bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical expression ofGPR30 in breast carcinoma of Egyptian patients: an association with immunohistochemical subtypes
Authors: Aiad Hayam A , Wahed Moshera M Abd‐el , Asaad Nancy Y , El‐Tahmody Mohamed , Elhosary Enas
Published: March 2014

Breast carcinoma in Egyptian women is a biologically more aggressive disease than those diagnosed in Western women, although a substantial number of cases are hormone responsive. G protein–coupled receptor‐30 (GPR30), a seven transmembrane domain protein, is currently recognized as an estrogen receptor. This study aimed at evaluating the expression ofGPR30 in breast carcinomas of Egyptian patients and its association with clinicopathologic parameters and immunohistochemical subtypes of breast carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining forGPR30 was applied on 51 archival formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded cases of invasive ductal carcinoma. Staining was assessed using a semiquantitative scoring system taking staining intensity and extent into consideration.GPR30 was observed in 33/51 (65%) of invasive ductal carcinoma cases.GPR30 was significantly associated with larger tumor size (p = 0.009), increased number of positive lymph nodes (p = 0.04), definite lymph‐vascular invasion (LVI) (p = 0.002), peri‐nodal invasion (p = 0.02), and the presence of coagulative tumor cell necrosis (p = 0.02). Moreover, a significant association between positiveGPR30 expression andERpositivity (p = 0.02), as well asHER2/neu positivity (p = 0.03), were also observed. Most of the luminal A and B subtypes wereGPR30 positive; however, all the triple negative cases wereGPR30 negative (p = 0.010).GPR30 might contribute to the aggressive behavior of Egyptian breast carcinoma. Therefore, it could be useful in the therapeutic decision making in breast cancer patients.
Performance Management Systems in the Public Housing Sector: Dissemination to Diffusion
Authors: Nath Nirmala , Sharma Umesh
Published: March 2014

This article examines a case study of the implementation of a performance management system in public sector housing in Fiji. The aim is to explore and provide interpretations of why performance management and measures were introduced and implemented and reveal if the indicators were appropriate to serve the strategies of the organisation. The article draws on diffusion of innovation theory and explores the effectiveness of performance management. The research approach is qualitative in nature and uses a case study strategy. Interviews and documentary evidence provide the empirical basis for the research. The organisation has established formal objectives at both institutional and departmental levels and has a performance management system at both levels. With growing pressure for commercialisation from donor agencies, the accounting and managerial practices seem to contradict the organisation's original purpose to provide housing needs for the poor. The case study extends the literature on performance management in developing countries and illuminates the deficiencies within the performance management system. This study has implications for practitioners and researchers as it promotes a better understanding of a new public management practice technique which, in this case, was inadequate to satisfy local housing needs.
Carbon Management Systems and Carbon Mitigation
Authors: Tang Qingliang , Luo Le
Published: March 2014

This article proposes a carbon management system (CMS). The system comprises 10 essential elements from four broad perspectives: carbon governance, carbon operation, emission tracking and reporting, and engagement and disclosure. The proposed new approach focuses on cross‐functional integration, enforcement of proactive strategies and group rather than individual accountability. We then use Carbon Disclosure Project reports to examine empirically the implementation of systems by large Australian firms. Overall, we find that firms with higher quality CMS have achieved better carbon mitigation. Further, adequate assessment of carbon risk and opportunity, the presence of reduction targets, the strength of carbon programs and enhanced external disclosures appear to be the most effective elements in our sample firms. We present evidence that, by combining governance, internal process, carbon dioxide‐footprint tracking and communication activities, a CMS helps managers improve decision making. We discuss the implications of the findings for accounting practice and education.
Importance of Intellectual Capital Information: A Study of Australian Analyst Reports
Authors: Abhayawansa Subhash , Guthrie James
Published: March 2014

This study explores the types of intellectual capital (IC) information considered important by analysts. It uses content analysis to examine IC information in 64 initiating coverage reports written on Australian listed companies. Results reveal that analysts consider several types of IC information to be important from a firm valuation perspective, many of which had not previously been examined in capital markets research. It was also found that the relative importance placed on types of IC varies by sector. Information on relational capital and company management was most commonly used within analyst reports, whilst information on employees, working environment and structural capital was used least frequently.
Does the Interactive Use of Headquarter Performance Measurement Systems in Foreign Subsidiaries Endanger the Potential to Profit from Local Relationships?
Authors: Schäffer Utz , Mahlendorf Matthias D. , Rehring Jochen
Published: March 2014

