bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of Phagocytosis and Intracellular Signaling by an Inhibitory Channel Catfish Leukocyte Immune-Type Receptor: Evidence for Immunoregulatory Receptor Functional Plasticity in Teleosts
Authors: Cortes Herman D. , Lillico Dustin M.E. , Zwozdesky Myron A. , Pemberton Joshua G. , O'Brien Allen , Montgomery Benjamin C.S. , Wiersma Loes , Chang John P. , Stafford James L.
Published: February 2014

Immunoregulatory receptors are categorized as stimulatory or inhibitory based on their engagement of unique intracellular signaling networks. These proteins also display functional plasticity, which adds versatility to the control of innate immunity. Here we demonstrate that an inhibitory catfish leukocyte immune-type receptor (IpLITR) also displays stimulatory capabilities in a representative myeloid cell model. Previously, the receptor IpLITR 1.1b was shown to inhibit natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Here we expressed IpLITR 1.1b in rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells and monitored intracellular signaling and functional responses. Although IpLITR 1.1b did not stimulate cytokine secretion, activation of this receptor unexpectedly induced phagocytosis as well as extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2- and protein kinase B (Akt)-dependent signal transduction. This novel IpLITR 1.1b-mediated response was independent of an association with the FcRγ chain and was likely due to phosphotyrosine-dependent adaptors associating with prototypical signaling motifs within the distal region of its cytoplasmic tail. Furthermore, compared to a stimulatory IpLITR, IpLITR 1.1b displayed temporal differences in the induction of intracellular signaling, and IpLITR 1.1b-mediated phagocytosis had reduced sensitivity to EDTA and cytochalasin D. Overall, this is the first demonstration of functional plasticity for teleost LITRs, a process likely important for the fine-tuning of conserved innate defenses.
Ustekinumab Induces Fast Response and Maintenance of Very Severe Refractory Scalp Psoriasis: Results in Two Greek Patients from the Psoriasis Hospital-Based Clinic
Authors: Papadavid E. , Ferra D. , Koumaki D. , Dalamaga M. , Stamou C. , Theodoropoulos K. , Rigopoulos D.
Published: February 2014

Background: Scalp psoriasis, one of the most common sites of psoriasis involvement, is often difficult to control with topical agents. There is a lack of substantial evidence-based data for the efficacy and safety of systemic therapies. Methods: Two patients from our university-based psoriasis clinic with chronic plaque psoriasis and severe recalcitrant scalp involvement were assessed by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index and Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index scores, respectively, and quality of life by the Dermatology Life Quality Index. Results: We report 2 psoriasis patients with very severe scalp psoriasis who developed a fast clinical response of scalp psoriasis to ustekinumab in 8 weeks with excellent patient adherence up to 28 weeks of follow-up and positive impact on quality of life due to rapid and long-term clearing. Conclusion: Ustekinumab produces a fast clinical response of recalcitrant scalp psoriasis with excellent patient adherence and a positive impact on quality of life due to rapid and long-term clearing in patients with very severe scalp involvement who failed conventional topical and systemic treatment.
Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Designated as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Primary Oral Health Care
Authors: Behbehani J.M.
Published: February 2014

The Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, was designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Primary Oral Health Care (POHC) in 2011. This article aimed to describe the following: (1) the background for this nomination, (2) the WHO Collaborating Centre for POHC, its terms of reference and 5 activities, (3) the primary health care concept as it was established in Alma-Ata, (4) the oral health situation in Kuwait and in the Middle-East region and, finally, (5) how POHC policy should be implemented in Kuwait and this region. It can be concluded that, because the caries experience is very high in Kuwait and in the other countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region, good POHC programmes should be designed and implemented in this region. The Faculty of Dentistry will strengthen its research tradition and as a WHO Collaborating Centre for POHC will try to collect information and experience from POHC in this region and exchange ideas between POHC experts in this region on how these programmes could be further developed. This will happen according to the terms of reference and activity plans of the WHO Collaborating Centre for POHC approved by the WHO Global Oral Health Programme.
Association between the COMT Val158Met Genotype and Alzheimer's Disease in the Han Chinese Population
Authors: Ji Yong , Shi Zhihong , Liu Mengyuan , Liu Shuai , Liu Shuling , Wang Jinhuan
Published: February 2014

