bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal outcomes following in utero exposure to buprenorphine/naloxone or methadone
Authors: Gawronski Kristen M , Prasad Mona R , Backes Carl R , Lehman K Joy , Gardner Debra K , Cordero Leandro
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

To study neonatal outcomes following buprenorphine/naloxone and methadone exposure during pregnancy.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective review of clinical and demographic information of 58 infants whose mothers were treated with buprenorphine/naloxone and 92 infants whose mothers were treated with methadone for opioid dependence during pregnancy.

Results:

Gestational age, birth weight, prematurity, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and length of stay were similar between both groups of infants. Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurred less frequently among infants of mothers treated with buprenorphine/naloxone than those treated with methadone (64% and 80%, respectively, p = 0.03). All infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome were treated postnatally with methadone. There was a trend toward shorter duration of treatment and lower cumulative dosages of methadone among the buprenorphine/naloxone–exposed infants.

Conclusions:

No apparent significant adverse neonatal outcomes were detected following treatment with either maintenance medication; however, further prospective research is necessary to examine the safety and efficacy of buprenorphine/naloxone in pregnancy and its effects on the neonate.
Profiling Sustainability Curriculum in AACSB Schools
Authors: Srivastava Mukesh
Published: April 2014

This article describes the landscape of Sustainability Curriculum being used across the Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)–accredited schools in the United States on the basis of a non-probabilistic sample ( n = 119). Using hierarchical cluster analysis, four clusters were obtained based on sustainability-related courses in management, marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, information systems/information technology, strategy, globalization, communication, and miscellaneous. Cluster 1 had uniform dispersion on sustainability courses in all business courses except marketing. Clusters 2 and 4 were the largest ones with most sustainability courses in the management area, whereas, Cluster 3 had weak, but uniform, dispersion of sustainability courses in most business disciplines. Based on their characteristics and strength of dispersion among 10 business subject areas, these were labeled as Sustainability Prominent, Sustainability Moderate, Sustainability Meek, and Sustainability Quiescent.
Ultrasound Detection of Salmonella Septic Arthritis in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient on Anti-TNF Treatment
Authors: Nandagudi Anupama C. , Kelly Stephen
Published: April 2014

We report a case of Salmonella septic arthritis detected by ultrasound in a 40-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis while he was on anti–tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody certolizumab. An aspirate of his left elbow joint showed Salmonella enteritidis infection that was sensitive to ceftraixone. This was preceded by a brief episode of loose stools following a visit to the Far East. He was treated with antibiotics and made a good recovery. There have only been a few case reports of Salmonella septic arthritis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient on anti–tumor necrosis factor treatment but none previously in association with certolizumab.
Validation and refinement of the Disease Risk Index for allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Armand Philippe , Kim Haesook T. , Logan Brent R. , Wang Zhiwei , Alyea Edwin P. , Kalaycio Matt E. , Maziarz Richard T. , Antin Joseph H. , Soiffer Robert J. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Rizzo J. Douglas , Horowitz Mary M. , Saber Wael
Published: April 2014

Key Points

The DRI successfully stratified patients in a very large allogeneic transplantation registry cohort. The DRI was refined by using this cohort to build a more inclusive and conditioning intensity–independent index.
Occupational irritants and asthma: an Estonian cross-sectional study of 34 000 adults
Authors: Dumas Orianne , Laurent Emeline , Bousquet Jean , Metspalu Andres , Milani Lili , Kauffmann Francine , Le Moual Nicole
Published: April 2014

Occupational exposures make important contributions to asthma morbidity. The role of low/moderate level irritant exposures remains unclear. We aimed to determine which occupational exposures are associated with asthma in an eastern European country with low asthma prevalence.

The Estonian Genome Center of University of Tartu collected data from 50 077 adults in 2002–2011. Asthma was assessed through a questionnaire regarding diagnosed diseases, current health status and medication. Exposures to 22 agents during the current and longest held jobs were estimated using an asthma-specific job–exposure matrix.

Analyses included 34 015 subjects (aged 18–65 years, 67.0% females), of which 1209 (3.6%) reported asthma (608 with physician-confirmed diagnosis). After adjusting for age, sex and smoking habits, lifetime occupational exposure to known asthmagens (20.4%) was significantly associated with physician-diagnosed asthma (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03–1.59), especially high molecular weight agents (flour: OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.31–4.27; animals: OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.00–2.60). Exposure to low/moderate levels of irritants (17.4%) was associated with physician-diagnosed asthma (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.48–2.37). More pronounced associations were observed in subjects reporting current treated asthma.

