bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary edema after laparoscopic hepatectomy in a patient with Budd–Chiari syndrome‐associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hanaoka Marie , Hara Yoshiaki , Fujiogi Michimasa , Fujisawa Nobutaka , Kawakami Masayo , Shioiri Sadaaki , Tanaka Michio , Yasuno Masamichi
Published: April 2015

An 84‐year‐old man diagnosed with Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) developed a 20‐mm hepatocellular carcinoma. We performed laparoscopic hepatectomy without complications, but the patient's percutaneous oxygen saturation gradually worsened and pulmonary edema was detected 50 minutes after extubation. He was subsequently re‐intubated and received diuretic therapy. He was discharged on postoperative day 32. Patients with severe BCS have been reported to have an expanded plasma volume. In addition, pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic surgery has been reported to decrease the venous flow in the portal vein and/or renal vein, the collateral pathways in BCS. The cause of pulmonary edema in the present case may have involved increased venous return following decompression of pneumoperitoneum pressure under the state of an expanded plasma volume. This case suggests that clinicians should pay special attention to achieving volume control in patients with BCS, particularly during laparoscopic surgery and minimizing the duration of pneumoperitoneum.
Thoracoscopic repair of a large neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia using Gerota's fascia
Authors: Fukuzawa Hiroaki , Tamaki Akihiko , Takemoto Jyunkichi , Morita Keiichi , Endo Kosuke , Iwade Tamaki , Yuichi Okata , Bitoh Yuko , Yokoi Akiko , Maeda Kosaku
Published: April 2015

A large congenital diaphragmatic hernia needing patch repair has a high risk of recurrence. Thus, managing these large congenital diaphragmatic hernias under thoracoscopy has become a problem. Here, a large congenital diaphragmatic hernia that was repaired using Gerota's fascia under thoracoscopy is reported. In the present case, it was impossible to close the hernia directly under thoracoscopy because the hernia was too large. Gerota's fascia was raised up by the left kidney and used for the repair. The left colon adhering to Gerota's fascia was mobilized, and a large space was made under thoracoscopy. Gerota's fascia was fixed to the diaphragmatic defect. The patient's postoperative course was good, and there was no recurrence. This technique could be one option for repairing a large hernia under thoracoscopy.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rilotumumab: a decade of experience in preclinical and clinical cancer research
Authors: Zhang Y. , Doshi S. , Zhu M.
Published: April 2015

Rilotumumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against hepatocyte growth factor, the only known ligand of the MET receptor. Over the last decade, rilotumumab has been extensively tested in preclinical studies and in clinical studies in a variety of cancer types. In this review, we examine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data that have been collected in the rilotumumab programme to date, and discuss retrospectively how the knowledge acquired in this programme can be applied to a number of key issues in oncology drug development, including: (i) using preclinical data to inform first‐in‐human study design; (ii) the role of biomarkers in the identification of a target patient population; (iii) the potential for drug interactions between therapeutic proteins and other anticancer agents; and (iv) pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations in phase 3 study design.
Risk factors for mesh erosion after female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Tuo , Liao Banghua , Luo Deyi , Shen Hong , Wang Kunjie
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To explore the risk factors for mesh erosion after female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery based on published literature.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical (VIP) databases was performed to identify studies related to the risk factors for mesh erosion after female pelvic floor reconstruction published before December 2014. Summary unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of associations between the factors and mesh erosion.

Results

In all, 25 studies containing 7 084 patients were included in our systematic review and meta‐analysis. Statistically significant differences in mesh erosion after female pelvic floor reconstruction were found in older vs younger patients (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.98), more parities vs less parities (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07–1.51), the presence of premenopausal/oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03–1.79), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.35–2.57), smoking (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.80–3.08), concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.84), concomitant hysterectomy (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03–2.07), preservation of the uterus at surgery (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08–0.63), and surgery performed by senior vs junior surgeons (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.30–0.58).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that younger age, more parities, premenopausal/ERT, diabetes mellitus, smoking, concomitant hysterectomy, and surgery performed by a junior surgeon were significant risk factors for mesh erosion after female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. Moreover, concomitant POP surgery and preservation of the uterus may be the potential protective factors for mesh erosion.
Bone Scan Index predicts outcome in patients with metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Poulsen Mads H. , Rasmussen Janne , Edenbrandt Lars , Høilund‐Carlsen Poul F. , Gerke Oke , Johansen Allan , Lund Lars
Published: April 2015

Objective

To evaluate the Bone Scan Index (BSI) for prediction of castration resistance and prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCSS). In this retrospective study, we used novel computer‐assisted software for automated detection/quantification of bone metastases by BSI. Patients with prostate cancer are M‐staged by whole‐body bone scintigraphy (WBS) and categorised as M0 or M1. Within the M1 group, there is a wide range of clinical outcomes. The BSI was introduced a decade ago providing quantification of bone metastases by estimating the percentage of bone involvement. Being too time consuming, it never gained widespread clinical use.

