bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turning the Corner
Authors: Evans W. Douglas , Andrade E. , Villalba R. , Cubilla I. , Rivera I. , Edberg M.
Published: November 2015

This article reports on formative research to develop the Adelante brand, an innovative program for Latino immigrant adolescents and their families. The brand applies social marketing principles used in previous health brands in areas such as tobacco control, substance use, and HIV prevention. Specific objectives were to apply branding principles as an approach to increasing adolescent engagement with, and participation in, a community-based youth development program called Adelante, which is based on positive youth development theory. We collected data in a primarily low-income Latino immigrant community, Langley Park, MD, located near Washington, DC. A total of 39 adolescents, ages 13–19, participated in six focus groups. We designed and tested a brand positioning statement, associations, a logo and graphics, and youth archetypes. We used thematic content analysis to code focus group data into broad topic areas and then analyzed the data using substantive coding to identify themes. The concepts of strength, resilience, and “turning the corner” by overcoming life obstacles and succeeding were the main themes. Latino youth face a challenging environment in which they grow up, finish school, and succeed. Adelante represents a source of support and help to turn the corner. A graphic depicting a city street corner with a darker side (past) and a brighter side (future) was identified as the Adelante logo. Youth characters named Victor and Erika, and an educational entertainment strategy, were conceived as a way to create a brand persona. Adelante is now actively building its brand to increase youth engagement in the program.
Edutainment’s Impact on Health Promotion
Authors: Mocarski Richard , Bissell Kimberly
Published: November 2015

Through a critical rhetorical analysis using Bandura’s social cognitive theory as a lens to view The Biggest Loser ( TBL), this article illustrates the contradictions between the show’s health promotional aims and its entertainment aims, which show the problems the show creates for health promotion practitioners working on obesity. The social cognitive theory constructs of observational learning, psychological determinants, and environmental determinants emerged from this reading of TBL as central to how the show masquerades as a health promotion tool. This reading reveals that TBL promotes a neoliberal construction of health and obesity that challenges the worldview that many health promotion campaigns take and, therefore, complicates our own efforts to combat obesity. With this revealed, it is suggested that TBL be incorporated into health promotion campaigns only as a foil.
Benefits and barriers to participating in longitudinal research of youth-onset type 2 diabetes: Results from the TODAY retention survey
Authors: Walders-Abramson Natalie , Anderson Barbara , Larkin Mary E , Chang Nancy , Venditti Elizabeth , Bzdick Suzan , Tryggestad Jeanie B , Tan Kenny , Geffner Mitchell E , Hirst Kathryn
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims:

Conducting longitudinal research related to chronic illness in adolescents is inherently challenging due to developmental changes and psychosocial stressors. Participants in the Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth clinical trial were socioeconomically disadvantaged as well. This study assessed attitudes and beliefs about retention in Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth to shed light on the factors that potentially promote and detract from the likelihood of sustained participation.

Methods:

After an average 7.3 years of follow-up (range 4.9–9.5), Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth participants completed a survey examining their perceptions of the benefits and barriers to sustained involvement in the protocol.

Results:

The most common reasons for staying in Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth included having a strong relationship with the medical team, getting study-provided diabetes care, access to free diabetes medicine and supplies, and being part of a large study to learn more about how to care for youth-onset type 2 diabetes. The most commonly endorsed challenges included scheduling conflicts, possibly disappointing others, difficulties getting to study visits, and the occurrence of other medical issues.

Conclusions:

Similar to other published reports, a supportive relationship with study staff was commonly endorsed as a benefit of engagement in the longitudinal study, suggesting that rapport, staff consistency, and relationship quality are important components of optimal retention. Moreover, our findings suggest the value of trying to remove logistical barriers, such as transportation and scheduling challenges, in order to promote long-term participation in research. Further research is recommended to evaluate factors that contribute to attrition versus retention in an a priori manner within longitudinal studies, especially protocols involving cohorts that are more vulnerable to attrition due to developmental transitions and/or socioeconomic challenges. Additional efforts to optimize quantitative and qualitative measurement of barriers would also help to expand our understanding of how to optimally retain participants in longitudinal protocols.
Autopsy and critical care
Authors: Wong Adrian , Osborn Michael , Waldmann Carl
Published: November 2015

An autopsy is a medical procedure consisting of the thorough examination of the body and internal organs after death, to evaluate disease or injury and to determine the cause and manner of a person’s death. In the intensive care setting, autopsies are usually performed to determine the cause of death or further medical knowledge. Early evidence that showed an alarmingly high rate of medical misdiagnosis found at autopsy is being called into question; the role of the procedure itself is being scrutinised. Furthermore, there has been a marked decline in the number of autopsies being performed both in the UK and across Europe. We examine the role of autopsies in modern health care for critically ill patients.
Infectious hepatitis
Authors: Jones Daniel , Jones Christopher , Dale Adam
Published: November 2015