Beyond confirming the effect of known asthmagens (which are well-known, mostly from observations in western countries), the results provide evidence for a role of low/moderate exposure to irritants. This finding, observed in a country with a low prevalence of asthma and atopy, provides new insight into the understanding of asthma heterogeneity.
Implementation of hospital governing boards: views from the field
Authors: McNatt Zahirah , Thompson Jennifer W , Mengistu Abraham , Tatek Dawit , Linnander Erika , Ageze Leulseged , Lawson Ruth , Berhanu Negalign , Bradley Elizabeth H
Published: April 2014

Background

Decentralization through the establishment of hospital governing boards has been touted as an effective way to improve the quality and efficiency of hospitals in low-income countries. Although several studies have examined the process of decentralization, few have quantitatively assessed the implementation of hospital governing boards and their impact on hospital performance. Therefore, we sought to describe the functioning of governing boards and to determine the association between governing board functioning and hospital performance.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with governing board chairpersons to assess board (1) structure, (2) roles and responsibilities and (3) training and orientation practices. Using bivariate analysis and multivariable regression, we examined the association between governing board functioning and hospital performance. Hospital performance indicators: 1) percent of hospital management standards met, measured with the Ethiopian Hospital Reform Implementation Guidelines and 2) patient experience, measured with the Inpatient and Outpatient Assessment of Healthcare surveys.

Results

A total of 92 boards responded to the survey (96% response rate). The average percentage of EHRIG standards met was 58.1% (standard deviation (SD) 21.7 percentage points), and the mean overall patient experience score was 7.2 (SD 2.2). Hospitals with greater hospital management standards met had governing boards that paid members, reviewed performance in several domains quarterly or more frequently, developed new revenue sources, determined services to be outsourced, reviewed patient complaints, and had members with knowledge in business and financial management (all P-values < 0.05). Hospitals with more positive patient experience had governing boards that developed new revenue sources, determined services to be outsourced, and reviewed patient complaints (all P-values < 0.05).

Conclusions

These cross-sectional data suggest that strengthening governing boards to perform essential responsibilities may result in improved hospital performance.
Prophylactic Cannabinoid Administration Blocks the Development of Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Nociception during Analgesic Treatment and following Cessation of Drug Delivery
Authors: Rahn Elizabeth J , Deng Liting , Thakur Ganesh A , Vemuri Kiran , Zvonok Alexander M , Lai Yvonne Y , Makriyannis Alexandros , Hohmann Andrea G
Published: April 2014

Background:

Chemotherapeutic treatment results in chronic pain in an estimated 30–40 percent of patients. Limited and often ineffective treatments make the need for new therapeutics an urgent one. We compared the effects of prophylactic cannabinoids as a preventative strategy for suppressing development of paclitaxel-induced nociception. The mixed CB1/CB2 agonist WIN55,212–2 was compared with the cannabilactone CB2-selective agonist AM1710, administered subcutaneously (s.c.), via osmotic mini pumps before, during, and after paclitaxel treatment. Pharmacological specificity was assessed using CB1 (AM251) and CB2 (AM630) antagonists. The impact of chronic drug infusion on transcriptional regulation of mRNA markers of astrocytes (GFAP), microglia (CD11b) and cannabinoid receptors (CB1,CB2) was assessed in lumbar spinal cords of paclitaxel and vehicle-treated rats.

Results:

Both WIN55,212–2 and AM1710 blocked the development of paclitaxel-induced mechanical and cold allodynia; anti-allodynic efficacy persisted for approximately two to three weeks following cessation of drug delivery. WIN55,212–2 (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg/day s.c.) suppressed the development of both paclitaxel-induced mechanical and cold allodynia. WIN55,212–2–mediated suppression of mechanical hypersensitivity was dominated by CB1 activation whereas suppression of cold allodynia was relatively insensitive to blockade by either CB1 (AM251; 3 mg/kg/day s.c.) or CB2 (AM630; 3 mg/kg/day s.c.) antagonists. AM1710 (0.032 and 3.2 mg/kg/day) suppressed development of mechanical allodynia whereas only the highest dose (3.2 mg/kg/day s.c.) suppressed cold allodynia. Anti-allodynic effects of AM1710 (3.2 mg/kg/day s.c.) were mediated by CB2. Anti-allodynic efficacy of AM1710 outlasted that produced by chronic WIN55,212–2 infusion. mRNA expression levels of the astrocytic marker GFAP was marginally increased by paclitaxel treatment whereas expression of the microglial marker CD11b was unchanged. Both WIN55,212–2 (0.5 mg/kg/day s.c.) and AM1710 (3.2 mg/kg/day s.c.) increased CB1 and CB2 mRNA expression in lumbar spinal cord of paclitaxel-treated rats in a manner blocked by AM630.

Conclusions and implications:

Cannabinoids block development of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy and protect against neuropathic allodynia following cessation of drug delivery. Chronic treatment with both mixed CB1/CB2 and CB2 selective cannabinoids increased mRNA expression of cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) in a CB2-dependent fashion. Our results support the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for suppressing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy in humans.
Modulation of pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes and dendritic cells by aza-bis-phosphonate dendrimer as an experimental therapeutic agent
Authors: Degboé Yannick , Fruchon Séverine , Baron Michel , Nigon Delphine , Turrin Cédric Olivier , Caminade Anne-Marie , Poupot Rémy , Cantagrel Alain , Davignon Jean-Luc
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Our objective was to assess the capacity of dendrimer aza-bis-phosphonate (ABP) to modulate phenotype of monocytes (Mo) and monocytes derived dendritic cells (MoDC) activated in response to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and interferon γ (IFN- γ) stimulation.

