bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young female survivors of sexual abuse in Malaysia and depression: What factors are associated with better outcome?
Authors: Wahab Suzaily , Tan Susan Mooi Koon , Marimuthu Sheila , Razali Rosdinom , Muhamad Nor Asiah
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Research in the field of child sexual abuse is lacking in Malaysia. The aims of this study are to identify the association between sociodemographic factors and depression among sexually abused females.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 51 young sexually abused female attendees at the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) clinic of Hospital Kuala Lumpur, a tertiary referral centre. Upon obtaining informed consent from participant and guardian, participants were screened for depression using the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ) and interviewed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children (K‐SADS) for depressive disorders and K‐SADS‐PL (Present and Lifetime version) to diagnose depression. Sociodemographic data and details of the abuse were also obtained.

Results

Of the survivors, 33.3% were depressed. Univariate analysis showed significant association between legal guardianship, living environment and duration of abuse with depression, however, multivariate analyses later showed that the sole predictor for depression was living environment. Respondents who lived with others were 23‐times more likely to be depressed as compared to those who lived with their parents.

Discussion

Depression is common among young survivors of sexual abuse. Those who lived with parents appeared to have a better outcome. Thus, further research to explore possible protective factors associated with living with parents is vital. This will help clinicians develop strategies to empower parents and families help these young survivors get back on track with their lives despite the abuse.
Sexual abuse and substance abuse increase risk of suicidal behavior in Malaysian youth
Authors: Chan Lai Fong , Maniam T. , Saini Suriati Mohamed , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Loh Sit Fong , Sinniah Aishvarya , Idris Zawaha Haji , Che Rus Sulaiman , Hassan Nudin Siti Sa'adiah , Tan Susan Mooi Koon
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the association between sexual abuse, substance abuse and socio‐demographic factors with suicidal ideation (SI), plans (SP) and deliberate self‐harm (DSH) and propose steps to prevent youth suicidal behavior.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 6786 adolescents aged 17–18 years, selected randomly from all Malaysian adolescents to undergo compulsory youth camps located in Selangor, Malaysia (2008–2009). Participants were assessed using self‐administered questionnaires developed to reflect the local cultural setting. However, only 4581 subjects were analyzed after excluding incomplete data.

Results

The rates of SI, SP and DSH were 7.6%, 3.2% and 6.3%, respectively. The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio showed that sexual abuse was associated with SI 1.99 (95% CI: 1.56–2.55), SP 1.57 (95% CI: 1.09–2.27) and DSH 2.26 (95% CI: 1.75–2.94); illicit drug use was associated with SI 4.05 (95% CI: 2.14–7.67), SP 2.62 (95% CI: 1.05–6.53) and DSH 2.06, (95% CI: 1.05–4.04); for alcohol use DSH was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.00–1.79). Being female was associated with all suicidal behaviors: SI 2.51 (95% CI: 1.91–3.30), SP 2.07 (95% CI: 1.39–3.08) and DSH 1.59 (95% CI: 1.19–2.11).

Discussion

Given the well‐founded concern of increasing risk of suicidal behavior among youth, preventive efforts should adopt a more comprehensive approach in dealing with sexual abuse and substance abuse, and their sequelae, especially in girls.
An improved dry ash procedure for the detection of titanium dioxide in cattle feces
Authors: Ohmori Hideyuki , Nonaka Itoko , Ohtani Fumihiro , Tajima Kiyoshi , Kawashima Tomoyuki , KAJI Yuji , Terada Fuminori
Published: April 2013

We improved the dry ash procedure for detecting titanium dioxide (TiO2) in cattle feces containing chromium dioxide (Cr2O3). First, the effect of amount of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) on the recovery of TiO2 from cattle feces that contained Cr2O3 was evaluated. Average recovery of TiO2 at the 2.5 g Na2SO4 level was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that at 0.75 g Na2SO4. Second, the effect of Cr2O3 concentration on the recovery of TiO2 of cattle feces by using two levels of Na2SO4 addition was examined. The recovery of TiO2 decreased with the increase in the amount of Cr2O3 at the 0.75 g Na2SO4 level but was consistently high at 2.5 g Na2SO4. Third, the recovery of Cr2O3 from cattle feces was checked. The recoveries of TiO2 and Cr2O3 were high enough at the 2.5 g Na2SO4 level. Fourth, the improved dry ash procedure (5 mL of concentrated H2SO4 and 2.5 g of Na2SO4 were used for sample digestion) was compared to the wet ash procedure. Average recovery of TiO2 by the improved dry ash procedure was significantly higher (P = 0.0077) than that by the wet ash procedure. Thus, the improved dry ash procedure can be used for TiO2 analysis in cattle feces containing Cr2O3.
Effects ofMHRAdrug safety advice on time trends in prescribing volume and indices of clinical toxicity for quinine
Authors: Acheampong Paul , Cooper Gill , Khazaeli Behshad , Lupton David J. , White Sue , May Margaret T. , Thomas Simon H. L.
Published: April 2013

Aims

To ascertain the effects of theMedicines andHealthcare productsRegulatoryAgency's (MHRA) safety update inJune 2010 on the volume of prescribing of quinine and on indices of quinine toxicity.

