bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stromal CD10 expression and relationship to the E‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex in breast carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Soo , Kim Gou Young , Kim Youn Wha , Park Yong‐Koo , Song Jeong‐Yoon , Lim Sung‐Jig
Published: April 2010

Kim H‐S, Kim G Y, Kim Y W, Park Y‐K, Song J‐Y & Lim S‐J (2010) Histopathology 56, 708–719 Stromal CD10 expression and relationship to the E‐cadherin/β‐catenin complex in breast carcinoma

Aims:  Previous investigations have indicated that stromal CD10 expression, and altered levels of both E‐cadherin and β‐catenin, are associated with the biological aggressiveness of human carcinoma. The aim was to evaluate stromal CD10 expression and the association of stromal CD10 with E‐cadherin and β‐catenin in breast carcinoma.

Methods and results:  The expression of CD10, E‐cadherin and β‐catenin was immunohistochemically analysed in tissue microarrays containing 104 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and 10 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Stromal CD10 was detected in 49.5% (50/101) of the IDC. No immunoreactivity was identified in the stromal cells of normal breast, DCIS or intraductal components of IDC. Accumulation of the cytoplasmic β‐catenin was found in 87.0% (87/100) of the IDC. Stromal CD10 expression in IDC was significantly correlated with tumour size (P = 0.027), stage (P < 0.001) and histological grade (P = 0.006), the presence of nodal (P = 0.048) and distant (P = 0.015) metastases, oestrogen receptor‐negative status (P = 0.016), cytoplasmic β‐catenin accumulation (P = 0.031) and lower overall survival rate (P = 0.041).

Conclusions:  Stromal CD10 expression in IDC may constitute an important prognostic marker. Stromal CD10 expression with associated aggressive features might be related to aberrant β‐catenin expression.
Expression of HSP90 in gastrointestinal stromal tumours and mesenchymal tumours
Authors: Kang Gu Hyun , Lee Eui Jin , Jang Ki Taek , Kim Kyoung‐Mee , Park Cheol Keun , Lee Choong‐Sik , Kang Dae Young , Lee Sug Hyung , Sohn Tae Sung , Kim Sung
Published: April 2010

Kang G H, Lee E J, Jang K T, Kim K‐M, Park C K, Lee C‐S, Kang D Y, Lee S H, Sohn T S & Kim S (2010) Histopathology 56, 694–701 Expression of HSP90 in gastrointestinal stromal tumours and mesenchymal tumours

Aims:  Heat shock proteins (HSP) are up‐regulated under conditions of increased stress, including cancer. Recently, HSP90 has been shown to be crucial to the expression and activation of the KIT oncoprotein. The aim was to explore the role of HSP90 expression as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and other mesenchymal tumours.

Methods and results:  The expression of HSP90 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 92 GISTs, 47 mesenteric fibromatoses, six schwannomas, leiomyomas, melanomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours and leiomyosarcomas. Western blotting was performed in 22 selected cases. HSP90 overexpression was found in 33.7% of GISTs and was correlated with non‐gastric location, mixed histological subtype, high mitotic index, high risk grades, and specific mutation genotypes. In mesenchymal tumours, HSP90 overexpression was found in 66.7% of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours, 83.3% of leiomyosarcomas, and 100% of melanomas. HSP90 expression by Western blotting correlated with the results of immunohistochemistry. The Cox proportional hazards model showed that HSP90 expression is an independent predictor of recurrence in GISTs (P = 0.003).

Conclusions:  Overexpression of HSP90 is predictive of adverse behaviour in GISTs and may provide a therapeutic solution to the challenge of imatinib‐resistant GISTs and other mesenchymal sarcomas.
ILK expression in human basal cell carcinoma correlates with epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers and tumour invasion
Authors: Papanikolaou Sofia , Bravou Vasiliki , Gyftopoulos Konstantinos , Nakas Dimitrios , Repanti Maria , Papadaki Helen
Published: April 2010

Papanikolaou S, Bravou V, Gyftopoulos K, Nakas D, Repanti M & Papadaki H (2010) Histopathology 56, 799–809 ILK expression in human basal cell carcinoma correlates with epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers and tumour invasion

Aims:  Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been known to play a significant role in tumour progression. Integrin‐linked kinase (ILK) has been recently added to the growing list of EMT regulators that control some aspect of carcinogenesis. The aim was to study ILK expression and its relevance to EMT markers in human basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

Methods and results:  Paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from 100 human BCC cases were processed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of ILK, E‐cadherin, Snail, β‐catenin and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). ILK overexpression was observed in 100% of cases and strongly correlated with tumour invasion and infiltrative BCC. Loss of membranous E‐cadherin was found in 71% of cases while nuclear immunoreactivity for E‐cadherin was also observed in 90% of the tumours. Snail, nuclear β‐catenin and α‐SMA expression was detected in 100%, 99% and 97% of tumours, respectively. Aberrant expression of E‐cadherin, nuclear β‐catenin and α‐SMA correlated with BCC tumour invasion. Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between ILK expression and all the EMT markers examined.