Methods

Mo (n = 12) and MoDC (n = 11) from peripheral blood of healthy donors were prepared. Cells were preincubated or not for 1 hour with dendrimer ABP, then incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; as a TLR4 ligand) and (IFN-γ) for 38 hours. Secretion of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL) -1, IL-6, IL-12, IL-10 and IL-23 in the culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Cytokine Bead Array. Differentiation and subsequent maturation of MoDC from nine donors in the presence of LPS were analyzed by flow cytometry using CD80, CD86, CD83 and CD1a surface expression as markers.

Results

Mo and MoDC were orientated to a pro-inflammatory state. In activated Mo, TNFα, IL-1β and IL-23 levels were significantly lower after prior incubation with dendrimer ABP. In activated MoDC, dendrimer ABP promoted IL-10 secretion while decreasing dramatically the level of IL-12. TNFα and IL-6 secretion were significantly lower in the presence of dendrimer ABP. LPS driven maturation of MoDC was impaired by dendrimer ABP treatment, as attested by the significantly lower expression of CD80 and CD86.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that dendrimer ABP possesses immunomodulatory properties on human Mo and MoDC, in TLR4 + IFN-γ stimulation model, by inducing M2 alternative activation of Mo and promoting tolerogenic MoDC.
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-induced anti-inflammatory responses in adolescent mice switch to proinflammatory in adulthood
Authors: Moretti Sarah , Castelli Mara , Franchi Silvia , Raggi Maria Augusta , Mercolini Laura , Protti Michele , Somaini Lorenzo , Panerai Alberto E , Sacerdote Paola
Published: April 2014

Marijuana abuse is prominent among adolescents. Although Δ9-THC, one of its main components, has been demonstrated to modulate immunity in adults, little is known about its impact during adolescence on the immune system and the long-lasting effects in adulthood. We demonstrate that 10 days of Δ9-THC treatment induced a similar alteration of macrophage and splenocyte cytokines in adolescent and adult mice. Immediately at the end of chronic Δ9-THC, a decrease of proinflammatory cytokines IL- 1β and TNF-α and an increase of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 production by macrophages were present as protein and mRNA in adolescent and adult mice. In splenocytes, Δ9-THC modulated Th1/Th2 cytokines skewing toward Th2: IFN-γ was reduced, and IL-4 and IL-10 increased. These effects were lost in adult animals, 47 days after the last administration. In contrast, in adult animals treated as adolescents, a perturbation of immune responses, although in an opposite direction, was present. In adults treated as adolescents, a proinflammatory macrophage phenotype was observed (IL-1β and TNF-α were elevated; IL-10 decreased), and the production of Th cytokines was blunted. IgM titers were also reduced. Corticosterone concentrations indicate a long-lasting dysregulation of HPA in adolescent mice. We measured blood concentrations of Δ9-THC and its metabolites, showing that Δ9-THC plasma levels in our mice are in the order of those achieved in human heavy smokers. Our data demonstrate that Δ9-THC in adolescent mice triggers immune dysfunctions that last long after the end of abuse, switching the murine immune system to proinflammatory status in adulthood.
The balance of kinin receptors in the progression of experimental focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Pereira Rafael Luiz , Felizardo Raphael José Ferreira , Cenedeze Marcos Antônio , Hiyane Meire Ioshie , Bassi Ênio José , Amano Mariane Tami , Origassa Clarice Sylvia Taemi , Silva Reinaldo Correia , Aguiar Cristhiane Fávero , Carneiro Sylvia Mendes , Pesquero João Bosco , Araújo Ronaldo Carvalho , Keller Alexandre de Castro , Monteiro Renato , Moura Ivan Cruz , Pacheco-Silva Alvaro , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva
Published: April 2014

Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the most important renal diseases related to end stage renal failure. Bradykinin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of renal inflammation whereas the role of its receptor 2 (B2RBK) in FSGS has not been studied. FSGS was induced in wild type and B2RBK KO mice by a single intravenous injection of Adriamycin (ADM). In order to further modulate the kinin receptors, animals were also treated with B2RBK antagonist HOE-140, and DALBK, B1RBK antagonist. Here, we show that the blockage of B2RBK with HOE-140 protects mice from FSGS development, including podocyte foot process effacement and reestablishment of slit diaphragm-related proteins. However, B2RBK KO mice were not protected from FSGS. These opposite results were due to B1RBK expression. B1RBK was up regulated after ADM injection and it was exacerbated in B2RBK KO animals. Further, HOE-140 treatment down regulated B1RBK receptor. The blockade of B1RBK in B2RBK KO animals promoted FSGS regression, with a less inflammatory phenotype. These results indicate a deleterious role of both kinin receptors in FSGS model and suggest a possible crosstalk of them in disease progression.
Reproductive status, endocrine physiology and chemical signaling in the Neotropical, swarm-founding eusocial wasp,Polybia micansDucke (Vespidae: Epiponini)
Authors: Kelstrup Hans C. , Hartfelder Klaus , Nascimento Fabio S. , Riddiford Lynn M.
Published: April 2014