Methods

We analysed quarterly primary care total and quinine prescribing data forEngland and quinine prescribing volume for individualPrimaryCareTrusts in theNorthEast ofEngland from 2007/8 to 2011/12 obtained from theePACT.net database. We also analysed quinine toxicity enquiries to theNationalPoisonsInformationService (NPIS) viaToxbase® and by telephone between 2004/5 and 2011/12. Joinpoint regression andPearson's correlation tests were used to ascertain changes in trends in prescribing and indices of toxicity and associations between prescribing and indices of toxicity, respectively.

Results

Total prescribing continued to increase, but annual growth in quinine prescribing inEngland declined from 6.0 to −0.6% following theMHRAupdate [difference −0.04 (95% confidence interval −0.07 to −0.01) quinine prescriptions per 100 patients per quarter,P= 0.0111]. Much larger reductions were observed inPrimaryCareTrusts that introduced comprehensive prescribing reviews. The previously increasing trend inToxbase® quinine searches was reversed [difference −19.76 (95% confidence interval −39.28 to −9.20) user sessions per quarter,P= 0.0575].Telephone enquiries toNPISfor quinine have declined, with stabilization of the proportion of moderate to severe cases of quinine poisoning since the update.

Conclusions

TheMHRAadvice was followed by limited reductions in the growth in quinine prescribing and in indicators of quinine overdose and toxicity. Quinine prescribing, however, remains common, and further efforts are needed to reduce availability and use.
Population pharmacokinetics of recombinant human C1 inhibitor in patients with hereditary angioedema
Authors: Farrell Colm , Hayes Siobhan , Relan Anurag , van Amersfoort Edwin S. , Pijpstra Rienk , Hack C. Erik
Published: April 2013

Aims

To characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of recombinant human C1 inhibitor (rhC1INH) in healthy volunteers and hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients.

Methods

Plasma levels of C1INH following 294 administrations of rhC1INH in 133 subjects were fitted using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. The model was used to simulate maximal C1INH levels for the proposed dosing scheme.

Results

A one‐compartment model with Michaelis–Menten elimination kinetics described the data. Baseline C1INH levels were 0.901 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.839–0.968] and 0.176 U ml−1 (95% CI: 0.154–0.200) in healthy volunteers and HAE patients, respectively. The volume of distribution of rhC1INH was 2.86 l (95% CI: 2.68–3.03). The maximal rate of elimination and the concentration corresponding to half this maximal rate were 1.63 U ml−1 h−1 (95% CI: 1.41–1.88) and 1.60 U ml−1 (95% CI: 1.14–2.24), respectively, for healthy volunteers and symptomatic HAE patients. The maximal elimination rate was 36% lower in asymptomatic HAE patients. Peak C1INH levels did not change upon repeated administration of rhC1INH. Bodyweight was found to be an important predictor of the volume of distribution. Simulations of the proposed dosing scheme predicted peak C1INH concentrations above the lower level of the normal range (0.7 U ml−1) for at least 94% of all patients.

Conclusions

The population PK model for C1INH supports a dosing scheme on a 50 U kg−1 basis up to 84 kg, with a fixed dose of 4200 U above 84 kg. The PK of rhC1INH following repeat administration are consistent with the PK following the first administration.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of pharmacist‐led fee‐for‐services medication review
Authors: Hatah Ernieda , Braund Rhiannon , Tordoff June , Duffull Stephen B.
Published: April 2013

Aim

The aim was to examine the impact of fee‐for‐service pharmacist‐led medication review on patient outcomes and quantify this according to the type of review undertaken, e.g. adherence support and clinical medication review.

Methods

Relevant published studies were identified from Medline, Embase and International Pharmaceutical Abstract databases (from inception to February 2011). Study inclusion criteria were fee‐for‐service medication review, presence of a control group and pre‐specified patient outcomes. Outcomes were grouped into primary (changes in biomarkers, hospitalization, and mortality) and secondary outcomes (medication adherence, economic implications and quality of life). Meta‐analyses for primary outcomes were conducted using random effects models and secondary outcomes were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 135 relevant articles located, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for primary outcomes and 32 for secondary outcomes. Significant results favouring pharmacists' intervention were found for blood pressure (OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.58, 7.75, P = 0.002) and low density lipoprotein (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.17, 4.72, P = 0.02). Outcomes on hospitalization (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.39, 1.21, P = 0.19) and mortality (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.65 to 3.46, P = 0.34) indicated no differences between the groups. On subgroup analysis, clinical medication review (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26, 0.83, P = 0.01) but not adherence support review (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.59, 1.32, P = 0.54) reduced hospitalization.