Infectious hepatitis is a systemic infection that predominantly affects the liver. The clinical course of the disease is variable and ranges from asymptomatic acquisition through to severe acute hepatitis resulting in fulminant liver failure. A number of patients can develop chronic infection from either the hepatitis B or C virus. This article will consider the diagnosis, management and prevention of the most-common forms of infectious hepatitis, the management of hepatitis in pregnancy, and the management of occupational exposure in the primary care setting.
Hope of deliverance
Authors: D’Aoust Anne-Marie
Published: November 2015

In his article, Barnett makes a convincing case for the need to consider securitization as a mode of problematization. When it comes to security, he enjoins us to consider the role of publics and publicness without necessarily committing to an unreflexive liberal ideal of transparency, non-interference and openness. This response focuses on two central issues that emerge when we pay attention to publics, security and the spaces of their unfolding. The first one entails a reflection on the different understandings of the political and the legitimacy conferred to the different publics attached to them. The second one is the need to deepen our understanding of subjecthood in relation to security and resilience. Acknowledging and better accounting for the great variation in different subjects’ capacity to enact resilience or internalize security norms cast doubts on some security studies’ and resilience studies’ bleak assessment of governmentality and its workings.
On shifting preoccupations with ‘security’
Authors: Hannah Matthew G
Published: November 2015

Clive Barnett’s important critique of recent critical analyses of securitization is convincing on its own terms. Reframing his argument from within the perspective of a political economy of attention and distraction allows us to see it in a different light. Even if his critique of exclusively negative analyses of security is valid, we should not be at all reassured by it. Recent processes of securitization may indeed involve a healthier dynamic of public debate and action than has hitherto been recognized, but they can still be understood as a damaging case of collective distraction.
Reclaiming public action from theories of securitization
Authors: Pykett Jessica
Published: November 2015

This commentary engages with the critique of ‘idealist–cynicism’ offered in Barnett’s article. It outlines the geographical misconceptions of critical research in security studies identified by Barnett and summarizes the alternative approaches offered as a counterpoint. The commentary points towards the need for further elaboration on the precise account of mechanisms of subjectification on offer here and speculates about the problems posed by Barnett’s analysis for providing a clear basis for critical social science research.
The in(ter)visible subjects of security and the (im)possibility of a ‘public’
Authors: Wood David Murakami
Published: November 2015

This short commentary argues that while Barnett’s critique of critical security and resilience studies needs to be made, the route suggested through the emphasis on ‘the public’ as the milieu of security lacks a necessary engagement with concepts of visibility and transparency. These concepts are used in Barnett’s piece very much in the same gestural way as he observes the critical security studies that he critiques.
The scandal of publicity
Authors: Barnett Clive
Published: November 2015

I address three broad themes raised by the discussion of the milieu of security: how to go about theorizing publicness, the potential of the idea of attention for this task and images of critical judgement.
Celebrating geography’s place in an inclusive and collaborative Anthropo(s)cene
Authors: Leichenko Robin , Mahecha Ana
Published: November 2015

The widespread recognition that humans have become geological agents offers an opportune moment for reflection on how geographers are contributing to the rapidly growing and highly interdisciplinary field of Anthropocene research. In this commentary, we situate geographers and geographic concepts as playing pivotal roles in Anthropocene work both in the past and today. We highlight the inclusive, collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the work and the openings that it offers for rethinking knowledge production. Through our comments, we hope to convey and cultivate an Anthropo(s)cene that is inclusive, collaborative and welcoming of a broad range of scholarship in human geography.
Assessment of the interstitial fluid in the subcutaneous tissue of healthy adults using ultrasonography
Authors: Ueda-Iuchi Terumi , Ohno Naoki , Miyati Tosiaki , Dai Misako , Okuwa Mayumi , Nakatani Toshio , Sanada Hiromi , Sugama Junko
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Lymphoedema involves swelling, especially in the subcutaneous tissues. For lymphoedema management to be successful, it is necessary to remove the interstitial fluid. Subcutaneous echogenicity may be associated with interstitial fluid, but echogenicity is not an indicator for the evaluation of management because we do not directly compare echogenicity with the interstitial fluid. We aimed to identify an outcome indicator for the evaluation of interstitial fluid using ultrasonography. We assessed the correlation between echogenicity and transverse relaxation rate (R2) on magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods:

This was an observational study. Healthy adults with leg swelling after activity for >8 h were recruited. The legs of 13 women were evaluated using ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and measurements of the limb circumference before and after an intervention to reduce the swelling.

Results:

Echogenicity in the oedema group was greater than that of the controls. Echogenicity decreased with reductions in oedema. The range of the strongest correlations with the changes in R2 occurred at echogenicity values of 48–144 (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: r = −0.63 and p < 0.01). Thus, it was possible to evaluate the interstitial fluid using echogenicity.