Patients and Methods

In all, 88 patients with prostate cancer awaiting initiation of androgen‐deprivation therapy due to metastases were included. WBS was performed using a two‐headed γ‐camera. BSI was obtained using the automated platform EXINI bone (EXINI Diagnostics AB, Lund, Sweden). In Cox proportional hazard models, time to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and PCSS were modelled as the dependent variables, whereas prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score and BSI were used as explanatory factors. For Kaplan–Meier estimates, BSI groups were dichotomously split into: BSI <1 and BSI ≥1. Discrimination between prognostic models was explored using the concordance index (C‐index).

Results

The mean (range) age of the patients was 72 (52–92) years, the median (range) PSA level was 73 (4–5 740) ng/mL, the mean (range) Gleason score was 7.7 (2–10), and the mean (range) BSI was 1.0 (0–9.2). During a mean (range) follow‐up of 26 (8–49) months, 48 patients became castration resistant and 15 had died; most (13) from prostate cancer. In multivariate analysis including PSA level, Gleason score and BSI, only prediction by BSI was statistically significant. This was true both for time to CRPC (hazard ratio [HR] 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.74; C‐index increase from 0.49 to 0.69) and for PCSS (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07–1.67; C‐index increase from 0.76 to 0.95).

Conclusion

BSI obtained using a novel automated computer‐assisted algorithm appears to be a useful predictor of outcome for time to CRPC and PCSS in patients with hormone‐sensitive metastatic prostate cancer.
Metabolic control of signalling pathways and metabolic auto‐regulation
Authors: Lorendeau Doriane , Christen Stefan , Rinaldi Gianmarco , Fendt Sarah‐Maria
Published: April 2015

Metabolic alterations have emerged as an important hallmark in the development of various diseases. Thus, understanding the complex interplay of metabolism with other cellular processes such as cell signalling is critical to rationally control and modulate cellular physiology. Here, we review in the context of mammalian target of rapamycin, AMP‐activated protein kinase and p53, the orchestrated interplay between metabolism and cellular signalling as well as transcriptional regulation. Moreover, we discuss recent discoveries in auto‐regulation of metabolism (i.e. how metabolic parameters such as metabolite levels activate or inhibit enzymes and thus metabolic pathways). Finally, we review functional consequences of post‐translational modification on metabolic enzyme abundance and/or activities.
Understanding Child Prostitution in Thailand in the 1990s
Authors: Montgomery Heather
Published: April 2015

Child prostitution in Thailand became visible in the 1990s. Fueled by accounts by media and nongovernmental organizations, the problem was cast as a straightforward moral issue of coercive parents, helpless child victims, and evil perpetrators. Legal interventions that prosecuted parents and clients were put in place to solve the problem. However, these policies failed to consider ethnographic research on how children and families understood prostitution, and the role it played in their kinship systems and moral economies. In this article, I look at how the problem has been conceptualized. I argue that without a fuller understanding of family relationships and the reciprocal obligations between children and parents, and without listening to children themselves, interventions to protect children were bound to fail.
Smoking, alcohol use, socioeconomic background and oral health among young Finnish adults
Authors: Tanner Tarja , Päkkilä Jari , Karjalainen Kaisa , Kämppi Antti , Järvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Patinen Pertti , Tjäderhane Leo , Anttonen Vuokko
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking and alcohol use in association with dental caries experience and signs of periodontal disease in a Finnish male group born in the early 1990s. The impacts of health behaviour and socioeconomic factors were included in the analyses.

Methods

Oral health of 8539 conscripts was screened in a cross‐sectional study (DT, DMFT and CPI). They also answered a questionnaire covering their habits of smoking and alcohol use as well as other behaviours and background factors. The bleeding on probing index (BOP) was available on 6529 conscripts. Cross‐tabulation together with a chi‐squared test and generalized linear mixed models were used in the analyses. A mosaic figure was used to illustrate associations of smoking frequency, use of dental services and toothache.

Results

Majority (80.9%) in the study group consumed alcohol at least once a month, and 39.4% were daily smokers. Smoking was statistically significantly associated with high caries experience and high bleeding values of gums. Consumption of alcohol was not associated with dental caries and periodontal disease. The high BOP value had the strongest association with infrequent tooth brushing and smoking. The participant's own education level was the main protective factor of oral health. The smokers used dental services more frequently compared to the non‐smokers mostly for acute care.