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide and is associated with individual, familial and social burdens. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) may have a prominent role in AD pathophysiology by affecting the metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters and estrogen. Although the COMT rs4680 gene polymorphism has been investigated as a susceptibility factor for AD, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the COMT rs4680 gene polymorphism as a risk factor for AD in the Han Chinese population and its synergistic effect with the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. Methods: A total of 137 AD patients and 194 healthy controls were analyzed. Clinical criteria and neuropsychological tests were used to establish diagnostic groups. All subjects were analyzed for the COMT rs4680 polymorphism and APOE genotype. Results: No significant differences were observed between AD and control subjects regarding the COMT genotype frequencies of Val/Val, Val/Met and Met/Met, but Met alleles were higher in AD than in control subjects (35.4 and 28.1%, p = 0.045). A minor synergistic effect between the genotypes GG and APOE ε4 was observed in AD patients (OR: 5.707, 95% CI: 2.505-13.002, p < 0.001). This synergistic effect was greater in women, who showed higher OR of AD (16.007, 95% CI: 4.606-56.118, p < 0.001) versus the AD group with APOE ε4 (11.972, 95% CI: 5.534-25.902, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the COMT Met allele was an independent risk factor for AD without APOE ε4 allele carriers (OR: 1.806, 95% CI: 1.160-2.810, p = 0.009), especially in men (OR: 4.904, 95% CI: 2.381-10.099, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The COMT (Val158Met) polymorphism is not an independent risk factor for AD but shows a synergistic effect between the genotypes GG and APOE ε4 that proves greater in women with AD. The COMT Met allele represents a risk factor in AD without APOE ε4 allele carriers, which is notable in men with AD.
Eight Years Later, Are We Still Hurting Newborn Infants?
Authors: Roofthooft Daniëlla W.E. , Simons Sinno H.P. , Anand Kanwaljeet J.S. , Tibboel Dick , van Dijk Monique
Published: February 2014

Objective: To study whether new pharmacological and nonpharmacological guidelines lowered numbers of painful procedures in neonates and changed the amount and frequency of analgesic therapy as compared to the results of our previous study in 2001. Design: A prospective observational study. Setting: Level III NICU of the Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam. Participants: Neonates admitted at postnatal ages less than 3 days with length of stay at least 72 h. Main Outcome Measures: Number of all potentially painful procedures and analgesic therapy recorded at the bedside during the first 14 days of NICU stay. Results: A total number of 21,076 procedures were performed in the 175 neonates studied during 1,730 patient-days (mean 12.2). The mean number of painful procedures per neonate per day was 11.4 (SD 5.7), significantly lower than the number of 14.3 (SD 4.0) in 2001 (p < 0.001). The use of analgesics was 36.6% compared to 60.3% in 2001. Sixty-three percent of all peripheral arterial line insertions failed versus 37.5% in 2001 and 9.1% venipunctures failed versus 21% in 2001. Conclusions: The mean number of painful procedures per NICU patient per day declined. Nonpharmacological pain- or stress-reducing strategies like NIDCAP and sucrose were fully embedded in our pain management. As further reduction of the number of painful procedures is unlikely, we should apply more nonpharmacological interventions and explore newer pharmacological agents.
Evidence-Based Nutritional Advice for Patients Affected by Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Andreatta Walter , El-Sherbiny Samer
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the evidence available in the literature on the role of nutrients in preventing the occurrence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its progression to more advanced stages. In our analysis we considered publications on vitamins B, C, E and D, carotenoids (i.e. lutein, zeaxanthin and β-carotene), Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and zinc published between 2003 and 2013. While the evidence supporting supplementation and higher dietary intake of nutrients for AMD prevention is weak to moderate, large and robust randomised controlled trials showed that the AREDS formula leads to a 25% reduction in progression to advanced AMD in individuals belonging to AREDS categories 3 and 4. After reviewing the current literature, which includes the AREDS2 study, we suggest an ‘evidence-based formula'.
Evaluation of Ultrasound-Processed Rapid Cell Blocks in the Cytopathologic Diagnosis of Cavity Fluids
Authors: Zhao Jie , Lin Dong-Liang , Zhai Li-Hui , Wang Ji-Gang
Published: February 2014

Objective: The technique of conventional cell blocks is rather labor- and time-consuming. The purpose of this study was to generate a convenient and quick manual procedure using ultrasound processing which could be applied in most developing countries and to evaluate its efficacy in the cytopathologic diagnosis of cavity fluids. Study Design: We carried out a rapid cell block procedure using egg albumen as the pre-embedded adjuvant and using ultrasound to accelerate fixation, dehydration, clearing and waxing. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated as compared with tissue blocks and liquid-based cytology tests (LCTs). Results: A total of 155 samples underwent rapid cell block detection, and 61 were diagnosed as malignancies. The method was able to produce high-quality formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cell block sections and has similar diagnostic validity to the LCT. The immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization staining patterns in rapid cell block sections were similar to those in their tissue block counterparts. Conclusions: The ultrasound-processed rapid cell block is a convenient and quick method for cytopathologic diagnosis. We consider it may serve as an effective adjuvant technique for most primary medical institutions.
Use of Ancillary Techniques in Improving the Yield of Samples Obtained at Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Thoracic and Abdominal Lymph Nodes
Authors: Loya Asif , Nadeem Mohammad , Yusuf Muhammed Aasim
Published: February 2014