Conclusion:

The outcome indicators for the evaluation of interstitial fluid using ultrasonography were echogenicities in the range of 48–144, and these values were valid for assessing the interstitial fluid in the subcutaneous tissue.
Transgender inclusion in state non-discrimination policies: The democratic deficit and political powerlessness
Authors: Flores Andrew R , Herman Jody L , Mallory Christy
Published: November 2015

Transgender people—people whose gender identity or expression is different from their assigned sex at birth—and their allies advocate for the inclusion of gender identity or transgender in state non-discrimination policies. These policies generally proscribe discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Courts and administrative agencies have determined discrimination against transgender people is a violation of existing statutes, but there remain efforts by advocates to seek policies that explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of transgender status, which are often the result of legislation going through the political process. A pluralist understanding of the political process theorizes that a majority coalition of minorities can offer social groups policies they support. This rests on the presumption that a majority coalition of minorities should rule. Any indication to the contrary may suggest a democratic deficit, whereby more than a majority is necessary for policy introduction. We find that there is a substantial democratic deficit regarding the inclusion of gender identity or transgender in employment non-discrimination policies. On average, state support for the policy must be 81% in order for the state to have a policy reflecting such sentiment. This leaves substantial implications for the political powerlessness of transgender people in the political process.
Pre-test probability risk scores and their use in contemporary management of patients with chest pain: One year stress echo cohort study
Authors: Demarco Daniela Cassar , Papachristidis Alexandros , Roper Damian , Tsironis Ioannis , Byrne Jonathan , Alfakih Khaled , Monaghan Mark
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To compare how patients with chest pain would be investigated, based on the two guidelines available for UK cardiologists, on the management of patients with stable chest pain. The UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline which was published in 2010 and the European society of cardiology (ESC) guideline published in 2013. Both guidelines utilise pre-test probability risk scores, to guide the choice of investigation.

Design

We undertook a large retrospective study to investigate the outcomes of stress echocardiography.

Setting

A large tertiary centre in the UK in a contemporary clinical practice.

Participants

Two thirds of the patients in the cohort were referred from our rapid access chest pain clinics.

Results

We found that the NICE risk score overestimates risk by 20% compared to the ESC Risk score. We also found that based on the NICE guidelines, 44% of the patients presenting with chest pain, in this cohort, would have been investigated invasively, with diagnostic coronary angiography. Using the ESC guidelines, only 0.3% of the patients would be investigated invasively.

Conclusion

The large discrepancy between the two guidelines can be easily reduced if NICE adopted the ESC risk score.
Delayed complication of abdominal aortic stent: a rare complication
Authors: Sudhakaran Sivakumar , Surani Zoya , Surani Salim R
Published: November 2015

We hereby present a case of recurrent abdominal aortic aneurysm due to endoleak to outline complications and secondary intervention strategies post endovascular aneurysm repair.
Non-infectious cholecystopathy secondary to high-dose IL-2 cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Kuppler Kevin , Jeong Daniel , Choi Jung W
Published: November 2015

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) associated cholecystopathy is a rare manifestation of IL-2 drug toxicity in the setting of cancer immunotherapy. While the imaging data and clinical presentation can easily mimic acute cholecystitis, the correct diagnosis can be made with the particular clinical history, thus avoiding inappropriate surgical management. As more cancer immunotherapies become standard oncologic treatments, specific immunotherapy-associated side effects are also expected to be encountered more frequently in the future and should be recognized as such. We present a case of IL-2-associated cholecystopathy in the setting of renal cell carcinoma immunotherapy.
Injuries to Professional and Amateur Kickboxing Contestants
Authors: Lystad Reidar P.
Published: November 2015

Background:

Kickboxing is a group of full-contact combat sports that allows both kicking and punching from a standing position. Despite its popularity, there is a scarcity of published data elucidating the injury epidemiology in kickboxing.

Purpose:

To determine the injury incidence, describe the injury pattern, and identify potential risk factors for injury in kickboxing.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Data describing fight outcomes and injuries sustained during professional and amateur kickboxing contests over a 15-year period were obtained from the official records of the Nevada Athletic Commission, United States. Injury incidence rates and rate ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) and per 1000 minutes of exposure. The injury pattern was described using frequencies and proportions of injuries by anatomic region and type of injury. In addition, Poisson mixed-effects generalized linear modeling was used to examine the multivariate relationships between injury incidence rates and potential risk factors.

Results:

The sample consisted of 481 unique fighters competing across 57 events, 976 AEs, 9562 minutes of exposure, and 380 injuries. The mean ± SD age of the fighters was 29.0 ± 5.3 years (range, 15-48 years). The overall injury incidence rates were 390.1 injuries (95% CI, 351.9-431.4) per 1000 AEs and 39.7 injuries (95% CI, 35.8-43.9) per 1000 minutes of exposure. The most commonly injured anatomic regions were the head (57.8%) and lower extremity (26.1%), while the most common types of injury were laceration (70.6%) and fracture (20.6%). Professional fighters were 2.5 times more likely to get injured compared with amateurs (rate ratio, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.39-4.55), while defeated fighters were 3.5 times more likely to get injured compared with winners (rate ratio, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.73-4.44).

