovic N , Kostic M
Published: December 2014

One of the crucial street lighting design steps considerably influencing electricity consumption is the selection of an appropriate lighting class. Therefore, after a detailed analysis of the current CEN and CIE selection procedures for streets and roads with motor or mixed traffic, several modifications of the CIE 115-2010 procedure are proposed. This way not only is its simplicity maintained but also the agreement between the two procedures is increased by up to 50%. The modifications are related to the weighting values corresponding to the traffic composition and ambient luminance as well as the inclusion of a value linked to the complexity of the visual field. The necessity for further investigation regarding the selection of lower lighting classes during the late night hours and the determination of appropriate luminance levels is also discussed.
Myenteric plexitis: A frequent feature in patients undergoing surgery for colonic diverticular disease
Authors: Bassotti Gabrio , Villanacci Vincenzo , Sidoni Angelo , Nascimbeni Riccardo , Dore Maria P , Binda Gian A , Bandelloni Roberto , Salemme Marianna , Del Sordo Rachele , Cadei Moris , Manca Alessandra , Bernardini Nunzia , Maurer Christoph A , Cathomas Gieri
Published: December 2014

Background

Diverticular disease of the colon is frequent in clinical practice, and a large number of patients each year undergo surgical procedures worldwide for their symptoms. Thus, there is a need for better knowledge of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disease entity.

Objectives

Because patients with colonic diverticular disease have been shown to display abnormalities of the enteric nervous system, we assessed the frequency of myenteric plexitis (i.e. the infiltration of myenteric ganglions by inflammatory cells) in patients undergoing surgery for this condition.

Methods

We analyzed archival resection samples from the proximal resection margins of 165 patients undergoing left hemicolectomy (60 emergency and 105 elective surgeries) for colonic diverticulitis, by histology and immunochemistry.

Results

Overall, plexitis was present in almost 40% of patients. It was subdivided into an eosinophilic (48%) and a lymphocytic (52%) subtype. Plexitis was more frequent in younger patients; and it was more frequent in those undergoing emergency surgery (50%), compared to elective (28%) surgery (p = 0.007). All the severe cases of plexitis displayed the lymphocytic subtype.

Conclusions

In conclusion, myenteric plexitis is frequent in patients with colonic diverticular disease needing surgery, and it might be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Are Subsidies for Coffee Farmers Inclusive in India? Evidence and Implications from a Household Survey
Authors: Narayana M.R.
Published: December 2014

Using newly collected data from a household survey of 575 coffee farmers in traditional coffee growing regions of India, this article answers policy-relevant questions regarding (a) the nature, extent and intensity of inclusiveness of subsidies to coffee farmers and (b) responsiveness of subsidies to constraints of coffee farming by small farmers. The analyses are disaggregated by states (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and districts in Karnataka (Chikmagalur, Hassan and Kodagu). Subsidies refer to explicit support by the Government of India for water augmentation, quality upgrading and coffee replantation. A subsidy policy is distinguished between inclusive and intensely inclusive by high proportion of small, poor, and socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged beneficiaries of the subsidies. Inclusiveness is measured by both individual indicators and a composite index. The results offer strong evidence for inclusiveness of subsidy for coffee replantation and, in particular, subsidy for clean replanting. Other subsidies are inclusive but intensity of inclusiveness shows remarkable variations by the components of subsidies and across regions. Furthermore, the subsidies are found to be partially responsive to the coffee farming constraints of small farmers only under coffee replantation. These analyses and results have implications for developing taxonomy of subsidies as a basis for designing a more inclusive and responsive subsidy policy for household coffee farmers by traditional coffee regions in India, especially during the Twelfth Five Year Plan of India (2012–17).
Vascular safety issues in CML patients treated with BCR/ABL1 kinase inhibitors
Authors: Valent Peter , Hadzijusufovic Emir , Schernthaner Gerit-Holger , Wolf Dominik , Rea Delphine , le Coutre Philipp
Published: December 2014