Conclusions:  ILK overexpression in BCC is implicated in tumour progression probably through the induction of an EMT‐related molecular profile. Nuclear localization of E‐cadherin in BCC is also associated with aggressive tumour features.
Low plasma adiponectin concentration is associated with myocardial infarction in young individuals
Authors: Persson J. , Lindberg K. , Gustafsson T. P. , Eriksson P. , Paulsson‐Berne G. , Lundman P.
Published: April 2010

Abstract.  Persson J, Lindberg K, Gustafsson TP, Eriksson P, Paulsson‐Berne G, Lundman P. (Danderyd University Hospital; Karolinska Institutet, Novum; Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet; Atherosclerosis Research Unit; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden). Low plasma adiponectin concentration is associated with myocardial infarction in young individuals. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 194–205.

Objective.  The importance of adiponectin in coronary heart disease remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the associations between plasma adiponectin levels and i) myocardial infarction and ii) genetic variation within the adiponectin gene were investigated.

Methods.  The study included young survivors (age <60 years) of a first myocardial infarction and gender‐ and age‐matched controls (244 pairs). Adiponectin concentrations were analysed by radioimmunoassay. Two polymorphisms, rs266729 and rs1501299, of the adiponectin gene ADIPOQ were genotyped.

Results.  Adiponectin levels were inversely associated with myocardial infarction [odds ratio (OR) 9.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.7–18.2, for the lowest quartile compared to the highest quartile]. This persisted after adjustment for history of hypertension, HDL cholesterol, smoking and body mass index (BMI) (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.6). The rs266729 polymorphism was associated with adiponectin levels. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were lower in individuals with the rare G/G genotype [median 4.3 mg mL−1, interquartile range (IQR) 2.8–6.2] compared to the C/G (median 5.8 mg mL−1, IQR 3.9–8.0; P = 0.035) and C/C genotypes (median 5.5 mg mL−1, IQR 4.0–7.5; P = 0.083).

Conclusion.  Low plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with myocardial infarction in individuals below the age of 60, and this remains significant after adjustment for history of hypertension, HDL cholesterol, smoking and BMI. In addition, adiponectin levels differ according to rs266729 genotype.
Gallstone disease in Swedish twins: risk is associated with ABCG8 D19H genotype
Authors: Katsika D. , Magnusson P. , Krawczyk M. , Grünhage F. , Lichtenstein P. , Einarsson C. , Lammert F. , Marschall H.‐U.
Published: April 2010

Abstract.  Katsika D, Magnusson P, Krawczyk M, Grünhage F, Lichtenstein P, Einarsson C, Lammert F, Marschall H‐U (Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany). Gallstone disease in Swedish twins: risk is associated with ABCG8 D19H genotype. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 279–285.

Objective.  Recently, variants of the hepatocanalicular cholesterol hemitransporters ABCG5/8 were linked to gallstone disease; ABCG8 D19H in Caucasians and ABCG5 Q604E in Chinese. We investigated these polymorphisms in Swedish twins by merging the Swedish Twin Registry with the Hospital Discharge and Causes of Death Registries for gallstone disease‐related diagnoses.

Design.  All monozygotic (MZ) twins with gallstone disease alive in the Stockholm area were invited to participate. Gallstone disease was defined by entry in all above mentioned registries, questionnaire or abdominal ultrasound.

Subjects.  ABCG5 Q604E and ABCG8 D19H genotyping was performed in 24 unique MZ and eight dizygotic (DZ) twins from concordant pairs. Screening of the TwinGene database for gallstone disease resulted in an additional 20 concordant MZ and 54 twins from concordant DZ pairs. We included 109 concordantly stone‐free MZ and 126 stone‐free independent DZ twins as controls.

Results.  Amongst the 341 twins, 20.8% carried at least one D19H allele as compared to 9.4% of stone‐free controls. The association analysis showed that D19H positivity significantly increased the risk of gallstone disease [odds ratio (OR), 2.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.33–4.82; P = 0.004]. We also found a trend for a positive association between gallstone disease and the Q604E variant (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.00–2.16; P = 0.052).

Conclusion.  Twins carrying a heterozygous or homozygous ABCG8 D19H genotype have a significantly increased risk of gallstone disease. Our study confirms the ABCG8 D19H genotype as a major risk factor for gallstone disease.
Co‐occurring increases of calcium and organellar reactive oxygen species determine differential activation of antioxidant and defense enzymes in Ulva compressa (Chlorophyta) exposed to copper excess
Authors: GONZALEZ ALBERTO , VERA JEANNETTE , CASTRO JORGE , DENNETT GERALDINE , MELLADO MACARENA , MORALES BERNARDO , CORREA JUAN A. , MOENNE ALEJANDRA
Published: April 2010