Conclusion:

Injuries are frequent and often significant in kickboxing, and better injury surveillance is strongly recommended. The scarcity of good-quality epidemiological data in kickboxing, especially pertaining to the severity of injuries, underscores the urgent need for further research, whereupon evidence-informed sport safety and injury prevention policies can be developed.
Institutions, Transparency, and Economic Growth
Authors: Sumanjeet
Published: November 2015

The influence of institutions in economic growth has been widely discussed in economic literature. But, the success of these institutions is largely determined by the degree of accountability and of corruption. Institutional failure is less likely if clear responsibilities and accountabilities are shouldered by those who have accepted the responsibility to carry out governance functions, at whatever level in the institution. Many authors argue that one possible solution to these problems, and others like them, lies in improving institutional transparency. Institutional transparency is the basis of good economic governance and the first step in improving accountability and fighting corruption. In this light, the present article considers the role of institutions in economic growth. The article also discusses how the lack of transparency hampers economic growth and how better institutional transparency leads to undermine economic growth. Finally, the article highlights action steps for improving transparency in the functioning of institutions. The present work reveals that improved institutional transparency is certainly needed, but policymakers also need to be clear and careful about the sort of information about an issue, its treatment, and costs to those stakeholders who can least afford it.
Targeting HGF/c-MET induces cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis for primary effusion lymphoma
Authors: Dai Lu , Trillo-Tinoco Jimena , Cao Yueyu , Bonstaff Karlie , Doyle Lisa , Del Valle Luis , Whitby Denise , Parsons Chris , Reiss Krzysztof , Zabaleta Jovanny , Qin Zhiqiang
Published: November 2015

Key Points

The HGF/c-MET pathway has a complex network to control KSHV+ PEL cell survival. The c-MET inhibitor induces PEL apoptosis and suppresses tumor progression in vivo.
Computer simulation of human leukocyte antigen genes supports two main routes of colonization by human populations in East Asia
Authors: Di Da , Sanchez-Mazas Alicia , Currat Mathias
Published: November 2015

Background

Recent genetic studies have suggested that the colonization of East Asia by modern humans was more complex than a single origin from the South, and that a genetic contribution via a Northern route was probably quite substantial.

Results

Here we use a spatially-explicit computer simulation approach to investigate the human migration hypotheses of this region based on one-route or two-route models. We test the likelihood of each scenario by using Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) − A, −B, and − DRB1 genetic data of East Asian populations, with both selective and demographic parameters considered. The posterior distribution of each parameter is estimated by an Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) approach.

Conclusions

Our results strongly support a model with two main routes of colonization of East Asia on both sides of the Himalayas, with distinct demographic histories in Northern and Southern populations, characterized by more isolation in the South. In East Asia, gene flow between populations originating from the two routes probably existed until a remote prehistoric period, explaining the continuous pattern of genetic variation currently observed along the latitude. A significant although dissimilar level of balancing selection acting on the three HLA loci is detected, but its effect on the local genetic patterns appears to be minor compared to those of past demographic events.
Context-dependent associations between heterozygosity and immune variation in a wild carnivore
Authors: Brock Patrick M. , Goodman Simon J. , Hall Ailsa J. , Cruz Marilyn , Acevedo-Whitehouse Karina
Published: November 2015

Background

A multitude of correlations between heterozygosity and fitness proxies associated with disease have been reported from wild populations, but the genetic basis of these associations is unresolved. We used a longitudinal dataset on wild Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) to develop a relatively new perspective on this problem, by testing for associations between heterozygosity and immune variation across age classes and between ecological contexts.

Results

Homozygosity by locus was negatively correlated with serum immunoglobulin G production in pups (0–3 months of age), suggesting that reduced genetic diversity has a detrimental influence on the early development of immune defence in the Galapagos sea lion. In addition, homozygosity by locus was positively correlated with total circulating leukocyte concentration in juveniles (6–24 months of age), but only in a colony subject to the anthropogenic environmental impacts of development, pollution and introduced species, which suggests that reduced genetic diversity influences mature immune system activity in circumstances of high antigen exposure.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the environmental context-dependency of the phenotypic expression of immune variation, which is implicit in the theory of ecoimmunology, but which has been rarely demonstrated in the wild. They also indicate that heterozygosity may be linked to the maintenance of heterogeneity in mammalian immune system development and response to infection, adding to the body of evidence on the nature of the mechanistic link between heterozygosity and fitness.
An integrative approach to phylogeography: investigating the effects of ancient seaways, climate, and historical geology on multi-locus phylogeographic boundaries of the Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris)
Authors: Reilly Sean B. , Corl Ammon , Wake David B.
Published: November 2015

Background

Phylogeography is an important tool that can be used to reveal cryptic biodiversity and to better understand the processes that promote lineage diversification. We studied the phylogeographic history of the Arboreal Salamander (Aneides lugubris), a wide-ranging species endemic to the California floristic province. We used multi-locus data to reconstruct the evolutionary history ofA. lugubrisand to discover the geographic location of major genetic breaks within the species. We also used species distribution modeling and comparative phylogeography to better understand the environmental factors that have shaped the genetic history ofA. lugubris.