In the evolution of caste-based societies in Hymenoptera, the classical insect hormones, juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids, were co-opted into new functions. Social wasps, which show all levels of sociality and lifestyles, are an ideal group to study such functional changes. Virtually all studies on the physiological mechanisms underlying reproductive division of labor and caste functions in wasps have been done on independent-founding paper wasps, and the majority of these studies have focused on species specially adapted for overwintering. The relatively little studied tropical swarming-founding wasps of the Epiponini (Vespidae) are a diverse group of permanently social wasps, with some species maintaining caste flexibility well into the adult phase. We investigated the behavior, reproductive status, JH and ecdysteroid titers in hemolymph, ecdysteroid content of the ovary and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles in the caste-monomorphic, epiponine wasp Polybia micans Ducke. We found that the JH titer was not elevated in competing queens from established multiple-queen nests, but increased in lone queens that lack direct competition. In queenless colonies, JH titers rose transiently in young potential reproductives upon challenge by nestmates, suggesting that JH may prime the ovaries for further development. Ovarian ecdysteroids were very low in workers but higher and correlated with the number of vitellogenic oocytes in the queens. Hemolymph ecdysteroid levels were low and variable in both. Profiles of P. micans CHCs reflected caste, age and reproductive status, but were not tightly linked to either hormone. These findings show a significant divergence in hormone function in swarm-founding wasps compared to independent-founding ones.
Level locomotion in wood ants: evidence for grounded running
Authors: Reinhardt Lars , Blickhan Reinhard
Published: April 2014

In order to better understand the strategies of locomotion in small insects, we have studied continuous level locomotion of the wood ant species Formica polyctena. We determined the three-dimensional centre of mass kinematics during the gait cycle and recorded the ground reaction forces of single legs utilizing a self-developed test site. Our findings show that the animals used the same gait dynamics across a wide speed range without dissolving the tripodal stride pattern. To achieve higher velocities the ants proportionally increased stride length and stepping frequency. The centre of mass energetics indicated a bouncing gait, in which horizontal kinetic and gravitational potential energy fluctuated in close phase. We determined a high degree of compliance especially in the front legs, as the effective leg length was nearly halved during the contact phase. This leads to only small vertical oscillations of the body, which are important in maintaining ground contact. Bouncing gaits without aerial phases seem to be a common strategy in small runners and can be sufficiently described by the bipedal spring-loaded inverted pendulum model. Thus, with our results, we provide evidence that wood ants perform "grounded running".
Feather corticosterone reveals developmental stress in seabirds
Authors: Will Alexis P. , Suzuki Yuya , Elliott Kyle H. , Hatch Scott A. , Watanuki Yutaka , Kitaysky Alexander S.
Published: April 2014

In nest-bound avian offspring food shortages typically trigger a release of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT). Recent studies indicate that CORT is passively deposited in the tissue of growing feathers and thus may provide an integrated measure of stress incurred during development in the nest. The current hypothesis predicts that, assuming a constant rate of feather growth, elevated CORT circulating in the blood corresponds to higher levels of CORT in feather tissue, but experimental evidence for nutritionally stressed chicks is lacking. Here we examine how food limitation affects feather CORT content in the rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca moncerata). We i) used captive chicks reared on control vs. restricted diets, and ii) applied this technique to free-living chicks with unknown nutritional histories that fledged at three separate colonies. We found that i) feather growth was not affected by experimentally-induced nutritional stress; ii) captive chicks raised on a restricted diet had higher levels of CORT in their primary feathers; iii) feather CORT deposition is a sensitive method of detecting nutritional stress; and iv) free-living fledglings from the colony with poor reproductive performance had higher CORT in their primary feathers. We conclude that feather CORT is a sensitive integrated measure revealing the temporal dynamics of food limitations experienced by rhinoceros auklet nestlings. The use of feather CORT may be a powerful endocrine tool in ecological and evolutionary studies of bird species with similar preferential allocation of limited resources to feather development.
Lateral line analogue aids vision in successful predator evasion for brief squid Lolliguncula brevis
Authors: York Carly A. , Bartol Ian K.
Published: April 2014

Cephalopods have visual and mechanoreception systems that may be employed to sense and respond to an approaching predator. While vision presumably plays the dominant role, the importance of the lateral line analogue for predator evasion has not been examined in cephalopods. To test the respective roles of vision and the lateral line analogue, brief squid Lolliguncula brevis were observed in the presence of summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus under light and dark conditions with their lateral line analogue intact and ablated. Hair cell ablation was achieved through a pharmacological technique used for the first time on a cephalopod. Proportion of predator-prey interactions survived was significantly higher in the light non-ablated and light ablated groups compared to the dark ablated group. The mean number of interactions survived varied across treatment groups with the light non-ablated group having significantly more success than the light ablated, dark non-ablated and dark ablated groups. These findings demonstrate that although vision is the primary sense, the lateral line analogue also contributes to predator evasion in squid.
Crystal Structure of a Hydrogen-bond-assisted Coaxially π-Stacked Dimer of a Hexadehydrotribenzo[12]annulene ([12]DBA) Derivative
Authors: Hisaki Ichiro , Osaka Keisuke , Shigemitsu Hajime , Tohnai Norimitsu , Miyata Mikiji
Published: April 2014