Conclusions

Young men's health behaviour, especially of those with low education, does not promote oral health, which may indicate need for extensive healthcare services in the future. Health promotion should not be neglected.
The anti-inflammatory effect of combined complement and CD14 inhibition is preserved during escalating bacterial load
Authors: Egge Kjetil H , Barratt-Due Andreas , Nymo Stig , Lindstad Julie K , Pharo Anne , Lau Corinna , Espevik Terje , Thorgersen Ebbe B , Mollnes Tom E
Published: April 2015

Combined inhibition of complement and CD14 is known to attenuate bacterial-induced inflammation, but the dependency of the bacterial load on this effect is unknown. Thus, we investigated whether the effect of such combined inhibition on Escherichia coli- and Staphylococcus aureus-induced inflammation was preserved during increasing bacterial concentrations. Human whole blood was preincubated with anti-CD14, eculizumab (C5-inhibitor) or compstatin (C3-inhibitor), or combinations thereof. Then heat-inactivated bacteria were added at final concentrations of 5 × 104−1 × 108/ml (E. coli) or 5 × 107−4 × 108/ml (S. aureus). Inflammatory markers were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), multiplex technology and flow cytometry. Combined inhibition of complement and CD14 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced E. coli-induced interleukin (IL)-6 by 40–92% at all bacterial concentrations. IL-1β, IL-8 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α were significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited by 53–100%, and the effect was lost only at the highest bacterial concentration. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and MIP-1β were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 80–97% at the lowest bacterial concentration. Monocyte and granulocyte CD11b were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 63–91% at all bacterial doses. Lactoferrin was significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated to the level of background activity at the lowest bacterial concentration. Similar effects were observed for S. aureus, but the attenuation was, in general, less pronounced. Compared to E. coli, much higher concentrations of S. aureus were required to induce the same cytokine responses. This study demonstrates generally preserved effects of combined complement and CD14 inhibition on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial-induced inflammation during escalating bacterial load. The implications of these findings for future therapy of sepsis are discussed.
Influence of clinical and pathologic features on the pathologist's diagnosis of mycosis fungoides: a pilot study
Authors: Rovner Rebecca , Smith Hayden L. , Katz Peter J , Liu Vincent
Published: April 2015

Although clinicopathologic correlation is critical in the diagnosis of early mycosis fungoides (MF), how clinical information directly affects the pathologist's interpretation is unknown. This pilot study aimed to assess the influence of provided clinical information and specific histopathologic features on the histopathologic diagnosis of MF vs. its inflammatory simulants. A computerized survey recorded diagnostic impressions by 24 dermatopathologists of 30 hematoxylin‐eosin stained images, including 15 MF images and 15 dermatitis images. Images were accompanied by concordant clinical descriptions (33%), no clinical information (33%) or discordant clinical descriptions (33%). Percentage of correctly classified MF histopathologic images for the three scenarios of concordant clinical information, no clinical information or discordant clinical information were 32% (kappa 0.19), 56% (kappa 0.12) and 16% (kappa 0.33), respectively. The percentage of correctly classified slides presented with no clinical information was different from the other two groups (p < 0.0001). Pautrier collections were most associated with correct classification. Clinical information may play a significant role in the histopathologic diagnosis of MF, although there may be some value in initial blinded histopathologic interpretation. Specific histopathologic features differ in relative importance in the diagnosis of MF.
Induction of insulin‐producing cells from umbilical cord blood‐derived stromal cells by activation of the c‐Met/HGF axis
Authors: Sun Bo , Liu Rui , Xiao Zhong‐Dang
Published: April 2015

Efficient and effective therapies are required for diabetes mellitus. The use of adult stem cells for treating diabetes represents a major focus of current research. We have attempted to differentiate adult stem cells produced from umbilical cord blood‐derived stromal cells into insulin‐producing cells (IPCs). By activating the c‐Met/HGF axis through temporal hypoxia treatment and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) supplementation, our protocol resulted in the differentiation of cells into functional pancreatic endocrine cells with increased viability. Glucose stimulation test results showed that significantly greater amounts of C‐peptide and insulin were released from the differentiated cells than from undifferentiated cells. These IPCs were capable of reversing the hyperglycemia of diabetic mice. In conclusion, targeting the c‐Met/HGF axis can be considered an effective and efficient means of obtaining IPCs from adult stem cells.
A MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ENERGY SUBSIDIES IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY
Authors: Glomm Gerhard , Jung Juergen
Published: April 2015

We construct a dynamic model of a small open economy to analyze the effects of large energy subsidies. The model includes domestic energy production and consumption, trade in energy at world market prices, as well as private and public sector production. The model is calibrated to Egypt and used to study reforms such as reductions in energy subsidies with corresponding reductions in various tax instruments or increases in infrastructure investment. We calculate the new steady states, transition paths to the new steady state, and the size of the associated welfare losses or gains. Our main results for a 15% cut in energy subsidies are: (1) Steady state gross domestic product drops in most of our experiments as less energy is used in production. (2) Steady state consumption rises in most of our experiments. (3) Welfare can rise by as much as 0.6% in consumption equivalent terms. (4) The largest gains in terms of output and of welfare can be obtained when savings from energy subsidy cuts are used to fund additional infrastructure investment. (JEL E21, E63, H55, J26, J45)
Contribution of habitat type to residency and dispersal choices by overwintered and summer adult Colorado potato beetles
Authors: Boiteau Gilles , MacKinley Pamela
Published: April 2015