Managing distant subsidiaries is a challenge for headquarters of multinational companies. Performance measurement systems (PMS) can assist in this task. Taking a business network perspective, we study the moderating effect of the interactive use of PMS implemented by headquarters at subsidiaries on the relationship between subsidiary embeddedness and subsidiary performance. We test our hypotheses using survey data from 110 subsidiary managers in China. The results suggest that the multinational network surrounding the subsidiary affects overall headquarter control possibilities. Specifically, while interactive use may be helpful in situations of low local embeddedness of the subsidiary, it seems to have negative side effects on the subsidiaries’ ability to benefit from high local embeddedness.
Magnetic resonance imaging pattern of bone marrow involvement as a new predictive parameter of disease progression in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Song Moo‐Kon , Chung Joo‐Seop , Lee Je‐Jung , Min Chang‐Ki , Ahn Jae‐Sook , Lee Sang‐Min , Shin Dong‐Yeop , Bae Sung‐Hwa , Hong Junshik , Lee Gyeong‐won , Lee In‐Sook , Shin Ho‐Jin
Published: March 2014

We investigated the prognostic value of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pattern of bone marrow involvement in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). 126 patients with untreated MM indicated for ASCT underwent spine MRI and cytogenetic analysis at diagnosis. All patients received ASCT after induction therapy of VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone; n = 55) or a thalidomide‐based regimen (TCD; n = 71). Thalidomide maintenance therapy was performed in 68 patients. The MRI pattern was normal in 27, focal in 47, and diffuse/variegated in 52 patients. Patients with the diffuse/variegated pattern showed significantly higher stage (P = 0·038), higher β‐2 microglobulin level (P = 0·001) and severe anaemia (P = 0·015). However, the cytogenetics were not different among the MRI patterns (P = 0·890). Progression‐free survival (PFS) was lower in the diffuse/variegated pattern (P = 0·002) than other patterns, but not overall survival (OS) (P = 0·058). Thalidomide maintenance therapy was correlated only with PFS (P = 0·001). High‐risk cytogenetics were associated with both poorer PFS (P < 0·001) and OS (P = 0·003). In a multivariate analysis, the diffuse/variegated MRI pattern was an independent predictor of disease progression (Hazard Ratio, 1·922; 95% confidence interval, 1·185–3·118; P = 0·008). The diffuse/variegated MRI pattern is a novel prognostic factor for disease progression in MM patients eligible for ASCT.
F‐18 FDG‐PET predicts outcomes for patients receiving total lymphoid irradiation and autologous blood stem‐cell transplantation for relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Gentzler Ryan D. , Evens Andrew M. , Rademaker Alfred W. , Weitner Bing B. , Mittal Bharat B. , Dillehay Gary L. , Petrich Adam M. , Altman Jessica K. , Frankfurt Olga , Variakojis Daina , Singhal Seema , Mehta Jayesh , Williams Stephanie , Kaminer Lynne , Gordon Leo I. , Winter Jane N.
Published: March 2014

Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) followed by high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) is an effective strategy for patients with relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We report outcomes for patients with relapsed/refractory HL who received TLI followed by high‐dose chemotherapy and aHSCT. Pre‐transplant fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) studies were scored on the 5‐point Deauville scale. Of 51 patients treated with TLI and aHSCT, 59% had primary refractory disease and 63% had active disease at aHSCT. The 10‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 56% and 54%, respectively. Patients with complete response (CR) by PET prior to aHSCT had a 5‐year PFS and OS of 85% and 100% compared to 52% and 48% for those without CR (P = 0·09 and P = 0·007, respectively). TLI and aHSCT yields excellent disease control and long‐term survival rates for patients with relapsed/refractory HL, including those with high‐risk disease features. Achievement of CR with salvage therapy is a powerful predictor of outcome.
Inhibitor eradication with rituximab in haemophilia: where do we stand?
Authors: Franchini Massimo , Mannucci Pier Mannuccio
Published: March 2014

Rituximab is a humanized chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody initially developed for the treatment of some haematological malignancies. Thanks to its ability to rapidly and specifically deplete B cells, it has also been used in a variety of autoimmune disorders, haematological or not. In this context, during the last decade several small case series have documented successful inhibitor eradication with rituximab, alone or in combination with other immunosuppressive agents, in patients with acquired haemophilia A refractory to standard therapy. In addition, a number of investigators have recently used this agent in patients with congenital haemophilia A or B and alloantibodies refractory to first‐line treatment. This article critically reviews the current knowledge on the use of rituximab in acquired haemophilia or congenital haemophilia complicated by alloantibodies, also providing treatment algorithms for the management of these conditions.
ATF7IP as a novel PDGFRB fusion partner in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichiro , Mitsui Kazumasa , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Matsuoka Masaki , Kojima Yasuko , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Iijima Kazutoshi , Ootsubo Kaori , Oboki Keisuke , Okita Hajime , Yasuda Kazuki , Sakamoto Hiromi , Hata Kenichiro , Yoshida Teruhiko , Matsumoto Kenji , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Ohara Akira
Published: March 2014