Conclusions

The majority of the studies (57.9%) showed improvement in medication adherence. Fee‐for‐service pharmacist‐led medication reviews showed positive benefits on patient outcomes. Interventions that include a clinical review had a significant impact on patient outcomes by attainment of target clinical biomarkers and reduced hospitalization.
Advances in megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis: from bench to bedside
Authors: Deutsch Varda R. , Tomer Aaron
Published: April 2013

Megakaryocytopoiesis involves the commitment of haematopoietic stem cells, proliferation and terminal differentiation of megakaryocytic progenitors (MK‐p) and maturation of megakaryocytes (MKs) to produce functional platelets. This complex process occurs in specialized niches in the bone marrow where MKs align adjacent to vascular endothelial cells, form proplatelet projections and release platelets into the circulation. Thrombopoietin (THPO, TPO) is the primary growth factor for the MK lineage and necessary at all stages of development. THPO is constitutively produced in the liver, and binds to MPL (c‐Mpl) receptor on platelets and MKs. This activates a cascade of signalling molecules, which induce transcription factors to drive MK development and thrombopoiesis. Decreased turnover rate and platelet number result in increased levels of free THPO, which induces a concentration‐dependant compensatory response of marrow‐MKs to enhance platelet production. Newly developed thrombopoietic agents operating via MPL receptor facilitate platelet production in thrombocytopenic states, primarily immune thrombocytopenia. Other drugs are available for attenuating malignant thrombocytosis. Herein, we review the regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis and platelet production in normal and disease states, and the innovative drugs and therapeutic modalities to stimulate or decrease thrombopoiesis.
Outcomes of treatment for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Meyr Franziska , Escherich Gabriele , Mann Georg , Klingebiel Thomas , Kulozik Andreas , Rossig Claudia , Schrappe Martin , Henze Günter , von Stackelberg Arend , Hitzler Johann
Published: April 2013

Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a greater risk for developing both acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and significant adverse effects of chemotherapy. We investigated their outcome with, and tolerance of, treatment protocols for relapsed ALL optimized in the paediatric population without DS. Probability of survival and causes of treatment failure were determined for 49 children with DS and a matched cohort of 98 children without DS among 2160 children treated for relapsed ALL in clinical trials conducted by the Berlin‐Frankfurt‐Münster ALL Relapse Study Group between 1983 and 2012. Despite more favourable ALL relapse characteristics, children with DS experienced lower event‐free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) than the control group without DS (EFS 17 ± 08% vs. non‐DS 41 ± 06%, P = 0·006; OS 17 ± 09% vs. non‐DS 51 ± 06%, P < 0·001). Children with DS developed more frequently fatal complications of treatment (34 ± 07% vs. non‐DS 10 ± 04%, P < 0·001). During the last decade, EFS and OS were no longer significantly different in children with and without DS (EFS 31 ± 09% vs. 36 ± 09%, P = 0·399; OS 31 ± 12% vs. 53 ± 09%, P = 0·151). DS proved an independent prognostic factor of outcome after ALL relapse. Induction deaths and treatment‐related mortality but not subsequent relapse were the main barrier to successful outcomes of relapse therapy in children with DS.
Children's strategies to handle cancer: a video ethnography of imaginal coping
Authors: Rindstedt C.
Published: April 2013

Background

This article explores how children use fantasy, play, and coping (imaginal coping) in order to handle chronic illness. Imaginal coping, as a theoretical construct, is defined as the use of imagination to deal with the hardships of illness. The overarching aim has been to investigate the various ways in which categories of staff members (doctors, nurses, play therapists, and hospital clowns) and parents support children in their coping. Focus has thus been on collaborative or interactive aspects of playful coping.

Method

A large proportion of the data collected consists of 93 h of video‐recorded interactions between children, parents and staff. The collection of data involved fieldwork carried out with the use of a video ethnographic method, making it possible thereby to analyse and work with data in greater detail. For more than one year, five children with leukaemia were followed as each made their regular visits to a children's cancer clinic in a children's hospital in Sweden.

Results

Collaborative storytelling, humorous treatment practices, playful rituals, as well as role‐reversal play, were all types of events involving staff–child collaboration and creative improvisation.

Conclusions

Staff, along with parents, played a significant role in the coping process. In various ways, the staff members helped the parents to respond to their children in ways adaptive for coping. It can be seen that imaginal coping is a highly interactional business. In this study it is shown that parents socialize coping; this is sometimes undertaken explicitly, for example, through coaching (in the form of instructions or suggestions) and teaching. But often it is achieved through modelling or intent participation, with the child observing staff members' treatment practices.
Reliability and validity of the Parent Efficacy for Child Healthy Weight Behaviour (PECHWB) scale
Authors: Palmer F. , Davis M. C.
Published: April 2013

Background

Interventions for childhood overweight and obesity that target parents as the agents of change by increasing parent self‐efficacy for facilitating their child's healthy weight behaviours require a reliable and valid tool to measure parent self‐efficacy before and after interventions. Nelson and Davis developed the Parent Efficacy for Child Healthy Weight Behaviour (PECHWB) scale with good preliminary evidence of reliability and validity. The aim of this research was to provide further psychometric evidence from an independent Australian sample.

Methods

Data were provided by a convenience sample of 261 primary caregivers of children aged 4–17 years via an online survey. PECHWB scores were correlated with scores on other self‐report measures of parenting efficacy and 2‐ to 4‐week test–retest reliability of the PECHWB was assessed.