Vascular safety is an emerging issue in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Whereas imatinib exhibits a well-documented and favorable long-term safety profile without obvious accumulation of vascular events, several types of vascular adverse events (VAEs) have been described in patients receiving second- or third-generation BCR/ABL1 TKIs. Such VAEs include pulmonary hypertension in patients treated with dasatinib, peripheral arterial occlusive disease and other arterial disorders in patients receiving nilotinib, and venous and arterial vascular occlusive events during ponatinib. Although each TKI interacts with a unique profile of molecular targets and has been associated with a unique pattern of adverse events, the mechanisms of drug-induced vasculopathy are not well understood. Here, recent data and concepts around VAEs in TKI-treated patients with CML are discussed, with special reference to potential mechanisms, event management, and strategies aimed at avoiding occurrence of such events in long-term treated patients.
A novel immunoregulatory role for NK-cell cytotoxicity in protection from HLH-like immunopathology in mice
Authors: Sepulveda Fernando E. , Maschalidi Sophia , Vosshenrich Christian A. J. , Garrigue Alexandrine , Kurowska Mathieu , Ménasche Gael , Fischer Alain , Di Santo James P. , de Saint Basile Geneviève
Published: December 2014

Key Points

NK cytotoxic activity limits HLH-like immunopathology in cytotoxic-deficient mice. NK cytotoxic activity reduces T-cell activation and tissue infiltration of macrophages.
The signaling symphony: T cell receptor tunes cytokine-mediated T cell differentiation
Authors: Huang Weishan , August Avery
Published: December 2014

T cell development, differentiation, and maintenance are orchestrated by 2 key signaling axes: the antigen-specific TCR and cytokine-mediated signals. The TCR signals the recognition of self- and foreign antigens to control T cell homeostasis for immune tolerance and immunity, which is regulated by a variety of cytokines to determine T cell subset homeostasis and differentiation. TCR signaling can synergize with or antagonize cytokine-mediated signaling to fine tune T cell fate; however, the latter is less investigated. Murine models with attenuated TCR signaling strength have revealed that TCR signaling can function as regulatory feedback machinery for T cell homeostasis and differentiation in differential cytokine milieus, such as IL-2-mediated Treg development; IL-7-mediated, nai¨ve CD8+ T cell homeostasis; and IL-4-induced innate memory CD8+ T cell development. In this review, we discuss the symphonic cross-talk between TCR and cytokine-mediated responses that differentially control T cell behavior, with a focus on the negative tuning by TCR activation on the cytokine effects.
Evidence for a carotid body homolog in the lizardTupinambis merianae
Authors: Reichert Michelle N. , Brink Deidre L. , Milsom William K.
Published: December 2014

The homolog to the mammalian carotid body has not yet been identified in lizards. Observational studies and evolutionary history provide indirect evidence for the existence of a chemoreceptor population at the first major bifurcation of the common carotid artery in lizards, but a chemoreceptive role for this area has not yet been definitively demonstrated. We explored this possibility by measuring changes in cardiorespiratory variables in response to focal arterial injections of the hypoxia mimic sodium cyanide (NaCN) into the carotid artery of 12 unanesthetized specimens of Tupinambis merianae. These injections elicited increases in heart rate (fH; 101±35% increase) and respiratory rate (fR; 620±119% increase), but not mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). These responses were eliminated by vagal denervation. Similar responses were elicited by injections of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh) and serotonin (5-HT) but not norepinephrine. Heart rate and respiratory rate increases in response to NaCN could be blocked or reduced by either the antagonist to ACh (atropine) and/or 5-HT (methysergide). Finally, using immunohistochemistry we demonstrated the presence of putative chemoreceptive cells immuno-positive for the cholinergic cell marker vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT) and 5-HT on internal lattice-like structures at the carotid bifurcation. These results provide evidence for the existence of dispersed chemoreceptor cells at the first carotid bifurcation in the central cardiovascular area in lizards with similar properties to known carotid body homologs, adding to the picture of chemoreceptor evolution in vertebrates.
The importance of short and near infrared wavelength sensitivity for visual discrimination in two species of lacertid lizards
Authors: Martin Mélissa , Le Galliard Jean-François , Meylan Sandrine , Loew Ellis R.
Published: December 2014