We present the crystal structure of a coaxially π-stacked discrete dimer of a [12]DBA derivative possessing six peripheral (tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino groups. The dimer has a significantly short interplanar distance (3.25 Å), which is achieved by the sixfold intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed among the peripheral amide moieties. The adjacent dimers are isolated by bulky peripheral tert-butyl groups.
Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Ketones, Phenols, and Ethers Promoted by Platinum–Heteropolyacid Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Itagaki Shintaro , Matsuhashi Naoki , Taniguchi Kento , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: April 2014

A Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40-supported platinum catalyst (Pt/CsPW) could act as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for hydrodeoxygenation of various types of oxygen-containing compounds such as ketones, phenols, and ethers. The observed catalysis was truly heterogeneous, and the retrieved Pt/CsPW could be reused.
Non-nearest-neighbor dependence of stability for group III RNA single nucleotide bulge loops
Authors: Kent Jessica L. , McCann Michael D. , Phillips Daniel , Panaro Brandon L. , Lim Geoffrey F.S. , Serra Martin J.
Published: April 2014

Thirty-five RNA duplexes containing single nucleotide bulge loops were optically melted and the thermodynamic parameters for each duplex determined. The bulge loops were of the group III variety, where the bulged nucleotide is either a AG/U or CU/G, leading to ambiguity to the exact position and identity of the bulge. All possible group III bulge loops with Watson–Crick nearest-neighbors were examined. The data were used to develop a model to predict the free energy of an RNA duplex containing a group III single nucleotide bulge loop. The destabilization of the duplex by the group III bulge could be modeled so that the bulge nucleotide leads to the formation of the Watson–Crick base pair rather than the wobble base pair. The destabilization of an RNA duplex caused by the insertion of a group III bulge is primarily dependent upon non-nearest-neighbor interactions and was shown to be dependent upon the stability of second least stable stem of the duplex. In-line structure probing of group III bulge loops embedded in a hairpin indicated that the bulged nucleotide is the one positioned further from the hairpin loop irrespective of whether the resulting stem formed a Watson–Crick or wobble base pair. Fourteen RNA hairpins containing group III bulge loops, either 3′ or 5′ of the hairpin loop, were optically melted and the thermodynamic parameters determined. The model developed to predict the influence of group III bulge loops on the stability of duplex formation was extended to predict the influence of bulge loops on hairpin stability.
Attribute-Level Heterogeneity
Authors: Ebbes Peter , Liechty John C. , Grewal Rajdeep
Published: April 2014

Modeling consumer heterogeneity helps practitioners understand market structures and devise effective marketing strategies. In this research we study finite mixture specifications for modeling consumer heterogeneity where each regression coefficient has its own finite mixture—that is, an attribute finite mixture model. An important challenge of such an approach to modeling heterogeneity lies in its estimation. A proposed Bayesian estimation approach, based on recent advances in reversible-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, can estimate parameters for the attribute-based finite mixture model, assuming that the number of components for each finite mixture is a discrete random variable. An attribute specification has several advantages over traditional, vector-based, finite mixture specifications; specifically, the attribute mixture model offers a more appropriate aggregation of information than does the vector specification facilitating estimation. In an extensive simulation study and an empirical application, we show that the attribute model can recover complex heterogeneity structures, making it dominant over traditional (vector) finite mixture regression models and a strong contender compared to mixture-of-normals models for modeling heterogeneity.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta, marketing.
Intramuscular fat accumulation and muscle atrophy in the absence of muscle retraction
Authors: Uhthoff H. K. , Coletta E. , Trudel G.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Although many clinical and experimental investigations have shed light on muscle atrophy and intramuscular accumulation of fat after rotator cuff disruption, none have reported on their onset in the absence of muscle retraction.

Methods

In 30 rabbits, we detached one supraspinatus (SSP) tendon and repaired it immediately, thus preventing muscle retraction. The animals were killed in groups of 10 at one, two and six weeks. Both shoulders of 15 non-operated rabbits served as controls. We measured the weight and volume of SSP muscles and quantified the cross-sectional area of intramuscular fat (i-fat) histologically.

Results

There was significant loss of muscle weight and volume after one week (p = 0.004 and 0.003, respectively), and two weeks (both p < 0.001) in the experimental group; which recovered to control values after six weeks. I-fat accumulated one week after immediate repair, greater than in the control group and statistically significant at the mid-part of the muscle (mean 2.7% vs 1.5%, p = 0.008). I-fat continued to accumulate up to six weeks at all sites of the SSP muscle (all 3, p < 0.001). More fat accumulated closer to the musculotendinous junction than at the mid-part after two and six weeks (p = 0.012 and 0.019, respectively).