Results

We found six major mitochondrial clades inA. lugubris. Nuclear loci supported the existence of at least three genetically distinct groups, corresponding to populations north of the San Francisco Bay and in the Sierra Nevada, in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and in the central coast and southern California. All of the genetic breaks in mitochondrial and nuclear loci corresponded to regions where historical barriers to dispersal have been observed in other species. Geologic or water barriers likely were the most important factors restricting gene flow among clades. Climatic unsuitability during glacial maximum may have contributed to the isolation of the mitochondrial clades in the central coast and southern California. A projection of our species distribution model to a future scenario with a moderate amount of climate change suggests that most of the range ofA. lugubriswill remain climatically suitable, but climatic conditions in the Sierra Nevada and low elevation areas in Southern California are likely to deteriorate.

Conclusions

Aneides lugubriscontains substantial cryptic genetic diversity as a result of historical isolation of populations. At least two (and perhaps three) evolutionarily significant units inA. lugubrismerit protection; all six mitochondrial clades should be considered as management units within the species.
Qualitative real-time analysis by nurses of sublingual microcirculation in intensive care unit: the MICRONURSE study
Authors: Tanaka Sébastien , Harrois Anatole , Nicolaï Camille , Flores Mélanie , Hamada Sophie , Vicaut Eric , Duranteau Jacques
Published: November 2015

Introduction

We aimed to determine i) the feasibility of nurses taking bedside measurements of microcirculatory parameters in real time in intensive care patients; and ii) whether such measurements would be comparable to those obtained by the classical delayed semi quantitative analysis made by a physician.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted in a university hospital and was approved by our local Institutional Review Board (IRB 00006477). After ICU admission and study inclusion, a set of measurements of macrocirculatory and microcirculatory parameters was taken by the nurse in charge of the patient every 4 h within the first 12 h after admission and before and after every hemodynamic therapeutic intervention. Seventy-four sublingual microvascular measurements were performed with incident dark field illumination (IDF) microscopy in 20 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in the ICU.

Results

There were no significant differences between the microvascular flow index (MFI) taken in real time by the nurses and the delayed evaluation by the physician. In fact, the nurses’ real-time measurement of MFI demonstrated good agreement with the physician’s delayed measurement. The mean difference between the two MFIs was −0.15, SD = 0.28. The nurses’ real-time MFI assessment showed 97 % sensitivity (95 % CI: 84–99 %) and 95 % specificity (95 % CI: 84–99 %) at detecting a MFI <2.5 obtained by a physician upon delayed semiquantitative measurement. Concerning the density, 81 % of the paramedical qualitative density measurements corresponded with the automatized total vessel density (TVD) measurements. The nurses’ real-time TVD assessment showed 77 % sensitivity (95 % CI: 46–95 %) and 100 % specificity (95 % CI: 89–100 %) at detecting a TVD <8 mm/mm2.

Conclusion

A real-time qualitative bedside evaluation of MFI by nurses showed good agreement with the conventional delayed analysis by physicians. The bedside evaluations of MFI and TVD were highly sensitive and specific for detecting impaired microvascular flow and low capillary density. These results suggest that this real-time technique could become part of ICU nurse routine surveillance and be implemented in algorithms for hemodynamic resuscitation in future clinical trials and regular practice. These results are an essential step to demonstrate whether these real-time measurements have a clinical impact in the management of ICU patients.
Improved predictive ability of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for diagnosing dementia in a community-based study
Authors: Hsu Jung-Lung , Fan Yen-Chun , Huang Ya-Li , Wang Jui , Chen Wei-Hung , Chiu Hou-Chang , Bai Chyi-Huey
Published: November 2015

Introduction

We compared the predictive ability of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to diagnose dementia in a community-based study.

Methods

A total of 276 people aged 60 years or older were enrolled. All of the participants were administered face-to-face interview questionnaires and MoCA and MMSE examinations. The receiver operating characteristic curve method and area under curve were performed to assess the predictive ability for diagnosing dementia.

Results

The 276 participants had a mean age of 67.9 ± 6.1 years and mean education duration of 11.4 ± 4.0 years. In general, the MoCA yielded higher AUCs (0.891) with favorable sensitivity (78 %) and excellent specificity (94 %) compared with the MMSE in differentiating the participants with and without dementia in either the total sample or all subgroups.

Conclusion

Our study determined a higher predictive ability in the MoCA than in the MMSE for diagnosing dementia according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria in a community-based sample with a broader range of education level.
Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells in a laryngeal carcinoma patient with radiation myelitis
Authors: Liang Jun , Wang Fan , Wang Dandan , Zhang Huayong , Zhao Cheng , Wang Shiying , Sun Lingyun
Published: November 2015

Radiation myelitis is a rather rare but devastating complication following therapeutic irradiation to neoplasms when the spinal cord is included within the radiation field. Symptoms of radiation myelitis with the therapeutic doses of radiation commonly employed are usually delayed and most often appear about 6 to 24 months following irradiation. So far, no treatment has proved satisfactory.