In order to analyse copper‐induced calcium release and (reactive oxygen species) ROS accumulation and their role in antioxidant and defense enzymes activation, the marine alga Ulva compressa was exposed to 10 µM copper for 7 d. The level of calcium, extracellular hydrogen peroxide (eHP), intracellular hydrogen peroxide (iHP) and superoxide anions (SA) as well as the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (AP), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and lipoxygenase (LOX) were determined. Calcium release showed a triphasic pattern with peaks at 2, 3 and 12 h. The second peak was coincident with increases in eHP and iHP and the third peak with the second increase of iHP. A delayed wave of SA occurred after day 3 and was not accompanied by calcium release. The accumulation of iHP and SA was mainly inhibited by organellar electron transport chains inhibitors (OETCI), whereas calcium release was inhibited by ryanodine. AP activation ceased almost completely after the use of OETCI. On the other hand, GR and GST activities were partially inhibited, whereas defense enzymes were not inhibited. In contrast, PAL and LOX were inhibited by ryanodine, whereas AP was not inhibited. Thus, copper stress induces calcium release and organellar ROS accumulation that determine the differential activation of antioxidant and defense enzymes.
Infrared and fundus autofluorescence imaging in eyes with optic disc pit maculopathy
Authors: Hiraoka Tomoyuki , Inoue Makoto , Ninomiya Yuko , Hirakata Akito
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background:  To characterize the infrared (IR) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) images of eyes with optic disc pit maculopathy.

Methods:  A retrospective non‐comparative study of three patients with optic disc pit maculopathy who were followed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and retinal angiography (Heidelberg retina angiograph 2) before and after vitreous surgery without laser photocoagulation.

Results:  The areas of serous retinal detachment and inner retinal schisis were dark in the IR and FAF images preoperatively; and they changed to brighter areas following reattachment of the retina. There was an increase in the granular hyperfluorescence in the FAF images accompanied by an increase in the number of subretinal precipitates. OCT showed a thickening of the photoreceptor outer segments. The outer retinal layer defect initially appeared bright in the IR images and hypofluorescent or hyperfluorescent in the FAF images. The outer retinal layer defect became larger with a reduction of the outer retinal schisis and increased retinal detachment, but then became smaller with the resolution of the retinal detachment. All cases had a resolution or reduction of the retinal detachment and retinal schisis after the vitrectomy.

Conclusion:  The IR and FAF images in eyes with optic disc pit maculopathy reflect the changes in the inner and outer retinal layers corresponding with the stage of recovery of the disease.
Characteristics of the corneal endothelium and pseudoexfoliation syndrome in patients with senile cataract
Authors: Quiroga Lorena , Lansingh Van C , Samudio Margarita , Peña Fernando Y , Carter Marissa J
Published: April 2010

Abstract

Background:  The characteristics of the corneal endothelium in patients with/without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) with senile cataract in Paraguay are unknown.

Methods:  Endothelial density, mean coefficient of variation (%) in cell size and mean cell hexagonality (%) were measured using automated specular microscopy. Multivariate general linear model analysis was used to determine the effect of age, gender and PEX on endothelial characteristics. Analysis of variance tests analysed the effect of age on endothelial variables without regard to PEX status. Categories of <2000 and ≥2000 cells/mm2 were compared in the presence/absence of PEX using age as covariate to calculate odds ratios for corneal decompensation.

Results:  Out of 468 eligible patients, 51 were excluded. Sixty‐one patients had PEX. Unadjusted mean endothelial cell density was 2451 cells/mm2; cell size coefficient of variation was 34.3; and the mean percentage of hexagonal cells was 57.7. Adjusting for age, only the mean difference between the groups with and without PEX for endothelial cell density was significant (PEX = 2315, no PEX = 2482, P = 0.002). Of the total study population, at‐risk endothelial cell densities were found in 46 eyes (11%); and 13 (28%) of those were found to have PEX. When PEX was present, the calculated odds ratio for corneal decompensation following surgery was 1.90 after adjustment for age.

Conclusions:  Endothelial cell density data were consistent with published literature. Because Paraguay has a high prevalent of PEX, it is suggested that specular microscopy screening be carried out for all patients scheduled for intraocular surgery where feasible.
Ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 expression in resectable, muscle‐invasive urothelial cancer correlates with survival in younger patients
Authors: Harshman Lauren C. , Bepler Gerold , Zheng Zhong , Higgins John P. , Allen Genevera I. , Srinivas Sandy
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether high ribonucleotide reductase subunit M1 (RRM1) expression in patients with resected, muscle‐invasive (T2–4NxM0) urothelial carcinoma (UC) correlated with longer overall survival (OS). RRM1 is the primary cellular target of gemcitabine and previous studies in resected early‐stage lung cancer have shown a survival benefit for patients with high expression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 84 radical cystectomy specimens with muscle‐invasive UC were identified from existing tissue microarrays. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed to confirm pathology and stage. Specimens were analysed for RRM1 expression using automated quantitative analysis. The median value of RRM1 was established a priori as the threshold for high and low expression.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 69 years. Stages were nearly equally distributed: 30%, 38%, and 32% for stage II, III, and IV, respectively. Most were high grade (99%) with no nodal involvement (69%). The median (range) OS was 2.0 (0–13.1) years. Tumoral RRM1 levels did not correlate with OS for the entire cohort, but when adjusted for age, high tumoral RRM1 expression in younger patients (aged <70 years) correlated with increased survival. Younger patients with high RRM1 expression had a median OS of 10.6 years compared with 1.6 years in older patients (P= 0.001). There was no difference in OS among low RRM1 expressors: 2.3 vs 1.6 years in younger and older patients, respectively (P= 0.22).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that high RRM1 expression may be prognostic for improved survival in patients with muscle‐invasive UC aged <70 years.
Migrant Women’s Transnationalism: Family Patterns and Policies
Authors: Pajnik Mojca , Bajt Veronika
Published: April 2010