We identified ATF7IP as a novel PDGFRB fusion partner in B‐progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B‐ALL) and showed that B‐ALL with ATF7IP/PDGFRB translocation is included within the genomic lesions of a Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)‐like ALL subgroup. Comprehensive analyses of previous repositories of gene expression data sets disclosed that B‐ALL cases with high PDGFRB expression level in the context of the Ph‐like ALL gene are likely to have a PDGFRB translocation. Thus, it is possible that measurement of the PDGFRB expression level can be utilized as a screening test for the detection of the cryptic PDGFRB translocation, especially within the Ph‐like ALL subgroup.
Discriminant content validity: A quantitative methodology for assessing content of theory‐based measures, with illustrative applications
Authors: Johnston Marie , Dixon Diane , Hart Jo , Glidewell Liz , Schröder Carin , Pollard Beth
Published: March 2014

Objectives

In studies involving theoretical constructs, it is important that measures have good content validity and that there is not contamination of measures by content from other constructs. While reliability and construct validity are routinely reported, to date, there has not been a satisfactory, transparent, and systematic method of assessing and reporting content validity. In this paper, we describe a methodology of discriminant content validity (DCV) and illustrate its application in three studies.

Methods

Discriminant content validity involves six steps: construct definition, item selection, judge identification, judgement format, single‐sample test of content validity, and assessment of discriminant items. In three studies, these steps were applied to a measure of illness perceptions (IPQ‐R) and control cognitions.

Results

The IPQ‐R performed well with most items being purely related to their target construct, although timeline and consequences had small problems. By contrast, the study of control cognitions identified problems in measuring constructs independently. In the final study, direct estimation response formats for theory of planned behaviour constructs were found to have as good DCV as Likert format.

Conclusions

The DCV method allowed quantitative assessment of each item and can therefore inform the content validity of the measures assessed. The methods can be applied to assess content validity before or after collecting data to select the appropriate items to measure theoretical constructs. Further, the data reported for each item in Appendix S1 can be used in item or measure selection.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

There are agreed methods of assessing and reporting construct validity of measures of theoretical constructs, but not their content validity. Content validity is rarely reported in a systematic and transparent manner.

What does this study add?

The paper proposes discriminant content validity (DCV), a systematic and transparent method of assessing and reporting whether items assess the intended theoretical construct and only that construct.

In three studies, DCV was applied to measures of illness perceptions, control cognitions, and theory of planned behaviour response formats.

Appendix S1 gives content validity indices for each item of each questionnaire investigated.

Discriminant content validity is ideally applied while the measure is being developed, before using to measure the construct(s), but can also be applied after using a measure.
Reach out to one and you reach out to many: Social touch affects third‐party observers
Authors: Schirmer Annett , Reece Christy , Zhao Claris , Ng Erik , Wu Esther , Yen Shih‐Cheng
Published: March 2014

Casual social touch influences emotional perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of interaction partners. We asked whether these influences extend to third‐party observers. To this end, we developed the Social Touch Picture Set comprising line drawings of dyadic interactions, half of which entailed publicly acceptable casual touch and half of which served as no‐touch controls. In Experiment 1, participants provided basic image norms by rating how frequently they observed a displayed touch gesture in everyday life and how comfortable they were observing it. Results implied that some touch gestures were observed more frequently and with greater comfort than others (e.g., handshake vs. hug). All gestures, however, obtained rating scores suitable for inclusion in Experiments 2 and 3. In Experiment 2, participants rated perceived valence, arousal, and likeability of randomly presented touch and no‐touch images without being explicitly informed about touch. Image characters seemed more positive, aroused, and likeable when they touched as compared to when they did not touch. Image characters seemed more negative and aroused, but were equally likeable, when they received touch as compared to when there was no physical contact. In Experiment 3, participants passively viewed touch and no‐touch images while their eye movements were recorded. Differential gazing at touch as compared to no‐touch images emerged within the first 500 ms following image exposure and was largely restricted to the characters' upper body. Gazing at the touching body parts (e.g., hands) was minimal and largely unaffected by touch, suggesting that touch processing occurred outside the focus of visual attention. Together, these findings establish touch as an important visual cue and provide novel insights into how this cue modulates socio‐emotional processing in third‐party observers.
Making good theory practical: Five lessons for an Applied Social Identity Approach to challenges of organizational, health, and clinical psychology
Authors: Alexander Haslam S.
Published: March 2014

Social identity research was pioneered as a distinctive theoretical approach to the analysis of intergroup relations but over the last two decades it has increasingly been used to shed light on applied issues. One early application of insights from social identity and self‐categorization theories was to the organizational domain (with a particular focus on leadership), but more recently there has been a surge of interest in applications to the realm of health and clinical topics. This article charts the development of this Applied Social Identity Approach, and abstracts five core lessons from the research that has taken this forward. (1) Groups and social identities matter because they have a critical role to play in organizational and health outcomes. (2) Self‐categorizations matter because it is people's self‐understandings in a given context that shape their psychology and behaviour. (3) The power of groups is unlocked by working with social identities not across or against them. (4) Social identities need to be made to matter in deed not just in word. (5) Psychological intervention is always political because it always involves some form of social identity management. Programmes that seek to incorporate these principles are reviewed and important challenges and opportunities for the future are identified.
Innovations in Practice: Further evidence on the effectiveness of the strengths and difficulties added value score as an outcome measure for child and adolescent services
Authors: Rotheray Sebastian , Racey Daniel , Rodgers Lauren , McGilloway Sinead , Berry Vashti , Ford Tamsin
Published: March 2014

Background

The Strengths and Difficulties Added Value Score (SDQ AVS) uses a large epidemiological study to predict follow‐up parental SDQ scores for the evaluation of routine outcomes.