The walking and flight dispersal of marked overwintered and summer Colorado potato beetles (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), released in field box‐plots was monitored simultaneously in six habitats over a period of 4 days. The emigration out of plots by walking beetles was calculated from the catch in linear pitfall traps completely surrounding each box‐plot and emigration flight was estimated from the number of beetles missing from the plot or captured by the trap. Overwintered beetles dispersed sooner after release than summer beetles. Overall, the mean number of beetles retained by the habitat was significantly higher in the host habitat (potato) than in any non‐host habitat tested (soybean, pasture, bare ground, water, woodland). Unexpectedly, there was no or little difference in overall beetle retention between non‐host habitats except for higher retention in the water habitat. No difference in the ratio of flight over walking could be detected by the study between overwintered and summer CPB except in the water and woodland habitats. Twenty‐four hours after release, the highest ratios were obtained in the water and woodland habitats and the lowest in the bare‐ground habitat, but ratios were similar for all habitats, except water, after 96 h. As a population, under these experimental conditions, 96 h after release, it seems that CPB displayed a slight preference for flight over walking, with walking as a default mode. A fed and starved pre‐release treatment had no effect on dispersal rates or mode of dispersal. Essentially, our results showed that over a 96‐h period, northeastern North American CPB emigrated at similar rates from the various non‐host habitats encountered, except for water, using walking as much as flight. The host habitat retained CPB significantly longer than non‐host habitats but with a mode of dispersal ratio similar to that in non‐host habitats. The impact on dispersal of the various habitats encountered by CPB in the agro‐ecosystem was less important than expected suggesting that the interaction of environmental parameters is likely to have the most significant impact in determining dispersal rates and dispersal modes.
Win, Lose, or Draw: Effects of Residency, Size, Sex, and Kinship on High‐Stakes Larval Contests in a Moth
Authors: Walsh Justin T. , Iyengar Vikram K.
Published: April 2015

Many factors can affect the outcome of a competitive interaction. One such factor is the relatedness between competitors as competitive intensity may decrease between kin. Because adult females lay eggs in clusters, larvae of the moth Utetheisa ornatrix are likely to be found in high densities of their siblings. Larval U. ornatrix actively compete for access into seedpods of their host plant (Crotalaria spp.), and successful competitors will reap numerous reproductive benefits during adulthood. The objective of this study was to determine whether residency, size, sex, and relatedness affect competition over seedpods in U. ornatrix larvae. In one‐on‐one trials for access into artificial seedpods, we monitored occupancy and weight change of larvae varying in residency, size, sex, and relatedness. We found that larger larvae have a competitive advantage over smaller larvae. This finding has consequences for the mating system of U. ornatrix in that females, by selecting males based on pheromone levels that are correlated with body size, can rear larger offspring that will have an advantage in competition over seedpods. These data did not support our hypothesis that males would outcompete females, perhaps because the rewards of acquiring a seedpod are substantial for both sexes. Finally, our data show that resident larvae are more likely to maintain control of seedpods over sibling than non‐siblings intruders, which suggests that relatedness affects competitive interactions.
β‐Estradiol results in a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9‐dependent increase in low‐density lipoprotein receptor levels in human hepatic HuH7 cells
Authors: Starr Amanda E. , Lemieux Valérie , Noad Jenny , Moore Jasmine I. , Dewpura Thilina , Raymond Angela , Chrétien Michel , Figeys Daniel , Mayne Janice
Published: April 2015

The lower risk of coronary artery disease in premenopausal women than in men and postmenopausal women implicates sex steroids in cardioprotective processes. β‐Estradiol upregulates liver low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), which, in turn, decreases circulating levels of low‐density lipoprotein, which is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. Conversely, LDLR protein is negatively regulated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Herein, we investigated PCSK9 regulation by β‐estradiol and its impact on LDLR in human hepatocarcinoma HuH7 cells grown in the presence or absence of β‐estradiol. Immunoblot analysis showed upregulation of LDLR at 3 μm β‐estradiol (140%), and the upregulation reached 220% at 10 μm β‐estradiol; only at the latter dose was an increase in LDLR mRNA detected by qPCR, suggesting post‐translational regulation of LDLR. No changes in PCSK9 mRNA or secreted protein levels were detected by qPCR or ELISA, respectively. β‐estradiol‐conditioned medium devoid of PCSK9 failed to upregulate LDLR. Similarly, PCSK9 knockdown cells showed no upregulation of LDLR by β‐estradiol. Together, these results indicate a requirement for PCSK9 in the β‐estradiol‐induced upregulation of LDLR. A radiolabeling assay showed a significant, dose‐dependent decrease in the ratio of secreted phosphoPCSK9 to total secreted PCSK9 with increasing β‐estradiol levels, suggesting a change in the functional state of PCSK9 in the presence of β‐estradiol. Our results indicate that the protein upregulation of LDLR at subtranscriptionally effective doses of β‐estradiol, and its supratranscriptional upregulation at 10 μm β‐estradiol, occur through an extracellular PCSK9‐dependent mechanism.
Using a Corpus in a 300‐Level Spanish Grammar Course
Authors: Benavides Carlos
Published: April 2015