Whereas current policies on migration and integration are beginning to recognise family reunion as one of the most legitimate reasons for acceptance by a host society, they in most cases still do not account for the growing trend of feminisation of migration, and even rarely do they address specific migrants’ needs. As currently constituted, the integration bills envision a one‐way process that places migrants into a position where they cannot question, but only accept and fulfil the predetermined requirements of integration plans. But who are the women that migrate, what influence do their transnational experiences have on their families, and how do migration policies envision the reality of increasing transnationalism? This paper focuses on biographical interviews with migrant women in Slovenia as a valuable method to question current integration measurements, applied here to explore female migrants’ experiences in transnational family life and social networks. A gender sensitive approach is applied that critically evaluates the specificities of family reunification policies, which define women migrants as dependent family members. We discuss life trajectories of women migrants, focusing the debate on their own experiences in and with family life. This new empirical material is used to theorise gaps in contemporary migration research. Women migrants’ own reflections of transnational family ties show a great variety of experiences and their narratives are a unique window into motivational, political, as well as legal dimensions of migration.
Uterine rupture after previous caesarean section
Authors: Al‐Zirqi I , Stray‐Pedersen B , Forsén L , Vangen S
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Al‐Zirqi I, Stray‐Pedersen B, Forsén L, Vangen S. Uterine rupture after previous caesarean section. BJOG 2010;117:809–820.

Objective  To determine the risk factors, percentage and maternal and perinatal complications of uterine rupture after previous caesarean section.

Design  Population‐based registry study.

Population  Mothers with births ≥28 weeks of gestation after previous caesarean section (n = 18 794), registered in the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, from 1 January 1999 to 30 June 2005.

Methods  Associations of uterine rupture with risk factors, maternal and perinatal outcome were estimated using cross‐tabulations and logistic regression.

Main outcome measure  Odds of uterine rupture.

Results  A total of 94 uterine ruptures were identified (5.0/1000 mothers). Compared with elective prelabour caesarean section, odds of rupture increased for emergency prelabour caesarean section (OR: 8.63; 95% CI: 2.6–28.0), spontaneous labour (OR: 6.65; 95% CI: 2.4–18.6) and induced labour (OR: 12.60; 95% CI: 4.4–36.4). The odds were increased for maternal age ≥40 years versus <30 years (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.1–5.5), non‐Western (mothers born outside Europe, North America or Australia) origin (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.8–4.7) and gestational age ≥41 weeks versus 37–40 weeks (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.1–2.7). Uterine rupture after trial of labour significantly increased severe postpartum haemorrhage (OR: 8.51; 95% CI: 4.6–15.1), general anaesthesia exposure (OR: 14.20; 95% CI: 9.1–22.2), hysterectomy (OR: 51.36; 95% CI: 13.6–193.4) and serious perinatal outcome (OR: 24.51 (95% CI: 11.9–51.9). Induction by prostaglandins significantly increased the odds for uterine rupture compared with spontaneous labour (OR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.6–4.7). Prelabour ruptures occurred after latent uterine activity or abdominal pain in mothers with multiple or uncommon uterine scars.

Conclusion  Trial of labour carried greater risk and graver outcome of uterine rupture than elective repeated caesarean section, although absolute risks were low. A review of labour management and induction protocol is needed.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of training in emergency obstetric care in low‐resource environments
Authors: van Lonkhuijzen L , Dijkman A , van Roosmalen J , Zeeman G , Scherpbier A
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: van Lonkhuijzen L, Dijkman A, van Roosmalen J, Zeeman G, Scherpbier A. A systematic review of the effectiveness of training in emergency obstetric care in low‐resource environments. BJOG 2010;117:777–787.

Background  Training of healthcare workers can play an important role in improving quality of care, and reducing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Objectives  To assess the effectiveness of training programmes aimed at improving emergency obstetric care in low‐resource environments.

Search strategy  We searched Pubmed, Embase, Popline and selected websites, and manually searched bibliographies of selected articles. Language was not an exclusion criterion.

Selection criteria  All papers describing postgraduate training programmes aimed at improving emergency obstetric care in low‐resource environments were included.

Data collection and analysis  Two reviewers independently extracted the data and classified these according to the level of the measured effects (reaction of participants, improved knowledge and skills, changes in behaviour and outcomes in practice). Any disagreements were resolved by discussion with a third author until agreement was reached.

Main results  A total of 38 papers were selected. Training programmes vary considerably in length, content and design. The evaluation of effects is often hampered by inadequate study design and the use of non‐validated measuring instruments. Most papers describe positive reactions, increased knowledge and skills, and improved behaviour after training. Outcome is assessed less frequently, and positive effects are not always demonstrated. Measures that can contribute to a positive effect of training programmes include hands‐on practise, team approaches and follow‐up on training efforts.

Author’s conclusions  Training programmes may improve quality of care, but strong evidence is lacking. Policymakers need to include evaluation and reporting of effects in project budgets for new training programmes.
What measured blood loss tells us about postpartum bleeding: a systematic review
Authors: Sloan NL , Durocher J , Aldrich T , Blum J , Winikoff B
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Sloan N, Durocher J, Aldrich T, Blum J, Winikoff B. What measured blood loss tells us about postpartum bleeding: a systematic review. BJOG 2010;117:788–800.