Males and females from Lacertid lizard species often display conspicuous colourations involved in intraspecific communication. However, visual systems of Lacertidae have rarely been studied and the spectral sensitivity of their retinal photoreceptors remains unknown. Here, we characterised spectral sensitivity of two Lacertid species from contrasted habitats, the wall lizard Podarcis muralis and the common lizard Zootoca vivipara. Both species possess a pure-cone retina with one spectral class of double cones and four spectral classes of single cone photoreceptors. The two species differ in the spectral sensitivity of the LWS cones, the relative abundance of UVS single cones (potentially more abundant in Z. vivipara), and the colouration of oil droplets. Wall lizards have pure vitamin A1-based photopigments while common lizards possess mixed vitamin A1- and A2- photopigments extending spectral sensitivity into near infrared, a rare feature in terrestrial vertebrates. We found that spectral sensitivity in the UV and in the near infrared improves discrimination of small variation in throat colouration among Z. vivipara. Thus, retinal specialisations optimise chromatic resolution in common lizards, which indicates that visual system and visual signals may co-evolve.
Effect of abrasive properties of sedges on intestinal absorptive surface and Resting Metabolic Rate of the root voles
Authors: Wieczorek Monika , Szafrańska Paulina A. , Labecka Anna Maria , Lázaro Javier , Konarzewski Marek
Published: December 2014

Recent studies on grasses and sedges suggested that the induction of a mechanism reducing digestibility of plant tissues in response to herbivore damage may drive rodent population cycles. This defence mechanism seems to rely on the abrasive properties of ingested plants. However, the underlying mechanism has not been demonstrated in small wild herbivores. Therefore, we carried out an experiment in which we determined the joint effect of abrasive sedge components on histological structure of small intestine as well as Resting Metabolic Rates (RMR) of the root voles (Microtus oeconomus). The histological examination revealed that voles fed with a sedge-dominated diet had shorter villi composed from narrower enterocytes in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Reduction in the height of villi decreased along the small intestine. Activity of the mucus secretion increased along the small intestine and was significantly higher in ileum. The intestinal abrasion exceeded compensatory capabilities of voles, which responded to sedge-dominated diet by the reduction of body mass and a concomitant decrease in whole body RMR. These results explain an inverse association between body mass and the probability of winter survival observed in voles inhabiting homogenous sedge wetlands.
Design of a CO-releasing Extracellular Scaffold Using in Vivo Protein Crystals
Authors: Tabe Hiroyasu , Shimoi Takuya , Fujita Kenta , Abe Satoshi , Ijiri Hiroshi , Tsujimoto Masahiko , Kuchimaru Takahiro , Kizaka-Kondo Shinae , Mori Hajime , Kitagawa Susumu , Ueno Takafumi
Published: December 2014

A crystalline protein assembly of cypovirus polyhedra was engineered to develop a carbon monoxide (CO) releasing extracellular scaffold by immobilizing ruthenium carbonyls. The molecular design includes introduction of a hexahistidine tag to the C-terminus and provides immobilization of about 2-fold more Ru carbonyls per protein monomer and effectively releases three times more CO for activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in living cells relative to wild-type polyhedra with Ru carbonyls.
Enantioselective Addition of Diethylzinc to Aldehydes Catalyzed by Diastereomeric 1,4-Amino Alcohols with o-Xylylene Skeleton
Authors: Asami Masatoshi , Nagai Atsushi , Sasahara Yukihiro , Ichikawa Ken-ichi , Ito Suguru , Hosoda Naoya
Published: December 2014

Two diastereomeric 1,4-amino alcohols with o-xylylene structure (S,R)-2 and (S,S)-3, synthesized from chiral 1,4-diol (S,S)-1, were utilized as chiral ligands for the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. The stereochemical outcome of the reactions was controlled solely by the absolute configuration of the benzylic carbon bearing amino group, and both enantiomers of 1-substituted propanol were obtained with up to 98% (S) and 96% (R) enantiomeric excesses.
Identification, expression, and molecular evolution of microRNAs in the “living fossil”Triops cancriformis(tadpole shrimp)
Authors: Ikeda Kahori T. , Hirose Yuka , Hiraoka Kiriko , Noro Emiko , Fujishima Kosuke , Tomita Masaru , Kanai Akio
Published: December 2014

