bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of amelanotic melanomas that are not of the nodular subtype
Authors: Jaimes N. , Braun R.P. , Thomas L. , Marghoob A.A.
Published: May 2011

Background  Amelanotic melanomas remain challenging to diagnose.

Objective  To analyze and describe the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of amelanotic melanomas that are not of the nodular subtype.

Patients/Methods  We conducted a retrospective review of 20 consecutively diagnosed amelanotic melanomas. The clinical and dermoscopic images of pathologically confirmed amelanotic melanomas that were not of the nodular subtype were analyzed. In addition, the clinical diagnosis and the reasons why these lesions were biopsied were examined.

Results  All 20 amelanotic melanomas were erythematous and lacked any of the clinical ABCD features commonly attributed to melanoma. The lesions appeared clinically to be relatively symmetric with regular borders and manifesting a circular to oval morphology. Dermoscopically, all lesions manifested polymorphous vascular pattern.

Conclusions  Amelanotic melanomas that are not of the nodular subtype often present as clinically symmetric erythematous lesions. Therefore, it is important to consider AMs in the differential diagnosis of isolated and persistent erythematous outlier lesions, even if they are symmetric in appearance. Additionally, the presence of a polymorphous vascular pattern seen with dermoscopy can facilitate in correctly identifying these melanomas.
Parents with learning disabilities and speech and language therapy. A service evaluation of referrals and episodes of care
Authors: Stansfield Jois
Published: May 2011

Accessible summary

 Some people with learning disabilities are parents.

 Sometimes, it is hard to understand and explain things when you are a parent.

 Speech and language therapists can help parents to understand and explain things.

The speech and language therapy (SLT) service in an area of northern England receives referrals of parents who have learning disabilities. The aim of this study was to identify current referral patterns and quantify the level of demand upon the SLT service from this relatively new referral population to enable to service to meet the needs of these clients. Data covering a 24‐month period was collected. The SLT clinical database was interrogated to establish the number of parent referrals, and a case note audit was carried out to identify the reason for referral and number of contacts. Results indicted that over a fifth of referrals during that period were of parents, including a relatively high proportion of young women. The SLT service in the area appears to be seen by referrers as a source of support for people with learning disabilities who are or are about to become parents. Several referrals were related to the imminence of court cases, while others reflected the possibility of supporting parents to increase their communication skills to be good enough parents. The level of demand on the service suggests an increase in people who are experiencing communication challenges resulting from their opportunities to live an ordinary life as parents.
Effect of osmotic‐release oral system methylphenidate on different domains of attention and executive functioning in children with attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder
Authors: BLUM NATHAN J , JAWAD ABBAS F , CLARKE ANGELA T , POWER THOMAS J
Published: May 2011

Aim  This study investigated whether components of attention and executive functioning improve when children with attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are treated with osmotic‐release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate.

Method  Thirty children (24 males, six females; mean age 8y 6mo, SD 1y 11mo; range 6y 5mo –12y 6mo) with ADHD combined type participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial with the child’s clinically most effective dose as identified with a systematic open‐label titration procedure. After 1 week on each treatment (placebo and OROS methylphenidate), a neuropsychological battery that assessed sustained attention, selective attention, attentional control, response inhibition, and working memory was administered. This battery included the Gordon Diagnostic System, seven subtests of the Test of Everyday Attention for Children, and two tests of working memory.

Results  Performance on two of three tests of response inhibition improved on OROS methylphenidate compared with placebo (p<0.01). Performance on one of two tasks assessing attentional control and one of five measures assessing sustained attention demonstrated clear improvement. There was no improvement on the two tasks assessing selective attention or the two tasks assessing working memory.

Interpretation  When OROS methylphenidate was used to treat children with ADHD at the clinically most effective dose, general improvement was noted on tasks requiring response inhibition; response to treatment in other domains was either variable or not demonstrated.
Emotional words impact the mind but not the body: Evidence from pupillary responses
Authors: Bayer Mareike , Sommer Werner , Schacht Annekathrin
Published: May 2011

Pupillary responses have been shown to be sensitive to both task load and emotional content. We investigated the interplay of these factors in the processing of single words that varied in emotional valence and arousal. Two tasks of different cognitive load, uninstructed reading and a lexical decision task, were employed, followed by an unannounced recognition task. Reaction times were faster and incidental memory performance was better for high‐arousing than for low‐arousing words. In contrast to previous findings for pictures and sounds, high‐arousing words elicited smaller pupillary responses than low‐arousing words; these effects were independent of task load, which increased pupil diameter. Therefore, emotional arousal attributed to words does not mandatorily activate the autonomic nervous system, but rather works on a cognitive level, facilitating word processing.
Support as a complement, intrusion and right – evidence from ageing and disability support service users in Sweden and Australia
Authors: Laragy Carmel , Fisher Karen R. , Cedersund Elisabet , Campbell‐McLean Carolyn
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 745–753
 