Method

We tested the prediction of the SDQ AVS derived from a national population survey separately on scores for the waiting list control and intervention groups in a randomised controlled trial. If the SDQ AVS is to be clinically useful, it needs to function as expected across different populations.

Results

In the control arm, the SDQ AVS predicted an effect size of 0.15 (95% CI −0.01–0.30) compared to an expected effect size of 0, as the children in this arm received no treatment. In the experimental arm, the SDQ AVS predicted an effect size of 0.62 (95% CI 0.42–0.83) compared to the study effect size of 0.53. Change scores overestimated the effect size in both arms (control 0.50 95% CI 0.34–0.66, intervention 0.85 95% CI 0.66–1.04).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the SDQ AVS adjusts for spontaneous improvement, regression to the mean and attenuation.
Inhibitors of differentiation‐1 promotes nitrosopyrrolidine‐induced transformation of HPV 16‐immortalized cervical epithelial cell
Authors: Xie Lingxia , Li Jinke , Zhang Yi , Liu Bao , Peng Xue , Lin Yong , Xu Wenming , Hu Lina
Published: March 2014

Our previous study implied a correlation between inhibitors of differentiation‐1 (Id‐1) and cervical cancer development. However, how Id‐1 contributes to cervical carcinogenesis is unknown. In the present study, we used an in vitro transformation model to investigate the role of Id‐1 in the transformation of cervical cells. Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐immortalized cervical epithelial cells (H8) were successfully transformed by exposure to the carcinogen N‐nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR). The expression of both Id‐1 RNA and protein was significantly increased in transformed H8 cells, suggesting a possible role of Id‐1 in cervical cell transformation. Ectopic expression of Id‐1 in H8 cells potentiated NPYR‐induced cell transformation. In contrast, silencing of Id‐1 suppressed NPYR‐induced H8 cell transformation. In addition, the expression of HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins was upregulated while that of the tumor suppressors p53 and pRb was suppressed after H8 cell transformation. Our results suggest that Id‐1 plays an oncogenic role in HPV‐related cervical carcinogenesis, which sheds light on cervical cancer development mechanisms and implies that Id‐1 is a potential target for cervical cancer prevention and therapy.
Raising Happy Children Who Succeed in School: Lessons From China and the United States
Authors: Pomerantz Eva M. , Ng Florrie Fei‐Yin , Cheung Cecilia Sin‐Sze , Qu Yang
Published: March 2014

Chinese children outperform their American counterparts in the academic arena. Although many aspects of Chinese and American children's environments likely contribute to this achievement gap, a key aspect may be learning‐related parenting (e.g., assisting children with homework and responding to children's performance). In this article, we review differences in Chinese and American learning‐related parenting, with attention to the trade‐offs of each culture's style for children's academic and emotional functioning. We consider an integrated style of parenting combining the strengths of the Chinese and American styles to facilitate children's academic and emotional functioning.
On the Links Among Face Processing, Language Processing, and Narrowing During Development
Authors: Pascalis Olivier , Loevenbruck Hélène , Quinn Paul C. , Kandel Sonia , Tanaka James W. , Lee Kang
Published: March 2014

From the beginning of life, face and language processing are crucial for establishing social communication. Studies on the development of systems for processing faces and language have yielded such similarities as perceptual narrowing across both domains. In this article, we review several functions of human communication, and then describe how the tools used to accomplish those functions are modified by perceptual narrowing. We conclude that narrowing is common to all forms of social communication. We argue that during evolution, social communication engaged different perceptual and cognitive systems—face, facial expression, gesture, vocalization, sound, and oral language—that emerged at different times. These systems are interactive and linked to some extent. In this framework, narrowing can be viewed as a way infants adapt to their native social group.
The effects of folate supplementation on inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bahmani Fereshteh , Karamali Maryam , Shakeri Hossein , Asemi Zatollah
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the effects of folate supplementation on inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design, Patients and Measurements

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted among 69 women diagnosed with PCOS and aged 18–40 year old. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups receiving the following: (1) folate‐1: 1 mg/d folate supplements (N = 23); (2) folate‐5: 5 mg/d folate supplements (N = 23) and (3) placebo (N = 23) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning of the study and after 8 weeks to measure homocysteine (Hcy), inflammatory factors including high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), nitric oxide (NO), biomarkers of oxidative stress including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and homoeostatic model assessment‐beta cell function (HOMA‐B).