Results

The results of the study confirmed the four‐factor structure of the PECHWB (Fat and Sugar, Sedentary Behaviours, Physical Activity, and Fruit and Vegetables) and provided strong evidence of internal consistency and test–retest reliability, as well as good evidence of convergent validity.

Conclusion

Future research should investigate the properties of the PECHWB in a sample of parents of overweight or obese children, including measures of child weight and actual child healthy weight behaviours to provide evidence of the concurrent and predictive validity of PECHWB scores.
Running Away from Out‐of‐Home Care: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Kim Hansung , Chenot David , Lee Sokho
Published: April 2013

Previous research suggests that the likelihood of runaway episodes among children in out‐of‐home care varies across different communities/regions. However, the potential regional variation has rarely been reflected in attempts to understand runaway episodes in out‐of‐home care systems. The current study examines the effects of child characteristics, family characteristics and child welfare system‐related characteristics on the likelihood of runaway episodes among children in out‐of‐home care, while accounting for county‐level variations in the risk of runaway behaviours. The authors employed multilevel analyses using data on children aged 12–17 from the 2009 AFCARS database. Results demonstrate that the likelihood of runaway episodes varied across counties. Accounting for county variation, children's ages, gender, diagnosed clinical conditions, family structures, number of removals, number of placements, removal manner, and case plan goals significantly predicted runaway status. Implications are discussed.
Tumour diameter is a predictor of mesorectal and mesenteric lymph node metastases in anorectal melanoma
Authors: Wang M. , Zhang Z. , Zhu J. , Sheng W. , Lian P. , Liu F. , Cai S. , Xu Y.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Anorectal melanoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate what clinicopathological factors predict lymph node metastases and to investigate their association with survival.

Method

Patients undergoing surgery with curative intent for primary anorectal melanoma in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between 1989 and 2011 were studied retrospectively. The associations between clinicopathological factors and lymph node metastases and prognosis were determined.

Results

Forty‐three patients underwent a potentially curative resection with a median follow‐up of 20 months; the 5‐year overall survival rate was 29.6% with median overall survival of 28 months. Tumour diameter > 3 cm was associated with mesorectal and mesenteric lymph node metastases (P = 0.013). Perineural invasion (hazard ratio 5.683; 95% CI 1.978–16.328; P = 0.001) was the only factor that independently predicted survival.

Conclusion

Tumour diameter was associated with mesorectal and mesenteric lymph node metastases; therefore, wide local excision may not be appropriate for surgery with curative intent for patients with a tumour diameter ≥ 3 cm. Perineural invasion was an important prognostic factor for anorectal melanoma.
Using AI to Understand Key Success Features in Evolving CTSAs
Authors: Kusch Jennifer D. , Nelson David A. , Simpson Deborah , Gerrits Ronald , Glass Laurie
Published: April 2013

A vital role for Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) evaluators is to first identify and then articulate the necessary change processes that support the research infrastructures and achieve synergies needed to improve health through research. The use of qualitative evaluation strategies to compliment quantitative tracking measures (e.g., number of grants/publications) is an essential but under‐utilized approach in CTSA evaluations. The Clinical and Translational Science Institute of Southeast Wisconsin implemented a qualitative evaluation approach using appreciative inquiry (AI) that has revealed three critical features associated with CTSA infrastructure transformation success: developing open communication, creating opportunities for proactive collaboration, and ongoing attainment of milestones at the key function group level. These findings are consistent with Bolman & Deal's four interacting hallmarks of successful organizations: structural (infrastructure), political (power distribution; organizational politics), human resource (facilitating change among humans necessary for continued success), and symbolic (visions and aspirations). Data gathered through this longitudinal AI approach illuminates how these change features progress over time as CTSA funded organizations successfully create the multiinstitutional infrastructures to connect laboratory discoveries with the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.
How to Build an Integrated Biobank: The Washington University Translational Cardiovascular Biobank & Repository Experience
Authors: Yamada Kathryn A. , Patel Akshar Y. , Ewald Gregory A. , Whitehead Donna S. , Pasque Michael K. , Silvestry Scott C. , Janks Deborah L. , Mann Douglas L. , Nerbonne Jeanne M.
Published: April 2013

Translational studies that assess and extend observations made in animal models of human pathology to elucidate relevant and important determinants of human diseases require the availability of viable human tissue samples. However, there are a number of technical and practical obstacles that must be overcome in order to perform cellular and electrophysiological studies of the human heart. In addition, changing paradigms of how diseases are diagnosed, studied and treated require increasingly complex integration of rigorous disease phenotyping, tissue characterization and detailed delineation of a multitude of “_omics”. Realizing the need for quality‐controlled human cardiovascular tissue acquisition, annotation, biobanking and distribution, we established the Translational Cardiovascular Biobank & Repository at Washington University School of Medicine. Several critical details are essential for the success of cardiovascular biobanking including coordinated, trained and dedicated staff members; adequate, nonrestrictive informed consent protocols; and fully integrated clinical data management applications for annotating, tracking and sharing of tissue and data resources. Labor and capital investments into growing biobanking resources will facilitate collaborative efforts aimed at limiting morbidity and mortality due to heart disease and improving overall cardiovascular health.
An Evaluation Tool for Collaborative Clinical Research Centers
Authors: Tragus Robin , Cody Jannine D.
Published: April 2013