The present study examined the use and effectiveness of a large corpus—the Corpus del Español (Davies, 2002)—in a 300‐level Spanish grammar university course. Students conducted hands‐on corpus searches with the goal of finding concordances containing particular types of collocations (combinations of words that tend to co‐occur) and tokens (any occurrence of a word or sequence of words), then used these examples from authentic texts in order to better understand and use the grammatical concepts under consideration (e.g., preterite vs. imperfect, ser and estar). The study was designed to better inform language educators' understanding of the extent to which access to, and active use of, a large corpus helped students better understand and use particular grammatical concepts and structures. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained from a student survey offer evidence that the corpus was an effective learning tool and represented an innovative use of technology.
Temperature and snowfall trigger alpine vegetation green‐up on the world's roof
Authors: Chen Xiaoqiu , An Shuai , Inouye David W. , Schwartz Mark D.
Published: April 2015

Rapid temperature increase and its impacts on alpine ecosystems in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the world's highest and largest plateau, are a matter of global concern. Satellite observations have revealed distinctly different trend changes and contradicting temperature responses of vegetation green‐up dates, leading to broad debate about the Plateau's spring phenology and its climatic attribution. Large uncertainties in remote‐sensing estimates of phenology significantly limit efforts to predict the impacts of climate change on vegetation growth and carbon balance in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, which are further exacerbated by a lack of detailed ground observation calibration. Here, we revealed the spatiotemporal variations and climate drivers of ground‐based herbaceous plant green‐up dates using 72 green‐up datasets for 22 herbaceous plant species at 23 phenological stations, and corresponding daily mean air temperature and daily precipitation data from 19 climate stations across eastern and southern parts of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau from 1981 to 2011. Results show that neither the continuously advancing trend from 1982 to 2011, nor a turning point in the mid to late 1990s as reported by remote‐sensing studies can be verified by most of the green‐up time series, and no robust evidence for a warmer winter‐induced later green‐up dates can be detected. Thus, chilling requirements may not be an important driver influencing green‐up responses to spring warming. Moreover, temperature‐only control of green‐up dates appears mainly at stations with relatively scarce preseason snowfall and lower elevation, while coupled temperature and precipitation controls of green‐up dates occur mostly at stations with relatively abundant preseason snowfall and higher elevation. The diversified interactions between snowfall and temperature during late winter to early spring likely determine the spatiotemporal variations of green‐up dates. Therefore, prediction of vegetation growth and carbon balance responses to global climate change on the world's roof should integrate both temperature and snowfall variations.
Rating Agencies – An Experimental Analysis of Their Remuneration Model
Authors: Bühren Christoph , Pleßner Marco
Published: April 2015

Does it matter who pays for ratings? Yes, but not for the rating agencies’ behavior. These are the findings of our experiment where we analyze the effect of the remuneration model of rating agencies on their assessments as well as on investors’ and issuers’ behavior. First, we find that rating agencies’ assessments are comparable whether the agency is (partially) paid by issuers, investors or solely by the experimenter. Issuers, on the other hand, more often do not return investor’s trust when they or investors pay for ratings. Further, investors more often act according to the agencies’ recommendations when they have to pay for this information.
Revealing Intersectional Dynamics in Organizations: Introducing ‘Intersectional Identity Work’
Authors: Atewologun Doyin , Sealy Ruth , Vinnicombe Susan
Published: April 2015

Little consensus exists regarding conducting intersectional studies. We introduce ‘intersectional identity work’ as an approach for examining individuals’ experiences at the nexus of multiple identities. Incorporating identity work as a theoretical and analytical framework, we use journals and interviews to examine identity‐heightening episodes that trigger meaning‐making of intersecting senior, gender and ethnic identities among British Asian and black women and men. Our analysis reveals how intersecting identities are leveraged in encounters with subordinates, superiors and clients. Intersectional locations provide resources and cues for claiming or restricting privileged and disadvantaged status in asymmetric power positions. Intersectional identity work expands and restricts identification at juxtaposed locations. It offers a prospect for elucidating intersectional dynamics present in a range of identity configurations and addresses critiques that individual‐level intersectional analyses at intersections are mere narrative. We encourage further research that examines other socially salient identities using our approach to develop theory on how multiple identities play out in everyday experience.
Assessing subjective quality of life domains after multiple sclerosis diagnosis disclosure
Authors: Mattarozzi Katia , Casini Federica , Baldin Elisa , Baldini Martina , Lugaresi Alessandra , Milani Paola , Pietrolongo Erika , Gajofatto Alberto , Leone Maurizio , Riise Trond , Vignatelli Luca , D'Alessandro Roberto ,   G.E.Ro.N.I.Mu.S. group
Published: April 2015

Background and Objective

An investigation of the domains Italian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) named as constituting their quality of life over time.

Design

We assessed, in 68 patients, QoL domains using the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual QoL: (a) before MS diagnosis disclosure, (b) thirty days after disclosure, and (c) after one and (d) four years’ follow‐up.