Results

Supplementation with 5 mg/d folate resulted in reduced plasma Hcy (−2·23 vs −1·86 and 1·16 μm, respectively, P < 0·05), HOMA‐B (−7·63 vs 1·43 and 13·66, respectively, P < 0·05), serum hs‐CRP (−212·2 vs −262·4 and 729·8 μg/l, respectively, P < 0·05) and plasma MDA concentrations (−0·48 vs −0·24 and 0·69 μm, respectively, P < 0·01) compared with folate‐1 and placebo groups. Furthermore, a significant rise in plasma TAC (0·64 vs −3·53 and −215·47 mm, respectively, P < 0·01) and GSH levels (162·1 vs 195·8 and −158·2 μm, respectively, P < 0·01) was also observed following the administration of 5 mg/d folate supplements compared with folate‐1 and placebo groups.

Conclusions

In conclusion, folate supplementation (5 mg/d) in women with PCOS had beneficial effects on inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Annual failure rates and marginal bone‐level changes of immediate compared to conventional loading of dental implants. A systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis
Authors: Engelhardt Sebastian , Papacosta Petros , Rathe Florian , Özen Jülide , Jansen John A. , Junker Rüdiger
Published: March 2014

Background

Immediate loading of dental implants appears to be a successful option. Questions still remain whether annual failure rates (AFRs) as well as annual marginal bone‐level changes are comparable with conventionally loaded implants.

Hypothesis

Immediately loaded implants (≤24 h after implantation) do not show different annual survival rates or peri‐implant bone‐level changes as compared to conventionally loaded implants (≥3 months after implantation).

Material and methods

An electronic search in the National Library of Medicine and in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed for articles published up to November 2013. Only publications in English were considered. Additionally, the bibliographies of the full‐text papers were searched. Primary outcome variable was percentage AFR; secondary outcome variable was annual radiographic bone‐level change.

Results

Electronic search yielded 154 full‐text articles; ten randomized controlled clinical trials were eventually meta‐analyzed. Annual failure rates were 2.3% and 3.4% for conventionally and immediately loaded implants, respectively. No difference in implant failure rates was found (RR: 0.82). Regarding marginal bone‐level changes, the weighted mean difference (WMD) between immediate and conventional loading amounted to 0.02 mm at 1 year (P > 0.05), to 0.08 mm at 2 years (P > 0.05), −0.10 mm at 3 years (P > 0.05) and −0.3 mm at 5 years (P < 0.05). The totalWMDfor the combined follow‐up was 0.01 mm (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

No clinically relevant differences regarding annual failure rates or radiographic bone‐level changes between conventionally and immediately loaded implants can be found for up to 5 years of follow‐up.
Overexpression of BAT3 Alleviates Prion Protein Fragment PrP106‐126‐Induced Neuronal Apoptosis
Authors: Song Zhi‐Qi , Yang Li‐Feng , Wang Yun‐Sheng , Zhu Ting , Zhou Xiang‐Mei , Yin Xiao‐Min , Yao Hong‐Qiang , Zhao De‐Ming
Published: March 2014

Backgrounds and aims

Prion diseases are a group of infectious neurodegenerative diseases characterized by neuronal death and degeneration. Human leukocyte antigen‐B‐associated transcript 3 (BAT3) is an important apoptosis regulator. We therefore investigated the interactions between BAT3 and prion protein and the potential role of BAT3 in PrP106‐126‐induced apoptosis.

Methods

BAT3 and prion protein were overexpressed in Hela, Neuro2A, or primary neuronal cells by transfection with BAT3‐HA or PRNP‐EGFP expression plasmids and their relationship studied by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The effect of BAT3 on PrP106‐126‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis was detected by the CCK‐8 assay and terminal‐deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of cytochrome c and Bcl‐2 was examined by Western blotting.

Results

BAT3 interacted with prion protein and enhanced PrP expression. After PrP106‐126 peptide treated, BAT3 was transported from the nucleus to cytoplasm, increased cell viability, and protected neurons from PrP106‐126‐induced apoptosis through stabilizing the level of Bcl‐2 protein and inhibiting the release of cytochrome c to cytoplasm.

Conclusions

Our present data showed a novel molecular mechanism of PrP106‐126‐induced apoptotic process regulation through the overexpression of BAT3, which may be important for the basic regulatory mechanism of neuron survival in prion diseases and associated neurodegenerative diseases in vivo.
A Novel Role of Spinal Astrocytic Connexin 43: Mediating Morphine Antinociceptive Tolerance by Activation of NMDA Receptors and Inhibition of Glutamate Transporter‐1 in Rats
Authors: Shen Ning , Mo Li‐Qiu , Hu Fen , Chen Pei‐Xi , Guo Rui‐Xian , Feng Jian‐Qiang
Published: March 2014

Aims

Connexin 43 (Cx43) has been reported to be involved in neuropathic pain, but whether it contributes to morphine antinociceptive tolerance remains unknown. The present study investigated the role of spinal Cx43 in the development of morphine tolerance and its mechanisms in rats.

Methods

Morphine tolerance was induced by intrathecal (i.t.) administration of morphine (15 μg) daily for seven consecutive days. The analgesia effect was assessed by hot‐water tail‐flick test. Expression of proteins was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry assay.