Background  Meta‐analyses of postpartum blood loss and the effect of uterotonics are biased by visually estimated blood loss.

Objectives  To conduct a systematic review of measured postpartum blood loss with and without prophylactic uterotonics for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Search strategy  We searched Medline and PubMed terms (labour stage, third) AND (ergonovine, ergonovine tartrate, methylergonovine, oxytocin, oxytocics or misoprostol) AND (postpartum haemorrhage or haemorrhage) and Cochrane reviews without any language restriction.

Selection criteria  Refereed publications in the period 1988–2007 reporting mean postpartum blood loss, PPH (≥500 ml) or severe PPH (≥1000 ml) following vaginal births.

Data collection and analysis  Raw data were abstracted into Excel by one author and then reviewed by a co‐author. Data were transferred to SPSS 17.0, and copied into RevMan 5.0 to perform random effects meta‐analysis.

Main results  The distribution of average blood loss (29 studies) is similar with any prophylactic uterotonic, and is lower than without prophylaxis. Compared with no uterotonic, oxytocin and misoprostol have lower PPH (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23–0.81; OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.50–1.08, respectively) and severe PPH rates (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.29–1.29; OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.52–1.04, respectively). Oxytocin has lower PPH (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60–0.70) and severe PPH (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56–0.91) rates than misoprostol, but not in developing countries.

Conclusion  Oxytocin is superior to misoprostol in hospitals. Misoprostol substantially lowers PPH and severe PPH. A sound assessment of the relative merits of the two drugs is needed in rural areas of developing countries, where most PPH deaths occur.
“Murder–Suicide” or “Murder–Accident”? Difficulties with the Analysis of Cases
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Veldhoen David , Kobus Hilton , Heath Karen
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  Homicide where a perpetrator is found dead adjacent to the victim usually represents murder–suicide. Two incidents are reported to demonstrate characteristic features in one, and alternative features in the other, that indicate differences in the manner of death. (i) A 37‐year‐old mother was found dead in a burnt out house with her two young sons in an adjacent bedroom. Deaths were due to incineration and inhalation of products of combustion. (ii) A 39‐year‐old woman was found stabbed to death in a burnt out house with her 39‐year‐old de facto partner deceased from the combined effects of incineration and inhalation of products of combustion. The first incident represented a typical murder–suicide, however, in the second incident, the perpetrator had tried to escape through a window and had then sought refuge in a bathroom under a running shower. Murder–accident rather than murder–suicide may therefore be a more accurate designation for such cases.
Cocaine‐Induced Intracerebral Hemorrhage in a Patient with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy*
Authors: Shvartsbeyn Marianna , Phillips Daniel G. K. , Markey Michael A. , Morrison Alan , DeJong Joyce L. , Castellani Rudy J.
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a well‐recognized complication of recreational cocaine use. The precise mechanism of the cocaine‐induced hemorrhagic event is unclear, although multiple factors have been implicated. We report a case of a 62‐year‐old woman who suffered left parieto‐occipital ICH with herniation and death, following a cocaine binge. Microscopic examination also revealed extensive cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in the vicinity of the hemorrhage. We additionally studied brain tissue in eight subjects between ages of 60 and 80 who were positive for cocaine metabolites at autopsy; of these, none had vascular amyloid‐β deposits by immunohistochemistry. Whereas we found no evidence that chronic cocaine use is a risk factor for CAA, given the age‐associated nature of CAA and the aging population using cocaine, CAA‐induced hemorrhage in the setting of cocaine use may be more common than recognized. This is the first reported case of CAA‐associated ICH precipitated by cocaine.
Two Fatal Cases of Hidden Pneumonia in Young People*
Authors: Ventura Francesco , Bonsignore Alessandro , Gentile Raffaella , De Stefano Francesco
Published: April 2010