Transplantation of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells has been a promising therapy strategy for many disorders in the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, and autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The cell-base therapy has shown to act to limit inflammation of central nervous system, stimulate neurogenesis, protect axons and promote remyelination. But it has not been established as a therapeutic option for radiation myelitis.

In this report, we describe the outcome of allogeneic umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in a patient with laryngeal carcinoma who developed radiation-induced myelitis of his spinal cord with characteristic magnetic resonance imaging changes.
Addressing health disparities in Hispanic breast cancer: accurate and inexpensive sequencing of BRCA1 and BRCA2
Authors: Dean Michael , Boland Joseph , Yeager Meredith , Im Kate M. , Garland Lisa , Rodriguez-Herrera Maria , Perez Mylen , Mitchell Jason , Roberson David , Jones Kristine , Lee Hyo Jung , Eggebeen Rebecca , Sawitzke Julie , Bass Sara , Zhang Xijun , Robles Vivian , Hollis Celia , Barajas Claudia , Rath Edna , Arentz Candy , Figueroa Jose A. , Nguyen Diane D. , Nahleh Zeina
Published: November 2015

Background

Germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for 20–25 % of inherited breast cancers and about 10 % of all breast cancer cases. Detection of BRCA mutation carriers can lead to therapeutic interventions such as mastectomy, oophorectomy, hormonal prevention therapy, improved screening, and targeted therapies such as PARP-inhibition. We estimate that African Americans and Hispanics are 4–5 times less likely to receive BRCA screening, despite having similar mutation frequencies as non-Jewish Caucasians, who have higher breast cancer mortality. To begin addressing this health disparity, we initiated a nationwide trial of BRCA testing of Latin American women with breast cancer. Patients were recruited through community organizations, clinics, public events, and by mail and Internet. Subjects completed the consent process and questionnaire, and provided a saliva sample by mail or in person. DNA from 120 subjects was used to sequence the entirety of BRCA1 and BRCA2 coding regions and splice sites, and validate pathogenic mutations, with a total material cost of $85/subject. Subjects ranged in age from 23 to 81 years (mean age, 51 years), 6 % had bilateral disease, 57 % were ER/PR+, 23 % HER2+, and 17 % had triple-negative disease.

Results

A total of seven different predicted deleterious mutations were identified, one newly described and the rest rare. In addition, four variants of unknown effect were found.

Conclusions

Application of this strategy on a larger scale could lead to improved cancer care of minority and underserved populations.
The Allen's test: Revisiting the importance of bidirectional testing to determine candidacy and design of radial forearm free flap harvest in the era of trans radial endovascular access procedures
Authors: Foreman Andrew , de Almeida John R. , Gilbert Ralph , Goldstein David P.
Published: November 2015

Background

The radial forearm free flap is a workhorse free flap. The radial artery, which supplies it, is increasingly being used for endovascular access. A complication of this is radial artery occlusion. Although often asymptomatic it can compromise future free tissue transfer.

Case Presentation

Two patients who underwent RFFF harvest for head and neck reconstruction are presented; both of who likely had distal radial artery occlusion. The first patient had failure of flap perfusion, presumed secondary to radial artery occlusion from prior endovascular access at the distal radial artery. In the second case, we used the Allen's test in reverse to identify the same scenario and successfully redesigned the harvest.

Conclusion

The Allen's test is a simple bedside test that should be performed bidirectionally to exclude radial artery occlusion, which may compromise flap harvest. Radial artery occlusion will become increasingly common as the radial artery is used more frequently for endovascular access procedures.
The usefulness of routine histopathology of bilateral nasal polyps – a systematic review, meta-analysis, and cost evaluation
Authors: Wong Jay SM , Hoffbauer Stephanie , Yeh David H , Rotenberg Brian , Gupta Michael , Sommer Doron D
Published: November 2015

Background

Controversy regarding the usefulness of routine histopathological examination of bilateral nasal polyps removed during endoscopic sinus surgery to identify occult diagnoses still exists. There is a paucity of high-level evidence in the literature.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Two independent reviewers were used. Pooled proportions and numbers needed to screen were calculated. A cost per life year model was generated based on varying survival benefits and compared to other Canadian screening programs to provide financial context.