There is a need for metrics that describe the full range of services provided by a clinical research unit; given that services have expanded to include such things as investigator training, regulatory compliance monitoring, and budget negotiations. We developed a tool and methodology that allows tracking of these expanded services. This not only allowed us to more accurately describe the work of the research unit staff, but to monitor the status of a study across the entire study lifespan from the idea to the publication. In addition to measuring work, it allows us to anticipate future needs in clinical staff and expertise because we are involved very early in study planning. We also expect that by analyzing these data from many studies over time, we will identify process barriers that will direct future program improvement.
Developing Future Clinician Scientists while Supporting a Research Infrastructure
Authors: Holsti Maija , Adelgais Kathleen M. , Willis Leah , Jacobsen Kammy , Clark Edward B. , Byington Carrie L.
Published: April 2013

Background

Supporting clinical research is a national priority. Clinician scientists are rare and clinical trials in academic medical centers (AMC) often fail to meet enrollment goals. Undergraduate students interested in biomedical careers often lack opportunities to perform clinical research.

Objective

Describe an innovative undergraduate course that supports clinical research in an AMC.

Methods

The course, Clinical Research Methods and Practice, offers undergraduate students the opportunity to learn clinical research through didactic and practical experiences. The students in turn support clinician scientists’ conduct of clinical studies in an AMC. Clinician scientists receive research support and participate in mentoring sessions for students.

Results

Over seven semesters, 128 students have assisted in 21 clinical studies located in outpatient and inpatient units of two hospitals. Students identified and screened eligible patients, collected clinical data, assisted in obtaining informed consent, and transported specimens. Many of the clinician scientists have met their enrollment goals and several have been top‐enrollers in multicenter clinical trials as a result of student support.

Conclusions

The Clinical Research Methods and Practice class addresses barriers to clinical research in AMC. This may be a model for institutions committed to mentoring students early in their career and to developing infrastructures for clinical research. Clin Trans Sci 2013; Volume 6: 94–97
Cytomorphological features of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in serous effusions
Authors: Huang C. C. , Michael C. W.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To study the cytomorphological features of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in serous effusions.

Methods

Conventional smears from 23 SCC were reviewed for the following features: cellularity, single cells, cell clusters, long cords, squamous pearls, cell‐in‐cell, ‘windows’, polygonal cells, anucleated cells, tadpole cells, fibre cells, third‐type cells, refractile cytoplasmic ring, two‐tone cytoplasm, cytoplasmic density, cytoplasmic vacuoles, signet ring cells, nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear hyperchromasia, irregular nuclear membrane, nuclear centricity, double or multiple nuclei, nucleolus, anaplastic cells and mitosis. Subsequently, we also reviewed 15 reactive mesothelium, 18 mesotheliomas and 24 adenocarcinomas for comparison.

Results

Most SCC smears comprised mixed populations of single cells and cell clusters. Keratinized squamous cells and squamous pearls were diagnostic for well‐differentiated SCC. Squamous eddies, appreciated on the cell block sections appearing as two‐dimensional cell clusters with a swirling pattern, were characteristic for SCC. Poorly differentiated/third‐type cells with atypical cytoplasmic keratinization, manifest as two‐tone cytoplasm with a well‐defined border and occasionally a refractile central ring, were an important clue for the squamous origin of the cells. Features including cell‐in‐cell, cytoplasmic vacuolation, double or multinucleated cells, anaplastic cells and mitotic figures were present in various degrees, and were not of diagnostic value.

Conclusions

Certain cytological features are diagnostic for SCC, whereas other features of poorly differentiated SCC often overlap with those of reactive mesothelial cells, mesothelioma, metastatic adenocarcinoma or urothelial carcinoma in serous effusions. The combination of clinical history, appropriate immunohistochemical panel and cytomorphological features are important to ensure a correct diagnosis.
Community Members' Engagement with and Involvement in Genomic Research: Lessons to Learn from the Field
Authors: Folayan Morenike O. , Oyedeji Kolawole S. , Fatusi Olawunmi A.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we describe the potential role laypersons on ethics committees can play in ensuring community concerns are addressed in the design and implementation of genomic research. We draw inferences from the outcome of an empirical study of the impact of training of laypersons to address community engagement issues in ethics review of research protocol. While this paper does not advocate a particular solution, it describes the importance of community engagement in genomic research, the current limitations there are in engaging communities in the design of these research projects and how communities can be indirectly engaged in the design and implementation of genomic research through the engagement of laypersons on ethics committees. However, to ensure that these laypersons can play this role, their capacity needs to be built to play this role appropriately. There is evidence to show that where resources are invested in building the capacity of laypersons to play their role as community ‘watchdogs’ in research, they play this role aptly. Community engagement is important in genomic research as genomic researchers will increasingly require community perspectives in critical ethics decision making.
Survey on Ethical Conduct Thresholds in Cardiologal Medical Practice in Argentina
Authors: Doval Hernán C. , Tajer Carlos D. , Borracci Raúl A. , Nuñez Carmen , Samarelli Marisa , Tamini Susana
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyze the attitude of a group of cardiologists on the ethical conducts they would accept or adopt when encountered with different hypothetical situations of medical practice. Between August and September of 2011, 700 Argentine cardiologists were surveyed in situations which posed ethical dilemmas in the patient‐physician relationship, among colleagues or involving financial agreements with employers or the pharmaceutical industry. Ethical conflicts were evidenced in a series of inappropriate conducts such as differential fees, trips and meals sponsored by laboratories, splitting fees, overbilling, self‐referral, charging for patient referral, financial compensation for ordering medical procedures, and various situations derived from the relationship with employers. In general, financial compensation from the pharmaceutical industry was more accepted than the conflictive situations which directly involved patients, colleagues or employers. The rejection of these conducts, the physicians' deontological education and the improvement of financial and organizational conditions in medical practice will help to encourage better medical professionalism and avoid unseemly behaviors.
Feedback regulation of microscopes by image processing
Authors: Tsukada Yuki , Hashimoto Koichi
Published: April 2013