Abstract:  Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung disease characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma leading to impaired gas exchange. This condition is often lethal, usually requiring mechanical ventilation and admission to an intensive care unit. We present two fatal cases of hidden pneumonia in young people and discuss the pathophysiological mechanism of ARDS with reference to the histological pattern. A complete forensic approach by means of autopsy and histological, immunohistochemical, and microbiological, examination was carried out. In both cases the cause of death was cardio‐respiratory failure following an acute bilateral pneumonia with diffuse alveolar damage and ARDS associated with sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Our cases suggest on one side the importance of an early diagnosis to avoid unexpected death while on the other that the diagnosis of ARDS has to be confirmed on the basis of a careful postmortem examination and a complete microscopy and microbiological study.
Analysis of Age‐at‐Death Estimation Using Data from a New, Modern Autopsy Sample—Part II: Sternal End of the Fourth Rib*,†
Authors: Hartnett Kristen M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract: This research tests the accuracy of age‐at‐death estimation from the sternal end of the fourth rib. Age was estimated using the İşcan and Loth casts and written descriptions. The correlation results indicate that there are significant differences in the observed versus actual ages (r = 0.75329,p < 0.001) and that there are significant interobserver differences. Intraobserver tests showed that no significant differences were found within observers. Results of the rib end analysis compared to the results from the pubic symphyses suggest that the rib performs better than the pubic symphysis in age estimation. The rib ends were sorted based on morphology without prior knowledge of age. Summary statistics were calculated for each new phase, and descriptions were created. A variant form of the rib end was described, and the previously understated feature of bone quality was emphasized.
Impact of intense training and rapid weight changes on salivary parameters in elite female Taekwondo athletes
Authors: Tsai M.‐L. , Ko M.‐H. , Chang C.‐K. , Chou K.‐M. , Fang S.‐H.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this study is to examine the cumulative effects of prolonged intensive training with or without rapid weight changes (RWC) on salivary parameters of elite female Taekwondo (TKD) athletes. Ten elite female Taiwanese TKD athletes (ages: 21.3 ± 1.2 years of age, Ht 164.4 ± 5.6 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Resting saliva samples were collected at 28‐, 14‐, 7‐, and 1 day before and 1‐, 7‐, 21 days after a national competition. The levels of salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA), cortisol, and lactoferrin were measured. In analyzing the anthropometric data, we found that a significant proportion (50%) of elite female TKD athletes had RWC shortly before and after a national competition. The participants were allocated either to the RWC or to the non‐RWC group according to their weight change profiles. Our results showed that levels of sIgA and cortisol of athletes with RWC were significantly modulated during the study period. However, athletes without RWC only showed reduced lactoferrin after competition. The results presented here demonstrate that intensive training in combination with RWC affects the mucosal immunity and disrupts the cortisol stress response of elite female TKD athletes.
Comparison of injuries sustained on artificial turf and grass by male and female elite football players
Authors: Ekstrand J. , Hägglund M. , Fuller C. W.
Published: April 2010

The objective of this study was to compare incidences and patterns of injury for female and male elite teams when playing football on artificial turf and grass. Twenty teams (15 male, 5 female) playing home matches on third‐generation artificial turf were followed prospectively; their injury risk when playing on artificial turf pitches was compared with the risk when playing on grass. Individual exposure, injuries (time loss) and injury severity were recorded by the team medical staff. In total, 2105 injuries were recorded during 246 000 h of exposure to football. Seventy‐one percent of the injuries were traumatic and 29% overuse injuries. There were no significant differences in the nature of overuse injuries recorded on artificial turf and grass for either men or women. The incidence (injuries/1000 player‐hours) of acute (traumatic) injuries did not differ significantly between artificial turf and grass, for men (match 22.4 v 21.7; RR 1.0 (95% CI 0.9–1.2); training 3.5 v 3.5; RR 1.0 (0.8–1.2)) or women [match 14.9 v 12.5; RR 1.2 (0.8–1.8); training 2.9 v 2.8; RR 1.0 (0.6–1.7)]. During matches, men were less likely to sustain a quadriceps strain (P=0.031) and more likely to sustain an ankle sprain (P=0.040) on artificial turf.
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AQUEOUS DISPERSIONS OF TRAGACANTH AND GUAR GUMS AT DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: CHENLO F. , MOREIRA R. , SILVA C.
Published: April 2010

Rheological studies of tragacanth and guar gums dispersions were carried out by means of steady shear (3 to 1000/s) and small amplitude oscillatory shear experiments (0.1 to 10 rad/s) for concentrations up to 8.9 g/L for tragacanth and 7.6 g/L for guar gum at 25C using stress controlled rheometer. The dispersions exhibited shear‐thinning characteristics. A simplified Cross model was adequate to fit the shear‐dependent viscosity behavior for both gums. Model parameters for guar gum were correlated with concentration employing power functions (with flow index constant) and for tragacanth gum the dependence was linear for flow index, power for time constant and exponential for zero‐shear rate viscosity. Mechanical spectra revealed that dispersions behave as dilute systems of coil polymers with trend to entangled systems at the highest concentrations. Loss and storage moduli were correlated with frequency and the resulting parameters were correlated with concentration. Cox–Merz rule holds satisfactorily.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Guar and tragacanth gums are natural thickeners that have many applications in pharmaceutical, food, paper, textile, oil painting and cosmetic industries, among others. The addition of these hydrocolloids at low concentration to systems can give a great variety of functions such as enhancement of viscosity, improvement of texture, formation of films, encapsulation of flavors, creation of gel‐structures, etc. In this work, mathematical relationships are proposed for the variation of apparent viscosity and loss and storage moduli with concentration for both gums.
NMR‐Based Design and Evaluation of Novel Bidentate Inhibitors of the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase YopH
Authors: Leone Marilisa , Barile Elisa , Vazquez Jesus , Mei Angel , Guiney Donald , Dahl Russel , Pellecchia Maurizio
Published: April 2010

We describe the use of a furanyl salicyl nitroxide derivative (‘spin‐labeled’ compound), as a paramagnetic phosphotyrosine mimetic, to carry out a second‐site screening by NMR against the PTPase YopH from Yersinia pestis. Using such a fragment‐based screening approach we identified several small molecules targeting YopH that bind at sites adjacent to the spin‐labeled compound. These second‐site fragments were subsequently used to design and synthesize bidentate YopH inhibitors with submicromolar in vitro inhibition, selectivity against the human PTPase PTP1B, and cellular activity against Y. pseudotuberculosis. These initial compounds could result useful in elucidating the structural determinants necessary for YopH inhibition and may help in the design of even more active, selective and cell permeable compounds for the development of novel therapies against Yersiniae.
“To the Uplift and Protection of Young Womanhood”: African-American Women at Iowa's Private Colleges and the University of Iowa, 1878–1928
Authors: Breaux Richard M.
Published: April 2010