Support as a complement, intrusion and right – evidence from ageing and disability support service users in Sweden and Australia

How service users conceptualise their personal support services is under researched, even though this understanding is important for responsive policy development and service implementation. This paper tests the proposition that service users understand formal support in three ways: support is a complement to their other arrangements, an intrusion into their personal life and a right. These three concepts were identified using discourse analysis in a Swedish study of older people wanting in‐home support services. To test generalisability of these concepts, they were applied to data from an Australian study of people using disability personal support. The analysis found that the three concepts were core to people’s views of their support, although the construction of the concepts differed in the two countries. Service users in Sweden asserted their right to services more forcefully than those in Australia, and they had higher expectations that their support needs would be met. These differences reflect the impact of each country’s social policy environment on service users’ expectations. The analysis suggests that service users and their families want to control their formal support arrangements to complement their informal care and their life preferences and to minimise the intrusive aspects of formal support. The findings imply that the three concepts have utility for theorising service users’ perspectives, informing policy and developing implementation strategies which enhance peoples’ quality of life.
Increased self‐awareness in the process of returning to work
Authors: Haugstvedt Karen Therese Sulheim , Hallberg Ulrika , Graff‐Iversen Sidsel , Sørensen Marit , Haugli Liv
Published: May 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 762–770
 
Increased self‐awareness in the process of returning to work

Background:  A group of employees on sick leave, living in the Oslo area, Norway, was offered participation in a counselling programme, based on Gestalt theory, mindfulness and phenomenological understanding of the body.

Aims:  To explore the participants’ processes of change related to their increased ability to work.

Method design:  This qualitative study is based on modified grounded theory.

Method:  A total of 12 female employees, all who had increased work ability 1 year after the programme, participated in open focus‐group interviews at the end of the programme.

Findings:  The participants’ experiences from processes of change are described through the following categories: becoming more aware of one’s own thoughts, emotions and bodily reactions; taking oneself seriously and accepting oneself; being secure enough to face being challenged; realizing new possibilities and choices and trying out new ways of acting. The participants further described what had been helpful in these processes. Experience of a secure setting and open‐minded listening seemed important for getting the courage to open up to all reactions. Then, they could explore new ways of thinking, communicating and behaving. Discussing existential issues such as their core values was important. This, together with being allowed to take their own emotions seriously and being challenged by the counsellors, had encouraged the processes of change.

Conclusions:  The women described how experiences of increased awareness contributed to reconstruction of their self‐understanding and opened up for new possibilities. This seemed to have provided them with new ways of communicating and acting, which enhanced participation in work. The context of the learning programme, the existential issues and counselling challenges appeared as essential in these processes of change. The findings give insights into aspects that may be important when designing rehabilitation programmes.
A proof‐of‐concept, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multiple cross‐overs (n‐of‐1) study of naftazone in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rascol Olivier , Ferreira Joaquim , Nègre‐Pages Laurence , Perez‐Lloret Santiago , Lacomblez Lucette , Galitzky Monique , Lemarié Jean‐Christophe , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Brotchie Jonathan M. , Bossi Laura
Published: May 2011

To explore for the first time the tolerability and efficacy of naftazone in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Proof‐of‐concept, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multiple‐cross‐over n‐of‐1 study in patients with PD with wearing‐off and dyskinesias. Naftazone was titrated up to 120 mg/day during an initial single‐blind dose‐finding phase. Seven patients entered the placebo‐controlled phase (four consecutive 28‐day cross‐overs). Three outcome measures were used to collect preliminary indices of efficacy: (i) 48‐h ON‐OFF diaries; (ii) Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III while ON; (iii) seven‐point Likert scale to assess “patients’ discomfort caused by dyskinesias” (Q1) and ‘disability during OFF‐periods’ (Q2). A ‘responder’ analysis (proportion of patients with mean treatment effect [naftazone minus placebo] favoring naftazone over the 4 cross‐over periods) was used. Treatment effects were derived from mixed‐effects anova. On diaries, 5/7 patients responded to naftazone for ‘ON‐time with troublesome dyskinesia’ (reduced time, treatment effect: −49 [95% CI: −93/−4] min, P = 0.03), 6/7 regarding ‘ON‐time without troublesome dyskinesia’ (increased time, treatment effect: 35 [−19/88], P = 0.2). No trend was observed for ‘OFF’ time. There were 7/7 ‘responders’ regarding UPDRSIII (reduced score, treatment effect: −2.1[−4.5/0.2], P = 0.08). The 7‐point scales did not show clear trends in favor of naftazone (3/7 responders for Q1 and 4/7 for Q2). Four of the seven patients reported adverse events after randomization, mostly related to the CNS (mild: 2, severe: 2). These pilot findings are consistent with preclinical data in primates and support the hypothesis that naftazone may have antiparkinsonian and antidyskinetic effects in humans that deserve further clinical investigation.
Asset Value, Interest Rates and Oil Price Volatility*
Authors: ARORA VIPIN
Published: May 2011