Computational microscope systems are becoming a major part of imaging biological phenomena, and the development of such systems requires the design of automated regulation of microscopes. An important aspect of automated regulation is feedback regulation, which is the focus of this review. As modern microscope systems become more complex, often with many independent components that must work together, computer control is inevitable since the exact orchestration of parameters and timings for these multiple components is critical to acquire proper images. A number of techniques have been developed for biological imaging to accomplish this. Here, we summarize the basics of computational microscopy for the purpose of building automatically regulated microscopes focus on feedback regulation by image processing. These techniques allow high throughput data acquisition while monitoring both short‐ and long‐term dynamic phenomena, which cannot be achieved without an automated system.
Stop Managing Projects and Start Leading with Story
Authors: Reuther Dieter , Jetton Sabrina
Published: April 2013

Every project is its own story. Managing a project is a matter of getting everyone to agree on, and contribute to, the story.
Adiponectin, visfatin and regional fat depots in normal weight obese premenopausal women
Authors: Miazgowski Tomasz , Safranow Krzysztof , Krzyżanowska‐Świniarska Barbara , Iskierska Katarzyna , Widecka Krystyna
Published: April 2013

Background

Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as percentage body fat (%BF) above 30% or %BF in the upper tertile in normal weight subjects. Using these criteria, we assessed lipid profiles, glucose metabolism parameters, blood pressure and regional fat in 91 premenopausal women with NWO and 54 age‐matched healthy controls.

Methods

We measured total cholesterol, high‐density lipoproteins (HDL), low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin, visfatin and adiponectin.%BF, abdominal fat (Android) and hip fat (Gynoid) were measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance was evaluated by homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA‐IR).

Results

Women with NWO had higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0·003), LDL (P = 0·048), TG (P = 0·004) Android (P = 0·008) and Gynoid (P = 0·007) levels, but lower HDL (P = 0·009) than healthy controls. The NWO women had one (P = 0·041), two (P = 0·007) or three (P = 0·002) metabolic syndrome components more frequently than the controls. Across %BF tertiles, the number of metabolic syndrome components significantly increased (R = 0·21; P = 0·02), as did Gynoid (R = 0·83; P < 0·001) and Android (R = 0·81; P < 0·001) levels. Android (but not Gynoid) level was linearly associated with DBP (R = 0·194; P = 0·019), HDL (R = −0·295; P = 0·0004) and TG (R = 0·183; P = 0·031). Visfatin and adiponectin levels were comparable in both groups. Visfatin was inversely correlated with cholesterol, LDL and HOMA‐IR. Adiponectin was inversely correlated with the Android/Gynoid and Android/Total fat ratios.

Conclusions

Compared with healthy controls, women with NWO had higher DBP, TG, LDL, and regional fat and lower HDL. These findings seem to be associated more with excess Android fat than excess %BF.
Interference competition, not predation, explains the negative association between wood ants (Formica rufa) and abundance of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: HAWES CATHY , EVANS HUGH F. , STEWART ALAN J. A.
Published: April 2013

Intraguild interactions between predators have significant implications for how multiple predators impact on their prey. Carabid assemblages are not generally thought to be structured by interspecific competitive interactions, species relative abundances instead being determined mainly by abiotic factors. However, several field studies report negative associations between the abundance of certain carabid species and the presence of wood ants.

Replicated laboratory experiments were used to monitor the behaviour of individual female Abax parallelepipedus (Piller & Mitterpacher) in the presence of a range of wood ant (Formica rufa L.) densities (including ant‐free controls) over 23 h. Carabids did not feed when wood ants were present. Running and defence activities were high at low ant densities but decreased with increasing ant density. At the highest ant density, all carabids were killed within the first 2 h of the experiment, but the ants did not consume the carabids after they had killed them. Carabid diurnal activity increased at the higher wood ant densities.

Female A. parallelepipedus and Pterostichus madidus (F.) maintained individually in the presence of five wood ants had significantly lower mean body weights and carried fewer eggs after 21 days compared to control beetles that had been kept without ants.