Results

The life domains most frequently named by patients were as follows: Family, Work and Finance, Hobbies, Health, Relationship with Friends and Job Effectiveness. Only Health and Job Effectiveness domains varied with time. The Health domain became a critical dimension when MS diagnosis was revealed. In addition, patients tended to be more satisfied with their health after disclosure compared to pre‐diagnosis. Job Effectiveness seemed to be an important aspect until 1 year after diagnosis disclosure, but it tended to become less crucial over time. Family seems to be the most important domain over time, and psychological adaptation to MS seems to be characterized by a reconceptualization of aspects that revolve around oneself, such as professional success, rather than relational or affective factors.

Conclusions

Evaluating the most relevant life domains for patients and their alteration over time may provide practitioners with an important tool in making health‐related decisions, thus improving health outcomes and QoL.
Impact of the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists guideline recommendations for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing of invasive breast carcinoma: a focus on tumours assessed as ‘equivocal’ for HER2 gene amplification by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization
Authors: Bethune Gillian C , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Daniel , MacIntosh Rebecca F , Rayson Daniel , Younis Tallal , Thompson Kara , Barnes Penny J
Published: April 2015

Aims

The updated 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing guidelines include changes to HER2 in‐situ hybridization (ISH) interpretation criteria. We conducted a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of primary breast carcinomas to assess the impact of updated guidelines on HER2 classification and laboratory resource utilization, and to characterize the pathobiology of HER2 equivocal tumours.

Methods and results

A total of 904 dual‐probe HER2/chromosome enumeration probe (CEP17) FISH tests on invasive breast carcinomas were studied. Eighty‐five (9.4%) cases had a classification change with the updated guidelines; 66 (7.3%) went from HER2‐negative to ‐equivocal, 15 cases (1.7%) were reclassified as HER2‐positive and four cases from HER2‐equivocal to ‐negative. A subset of primary breast cancers, reported initially as HER2‐negative but ‐equivocal by 2013 guidelines, was identified. Traditional pathological factors of this subset were compared to HER2‐negative and ‐positive control cases. The three HER2 groups demonstrated statistically significant differences with respect to prognostic factors, including tumour size, grade and nodal involvement.

Conclusions

The updated HER2 testing guidelines will result in the reclassification of approximately 9.4% of primary breast cancers with uncertainty regarding the clinical impact of this reclassification in the majority of cases. Resource utilization will increase as a result of the recommendation for retesting.
Adenoma‐like adenocarcinoma: a subtype of colorectal carcinoma with good prognosis, deceptive appearance on biopsy and frequent KRAS mutation
Authors: Gonzalez Raul S , Cates Justin M M , Washington Mary Kay , Beauchamp Robert Daniel , Coffey Robert J , Shi Chanjuan
Published: April 2015

Aims

A subset of colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) architecturally and cytologically resembles adenomatous change, making them difficult to diagnose on biopsy. This subset has not been well characterized to date.

Methods and results

For 35 carcinomas with adenomatous‐like areas (cytological and surface architectural appearance that would be insufficient to warrant a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma if evaluated on biopsy), we recorded staging information, molecular data, clinical outcome, whether precursor adenoma was present and whether previous biopsy had been diagnosed as malignant. Despite advanced T‐category in 23 (66%) tumours, only seven (20%) had nodal metastases, and only five patients (15%) developed distant metastases. Fifteen cases (43%) had been diagnosed as adenoma on biopsy. Twenty‐one resections (60%) showed no residual associated adenoma, including nine called adenoma on biopsy. Median follow‐up was 44 months. Four patients (12%) died of disease; 22 were alive at last follow‐up. KRAS mutation was seen in 14 of 24 (58%) and four of 17 (24%) were microsatellite‐unstable. Patients had significantly improved survival compared to a cohort of patients with conventional well‐differentiated CRC after controlling for age and stage (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Adenoma‐like adenocarcinoma is an uncommon variant of CRC with a low rate of metastasis and good prognosis. Biopsy diagnosis of this lesion may be challenging.
Trouble in Suburbia: Localism, Schools and Conflict in Postwar Johnson County, Kansas
Authors: Rury John L.
Published: April 2015

Suburban public schools have become the predominant form of American education in the past fifty years. As a number of commentators have noted, however, historians have devoted relatively little attention to the development of these educational systems. This is surprising, given the importance of schools in the development of many suburban communities, especially during the postwar era. Education became a critical element in suburban struggles to create distinctive local identities in the wake of metropolitan development and liberal reform. Neighborhood schools were sites of political conflict over these issues in Southern California and elsewhere, as suburbanites asserted their independence as property owners. Recent studies have documented how this contributed to a widespread “tax revolt” during the latter 1970s, and a sharp conservative turn in politics that accompanied it. Little has been written, however, about how the rise of such “localism” in suburban political culture affected the schools.
Job Search: A Multidisciplinary Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Manroop Laxmikant , Richardson Julia
Published: April 2015