Simulations from a standard two‐region model where producers respond to changes in interest rates are better able to match observed data than an identical model without supply‐side responses. This indicates that incorporating the supply‐side behaviour of oil producers is quantitatively important when endogenously modelling oil prices. These results have two implications. First, adding supply‐side responses can change the oil price/output relationship, which is a continuing topic of research interest. Second, if production is unable to adjust to interest rate changes, an important explanatory factor of oil price volatility may be missing.
Don't go to bed angry: Attachment, conflict, and affective and physiological reactivity
Authors: HICKS ANGELA M. , DIAMOND LISA M.
Published: May 2011

In 39 individuals in cohabiting relationships, the associations between naturally occurring couple conflict (assessed with end‐of‐day diaries) and next‐morning ratings of negative affect, sleep disruptions, and awakening cortisol response were tested. Low‐avoidant individuals showed heightened negative affect the morning after heightened quarreling. Yet high‐avoidant individuals reported lower negative affect the morning after heightened quarreling. Greater quarreling was associated with more subsequent sleep disruptions overall, but this association was significantly stronger among individuals with high attachment anxiety and significantly weaker among individuals with high attachment avoidance. Finally, quarreling was associated with a significantly dampened cortisol awakening response in high‐anxious women. The results have implications for understanding the distinct biopsychological pathways through which routine relationship experiences influence health‐related physical and mental functioning.
Spousal social control during a weight loss attempt: A daily diary study
Authors: NOVAK SARAH A. , WEBSTER GREGORY D.
Published: May 2011

The perceptions of spousal social control and the partners' behavior, affect, and relationship satisfaction at the start of a weight loss attempt were investigated. Gender and body mass index (BMI) were explored as moderators. To examine the short‐term effects of social control, participants completed daily assessments reporting spouses' influence and their own behavior and well‐being. Instrumental and reinforcing social control were associated with better health behavior, well‐being, and relationship satisfaction, but showed no impact over time. Monitoring control was inconsistently associated with health behavior and well‐being. BMI moderated some of the relations between social control strategies, health behavior, and well‐being. Findings suggest that spouses can contribute to partners' weight loss attempts with influence strategies, but considering weight status may determine which strategies are the most beneficial.
Attachment anxiety, verbal immediacy, and blood pressure: Results from a laboratory analog study following marital separation
Authors: LEE LAUREN A. , SBARRA DAVID A. , MASON ASHLEY E. , LAW RITA W.
Published: May 2011

Marital separation and divorce increase risk for all‐cause morbidity and mortality. Using a laboratory analog paradigm, this study examined attachment anxiety, language use, and blood pressure (BP) reactivity among 119 (n = 43 men, 76 women) recently separated adults who were asked to mentally reflect on their relationship history and separation experience. A language use composite of verbal immediacy from participants' stream‐of‐consciousness recordings about their separation experience as a behavioral index of attachment‐related hyperactivation was created. Verbal immediacy moderated the association between attachment anxiety and BP at the beginning of a divorce‐specific activation task. Participants reporting high attachment anxiety who discussed their separation in a first‐person, present‐oriented, and highly engaged manner evidenced the highest levels of BP at the start of the divorce‐specific task. Results provide a deeper understanding of the association between marital dissolution and health and suggest that verbal immediacy may be a useful behavioral index of hyperactivating coping strategies.
Mind–body connections in personal relationships: What close relationships researchers have to offer
Authors: LOVING TIMOTHY J. , CAMPBELL LORNE
Published: May 2011

This special issue on “mind–body connections in personal relationships” brings together 8 empirical contributions by researchers from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. The objectives for this issue were threefold: (a) to highlight research being conducted by close relationships researchers, (b) to foster disciplinary cross‐pollination, and (c) to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the research in this domain. The quality of the submissions received for this special issue ensured that all of these objectives were met. The primary goal for this introduction to the special issue was to briefly outline how close relationships scholars are in prime position to contribute to a holistic understanding of the mechanisms underlying the reciprocal association between close relationships and physical/physiological functioning.
Colonic, ureteral, and vascular injuries secondary to stick impalement in a dog
Authors: Menard Julie , Schoeffler Gretchen L.
Published: May 2011

Objective –To report the surgical repair, case management, and outcome of a dog with sepsis and severe intraabdominal trauma secondary to a penetrating stick injury.

Case or Series Summary –A 1.5‐year‐old, spayed female, mixed‐breed dog was presented to the emergency service after incurring a small laceration on the medial aspect of the left pelvic limb while running in the woods. The wound was surgically explored and a primary closure achieved. The patient was discharged the same day with oral antimicrobial therapy. The following morning the dog was represented to the emergency service for acute vomiting. Abdominal radiographs were performed and demonstrated loss of serosal detail and pneumoperitoneum. An emergency celiotomy was performed and revealed distal colonic perforation, left ureteral laceration, and lacerations of the left common iliac vein. Ureteronephrectomy, as well as primary closure of the distal colonic perforation and left common iliac vein lacerations, were performed. The patient recovered and was ultimately discharged from the hospital 5 days later. Follow‐up 1 year later revealed no significant physical exam or biochemical abnormalities.