In the fall semester of 1894, Ida Mae Godfrey entered Iowa Wesleyan College (IWC), a small predominantly white coeducational institution in the southeast Iowa town of Mount Pleasant Godfrey, like dozens of whites and eight blacks before her, had graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and was soon faced with a decision concerning the next steps in her life. She could, as did many young black and white women, marry, settle, and raise a family, but her personal and professional aspirations likely convinced her that a college education was the best choice. Although enrolled at IWC, Godfrey most likely lived at home while she attended school. This allowed her parents and extended family to shield her from some of the racial prejudices and possible sexual abuses she may have experienced had she gone away to college and worked as a domestic in a white home to pay for school. In temporarily exerting control over their daughter's life, Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey helped to preserve Ida's mental and physical energies so that she might advance through school and enter one of the most respectable occupations open to black women in the late nineteenth century—teaching.
Students Writing Race at Southern Public Women's Colleges, 1884–1945
Authors: Gold David
Published: April 2010

Scholars have long debated the complicity of Southern white women after the Civil War in helping create a racialist and racist regional identity and denying or delaying civil rights for African Americans. These studies have largely focused on the activities of elite white women property owners, club members, and writers. Yet few scholars have examined college women's activities in this regard, particularly those of the eightpubliccolleges for women established in the South between 1884 and 1908: Mississippi State College for Women (MSCW) (1884), Georgia State College for Women (1889), Winthrop College in South Carolina (1891), North Carolina College for Women (NCCW) (1891), Alabama College for Women (ACW) (1893), Texas State College for Women (TSCW) (1901), Florida State College for Women (FSCW) (1905), and Oklahoma College for Women (1908). Little studied today, these schools served as important centers of women's education in their states, collectively educating approximately 100,000 women before World War II and with combined enrollments exceeding that of the Seven Sisters schools for many years.
Assessing Validity by Comparing Transition and Static Measures of Dyspnea in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Smithline Howard A. , Caglar Selin , Blank Fidela S. J.
Published: April 2010

This study assessed the convergent validity of 2 dyspnea measures, the transition measure and the change measure, by comparing them with each other in patients admitted to the hospital with acute decompensated heart failure. Static measures of dyspnea were obtained at baseline (pre‐static measure) and at time 1 hour and 4 hour (post‐static measures). The change measure was calculated as the difference between the pre‐static and post‐static measures. Transition measures were obtained at time 1 hour and 4 hour. Visual analog scales and Likert scales were used. Both physicians and patients measured the dyspnea independently. A total of 112 patients had complete data sets at time 0 and 1 hour and 86 patients had complete data sets at all 3 time points. Correlations were calculated between the transition measures and static measures (pre‐static, post‐static, and change measure). Bland‐Altman plots were generated and the mean difference and limits of agreement between the transition measures and the change measures were calculated. In general, short‐term dyspnea assessment using transition measures and serial static measures can not be used to validate each other in this population of patients being admitted with acute decompensated heart failure. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:202–207. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of Kidney Dysfunction on Plasma and Urinary N‐Terminal Pro‐B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Manzano‐Fernández Sergio , Januzzi James Louis , Boronat‐García Miguel , Pastor Patricia , Albaladejo‐Otón María Dolores , Garrido Iris P. , Bayes‐Genis Antoni , Valdés Mariano , Pascual‐Figal Domingo A.
Published: April 2010

The precise mechanism explaining the increased N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) concentrations among patients with concomitant acute heart failure (AHF) and kidney dysfunction is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of kidney dysfunction on simultaneous measures of plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP in an unselected cohort of patients with AHF. One hundred thirty‐eight consecutive hospitalized patients (median age: 74 years; interquartile range: 67–80 years; 54% male) with a diagnosis of AHF were prospectively studied. Blood and urine samples were collected on hospital arrival to determine NT‐proBNP concentrations. Both plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP concentrations increased with declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; P<.001 for both). However, after multivariate adjustment, eGFR was found to be an independent predictor of plasma (but not urinary) NT‐proBNP concentration (eGFR: β=−0.19; P=.016). Indeed, plasma NT‐proBNP was the main independent determinant of its urinary concentration (β=0.42; P<.001), and the ratio of urine/plasma NT‐proBNP was independent of kidney function and similar across the range of eGFR examined (P=.368). In patients with AHF and concomitant kidney dysfunction, the increased circulating NT‐proBNP may be mainly related to increased cardiac secretion and not decreased renal clearance. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:214–220. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgical treatment of iris and ciliary body melanoma: follow‐up of a 25‐year series of patients
Authors: Klauber Stefan , Jensen Peter K. , Prause Jan U. , Kessing Svend V.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:  To evaluate outcome of surgical resection of iris and irido‐ciliary melanomas.