Scholarly interest in job search has grown significantly over the years and can be located in diverse research streams: namely, economics, sociology and industrial/organizational psychology. This paper reviews these bodies of literature and makes a case for integration by proposing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding job‐seeking behaviors. To this end, the paper categorizes the respective literatures on the basis of common themes located in a conceptual multidisciplinary model of job search behaviors and outcomes. This model provides a more focused understanding of the job search literature and how it has developed in the related disciplines. Based on the review and conceptual model presented, the paper draws attention to several key areas for future research to advance the field further.
Reliable Robust Regression Diagnostics
Authors: Salini Silvia , Cerioli Andrea , Laurini Fabrizio , Riani Marco
Published: April 2015

Motivated by the requirement of controlling the number of false discoveries that arises in several application fields, we study the behaviour of diagnostic procedures obtained from popular high‐breakdown regression estimators when no outlier is present in the data. We find that the empirical error rates for many of the available techniques are surprisingly far from the prescribed nominal level. Therefore, we propose a simulation‐based approach to correct the liberal diagnostics and reach reliable inferences. We provide evidence that our approach performs well in a wide range of settings of practical interest and for a variety of robust regression techniques, thus showing general appeal. We also evaluate the loss of power that can be expected from our corrections under different contamination schemes and show that this loss is often not dramatic. Finally, we detail some possible extensions that may further enhance the applicability of the method.
Reaction Mechanism and Microstructure Development of Zr–Si Alloyed Melt‐Infiltrated ZrC‐Modified C/C Composite
Authors: Tong Yonggang , Bai Shuxin , Qin Qing H , Ye Yicong , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2015

ZrC ceramic modified‐C/C composite is prepared by a quick and low‐cost reactive melt infiltration process with a Zr‐Si8.8 alloy. Reaction kinetics and mechanism of pyrolytic carbon with the infiltrated Zr‐Si8.8 alloy are investigated. A continuous ZrC layer is found to be formed around pyrolytic carbon due to the in situ reaction and its thickness parabolically increases with an increase in reaction time period. Zr concentration in the alloyed melts decreases due to the reaction between Zr and pyrolytic carbon and Zr2Si phase precipitates from the residual alloyed melts. A model for the growth of ZrC layer is established to describe the reaction kinetics of pyrolytic carbon with Zr‐Si8.8 alloy. The calculated thickness of the reaction‐formed ZrC layer is in good agreement with the experimental data. Based on the Arrhenius equation, the activation energy of the reaction between carbon and Zr‐Si8.8 alloy is 313.2 KJ/mol, smaller than that of the reaction between carbon and pure zirconium. The microstructure of the reactive melt‐infiltrated ZrC‐modified C/C composite is characterized by optical microscope, SEM, EDS, XRD, and TEM. The mechanism of the reaction between pyrolytic carbon and Zr‐Si8.8 alloy is discussed on the basis of the characterization results and phase diagram. A schematic is proposed to understand the reaction mechanism between pyrolytic carbon and Zr‐Si8.8 alloy and microstructure development of the ZrC‐modified C/C composite.
Evaluation of the educational climate for specialty trainees in dermatology
Authors: Goulding J.M.R. , Passi V.
Published: April 2015

Background

Dermatology specialty trainees (STs) in the United Kingdom (UK) are few in number and will join a thinly spread national consultant body. It is of paramount importance to deliver training programmes of the highest quality for these doctors, central to which is the establishment and maintenance of an educational climate conducive to learning.

Objective

To conduct a pilot study to evaluate the educational climate for dermatology STs in one UK deanery (West Midlands).

Methods

Secondary analysis of published data was performed, from the UK's General Medical Council (GMC) national training survey, and the Job Evaluation Survey Tool (JEST) administered by the West Midlands deanery. A modified online version of the Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure (PHEEM) was circulated among dermatology STs.

Results

The GMC's survey data show that UK dermatology STs rated their training highly in comparison with undifferentiated UK postgraduate trainees. West Midlands dermatology STs (n = 22) scored very similarly to UK dermatology STs. The JEST gave broadly encouraging results, with 21/22 (95%) happy to recommend their posts to colleagues. The modified PHEEM yielded a global mean score of 96.5/152, attracting the descriptor ‘more positive than negative but room for improvement’.

Conclusion

Despite inherent methodological limitations, the GMC, JEST and modified PHEEM surveys have revealed useful comparative triangulated data which allows the conclusion that West Midlands dermatology STs seem to be training in a favourable educational climate. This represents an important facet of the quality assurance process for medical education, and allows insight into areas which may require improvement.
Effect of Light‐Activated Tooth Whitening on Color Change Relative to Color of Artificially Stained Teeth
Authors: Kwon So Ran , Kurti Steven R. , Oyoyo Udochukwu , Li Yiming
Published: April 2015

Purpose

There is still controversy as to the efficacy of light activation used in tooth whitening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of light activation on tooth color change relative to the artificial dye color.

Materials and Methods

Extracted human third molars (160) were randomly distributed into eight groups of 20 specimens each based on artificial staining and use of light activation. All groups received three 45‐minute sessions of in‐office whitening at 3‐day intervals. Color measurements were performed with an intraoral spectrophotometer at baseline prior to staining (T0), after artificial staining (T1), 1‐day—(T2), and 1‐week—(T3) post‐whitening. Color differences were calculated relative to after artificial staining color parameters (L*1, a*1, b*1) with the use of a software analysis program enabling synchronization of two images.