New or Unique Information Provided –A seemingly benign penetrating stick injury initially deemed to be superficial in nature was later demonstrated to have resulted in sepsis following severe intraabdominal trauma that included lacerations of the distal colon, left ureter, and left common iliac vein in a dog. Successful surgical management and intensive care led to a full recovery without any residual impairment noted a year later.
A Test of the Economic Strain Model on Adolescents' Prosocial Behaviors
Authors: Carlo Gustavo , Padilla‐Walker Laura M. , Day Randal D.
Published: May 2011

The present study was designed to examine the links between economic strain, parental depression, parent–child connectedness, and adolescents' prosocial behaviors. The sample consisted of 478 participants (Mage at Time 1=11.29 years, 51% male) recruited from the community who were mostly of European American descent (69%) and from mostly middle to upper SES families. At Time 1 parents completed measures of their own income and economic stress, depression, and connectedness with their child. At Time 1 adolescents reported on connectedness with both their mother and father. At Time 2 (1 year later) adolescents reported on their own prosocial behavior toward strangers, friends, and family. Structural equation model tests showed that economic strain was related positively to parental depressive symptoms, which in turn predicted lower levels of parent–child connectedness, which in turn positively predicted adolescents' prosocial behaviors. Discussion focuses on the family context of adolescents' positive behavioral outcomes.
Stability and Change in Private and Public Ethnic Regard Among African American, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Chinese American Early Adolescents
Authors: Hughes Diane , Way Niobe , Rivas‐Drake Deborah
Published: May 2011

Over the past 20 years, researchers have demonstrated that ethnic identity in adolescence is multifaceted and dynamic, encompassing a number of aspects of content and self‐definition. The present study examines private regard (i.e., youths' positive evaluations of their ethnic group) as well as public regard, which refers to their perceptions of others' evaluations of the group. The primary objective of the present study was to examine stability versus change in private and public regard among an ethnically diverse sample of early adolescents as they progressed through middle school. Using data from a longitudinal investigation of 6th graders, we found that private regard was stable over time and quite positive for all groups. In addition, while Chinese American youths' public regard tended to increase over time, African American, Puerto Rican, and Dominican youths' public regard decreased across the middle school years. Implications for ethnic identity theory are discussed.
Anxiety/Depression and Hostility/Suspiciousness in Adolescent Boys: Testing Adherence to Honor Code as Mediator of Callousness and Attachment Insecurity
Authors: Somech Lior Y. , Elizur Yoel
Published: May 2011

Research of psychological distress (PD) needs to differentiate between anxiety/depression and hostility/suspiciousness, which are associated with different motivational systems. In this study, structural equation modeling was used to test two hypothesized models for the prediction of each facet of PD. Hypotheses were proposed about the effects of callousness and attachment insecurity, and the mediating role of adherence to honor code (AHC), with respect to each PD facet. AHC was defined by the endorsement of honor culture attitudes. The sample included 136 adolescent boys from high‐ and low‐level Israeli schools. The results supported the differentiation between two PD models. AHC mediated the prediction of hostility/suspiciousness by callousness and attachment insecurity. Age and attachment insecurity predicted anxiety/depression. However, AHC and callousness did not predict anxiety/depression.
Public Managers as the Missing Variable in Policy Studies: An Empirical Investigation Using Canadian Data
Authors: Howlett Michael
Published: May 2011

The article draws on survey data from a 2007–09 study of Canadian policy analysts to assess several propositions concerning the role of public managers in policy‐making. It is argued that little is known and much taken for granted concerning the role public managers play in policy making. The discussion begins with a conceptual discussion of the nature of policy advice systems in modern governments and situates public managers among the range of actors who affect different stages of policy making activity. Propositions derived from this conceptual discussion are then subject to empirical analysis using a large‐n 2007–09 Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial dataset.
The Era of State Energy Policy Innovation: A Review of Policy Instruments
Authors: Carley Sanya
Published: May 2011

U.S. energy and climate policy has evolved from the bottom‐up, led by state governments, and internationally recognized for the use of unconventional and innovative policy instruments. This study focuses on policy instruments adopted throughout the era of state energy policy innovation that aim to diversify, decentralize, and decarbonize the electricity sector. Specific attention is devoted to the renewable portfolio standard, net metering, interconnection standards, tax incentives, public benefit funds, and energy efficiency resource standards. This analysis synthesizes the findings from the energy policy literature and provides a summary of the current state of understanding about the effects of various state energy policy instruments, and concludes with a discussion of broader trends that have emerged from the use of policy instruments in the state energy policy innovation era.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus in spontaneously aborted products of conception
Authors: SKOCZYŃSKI MARIUSZ , GOŹDZICKA‐JÓZEFIAK ANNA , KWAŚNIEWSKA ANNA
Published: May 2011