Conclusion

Muscle atrophy and i-fat accumulation occur early after SSP tendon tear and immediate repair. While early repair benefitted muscle recovery, it did not prevent fat accumulation. SSP muscle retraction was not essential to the muscle alterations. The divergent evolution of muscle and fat points to different pathophysiologies. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:117–22.
An Unusual Case of Isolated Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy Secondary to Osteophytic Projection from the Atlanto-Occipital Joint
Authors: Patro Satya Narayana , Torres Carlos , Riascos Roy
Published: April 2014

We describe an unusual and rare case of isolated left hypoglossal nerve palsy secondary to compression from a prominent degenerative osteophyte from the left atlanto-occipital joint. The hypoglossal nerve is a purely motor cranial nerve innervating the tongue musculature. Palsy of the hypoglossal nerve is frequently associated with other cranial nerve palsies and can be related to vascular, neoplastic, infectious or traumatic conditions. Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy is quite rare and very few cases have been reported in the literature to date.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy: A Rare Cause of Cerebellar Edema and Atypical Mass Effect
Authors: Ojeda Chris , Assina Rachid , Barry Maureen , Baisre Ada , Gandhi Chirag
Published: April 2014

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an opportunistic demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by the JC papovavirus (JCV). Demyelination due to oligodendrocyte death leads to multifocal, asymmetric lesions. MRI is a valuable tool for detecting and differentiating PML from other neuropathies. Radiographically, PML classically presents as bilateral, subcortical white matter lesions with a lack of brain atrophy. As the disease progresses, lesions become larger and coalesce to become confluent. Minor edema and mass effect are infrequently described and the presence of significant mass effect suggests an alternative diagnosis. In our case, a patient demonstrated atypical marked infratentorial mass effect. Bilaterally, cerebellar lesions with associated mass effect were observed, as well as effacement of cerebellar folia and partial effacement of the fourth ventricle. The diagnosis of PML was confirmed with a biopsy of the right cerebellar lesion showing classic PML histology, with JCV DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction in the biopsy material.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Abood Ali , Vestergaard Peter
Published: April 2014

Objective

To study pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in women with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and in controls.

Design

Register-based retrospective cohort study of women aged 16–44 years with a diagnosis of PHPT with age- and gender-matched non-exposed controls in Denmark.

Methods

The patients and controls were identified using the Danish National Hospital Discharge Register for the period 1977–2010. The outcomes were determined using the Birth Register, the Abortion Register and the LPR (National Hospital Discharge Register). The primary outcome was the relative risk of abortions in patients compared with controls.

Results

A total of 1057 women with PHPT and 3171 controls were identified. The number of women giving birth and experiencing abortions did not differ between the two groups (live births, P=0.21 and abortions, P=0.12). Also birth weight, length, Apgar score, and gestation length at abortion did not differ. Within the first year after the diagnosis was made, gestation length was lower in women with PHPT than that in controls. However, this was linked to more deliveries by caesarian sections.

Conclusions

A diagnosis of PHPT did not seem to increase the rate of abortions in our study. Reducing the abortion risk may therefore not be an indication for parathyroidectomy during pregnancy in patients with mild PHPT. The PHPT diagnosis does not seem to affect birth weight, length and Apgar score. The higher number of deliveries by cesarean section after the diagnosis was made may be associated with lower gestation age. The strategy for delivery should be carefully considered in pregnant women with PHPT.
The diagnostic performance of urinary free cortisol is better than the cortisol:cortisone ratio in detecting de novo Cushing's syndrome: the use of a LC–MS/MS method in routine clinical practice
Authors: Ceccato Filippo , Antonelli Giorgia , Barbot Mattia , Zilio Marialuisa , Mazzai Linda , Gatti Rosalba , Zaninotto Martina , Mantero Franco , Boscaro Marco , Plebani Mario , Scaroni Carla
Published: April 2014

Objective

The Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines recommend measuring 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFF) levels using a highly accurate method as one of the first-line screening tests for the diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome (CS). We evaluated the performance of UFF, urinary free cortisone (UFE), and the UFF:UFE ratio, measured using a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method.

Subjects and methods

The LC–MS/MS was used to analyze UFF and UFE levels in 43 surgically confirmed CS patients: 26 with Cushing's disease (CD, 16de novoand ten recurrences), 11 with adrenal CS and six with ectopic CS; 22 CD patients in remission; 14 eu-cortisolemic CD patients receiving medical therapy; 60 non-CS patients; and 70 healthy controls. Sensitivity and specificity were determined in the combined groups of non-CS patients, healthy controls, and CD in remission.

Results

UFF>170 nmol/24 h showed 98.7% specificity and 100% sensitivity forde novoCS, while sensitivity was 80% for recurrent CD patients, who were characterized by lower UFF levels. The UFF:UFE and UFF+UFE showed lower sensitivity and specificity than UFF. Ectopic CS patients had the highest UFF and UFF:UFE levels, which were normal in the CD remission patients and in those receiving medical therapy.

Conclusions

Our data suggest high diagnostic performance of UFF excretion measured using LC–MS/MS, in detectingde novoCS. UFF:UFE and UFF+UFE assessments are not useful in the first step of CS diagnosis, although high levels were found to be indicative of ectopic CS.
Telomere length analysis in Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Aulinas Anna , Ramírez María-José , Barahona María-José , Valassi Elena , Resmini Eugenia , Mato Eugènia , Santos Alicia , Crespo Iris , Bell Olga , Surrallés Jordi , Webb Susan M
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Hypercortisolism in Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hypercortisolism also occurs in chronic depressive disorders and stress, where telomere length (TL) is shorter than in controls. We hypothesized that shortening of telomere might occur in CS and contribute to premature aging and morbidity.