Results

Six studies ( n = 3772 patients) were included. Of the 3772 patients, 3751 had a pre-operative clinical and post-operative pathological diagnosis of inflammatory nasal polyps. Agreement proportion was 99.44 %. There were 18 unexpected benign and three unexpected malignant diagnoses identified. This translated to a proportion of 0.48 and 0.08 % respectively. Number needed to screen was 210 and 1258 respectively. Pooled proportion for expected findings using a random effect model was 0.99 (95 % CI = 0.99–1). Pooled proportion for unexpected benign findings using a random effect model was 0.00522 (95 % CI = 0.00133–0.01). Pooled proportion for unexpected malignant findings using a random effect model was 0.00107 (95 % CI = 0.000147–0.00283). The cost to pick up one unexpected benign diagnosis was ․14557.2. The cost to pick up 1 unexpected malignant diagnosis was ․87204.56. Cost per quality life year calculated ranged from 3211.83 to ․64677.58 based on varying assumptions on the survival benefits of identifying an unexpected malignancy.

Conclusions

Routine pathological examination in screening for neoplasia may be low yield, however, no compelling evidence was found to cease such practice. Surgeons should exercise individual judgment in requesting routine examination.
A classic model animal in the 21st century: recent lessons from the leech nervous system
Authors: Wagenaar Daniel A.
Published: November 2015

The medicinal leech (genus Hirudo) is a classic model animal in systems neuroscience. The leech has been central to many integrative studies that establish how properties of neurons and their interconnections give rise to the functioning of the animal at the behavioral level. Leeches exhibit several discrete behaviors (such as crawling, swimming and feeding) that are each relatively simple. Importantly, these behaviors can all be studied – at least at a basal level – in the isolated nervous system. The leech nervous system is particularly amenable to such studies because of its distributed nature; sensory processing and generation of behavior occur to a large degree in iterated segmental ganglia that each contain only ∼400 neurons. Furthermore, the neurons are relatively large and are arranged with stereotyped topography on the surface of the ganglion, which greatly facilitates their identification and accessibility. This Commentary provides an overview of recent work on the leech nervous system, with particular focus on circuits that underlie leech behavior. Studies that combine the unique features of the leech with modern optical and genetic techniques are also discussed. Thus, this Commentary aims to explain the continued appeal of the leech as an experimental animal in the 21st century.
Gas exchange and dive characteristics of the free-swimming backswimmer Anisops deanei
Authors: Jones Karl K. , Snelling Edward P. , Watson Amy P. , Seymour Roger S.
Published: November 2015

Many aquatic insects utilise air bubbles on the surface of their bodies to supply O2 while they dive. The bubbles can simply store O2, as in the case of an ‘air store’, or they can act as a physical ‘gas gill’, extracting O2 from the water. Backswimmers of the genus Anisops augment their air store with O2 from haemoglobin cells located in the abdomen. The O2 release from the haemoglobin helps stabilise bubble volume, enabling backswimmers to remain near neutrally buoyant for a period of the dive. It is generally assumed that the backswimmer air store does not act as a gas gill and that gas exchange with the water is negligible. This study combines measurements of dive characteristics under different exotic gases (N2, He, SF6, CO) with mathematical modelling, to show that the air store of the backswimmer Anisops deanei does exchange gases with the water. Our results indicate that approximately 20% of O2 consumed during a dive is obtained directly from the water. Oxygen from the water complements that released from the haemoglobin, extending the period of near-neutral buoyancy and increasing dive duration.
Chemical cues from fish heighten visual sensitivity in larval crabs through changes in photoreceptor structure and function
Authors: Charpentier Corie L. , Cohen Jonathan H.
Published: November 2015

Several predator avoidance strategies in zooplankton rely on the use of light to control vertical position in the water column. Although light is the primary cue for such photobehavior, predator chemical cues or kairomones increase swimming responses to light. We currently lack a mechanistic understanding for how zooplankton integrate visual and chemical cues to mediate phenotypic plasticity in defensive photobehavior. In marine systems, kairomones are thought to be amino sugar degradation products of fish body mucus. Here, we demonstrate that increasing concentrations of fish kairomones heightened sensitivity of light-mediated swimming behavior for two larval crab species (Rhithropanopeus harrisii and Hemigrapsus sanguineus). Consistent with these behavioral results, we report increased visual sensitivity at the retinal level in larval crab eyes directly following acute (1–3 h) kairomone exposure, as evidenced electrophysiologically from V–log I curves and morphologically from wider, shorter rhabdoms. The observed increases in visual sensitivity do not correspond with a decline in temporal resolution, because latency in electrophysiological responses actually increased after kairomone exposure. Collectively, these data suggest that phenotypic plasticity in larval crab photobehavior is achieved, at least in part, through rapid changes in photoreceptor structure and function.
Inhibition and Induction of Quorum Sensing Using Complexes between N-Acylhomoserine Lactone and Self-assembled Polymer Micelles
Authors: Okano Chigusa , Kato Norihiro
Published: November 2015