Objective. To compare the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in placentas from women with spontaneous abortions and from control women after term delivery. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. Department of Obstetrics and Pathology of Pregnancy, Medical University of Lublin (Poland). Population. Patients whose spontaneous abortions occurred between the 6th and the 16th week of pregnancy (n=51), and women after term delivery (n=78). Method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Main outcome measures. HPV DNA prevalence rate and the fraction of HPV 16/18 infections in aborted products of conception and placentas. Results. Patients with spontaneous abortion did not differ from the controls in terms of mean age and the fraction of primiparas. The DNA of HPV was detected in 17.7% of aborted products of conception and in 24.4% of placentas from term deliveries. The aborted products of conception and full‐term placentas were positive for HPV 16/18 in 11.8 and 12.8% cases, respectively. Patients whose material was positive for HPV DNA or those with confirmed HPV 16/18 did not differ significantly from HPV‐negative women in terms of mean age and the fraction of primiparas. Conclusions. The HPV 16/18 infection rate does not seem be higher in cases of spontaneous abortions. Nevertheless, further study of the consequences of HPV infection in pregnancy is still needed.
Intramembrane Proteolysis in Regulated Protein Trafficking
Authors: Lemberg Marius K.
Published: May 2011

Regulated intramembrane proteolysis is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which membrane‐anchored bioactive molecules are released from cellular membranes. In eukaryotic cells, intramembrane proteases are found in different cellular organelles ranging from the endosomal system to mitochondria and chloroplasts. These proteases function in diverse processes such as transcription control, regulated growth factor secretion and recently even a role in the control of mitophagy has been suggested. Genomic annotation has predicted 13 different intramembrane proteases in humans. Apart from few studied examples, very little is known about their function. This review describes emerging principles of how intramembrane proteases contribute to the regulation of cellular protein trafficking in eukaryotic cells and raises the important question of how their activity is controlled.
Risk factors for sedation‐related events during procedural sedation in the emergency department
Authors: Taylor David McD , Bell Anthony , Holdgate Anna , MacBean Catherine , Huynh Truc , Thom Ogilvie , Augello Michael , Millar Robert , Day Robert , Williams Aled , Ritchie Peter , Pasco John
Published: May 2011

Objective:To determine the nature, incidence and risk factors for sedation‐related events during ED procedural sedation, with particular focus on the drugs administered.

Methods:Eleven Australian EDs enrolled consecutive adult and paediatric patients between January 2006 and December 2008. Patients were included if a sedative drug was administered for an ED procedure. Data collection was prospective and employed a specifically designed form. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to determine risk factors for sedation‐related events.

Results:Two thousand, six hundred and twenty‐three patients were enrolled (60.3% male, mean age 39.2 years). Reductions of fracture/dislocations of shoulders, wrists and ankles were most common. Four hundred and sixty‐one (17.6%) cases experienced at least one airway event that required intervention. Airway obstruction, hypoventilation and desaturation occurred in 12.7%, 6.4% and 3.7% of all patients, respectively. Two thousand, one hundred and forty‐six cases had complete datasets for further analyses. Increasing age and level of sedation, pre‐medication with fentanyl, and sedation with propofol, midazolam or fentanyl were risk factors for an airway event (P< 0.05). Ketamine was a protective factor. Hypotension (systolic pressure <80 mmHg) occurred in 34 (1.6%) cases with midazolam being a significant risk factor (P< 0.001). Vomiting also occurred in 34 (1.6%) cases, 12 of whom required an intervention. One patient aspirated. Vomiting occurred after administration of all drugs but was not associated with fasting status. Other events were rare.

Conclusions:Sedation‐related events, especially airway events, are common but very rarely have an adverse outcome. Elderly patients, deeply sedated with short‐acting agents, are at particular risk. The results will help tailor sedation to individual patients.
Zoledronic acid to prevent bone loss in Chinese men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: YEE Chi‐hang , NG Chi‐fai , WONG Annie YF , CHAN Chi‐kowk , HOU See‐ming , YIP Sidney KH
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To explore the bone mineral density (BMD) preservation effect of zoledronic acid and its renal safety and tolerability in Chinese patients with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Methods:  Overall 26 prostate cancer patients with ADT were given zoledronic acid 4 mg by a 15‐min i.v. infusion every 3 months for up to 12 months. Assessment was made at baseline and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to measure the BMD of the lumbar spine and the femoral neck at baseline and 12 months.

Results:  A total of 23 of 26 recruited patients completed the study. Seven patients had bone metastases. The overall mean increase in BMD (T‐score) of the lumbar spine and femoral head from baseline to follow up at 12 months was significant (−2.32 ± 0.98 to −2.03 ± 1.08, P = 0.02 and −1.77 ± 0.72 to −1.63 ± 0.76, P = 0.01, respectively). In subgroup analyses, significant BMD improvement was observed independent of the status of bone metastasis and the means of ADT. Zoledronic acid had no adverse effect on renal function. Adverse events related to zoledronic acid were minimal.