Aim

To investigate TL in CS patients compared with controls.

Methods

Seventy-seven CS patients (14 males, 59 pituitary, 17 adrenal, and one ectopic; 21 with active disease) were compared with 77 gender-, age-, and smoking-matched controls. Fifteen CS were evaluated longitudinally, during active disease and after remission of hypercortisolism. Leukocyte TL was measured by telomere restriction fragment–Southern technique. Clinical markers were included in a multiple linear regression analysis to investigate potential predictors of TL.

Results

Mean TL in CS patients and controls was similar (7667 vs 7483 bp, NS). After adjustment for age, in the longitudinal evaluation, TL was shorter in active disease than after remission (7273 vs 7870, P<0.05). Age and dyslipidemia were negative predictors (P<0.05), and total leukocyte count was a positive predictor for TL (P<0.05). As expected, a negative correlation was found between TL and age (CS, R=−0.400 and controls, R=−0.292; P<0.05). No correlation was found between circulating cortisol, duration of exposure to hypercortisolism or biochemical cure and TL.

Conclusion

Even though in the cross-sectional comparison of CS and controls no difference in TL was found, in the longitudinal evaluation, patients with active CS had shorter TL than after biochemical cure of hypercortisolism. These preliminary results suggest that hypercortisolism might negatively impact telomere maintenance. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Serum negative autoimmune thyroiditis displays a milder clinical picture compared with classic Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Rotondi Mario , de Martinis Luca , Coperchini Francesca , Pignatti Patrizia , Pirali Barbara , Ghilotti Stefania , Fonte Rodolfo , Magri Flavia , Chiovato Luca
Published: April 2014

Background

Despite high sensitivity of current assays for autoantibodies to thyroperoxidase (TPO) and to thyroglobulin (Tg), some hypothyroid patients still present with negative tests for circulating anti-thyroid Abs. These patients usually referred to as having seronegative autoimmune thyroiditis (seronegative CAT) have not been characterized, and definite proof that their clinical phenotype is similar to that of patients with classic chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) is lacking.

Objective

To compare the clinical phenotype of seronegative CAT (SN-CAT) and CAT as diagnosed according to a raised serum level of TSH with negative and positive tests for anti-thyroid Abs respectively.

Methods

A case–control retrospective study enrolling 55 patients with SN-CAT and 110 patients with CAT was performed. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), TSH, Tg Abs, and TPO Abs were measured in all patients.

Results

Patients with SN-CAT displayed significantly lower mean levels of TSH (6.6±3.4 vs 10.2±9.8 μU/ml; P=0.009), higher mean FT4 levels (1.1±0.2 vs 0.9±0.2 ng/dl; P=0.0002), and similar FT3 levels when compared with CAT patients. Mean thyroid volume was significantly greater in patients with CAT when compared with SN-CAT patients (11.2±6.5 vs 8.1±3.7 ml; P=0.001). Logistic regression demonstrated that FT4 (0.123 (0.019–0.775); (P=0.026)) and thyroid volume (1.243 (1.108–1.394); (P=0.0002)) were significantly and independently related to the diagnosis (CAT/SN-CAT). Patients with SN-CAT had a similar prevalence of thyroid nodules and female gender but a lower prevalence of overt hypothyroidism (5.4 vs 20.9%; P=0.012) as opposed to patients with CAT.

Conclusions

These results suggest an autoimmune etiology of SN-CAT, which, however, seems to have a milder clinical course when compared with CAT.
Fighting Maoist violence with promises: Evidence from India’s Employment Guarantee Scheme
Authors: Khanna Gaurav , Zimmermann Laura
Published: April 2014

The Indian state faces a substantial internal security threat in the form of a Maoist insurgency, but decades of relying predominantly on military strength have not been a successful strategy for resolving the conflict. Recently, there has been a growing interest in whether anti-poverty programs can increase the effectiveness of the government forces by improving the relationship between citizens and the state and making civilians more willing to share information on insurgents. A prime candidate for such a program is the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), the world’s largest public-works program. We find that the introduction of NREGS leads to an increase in violence in the short run that is driven by police-initiated attacks, and an increase in the number of captured Maoists. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that civilians assist the police because of NREGS, and suggest that the role of civilians in internal conflicts should not be ignored.
Crime and social conflict in India
Authors: Amaral Sofia , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha , Bhattacharya Samrat , Sensarma Rudra
Published: April 2014

This article has two goals. First, using district-level panel data we identify key determinants of violent crime, nonviolent crime, and crime against women in India, 1990-2007. Second, using district-level variation in regard to Maoist-driven social conflict, we examine how social conflict affects crime and its determinants. In addition to conventional determinants of crime (e.g., law enforcement and economic variables), we examine how variation in sex ratios affects crime. We also study whether the gender of the chief political decisionmaker in each state affects crime. We find that improvements in arrest rates decreases the incidence of all types of crimes. Socioeconomic variables have relatively little explanatory power. We also find evidence that unbalanced sex ratios, particularly in rural areas, increase crime. The presence of a female Chief Minister diminishes violent crime and, especially, crimes against women. Finally, we find that in districts affected by the Maoist insurgency, all types of crime are lower and we offer explanations for why that may be the case.
The financial legacy of Afghanistan and Iraq: How wartime spending decisions will constrain future U.S. national security budgets
Authors: Bilmes Linda J.
Published: April 2014