Method:  Retrospective analysis of all cases treated in Denmark 1975–1999 with clinical follow‐up in 2002 and death certificate analysis in 2008. A quality of life questionnaire was completed at follow‐up.

Results:  A total of 53 patients were identified. Of these, 47 were examined at follow‐up. Median observation time was 7.15 years (range 0.3–27.4 years). Five patients had died of nonmelanoma causes, and one could not be reached because of immigration. None of the patient had melanoma metastases, and none had died of melanoma‐related causes. Only one patient had a local recurrence, which was successfully treated by cryotherapy. The quality of life‐related questions demonstrated that most patients (40) suffered from photophobia, and eight patients had changed their driving habits, not driving at night time. However, none had changed job as a consequence of the surgical treatment. Only two patients were emotionally affected by the diagnosis of iris melanoma.

Conclusion:  Resection of small iris and irido‐ciliary melanomas is a safe and efficient procedure, provided that strict diagnostic and surgical procedures are followed and the preoperative intraocular pressure is normal.
Evidence‐based medicine knowledge, attitudes, and practices among doctors in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysena Chrishantha , Jayawardana Pushpa , Wickremasinghe Rajitha , Wickramasinghe Uthpala
Published: April 2010

Objective To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on evidence‐based medicine (EBM) among doctors in selected hospitals in Sri Lanka.

Methods A cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted among 315 doctors in five government hospitals in Sri Lanka between December 2007 and January 2008. A pre‐tested self‐administered questionnaire was used to gather information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices.

Results Of the 407 invited, 315 doctors participated, among whom, 87% (271) had heard the term EBM, 30% (n= 94) were aware of the Cochrane Library, and 8.5% (n= 27) were current users of it. Forty‐seven per cent (n= 148) claimed to understand the terms systematic review and 37% (n= 115) meta‐analysis. Twenty‐four per cent (n= 77) had been exposed to some form of EBM training. All three components of EBM were known by 18% (n= 56) of participants. Attitudes toward EBM were positive among 76% (n= 239), 80% (n= 251) believed the practice of EBM would lead to improved patient care, and 77% (n= 243) considered EBM to be fundamental to professional practice. Just 3% (n= 13) considered it unimportant. EBM was used in clinical practice by 54% (n= 169) of participants. Thirty‐six per cent (n= 114) referred to EBM sources when relevant. Available clinical guidelines were referred to by 56% (n= 176), and 34% (n= 107) thought that available guidelines provide sufficient support for the practice of EBM. The main barriers to practicing EBM were insufficient resources, overwork, lack of exposure to EBM, and lack of time and lack of endorsement of the need to practice EBM.

Conclusions Knowledge and practices of EBM among Sri Lanka doctors were poor. However, attitudes toward EBM were relatively good.
Creating Mature Thinkers in Interior Design: Pathways of Intellectual Development
Authors: Carmel–Gilfilen Candy , Portillo Margaret
Published: April 2010

Critical thinking skills are essential to meeting the economic, sustainable, and social challenges of the future. The purpose of this study was to explore critical thinking in interior design students using the W. G. Perry (1968) scheme, a model of epistemic cognitive development describing how thinking in college students progresses from black–and–white absolutes to a contextual understanding of knowledge. The authors present findings from a study involving 32 beginning and intermediate interior design students who were empirically assessed on global and design–specific thought development using the Measure of Intellectual Development ( Widick & Knefelkamp, 1974 ) and the Measure of Designing ( Portillo, 1987 ), respectively. The study objectives were to examine thought development in interior design students, investigate the relationship between global and design thinking, and explore relationships between thought development, student performance, and class standing. The results supported three levels of thought development: dualistic, transitional, and multiplistic with overall thinking appeared to be more advanced than thinking in design. The study also revealed both types of thinking significantly related to studio performance and class standing. The Perry model appears to have strong potential for understanding thought development in interior design students.
High resolution Raman imaging of single wall carbon nanotubes using electrochemically etched gold tips and a radially polarized annular beam
Authors: Roy D. , Williams C.
Published: April 2010

A tip-enhanced Raman spectrometer (TERS) has been developed based on a shear-force atomic force microscope to perform imaging and spectroscopic measurement on single wall carbon nanotubes with a spatial resolution comparable to the diameter of the tip. A radially polarized circular beam was used to generate field enhancement at the tip end resulting in more intense tip-enhanced Raman signal. Further improvement in image contrast was achieved using a radially polarized annular beam. Generation of stronger longitudinal-polarization component at the focal point led to higher field enhancement at the tip end and improved image contrast in TERS images.
Conversion of Sugars to Lactic Acid Derivatives Using Heterogeneous Zeotype Catalysts
Authors: Holm Martin Spangsberg , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel , Taarning Esben
Published: April 2010

Approaching Lactate Inorganically

Conversion of biomass to value-added chemical compounds currently relies in large part on fermentation. For full-scale displacement of petroleum as the chemical industry's primary feedstock, alternative conversion technologies will be necessary.

Holm
et al.

(p.
602
) have found that Lewis acidic zeolite derivatives suspended in methanol can catalyze the selective conversion of glucose, fructose, and sucrose sugars to methyl lactate, a versatile synthetic intermediate for commercial products. The catalysts were easily separated from product mixtures and proved robust over six reaction and regeneration cycles.