Conclusion:  Zoledronic acid administered every 3 months significantly increased BMD in prostate cancer patients receiving ADT. It had a satisfactory adverse event profile and imposed minimal risk on patients' renal function.
Radioimmunotherapy with 131I‐rituximab for patients with relapsed/refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)
Authors: KANG Hye J , LEE Seung S , KIM Kyeong M , CHOI Tae H , CHEON Gi J , KIM Won S , SUH Cheolwon , YANG Sung H , LIM Sang M
Published: May 2011

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with radioiodinated human/murine chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (131I‐rituximab) for treating Korean patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL).

Methods:  All patients received unlabeled rituximab 70 mg immediately prior to the administration of a therapeutic dose (median dose: 7.3 GBq) of 131I‐rituximab. The tumor response was evaluated 1 month later by contrast enhanced 18F‐fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography.

Results:  Between May 2004 and October 2006, 24 patients received single treatment with 131I‐rituximab. The overall response rate (ORR) was 29%; 46% (three complete responses, two partial responses (PR) for patients with low grade B‐cell NHL (LGL) and 9% (one PR) for patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). After a median follow‐up of 55 months, the median progression‐free survival (PFS) for all the patients was 2.2 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 11.3 months. There were statistically significant differences between the LGL and the DLBCL for the median PFS (4.5 months vs 1.3 months, respectively, P = 0.0007) and the median OS (30.3 months vs 6.5 months, respectively, P = 0.0295). Grades 3–4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 33% (8/24) and 21% (5/24) of the patients, respectively.

Conclusion:  RIT with 131I‐rituximab seems to be effective and tolerable for patients with refractory LGL, although this treatment had modest activity in patients with refractory DLBCL. Further studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of 131I‐rituximab for treating the patients with DLBCL.
Clinical guidance on the perioperative use of targeted agents in solid tumor oncology
Authors: MELLOR James D , CASSUMBHOY Michelle , JEFFORD Michael
Published: May 2011

The use of targeted anti‐cancer agents is increasing. It is common to utilize a multi‐modal treatment approach towards solid tumors, often including surgical resection, and it has become apparent that some targeted agents can impair wound healing or cause an increased risk of perioperative complications. This article reviews targeted agents used in solid tumor oncology with an emphasis on clinically relevant details. Overall, the evidence of targeted agents causing surgical complications is limited. The greatest amount of evidence exists for bevacizumab causing perioperative complications, possibly due to its extended half‐life. There are limited data for cetuximab, sorafenib and sunitinib and very little for other solid tumor targeted agents. Our findings suggest that there should be heightened pharmacovigilence around targeted agents with respect to perioperative complications and increased post‐surgical support for patients to aid early detection of postoperative complications until definitive data become available.
Evidence on the economic value of psychosocial interventions to alleviate anxiety and depression among cancer survivors: A systematic review
Authors: GORDON Louisa G , BEESLEY Vanessa L , SCUFFHAM Paul A
Published: May 2011

Aim: With cancer cases expected to rise in the coming decades, increased demands will be placed on our health system to address the psychosocial care of patients affected by cancer. The objective of this study was to review the evidence on the cost effectiveness of psychological interventions for individuals with cancer.

Methods: A systematic review was undertaken to assess the cost effectiveness of psychosocial approaches specifically treating depression or anxiety, or both, in patients with cancer. Major medical databases were searched together with reference lists from eligible articles. A narrative approach was used to synthesise the findings and quality assessment was guided by recommendations by Drummond's 10‐point checklist for reporting health economic evaluations.

Results: The review yielded five cost‐effectiveness studies. Most interventions showed improvements in some psychological outcomes. Three studies reported slightly but not significantly higher health‐care costs for their intervention than their comparison groups. Costs of the interventions ranged from US$47 to $629 per patient. One study of patients with mixed cancer diagnoses used the preferred outcome “quality‐adjusted life years” (QALY) and found a cost‐effective investment for an intensive nurse‐led program with reported incremental costs of £5278 per QALY gained. No study undertook a comprehensive sensitivity analysis although two studies performed simple one‐way sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion: Current results are inconclusive due to study heterogeneity and inadequate analyses but suggest that psychosocial interventions are inexpensive on a per patient basis. Future studies should routinely include preference‐based utility instruments to capture psychological distress in economic evaluation.
An indirect comparison of bevacizumab plus cisplatin‐gemcitabine and cisplatin plus pemetrexed treatment for patients with advanced first‐line non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer in East Asia
Authors: CHANG John Wen‐Cheng , THONGPRASERT Sumitra , WRIGHT Elaine , TSANG Kenneth , KIM Heung Tae , AHN Myung‐Ju , KIM Joo‐Hang , KANG Jin Hyoung , KIM Sang‐We , WALZER Stefan
Published: May 2011

Aims:  To compare the relative efficacy of bevacizumab plus cisplatin‐gemcitabine chemotherapy (BevCG) with cisplatin plus pemetrexed (CP) in the first‐line treatment of advanced or recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in East Asian patients. In the absence of evidence from head‐to‐head trials, an adjusted indirect treatment comparison (ITC) approach was selected to compare these treatments.