Results

Chronic morphine markedly increased the expression of spinal Cx43. Gap26, a specific Cx43 mimic peptide, attenuated not only morphine antinociceptive tolerance, but also the up‐regulation of spinal Cx43 expression, the activation of astrocytes, and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors (NR1 and NR2B subunits), as well as the decreased GLT‐1 expression induced by chronic morphine. MK‐801, a noncompetitive NMDA receptors antagonist, suppressed the chronic morphine‐induced spinal Cx43 up‐regulation, astrocytes activation and decline of GLT‐1 expression.

Conclusions

The spinal astrocytic Cx43 contributes to the development of morphine antinociceptive tolerance by activating astrocytes and NMDA receptors, and inhibiting GLT‐1 expression. We also demonstrate that the role of interaction between the spinal astrocytic Cx43 and neuronal NMDA receptors is important in morphine tolerant rats.
Increased Expression of Capn4 is Associated with the Malignancy of Human Glioma
Authors: Cai Jia‐Jun , Qi Zeng‐Xin , Hua Wei , Zhu Jing‐Jing , Zhang Xin , Yao Yu , Mao Ying
Published: March 2014

Aims

Recent evidence indicates that the increased expression of calpain small subunit 1 (Capn4) is associated with tumorigenesis. This study was designed to explore the role which Capn4 plays in human glioma.

Methods

We detected the expression of Capn4 by immunohistochemistry in tissue microarrays and tissue samples. Following the down‐regulation of Capn4 in glioma cell lines by a specific short hairpin RNA, the function of Capn4 in invasion, migration, and proliferation was assessed. We then evaluated the prognostic role of Capn4 using univariate and multivariate analysis in 94 glioblastoma (GBM) patients.

Results

Glioma tissues exhibited notably higher expression of Capn4 compared with control brain tissues and was positively correlated with histological malignancy. The down‐regulation of Capn4 in glioma cells led to a decrease in invasion and migration in vitro. Through univariate analysis, the prognosis of GBM patients with Capn4 overexpression was significantly poorer with respect to progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Based on the results of the multivariate analysis, Capn4high was demonstrated to be a negative independent prognostic indicator for PFS and OS in GBM patients.

Conclusion

The overexpression of Capn4 is a novel negative prognostic marker, and Capn4 may be used as a new target in therapeutic strategies for human glioma.
Isosorbide dinitrate ointment vs botulinum toxin A (Dysport®) as the primary treatment for chronic anal fissure: a randomized multicentre study
Authors: Berkel A. E. M. , Rosman C. , Koop R. , van Duijvendijk P. , van der Palen J. , Klaase J. M.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Nitric oxide donors, such as isosorbide dinitrate ointment (ISDN), are considered as first‐choice agents in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Injection with botulinum toxin A in the internal anal sphincter is often used as a second‐line therapy, although it may give better results and fewer side effects than nitric oxide donors. The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to investigate whether botulinum toxin A (Dysport®) is more effective than ISDN in the primary treatment of chronic anal fissure.

Method

From April 2005 until October 2009, 60 patients (32 men) with a median age of 42 (25–82) years were randomized to receive either ISDN 10 mg/ml (1%) (n = 33) or injection with 60 units of Dysport® (n = 27). The primary end‐point was the percentage of complete fissure healing after 8 weeks.

Results

After a median of 9 weeks complete fissure healing was noted in 18 of 27 patients in the Dysport® group and in 11 of 33 patients in the ISDN group (P = 0.010). Absolute improvement of pain scores after 9 weeks was similar in both groups (P = 0.733). Patients treated with Dysport® had fewer side effects than patients treated with ISDN (P = 0.028). Of the patients with a healed fissure, 28% of the Dysport® group and 50% of the ISDN group had a recurrence within 1 year (P = 0.286; hazard ratio 2.08; 95% CI = 0.54–7.97).

Conclusion

Dysport® is more effective than ISDN ointment and has fewer side effects in the primary treatment of chronic anal fissure. The recurrence rate within 1 year in both treatment groups is high.
The effect of dye chemical structure on adsorption on activated carbon: a comparative study
Authors: Altaher Hossam , Khalil Tarek E , Abubeah Reda
Published: March 2014

The effect of the molecular structure of dyes Eriochrome Black T and Bromophenol Blue on their adsorption on the surface of activated carbon manufactured from locally available biosorbent has been studied. Batch experiments were performed to investigate factors that may affect the adsorption process. The effect of stirring rate was investigated in the range 0–240 rpm, with an initial concentration of 4–100 mg/l and a stirring time of 0–400 min. The mechanism and rate of adsorption were investigated for both dyes using pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, intraparticle diffusion, and liquid film diffusion models. The monolayer adsorption capacities for Eriochrome Black T and Bromophenol Blue were found to be 36.5 and 39.68 mg/g respectively. The difference in dye uptake was attributed to the presence of the electron‐withdrawing bromine group in Bromophenol Blue. Results showed that the Langmuir isotherm best fitted the adsorption of the two dyes on the prepared activated carbon. The pseudo‐second‐order model best fitted the experimental data, and liquid film diffusion and intraparticle diffusion were the controlling adsorption mechanisms.
Primary cutaneous epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma: a rare, recently described entity with review of the literature
Authors: Feasel Patrick C. , Marburger Trent B. , Billings Steven D.
Published: March 2014