The results help to explain the reduced abundance of these two carabid species under field conditions when wood ants are present. We interpret these findings to mean that the interaction between wood ants and carabids is one of asymmetric aggressive interference competition rather than predation.
Spontaneous labelling and stigma associated with clinical characteristics of peers ‘at‐risk’ for psychosis
Authors: Anglin Deidre M. , Greenspoon Michelle I. , Lighty Quenesha , Corcoran Cheryl M. , Yang Lawrence H.
Published: April 2013

Aim

The public health benefits of utilizing an ‘at‐risk for psychosis’ designation are tempered by concerns about stigma. It is therefore of interest to examine whether symptoms associated with this designation might spontaneously induce labels associated with a psychotic disorder, other non‐psychotic disorders or non‐psychiatric labels. This pilot study explored the labels associated with characteristics of ‘high risk for psychosis’ and the corresponding stigma level.

Methods

A vignette describing an identical character, followed by a series of questions about stigmatizing attitudes towards the vignette character, was administered in the present investigation.

Results

The results indicated that even though most young people (59%) did not spontaneously label the vignette character with psychotic‐like diagnostic labels, the single most frequent label provided was ‘paranoid/a’. When such labelling, that is, strongly tied to psychosis, occurred, respondents exhibited stronger stigmatizing attributions of fear compared to those indicating non‐psychiatric labels (e.g. ‘weird’).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the majority of respondents did not endorse diagnostic labels spontaneously, thus signaling that stigma in the majority of cases would not naturalistically be elicited. However, a segment of respondents evidenced stigma simply from behavioural changes manifested by individuals exhibiting signs of psychosis, independent of diagnosis. Implications for reducing any stigma associated with an ‘at‐risk for psychosis’ designation are discussed.
Report on the survey for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and the occurrence of other Bursaphelenchus species in Hungarian coniferous forests
Authors: Tóth Á. , Elekes M.
Published: April 2013

An ongoing official survey to detect the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a quarantine pest, started in 2003 in coniferous forests in Hungary. Based on the results of the study from 2003–11, B. xylophilus has not yet been detected in Hungary. Two other Bursaphelenchus species (B. mucronatus and B. vallesianus) were identified in samples in 2009. Details of the survey and the measurements of B. mucronatus and B. vallesianus are provided.
Richesse spécifique des ennemis naturels associés aux vergers d'agrumes au Maroc: Intérêt et implication pour la lutte biologique
Authors: Smaili M. C. , Abbassi M. , Boutaleb J. A. , Blenzar A.
Published: April 2013

Ce travail a pour objectif de connaitre la richesse spécifique des ennemis naturels associés aux vergers d'agrumes au Maroc de 2001 à 2011. Les parasitoides Aphytis hispanicus Mercet, Aphytis lepidosaphes Compere, Aphytis melinus De Bach, Aphidius spp., Cales noacki Howard, Comperiella bifasciata Howard, Leptomastix dactylopii Howard, Citrostichus phyllocnistoides Narayanann et Semielacher petiolatus Girault, sont les plus abondants. Seules quatre espèces contribuent rèellement à la diminution de certains ravageurs du verger : A. melinus pour Aonidiella aurantii Maskell, C. noacki pour Aleurothrixus floccosus Maskell, et C. phyllocnistoides et S. petiolatus pour Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton. La cératite Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann est uniquement parasitée par Psyttalia concolor Szepligeti, mais sans avoir un impact réel de réduction de ses populations. Les prédateurs Adalia decempunctata L., Aphidoletes Aphidimyza Rondani, Chrysoperla carnea Stephens, Coccinella septempunctata L., Cybocephalus spp., Episyrphus balteatus DeGeer, Rodolia cardinalis Mulsant, Rhyzobius lophantae Blaisdell, Scymnus spp. et Stethorus punctillum Weise, sont les plus abondants. La coccinelle S. punctilllum et certaines espèces des genres Euseius, Iphiseius, Phytoseiulus, Neoseiulus, Typhlodromus, limitent essentiellement les populations des acariens. La conservation et la prise en compte de ces espèces bénéfiques dans les programmes de protection intégrée en vergers d'agrumes au Maroc est une nécessité. Certaines de ces espèces utiles inventoriées, en particulier celles introduites et reconnues comme efficaces en lutte biologique sur agrumes au Maroc, devraient êtres inscrites dans la Norme PM 6/3 de l'OEPP (Organisation Européenne et Méditerranéenne pour la Protection des Plantes).
First record of the red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Frasconi C. , Rossi E. , Antonelli R. , Loni A.
Published: April 2013

The invasive Australian pest Glycaspis brimblecombei Moore, the red gum lerp psyllid, is recorded for the first time in Tuscany (Italy). Its occurrence in this new region, just 2 years after its first record in Italy, shows how rapidly its population has found suitable environmental conditions in Italian territories.
New record of invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Turkey
Authors: Kaydan M. B. , Çalışkan A. F. , Ulusoy M. R.
Published: April 2013