The Afghan and Iraqi conflicts, taken together, will be the most expensive wars in United States history, totaling somewhere between US$4 to US$6 trillion. This includes long-term medical care and disability compensation for service members, veterans and families, military replenishment, and social and economic costs. The largest portion of that bill is yet to be paid. Since 2001, the U.S. has expanded the quality, quantity, availability, and eligibility of benefits for military personnel and veterans. This has led to unprecedented growth in the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense budgets. These benefits will increase further over the next 40 years. Additional funds are committed to replacing large quantities of basic equipment used in the wars and to support ongoing diplomatic presence and military assistance in Afghanistan and Iraq. The large sums borrowed to finance war-related operations will also impose substantial long-term debt servicing costs. As a consequence of these wartime spending choices, the United States will face constraints in funding investments in personnel and diplomacy, research and development, and new military initiatives. The legacy of decisions taken during the Afghan and Iraqi wars will dominate federal budgets for decades to come.
Gandhi’s Gift: Lessons for peaceful reform from India’s struggle for democracy
Authors: Bhavnani Rikhil , Jha Saumitra
Published: April 2014

We examine the potential and limitations of nonviolent civil disobedience through the lens of the evolution of an iconic success: India’s struggle for democratic self-rule. We summarize evidence consistent with a theoretical framework that highlights two key challenges faced by nonviolent movements in ethnically diverse countries. The first challenge, that of forging a mass movement, was met through the brokering of a deal that took advantage of an external shock (in this case, the Great Depression) to align the incentives of disparate ethnic and social groups toward mass mobilization in favor of democracy and land reform. The second challenge, that of keeping the mass movement peaceful, was accomplished through organizational innovations introduced by Mohandas Gandhi in his reforms of the constitution of the Congress movement in 1919-23. These innovations took the movement from one dominated by a rich elite to one organized on the principle of self-sacrifice. This permitted the selection of future leaders who could then be trusted to maintain nonviolent discipline in pursuit of the extension of broad rights and public policy objectives.
Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 on Activated Carbon Under Visible Light in the Photodegradation of Phenol
Authors: García Andreína , Matos Juan
Published: April 2014

The photodegradation of phenol under visible light by using TiO2 and activated carbon prepared by physical
activation was performed. Activated carbon was prepared from Tabebuia Pentaphyla wood by physical activation under
CO2flow at 800ºC. UV-Vis lamp with a high proportion of visible light was used. Kinetic results of phenol
photodegradation indicated a beneficial effect between TiO2and AC. An increase of apparent first-order rate constant
(kapp) by a factor of 1.74 in presence of TiO2-AC was obtained in comparison than TiO2 alone. This cooperative effect
between both solids was ascribed to the high surface area and basic surface pH of this type of AC.
Hardness and Case Depth Analysis Through Optimization Techniques in Surface Hardening Processes
Authors: Palaniradja K. , Alagumurthi N. , Soundararajan V.
Published: April 2014

Surface engineering and surface engineered materials find wide applications in engineering industries in recent years. Inconsistency in hardness and case depth has resulted in the further optimization of the process variables involved in surface hardening. In the present study, the following operating parameters viz. preheating, carbon potential, holding position, furnace temperature, carburising time, quenching medium, quenching temperature, quenching time, tempering temperature and tempering time were taken for optimization using the Taguchi and Factorial design of experiment concepts. From the experiments and optimization analysis conducted on EN29 and EN34 materials it was observed that furnace temperature and quenching time had equal influence in obtaining a better surface integrity of the case hardened components using gas carburizing. Preheating before gas carburizing further enhanced the surface hardness and the depth of hardness. In the case of induction hardening process, power potential played a vital role in optimizing the surface hardness and the depth of hardness.
Influence of Homogenization on Mechanical Properties of Al-1Mn-1Mg Alloy Prepared by Different Melt-Treatments
Authors: Chen Yonglu , Hong Lihua , Wang Liangdeng , Chen Wenzhe
Published: April 2014

Influence of homogenization on mechanical properties of Al-1Mn-1Mg alloy prepared by different melttreatments
was discussed and mechanism of metallurgical defects on ingots' mechanical properties was analyzed. It was
found that metallurgical defects, such as the inclusions and gas holes, cannot be removed from the original ingots by
homogenization; the average increasement of tensile strength of the ingots prepared by comprehensive melt-treatment and
homogenized at 400~500°C for 12 hours was 17.4%, and the elongation improved slightly; the better obdurability of the
ingots can be obtained due to the vast reduction of crack initiation of metallurgical defects such as the inclusions, gas
holes and so on; the fracture mode gave priority to the type of transcrystalline and micropore gathering; under the
experiment condition, the relatively optimized processing permanents of homogenization can be obtained by heating at
450~500°C while holding for 12 hours and air cooling; the comprehensive mechanical properties of the ingots, prepared
by the optimized process, can be tested as follows: σb≈180~193MPa, δ≈16.0~18.0%.