We report a case of a primary cutaneous epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma that presented as a single raised pink‐purple lesion (3.3 × 2.2 cm) on the left base of neck in a 75‐year‐old man. Histopathologic examination revealed an exophytic, nodular tumor within the dermis and superficial subcutis with overlying ulceration. The tumor exhibited sheet‐like growth, infiltration of adjacent structures, and was composed of uniform epithelioid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and eccentrically placed vesicular nuclei with irregular nuclear contours and prominent central nucleoli. Numerous mitotic figures were present [28/10 high power fields (HPF)] but only mild cytologic pleomorphism was identified. By immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for desmin and MYOD1. Focal positive staining for myogenin and cytokeratin CK903 was identified. Stains for Melan‐A, S‐100, SOX10, p63 and CK5/6 were negative. These histopathologic and immunophenotypic features support a diagnosis of epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma. No evidence of a deep soft tissue primary lesion was identified. In summary, epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma can present as a primary cutaneous lesion and dermatopathologists should be aware of this entity.
Learning and consolidation of new spoken words in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Henderson Lisa , Powell Anna , Gareth Gaskell M. , Norbury Courtenay
Published: March 2014

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by rich heterogeneity in vocabulary knowledge and word knowledge that is not well accounted for by current cognitive theories. This study examines whether individual differences in vocabulary knowledge in ASD might be partly explained by a difficulty with consolidating newly learned spoken words and/or integrating them with existing knowledge. Nineteen boys with ASD and 19 typically developing (TD) boys matched on age and vocabulary knowledge showed similar improvements in recognition and recall of novel words (e.g. ‘biscal’) 24 hours after training, suggesting an intact ability to consolidate explicit knowledge of new spoken word forms. TD children showed competition effects for existing neighbors (e.g. ‘biscuit’) after 24 hours, suggesting that the new words had been integrated with existing knowledge over time. In contrast, children with ASD showed immediate competition effects that were not significant after 24 hours, suggesting a qualitative difference in the time course of lexical integration. These results are considered from the perspective of the dual‐memory systems framework.
Similar weight‐adjusted insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in short‐duration late autoimmune diabetes of adulthood (LADA) and Type 2 diabetes: Action LADA 8
Authors: Juhl C. B. , Bradley U. , Holst J. J. , Leslie R. D. , Yderstraede K. B. , Hunter S. ,   Action LADA Consortium
Published: March 2014

Aims

To explore insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in people with latent autoimmune diabetes in adulthood (LADA) compared with that in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 12 people with LADA, defined as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody positivity and > 1 year of insulin independency (group A) were age‐matched pairwise to people with Type 2 diabetes (group B) and to six people with Type 2 diabetes of similar age and BMI (group C). β‐cell function (first‐phase insulin secretion and assessment of insulin pulsatility), insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp) and metabolic response during a mixed meal were studied.

Results

Both first‐phase insulin secretion and insulin release during the meal were greater (P = 0.05 and P = 0.009, respectively) in Type 2 diabetes as compared with LADA; these differences were lost on adjustment for BMI (group C) and could be explained by BMI alone in a multivariate analysis. Neither insulin pulsatility, incretin secretion nor insulin sensitivity differed among the groups.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that LADA and Type 2 diabetes were distinct disease entities beyond the differences explained by BMI.
The excess mortality related to cardiovascular diseases and cancer among adults pharmacologically treated for diabetes—the 2001–2006 ENTRED cohort
Authors: Romon I. , Rey G. , Mandereau‐Bruno L. , Weill A. , Jougla E. , Eschwège E. , Simon D. , Druet C. , Fagot‐Campagna A.
Published: March 2014

Aims

To compare the 5‐year mortality (overall and cause‐specific) of a cohort of adults pharmacologically treated for diabetes with that of the rest of the French adult population.

Methods

In 2001, 10 000 adults treated for diabetes were randomly selected from the major French National Health Insurance System database. Vital status and causes of death were successfully extracted from the national registry for 9101 persons. We computed standardized mortality ratios.

Results

Over 5 years, 1388 adults pharmacologically treated for diabetes died (15% of the cohort, 32.4/1000 person‐years). An excess mortality, which decreased with age, was found for both genders [standardized mortality ratio 1.45 (1.37–1.52)]. Excess mortality was related to: hypertensive disease [2.90 (2.50–3.33)], ischaemic heart disease [2.19 (1.93–2.48)], cerebrovascular disease [1.76 (1.52–2.03)], renal failure [2.14 (1.77–2.56)], hepatic failure [2.17 (1.52–3.00)] in both genders and septicaemia among men [1.56 (1.15–2.09)]. An association was also found with cancer‐related mortality: liver cancer in men [3.00 (2.10–4.15)]; pancreatic cancer in women [3.22 (1.94–5.03)]; colon/rectum cancer in both genders [1.66 (1.28–2.12)]. Excess mortality was not observed for breast, lung or stomach cancers.