MicroRNAs have been identified and analyzed in various model species, but an investigation of miRNAs in nonmodel species is required for a more complete understanding of miRNA evolution. In this study, we investigated the miRNAs of the nonmodel speciesTriops cancriformis(tadpole shrimp), a “living fossil,” whose morphological form has not changed in almost 200 million years. Dramatic ontogenetic changes occur during its development. To clarify the evolution of miRNAs, we comparatively analyzed its miRNAs and the components of its RNAi machinery. We used deep sequencing to analyze small RNA libraries from the six different developmental stages ofT. cancriformis(egg, first–fourth instars, and adult), and also analyzed its genomic DNA with deep sequencing. We identified 180 miRNAs (87 conserved miRNAs and 93 novel candidate miRNAs), and deduced the components of its RNAi machinery: the DICER1, AGO1–3, PIWI, and AUB proteins. A comparative miRNA analysis ofT. cancriformisandDrosophila melanogastershowed inconsistencies in the expression patterns of four conserved miRNAs. This suggests that although the miRNA sequences of the two species are very similar, their roles differ across the species. An miRNA conservation analysis revealed that most of the conservedT. cancriformismiRNAs share sequence similarities with those of arthropods, althoughT. cancriformisis called a “living fossil.” However, we found that let-7 and DICER1 ofT. cancriformisare more similar to those of the vertebrates than to those of the arthropods. These results suggest that miRNA systems ofT. cancriformishave evolved in a unique fashion.
A simple real-time assay for in vitro translation
Authors: Capece Mark C. , Kornberg Guy L. , Petrov Alexey , Puglisi Joseph D.
Published: December 2014

A high-throughput assay for real-time measurement of translation rates in cell-free protein synthesis (SNAP assay) is described. The SNAP assay enables quantitative, real-time measurement of overall translation rates in vitro via the synthesis of O6-alkylguanine DNA O6-alkyltransferase (SNAP). SNAP production is continuously detected by fluorescence produced by the reaction of SNAP with a range of quenched fluorogenic substrates. The capabilities of the assay are exemplified by measurements of the activities of Escherichia coli MRE600 ribosomes and fluorescently labeled E. coli mutant ribosomes in the PURExpress translation system and by determination of the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of three common macrolide antibiotics.
Skimming or Penetration? Strategic Dynamic Pricing for New Products
Authors: Spann Martin , Fischer Marc , Tellis Gerard J.
Published: December 2014

Current complex dynamic markets are characterized by numerous brands, each with multiple products and price points, and differentiated on a variety of product attributes plus a large number of new product introductions. This study seeks to analyze dynamic pricing paths in a highly complex branded market, consisting of 663 products under 79 brand names of digital cameras. The authors develop a method to classify dynamic pricing strategies and analyze the choice and correlates of observed pricing paths in the introduction and early growth phase of this market. The authors find that, despite numerous recommendations in the literature for skimming or penetration pricing, market pricing dominates in practice. In particular, the authors find five patterns: skimming (20% frequency), penetration (20% frequency), and three variants of market-pricing patterns (60% frequency), where new products are launched at market prices. Skimming pricing launches the new product 16% above the market price and subsequently increases the price relative to the market price. Penetration pricing launches the new product 18% below the market price and subsequently lowers the price relative to the market price. Firms exhibit a mix of these pricing paths across their portfolios. The specific pricing paths correlate with market, firm, and brand characteristics such as competitive intensity, market pioneering, brand reputation, and experience effects. The authors discuss managerial implications.
Information Service Blueprint: A Service Blueprinting Framework for Information-Intensive Services
Authors: Lim Chie-Hyeon , Kim Kwang-Jae
Published: December 2014

Information-intensive service (IIS) is a type of service in which information interactions have the most effect on service value creation. Recent innovations of information and communication technology have created various types of IISs, and the literature argues that IIS should be a research priority in this information economy. This research proposes a new service blueprinting framework specialized to IISs, called the Information Service Blueprint. The framework user can succinctly capture the big-picture and key points of the complex IIS process in question by blueprinting an IIS. The Information Service Blueprint has served as a basis for blueprinting IISs in IIS design projects with industry and government. An experiment to compare the Information Service Blueprint with the conventional service blueprint also confirms its utility for blueprinting IISs. This research would serve as a basis for analyzing and designing IISs.
Prostate with grief
Authors: Stephenson Brian , Carter Adam
Published: December 2014

The first in an occasional series of ‘Surgeons as Patients’, in which our colleagues get a dose of their own medicine.
Treasures from the Library
Authors: Hogan Corinne
Published: December 2014

A late 19th century celebration of Rudolf Virchow, one of the founding fathers of clinical pathology.