Methods:  BevCG and CP treatments have been compared in their relative effects versus their common comparator, the CG treatment. Outcomes from the ITC were used in a statistical model to estimate progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the two treatments. The non‐proportional hazards log‐logistic, accelerated failure time model was selected as it provided the best fit. The ITC hazard ratio (HR) was conservatively adjusted to match what was observed between the cumulative hazard functions until the end of the Avastin in Lung trial follow‐up period.

Results:  The ITC analysis suggests that patients treated with Bev‐based treatment can expect more favorable outcomes in terms of both PFS and OS (PFS HR = 0.71 and OS HR = 0.41). Probabilistic sensitivity analyses of PFS and OS HR showed that HR values below 1 are likely to occur in 82% of patients for PFS HR and in 94% of patients for OS HR.

Conclusion:  BevCG can be considered a more effective therapy than CP for NSCLC patients in East Asia.
Physical effect of various submucosal elevation solutions for colorectal endoscopic procedure: Measuring the vertical‐to‐horizontal ratio
Authors: Day Weida , Saito Yutaka
Published: May 2011

Aim:  Submucosal elevation solution is an essential element used in endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for colorectal lesions. Therefore, it is important to select a suitable solution for the endoscopic procedure. The aim of the present study was to examine the real time vertical‐to‐horizontal (V–H) ratio physical effect of submucosal elevation solution during colorectal EMR.

Methods:  This was a prospective randomized study carried out at an endoscopy centre in a Hong Kong hospital. A total of 10 patients with 15 colorectal adenoma requiring EMR were recruited. The studied submucosal elevation solutions included normal saline, glycerol and hyaluronic acid. Before EMR, 3 mL of these solutions were injected in the submucosal space, one solution at a time. The vertical and horizontal length of the elevated submucosal space was measured by miniprobe ultrasound. V–H ratios of different solutions were calculated and compared. Vertical distance, horizontal distance and V–H ratio of the submucosal space after injection of the submucosal elevation agents were measured.

Results:  The mean size of lesions was 14 mm (range 10–20). Glycerol and hyaluronic acid had a significant higher V–H ratio than normal saline; the V–H ratio of normal saline, glycerol and hyaluronic Acid were 0.29, 0.53 and 0.50, respectively.

Limitations:  The exact volume of the injection was not certain, and the time between the injection and endoscopic ultrasound assessment was variable. These limitations were overcome by calculating the V–H ratio.

Conclusion:  Glycerol and hyaluronic acid have a higher V–H ratio, which makes them good submucosal elevation solutions.
A new method of corotation radius evaluation in our Galaxy
Authors: Acharova I. A. , Mishurov Yu. N. , Rasulova M. R.
Published: May 2011

We propose a new method for the determination of the rotation velocity of the Galactic spiral density waves, respectively the corotation radius, rC, in our Galaxy by means of a statistical analysis of the radial distribution of oxygen in the Galactic disc, derived over Cepheids. The corotation resonance happens to be located at rC∼ 7.0–7.6 kpc, depending on the rate of gas infall on to the Galactic disc, the statistical error being ∼0.3–0.4 kpc. Simultaneously, the constant for the rate of oxygen synthesis in the Galactic disc is determined.

We also argue in favour of very short time-scale formation of the Galactic disc, namely tf∼ 2 Gyr. This scenario enables us to solve the problem of the lack of intergalactic gas infall.
Molecular Modeling Studies on Benzimidazole Carboxamide Derivatives as PARP‐1 Inhibitors Using 3D‐QSAR and Docking
Authors: Zeng Huahui , Zhang Huabei , Jang Fubin , Zhao Lingzhou , Zhang Jianyuan
Published: May 2011

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) play significant roles in various cellular functions including DNA repair and control of RNA transcription. PARP‐1 inhibitors have been demonstrated to potentiate the effect of cytotoxic agents or radiation in a number of animal tumor models. To understand the structure–activity correlation of cyclic amine‐containing benzimidazole carboxamide‐based PARP‐1 inhibitors, we have carried out a combined molecular docking and three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) modeling study. Two types of satisfactory substructure‐based 3D‐QSAR models were built, including the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) model (r2, 0.913; q2, 0.743) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA) model (r2, 0.869; q2, 0.734), to predict the biologic activity of new compounds. Docking studies were performed to explore the binding mode between all of the inhibitors and the PARP‐1 and produce the bioactive conformation of each compound in the whole data set. The docked conformer‐based alignment strategy gave the best 3D‐QSAR models, CoMFA model (r2, 0.899; q2, 0.712) and CoMSIA model (r2, 0.889; q2, 0.744), respectively. The structural insights obtained from both the 3D‐QSAR contour maps and molecular docking help to better interpret the structure–activity relationship. The information obtained from molecular modeling studies helped us to predict the activity of new inhibitors and further design some novel and potent PARP‐1 enzyme inhibitors.
Directed donation and ownership of human organs
Authors: Pattinson Shaun D
Published: May 2011