Conclusions

Adults pharmacologically treated for diabetes had a 45% increased risk of mortality at 5 years, mostly related to cardiovascular complications, emphasizing the need for further prevention. The increased risk of mortality from cancer raises questions about the relationship between cancer and diabetes and prompts the need for improved cancer screening in people with diabetes.
Decreased plasma chemerin levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hare K. J. , Bonde L. , Svare J. A. , Randeva H. S. , Asmar M. , Larsen S. , Vilsbøll T. , Knop F. K.
Published: March 2014

Aims

To evaluate fasting and post‐prandial serum chemerin levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes, and again following delivery when normal glucose homeostasis is re‐established.

Methods

Chemerin levels were measured in serum from nine women with gestational diabetes, and from eight age‐ and BMI‐matched pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance during two meal tests: in the third trimester and 3–4 months post partum. All women with gestational diabetes re‐established normal glucose tolerance after delivery.

Results

Meal intake did not affect serum chemerin levels. The group with gestational diabetes had lower mean serum chemerin levels during the third trimester compared with the group with normal glucose tolerance (28 ± 1.3 vs. 88 ± 3.5 ng/ml, P < 0.0001). In the group with normal glucose tolerance, mean serum chemerin levels decreased significantly post partum to 57 ± 2.8 ng/ml (P = 0.0001), but remained significantly (P = 0.0003) higher than post‐partum levels in the group with gestational diabetes (31 ± 1.9 ng/ml), which did not differ significantly from third trimester levels (P = 0.31).

Conclusions

Normal pregnancy is associated with increased circulating chemerin levels, which may act to reduce pregnancy‐induced insulin resistance and prevent glucose intolerance. Women with gestational diabetes, however, have severely reduced chemerin levels that remain low after delivery, which may contribute to the insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and high Type 2 diabetes risk associated with gestational diabetes.
Effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of 3‐monthly versus 6‐monthly monitoring of well‐controlled type 2 diabetes patients: a pragmatic randomised controlled patient‐preference equivalence trial in primary care (EFFIMODI study)
Authors: Wermeling P. R. , Gorter K. J. , Stellato R. K. , de Wit G. A. , Beulens J. W. J. , Rutten G. E. H. M.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To investigate effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of 6‐monthly monitoring compared with 3‐monthly monitoring of well‐controlled type 2 diabetes patients in primary care.

Methods

A pragmatic randomised controlled patient‐preference equivalence trial was performed. From April 2009 to August 2010, 2215 patients from 233 general practitioners across the Netherlands were included. Patients were eligible if between 40‐ and 80‐years‐old, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for more than a year, treated by their general practitioner, not on insulin treatment and well‐controlled during the last year (HbA1c ≤58 mmol/mol, systolic blood pressure ≤145 mmHg and total cholesterol ≤5.2 mmol/l). Patients without a strong preference for their monitoring frequency were randomised to 3‐monthly or 6‐monthly monitoring. Follow‐up was 18 months. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients remaining under: HbA1c ≤58 mmol/mol, systolic blood pressure ≤145 mmHg and total cholesterol ≤5.2 mmol/l. Equivalence was assumed if the two‐sided 95% confidence interval (CI) was between −5 and 5%. Cost‐effectiveness was determined using a cost‐minimisation analysis.

Results

In the 3‐monthly group 69.5% remained under good cardiometabolic control, versus 69.8% in the 6‐monthly group (difference: 0.3%; 95%CI: −6.2–6.7%). All secondary outcomes were equivalent for 3‐monthly and 6‐monthly monitoring, except the systolic blood pressure target, physical activity and antihypertensive drug use. Six‐monthly monitoring was €387 (£333) cheaper per patient compared to 3‐monthly monitoring during the study period.

Conclusions

Patients with good cardiometabolic control and without preference for their monitoring frequency can visit the primary care physician less often. The cost‐savings can be considerable.
FDI into transition economies
Authors: Estrin S. , Uvalic M.
Published: March 2014

The article explores the determination of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Balkan transition economies – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia. Detailed FDI inflows to Southeast Europe are analysed to determine the main differences in the volume, timing and sectoral structure of FDI within the region and in comparison to the Central East European countries. A gravity model for all transition economies during 1990–2011 is then estimated to assess whether the factors driving FDI to the Western Balkans are different. They are found to be so; even when the size of their economies, distance from the source economies, institutional quality and prospects of EU membership are taken into account, Western Balkans countries receive less FDI than other transition countries. These issues are of policy relevance for the Balkan economies and ought to contribute to the current debate on the ‘new growth model’.