A self-assembled micelle of a triblock copolymer, poloxamer 407, effectively forms a complex with N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) as a quorum-sensing (QS) signal in Gram-negative bacteria. The inhibitory effect of the poloxamer on QS in Serratia marcescens AS-1 enhanced at a concentration above a critical micelle concentration (CMC). The poloxamer micelle constitutes a novel class of QS regulator, which can activate the QS in AHL-negative strain S. marcescens AS-1S by the released AHL from AHL-loaded micelles added from outside.
Subdivisions of the adult zebrafish pallium based on molecular marker analysis
Authors: Ganz Julia , Kroehne Volker , Freudenreich Dorian , Machate Anja , Geffarth Michaela , Braasch Ingo , Kaslin Jan , Brand Michael
Published: November 2015

Background: The telencephalon shows a remarkable structural diversity among vertebrates. In particular, the everted telencephalon of ray-finned fishes has a markedly different morphology compared to the evaginated telencephalon of all other vertebrates. This difference in development has hampered the comparison between different areas of the pallium of ray-finned fishes and the pallial nuclei of all other vertebrates. Various models of homology between pallial subdivisions in ray-finned fishes and the pallial nuclei in tetrapods have been proposed based on connectional, neurochemical, gene expression and functional data. However, no consensus has been reached so far. In recent years, the analysis of conserved developmental marker genes has assisted the identification of homologies for different parts of the telencephalon among several tetrapod species.

Results: We have investigated the gene expression pattern of conserved marker genes in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)pallium to identify pallial subdivisions and their homology to pallial nuclei in tetrapods. Combinatorial expression analysis ofascl1a,eomesa,emx1,emx2,emx3, and Prox1 identifies four main divisions in the adult zebrafish pallium. Within these subdivisions, we propose that Dm is homologous to the pallial amygdala in tetrapods and that the dorsal subdivision of Dl is homologous to part of the hippocampal formation in mouse. We have complemented this analysis be examining the gene expression ofemx1,emx2andemx3in the zebrafish larval brain.

Conclusions: Based on our gene expression data, we propose a new model of subdivisions in the adult zebrafish pallium and their putative homologies to pallial nuclei in tetrapods. Pallial nuclei control sensory, motor, and cognitive functions, like memory, learning and emotion. The identification of pallial subdivisions in the adult zebrafish and their homologies to pallial nuclei in tetrapods will contribute to the use of the zebrafish system as a model for neurobiological research and human neurodegenerative diseases.
Recent advances in understanding of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yamaguchi Junna , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: November 2015

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as any condition that causes reduced kidney function over a period of time. Fibrosis, tubular atrophy and interstitial inflammation are the hallmark of pathological features in CKD. Regardless of initial insult, CKD has some common pathways leading CKD to end-stage kidney disease, including hypoxia in the tubulointerstitium and proteinuria. Recent advances in genome editing technologies and stem cell research give great insights to understand the pathogenesis of CKD, including identifications of the origins of renal myofibroblasts and tubular epithelial cells upon injury. Environmental factors such as hypoxia, oxidative stress, and epigenetic factors in relation to CKD are also discussed.
Dynamics of dissolved iron and other bioactive trace metals (Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn) in the Amundsen Sea Polynya, Antarctica
Authors: Sherrell R.M. , Lagerström M.E. , Forsch K.O. , Stammerjohn S.E. , Yager P.L.
Published: November 2015

The Amundsen Sea Polynya is experiencing large increases in glacial meltwater input and hosts an extremely productive and long-lasting summer phytoplankton bloom, suggesting a crucial role for natural Fe fertilization. Early summer distributions and dynamics of the dissolved bioactive metals Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni were investigated during a three week period in 2010–2011, using GEOTRACES-compliant methods. Dissolved Fe was very low (0.06–0.12 nmol kg−1) in the upper 20 m of the central polynya, suggesting that the sub-maximal rates of in situ primary productivity reported previously for this growth phase of the bloom are attributable to insufficient Fe availability. Weeks after the sampling period, phytoplankton biomass accumulated to peak bloom conditions, implying a continuous supply of bioavailable Fe to the euphotic zone. The dominant biologically-relevant Fe source was meltwater-enriched seawater flowing from the Dotson Ice Shelf cavity and delivering Fe at 0.7 nmol kg−1 to the broader polynya. The modest Fe content of Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW; 0.3 nmol kg−1), invading through cross-shelf troughs, was strongly augmented by benthic Fe inputs, which may combine with glacial meltwater dFe in the Dotson outflow. Sea ice melting provided a modest local Fe flux, insufficient to drive large annual blooms. Dissolved Mn was strongly reduced in surface waters, but displayed a subsurface maximum likely advected through the region from shallow coastal sediments. Nutrient-type elements Zn, Cu and Ni had large to small dynamic ranges, respectively, and increasing concentrations with depth, indicating uptake and remineralization within the polynya system. Surface water drawdown ratios of metals and nutrients provided novel estimates of metal quotas (metal/P) for the dominant bloom phytoplankton, Phaeocystis antarctica. At one unique mature bloom station, Zn and Cu were scavenged to low concentrations throughout the 350 m water column, a possible result of intense removal onto sinking Phaeocystis biodetritus. The Amundsen Sea appears to be a model region for studying the biogeochemical consequences of increased glacial meltwater inputs.