Results

Within the same staining groups, the light‐activated samples exhibited a greater color change than their nonlight‐activated counterparts. However, only in the case of the yellow‐stained samples at 1‐day post‐whitening was there a significant difference between the nonlight‐activated and light‐activated groups (Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test for pairwise comparisons, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Light activation is a valid method for enhancing the efficacy of tooth whitening with respect to overall color change and works best with yellow stains.

Clinical Significance

Light activation is a valid method for enhancing the efficacy of tooth whitening with respect to overall color change and works best with yellow stains.
Effect of Photoinitiator Combinations on Hardness, Depth of Cure, and Color of Model Resin Composites
Authors: Salgado Vinícius Esteves , Borba Mila Metri , Cavalcante Larissa Maria , de Moraes Rafael Ratto , Schneider Luis Felipe
Published: April 2015

Objective

This study aims to determine the influence of photoinitiators' combinations on the hardness, depth of cure, and color of model resin composites.

Materials and Methods

The composites were formulated by a mixture of BisGMA and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (60:40 mol), with barium–aluminum–silicate glass and silicon dioxide particles as inorganic fillers (60 wt%). Three photoinitiator types were tested: camphorquinone/amine (CQ), monoacylphosphine oxide (TPO), and bysacylphosphine oxide (BAPO). Six experimental groups were formed by differences in photoinitiator systems: CQ, TPO, BAPO, CQ+TPO, CQ+BAPO, and CQ+TPO+BAPO. Hardness was determined by Knoop indentation at the top and bottom surfaces (n = 5). Depth of cure was performed according to ISO 4049 scraping method (n = 5). Color was obtained by the CIELAB method (n = 10), 24 hours after curing (baseline), after 30 days storage in distilled water, and after 30 days storage in coffee solution. CIELAB color difference (ΔE*) was calculated for both periods. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, followed by Student–Newman–Keuls method (α = 0.05).

Results

The photoinitiator system influenced hardness, where CQ presented the lowest top and bottom values. No statistical difference among groups was observed for the bottom/top hardness ratio. Regarding the depth of cure, the CQ and those formulated with CQ associations presented higher values than TPO and BAPO. Regarding color, BAPO and CQ+BAPO presented the highest ΔE* after 30 days in water immersion, whereas CQ+TPO and CQ+TPO+BAPO presented the lowest after 30 days in coffee immersion.

Conclusion

The associations CQ+TPO and CQ+TPO+BAPO presented improved color stability and hardness when compared with CQ, and did not influence the depth of cure.

Clinical Significance

The combination of alternative photoinitiators with the traditional camphorquinone/amine system improved the color stability of the model resin composites and maintaining their mechanical properties.
Arabidopsis C3HC4‐RING finger E3 ubiquitin ligase AtAIRP4 positively regulates stress‐responsive abscisic acid signaling
Authors: Yang Liang , Liu Qiaohong , Liu Zhibin , Yang Hao , Wang Jianmei , Li Xufeng , Yang Yi
Published: April 2015

Degradation of proteins via the ubiquitin system is an important step in many stress signaling pathways in plants. E3 ligases recognize ligand proteins and dictate the high specificity of protein degradation, and thus, play a pivotal role in ubiquitination. Here, we identified a gene, named Arabidopsis thaliana abscisic acid (ABA)‐insensitive RING protein 4 (AtAIRP4), which is induced by ABA and other stress treatments. AtAIRP4 encodes a cellular protein with a C3HC4‐RING finger domain in its C‐terminal side, which has in vitro E3 ligase activity. Loss of AtAIRP4 leads to a decrease in sensitivity of root elongation and stomatal closure to ABA, whereas overexpression of this gene in the T‐DNA insertion mutant atairp4 effectively recovered the ABA‐associated phenotypes. AtAIRP4 overexpression plants were hypersensitive to salt and osmotic stresses during seed germination, and showed drought avoidance compared with the wild‐type and atairp4 mutant plants. In addition, the expression levels of ABA‐ and drought‐induced marker genes in AtAIRP4 overexpression plants were markedly higher than those in the wild‐type and atairp4 mutant plants. Hence, these results indicate that AtAIRP4 may act as a positive regulator of ABA‐mediated drought avoidance and a negative regulator of salt tolerance in Arabidopsis.
A Polyvocal Body
Authors: Levi Rebecca J. E.
Published: April 2015

This essay aims to elucidate how multiple voices and traditions should interact with one another in the practice of ethics. First, it explores some of the major ways in which questions of bodily autonomy function in secular feminist and Jewish bioethical discourses. It then uses case studies to illuminate ways each discourse's concepts of bodily autonomy can be deeply problematic, and argues that the strengths in each discourse can serve as important correctives for the weaknesses in the other. It suggests that some formal features of rabbinic texts can serve as a model for a discourse of constant and animated mutual correction. Finally, it examines two case studies in light of this model.