This short note reports the first record of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Turkey. It was found on ornamental plants in the city center of Adana (Mediterranean region), but could be a threat to cotton production in the country.
Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michaux [Haloragaceae] en Haute‐Vienne (Limousin, France), et situation de cette plante invasive en France et en Europe
Authors: Lebreton Alexis
Published: April 2013

Le 10 juillet 2011, sur la commune de Saint‐Sylvestre en Haute‐Vienne, une plante inhabituelle qui émerge massivement dans un étang privé est observée. Une détermination collective avec le Conservatoire botanique national du Massif Central (CBNMC) antenne Limousin, fait conclure à Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michaux. L'article fait le point sur cette espèce considérée comme exotique envahissante en Europe mais qui n'avait pas fait l'objet d'un signalement dédié ni d'un bilan sur sa situation en France et en Europe en milieu naturel.
Wind‐induced variability in coastal larval retention areas: a case study on Western Baltic spring‐spawning herring
Authors: Bauer Robert Klaus , Stepputtis Daniel , Gräwe Ulf , Zimmermann Christopher , Hammer Cornelius
Published: April 2013

The investigation of larval dispersal and retention, their variability and dependence on wind conditions, has become a major topic in fisheries research owing to potential effects on stock recruitment and stock structuring. The present study quantifies the wind‐induced variability of larval retention of herring in a highly productive coastal lagoon of the Western Baltic Sea. This lagoon, the Greifswalder Bodden, represents the main spawning area of Western Baltic Spring‐Spawning Herring, a stock that has recently undergone a continuous decline in recruitment. The study tests whether this decline was related to changes in larval retention, more precisely to changes in wind conditions, the main forcing of the lagoon's circulation. To answer this, a model approach was applied. Larvae were tracked as Lagrangian drifters under constant and variable wind conditions, examining the main drift patterns and reconstructing the incidents during the period of recruitment decline. For the latter, weekly cohorts of virtual larvae were released in the lagoon over the entire spawning period (April–June; >16 weeks). The fraction of retained larvae per cohort was related to observed larval abundances. On this basis, a new retention index was defined to evaluate the annual larval retention. The results presented cannot explain the observed recruitment decline but characterize the lagoon as an important larval retention area by virtue of unsteady wind conditions that prevent a steady outflow of larvae.
Core decompression and alendronate treatment of the osteonecrotic rat femoral head: computer‐assisted analysis
Authors: Peled Eli , Bejar Jacob , Barak Michal , Orion Eyal , Norman Doron
Published: April 2013

Femoral head avascular necrosis is a process leading to femoral head deformity and osteoarthritic changes in the hip joint. Alendronate slows down bone resorption and remodelling in rats, while core decompression hastens the healing processes. We evaluated the influence of daily alendronate treatment on the rat femoral head shape after surgical osteonecrosis with core decompression, compared with controls. No differences were found in shape factor and femoral head height/length ratios. It was concluded that alendronate treatment slows down the process of replacing osteonecrotic bone by new bone and prevents early immature new bone collapse resulting from early revascularization because of core decompression.
Regenerative medicine as a new therapeutic strategy for lower urinary tract dysfunction
Authors: Sumino Yasuhiro , Mimata Hiromitsu
Published: April 2013

The use of regenerative medicine for the treatment of organic and functional disorders intractable to conventional treatment has increased worldwide. This innovative medical field might particularly hold promise for the treatment of life‐threatening diseases or healing of irreplaceable organs, such as the heart, liver and brain. Dysfunction of the urogenital tract and associated organs other than the kidney might not have immediate life‐threatening implications; furthermore, the effectiveness of alternative therapy, such as enterocystoplasty for bladder cancer, has been shown. Therefore, most physicians or scientists do not give much importance to these disorders. However, urological disease has increased in developed societies in recent years. Furthermore, medical costs have also escalated. Disorders of the lower urinary tract, such as urinary disturbance or incontinence, can lead to other complications, impairing quality of life and ultimately increasing short‐ and long‐term medical expenses. Regenerative medicine might hold potential solutions to these problems. Recent advances in urogenital regenerative medicine are reviewed in the present article, with particular reference to lower urinary tract reconstruction. The potential of regenerative medicine for the treatment of intractable lower urinary tract dysfunction compared with conventional treatment is also discussed.
A Needs‐centred Educational Support Model for the Career Transitions of North Korean Defectors: Implications for South Korea's Support Policy
Authors: Roh Kyungran , Lee Romee
Published: April 2013

North Korean defectors have faced significant challenges in finding and keeping jobs in the South Korean labour market due to their many differences from South Korean workers. As the number of defectors has increased, South Korea has experienced an increased need for employment support to assist defectors in overcoming challenges in their employment and leading them to stable economic status. This study aims to develop a needs‐centred educational support model for defectors' career transitions, compare the content of suggested support programmes with the content of currently provided support programmes, and suggest relevant policy implications. Based on this study's findings, the authors argue that defectors' employment needs differ from those of other groups of job seekers in Korea; thus, this population should be served differently with consistent educational support. Each stage of the developed model provides appropriate support programmes that reflect the unique employment needs of defectors.