This paper explores the issue of donation of organs from deceased donors for transplantation into a specified recipient. It argues that proper account should be taken of the principles underlying the Human Tissue Act 2004, which grant the donor a form of proprietary control. Three hypothetical scenarios are then used to draw out the implications of these principles for existing regulatory policy and the common law response to excised human organs. The paper concludes that the law should be understood as recognising ownership in organs removed from living and deceased persons and as offering opposition to the prohibition of directed donation that can only be coherently removed by reform of the 2004 Act.
Biochemical characterization of digestive α‐d‐glucosidase and β‐d‐glucosidase from labial glands and midgut of wheat bug Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae)
Authors: MEHRABADI Mohammad , BANDANI Ali R. , KWON Ohseok
Published: May 2011

The wheat bug Eurygaster maura (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae) is a potential pest of wheat and barley in Iran and other countries. Two major digestive enzymes of this insect, α‐d‐glucosidase and β‐d‐glucosidase, have been investigated. The midgut has four distinct regions including the first ventriculus (V1), second ventriculus (V2), third ventriculus (V3) and fourth ventriculus (V4). The study showed that the first three regions of the wheat bug midgut were acidic (pH 5.5–6), the fourth region of the midgut and hindgut pH were slightly acidic (pH 6.5–6.9) and the salivary gland (labial gland) pH was determined to be somewhat acidic (pH 5–5.5). Enzyme assay showed that α‐ and β‐glucosidase activity is present in both midgut and salivary glands of adult E. maura. The specific activities of midgut α‐ and β‐glucosidase were 11.2 and 10.8 mU/mg protein, respectively. The specific activities of these enzymes in salivary glands were 3.06 and 2.73 mU/mg protein, respectively. Optimum temperature and pH values for glucosidases were determined to be 30–35°C and 5, respectively. Glucosidases of the midgut were more stable than salivary glucosidases at 35°C. Evaluating enzymatic kinetic parameters showed that glucosidases of the midgut had more affinity as well as more velocity than that of salivary glands.
Korean species of the genus Coptodera Dejean (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Lebiinae)
Authors: PARK Jong Kyun , LEE Cheol Min , KWON Tae Sung , PARK Jin Young , LEE Jong Eun
Published: May 2011

A truncatipennes‐group species, Coptodera japonica Bates, is newly recorded from Korea. Here we provide a diagnosis and systematic accounts of C. japonica Bates and a key to the species of Korean Coptodera.
New species of Desoria (Collembola: Isotomidae) from Korea
Authors: LIM Man‐Hee , PARK Kyung‐Hwa
Published: May 2011

A new species, Desoria mulyeongariensis, shares some characters with D. choi (Lee), such as the number of setae on retinaculum and apical setae on manubrium. However, it could be easily distinguished from D. choi by the number of ommatidia. This species is also well characterized by having long and thickened smooth macrosetae on the body, and 6 basomedian setae on labium.
Description of three liocranid spider species from Korea (Araneae: Liocranidae)
Authors: SEO Bo Keun
Published: May 2011

Three liocranid spider species are described with illustrations: a new species,Agroeca bonghwaensisn. sp. and two species new to Korean spider fauna,Agroeca montanaHayashi, 1986 andScotina palliardii(Koch, 1881). The occurrence of the genusScotinaMenge, 1873 is also recorded from Korea for the first time.
Comparison of perceptions of oral health‐related quality of life in adolescents affected with ectodermal dysplasias relative to caregivers
Authors: Kohli Richie , Levy Steven , Kummet Colleen M. , Dawson Deborah V. , Stanford Clark M.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to assess the perceived oral health‐related quality of life (OHQoL) of adolescents affected with one of the ectodermal dysplasias (EDs).

Data were collected from 2003 to 2007 in a cross‐sectional study of a convenience sample of individuals affected by ED (n = 35) using the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14) for children and the Parent‐Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire for their caregivers. The main findings of this study were that individuals who were affected with ED in the older age group (15‐ to 19‐year‐olds) perceived more functional problems than younger individuals (11‐ to 14‐year‐olds) (p= .04). Females with ED (n = 13) perceived more emotional problems than males (n = 22; p= .01). Although caregivers tended to report slightly higher OHQoL scores (indicating worse OHQoL), no significant differences were observed between children’s and parents’ total OHQoL and individual domains’ median scores (p > .05). Thus, the perceptions of oral health and well‐being may vary by age and gender for children who have ED. Caution is warranted concerning using parents as proxies for their children when assessing the child’s OHQoL.