Objectives: Thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes may be enlarged in a variety of disorders. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a well-established technique for sampling such nodes, but samples obtained are small, which may make definitive diagnosis difficult. We conducted a retrospective review to determine the contribution of ancillary techniques, such as special histochemistry (SHC), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry, in increasing the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA carried out at our institution. Study Design: Between November 2005 and December 2012, 278 patients underwent EUS-FNA of enlarged thoracic and abdominal nodes at our institution. All specimens obtained were subjected to rapid on-site evaluation. Data were reviewed in all patients requiring ancillary techniques for definitive diagnosis. Results: Ancillary techniques were performed in 111 of 278 cases. IHC was performed in 24, flow cytometry in 3 and SHC staining in 84. IHC and SHC aided in reaching a definitive diagnosis in 19 of 24 and 3 cases, respectively. Flow cytometry led to a definitive diagnosis in 3 cases. A total of 80 cases were also submitted to culture for tuberculosis with 6 positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclusions: Ancillary studies in EUS-FNA of thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes can significantly improve the yield of EUS-FNA.
Evaluation of Endometrial Cytology Prepared with the Becton Dickinson SurePath™ Method: A Pilot Study by the Osaki Study Group
Authors: Yanoh Kenji , Norimatsu Yoshiaki , Munakata Satoru , Yamamoto Toshiya , Nakamura Yutaka , Murata Tetsuya , Kobayashi Tadao K. , Hirai Yasuo
Published: February 2014

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the BD SurePath™ liquid-based Papanicolaou test for assessing the cytology of intrauterine endometrial samples according to newly devised cytological diagnostic criteria and a novel descriptive reporting format. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two endometrial samples were analyzed. All samples were obtained directly from the intrauterine cavity using the Uterobrush or Honest Super Brush. The samples used for the histological examination and cytological tests were collected simultaneously. Our study group devised new cytological diagnostic criteria for examining endometrial samples: the Osaki Study Group method. In this study, histological diagnosis was considered to be the gold standard for cytological diagnosis. A novel descriptive reporting format was also used. Results: Satisfactory cytological specimens were obtained in all cases. The sensitivity and specificity of the SurePath endometrial cytological examination method were 96.4 and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that the SurePath method is acceptable for clinical use. Since the SurePath method seems to be easier and allows greater preparation standardization than the conventional method, coupling it with our newly devised cytological diagnostic criteria and descriptive reporting format might represent a reliable diagnostic method for assessing endometrial specimens.
Plasma-Serum Cholesterol Differences in Children and Use of Measurements from Different Specimens
Authors: Berentzen Nina E. , Wijga Alet H. , van Rossem Lenie , de Jongste Johan C. , Boshuizen Hendriek C. , Smit Henriëtte A.
Published: February 2014

Background: We aimed to assess absolute plasma-serum differences and differences in ranking of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and TC/HDLC ratio in children. Methods: We analysed data of 412 children participating in a Dutch birth cohort. TC, HDLC, and TC/HDLC ratio were determined in plasma at age 8 and 12 years and in serum at age 12 years. Results: Compared to serum, plasma TC at age 12 years was 0.07 mmol/l lower (95% CI -0.08 to -0.06), plasma HDLC was 0.06 mmol/l higher (95% CI 0.05-0.07), and plasma TC/HDLC ratio was 0.19 lower (95% CI -0.20 to -0.17) (p < 0.0001). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for ranking of TC, HDLC, and TC/HDLC ratio at age 12 years were 0.970, 0.745, and 0.979, respectively. ICCs for ranking of 8- to 12-year change of TC, HDLC, and TC/HDLC ratio were 0.971, 0.957, and 0.955, respectively. Conclusions: Cholesterol was systematically different in plasma and serum, and use of plasma would result in a more favourable lipid profile of children (lower TC, higher HDLC, and lower TC/HDLC ratio). Nevertheless, consistency in ranking of children according to plasma or serum cholesterol concentrations was very high. Age-related change in cholesterol can be validly assessed by ranking the difference between serum concentrations at one age and plasma concentrations at another age.
Radiotherapy in Patients with Extramammary Paget's Disease - Our Own Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Itonaga Tomohiro , Nakayama Hidetsugu , Okubo Mitsuru , Mikami Ryuji , Nogi Sachica , Tajima Yu , Sugahara Shinji , Tokuuye Koichi
Published: February 2014

Background: There are few reports on radiotherapy methods for treating extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). The aim of this study was to explore the outcome of radiotherapy for EMPD. Patients and Methods: Between June 1995 and October 2010, 14 patients with EMPD (7 male and 7 female; median age 77 years) underwent radiotherapy at the Tokyo Medical University Hospital. The median total irradiation dose was 50 Gy, delivered in 20-33 fractions. Case reports of patients with EMPD were obtained from the PubMed database for the period of 1991-2012. 66 patients (median age 73 years) were identified. Radiotherapy outcomes were analyzed. Results: All patients achieved complete response within the irradiated volume during a median observation period of 71.4 months. The 5-year locoregional progression-free survival and overall survival were 91.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 53.9-98.8%) and 84.3% (95% CI 50.3-95.8%), respectively. From the PubMed database, the 5-year local progression-free survival and locoregional progression-free survival were 84.5% (95% CI 65.3-93.6%) and 77.5% (95% CI 57.3-89.0%), respectively. 12 (18%) patients had a recurrence in the inguinal lymph nodes. Conclusion: Radiotherapy yielded good local control and survival, which suggests that it was effective for patients with EMPD and in particular medically inoperable EMPD.
Docetexal plus S-1 Versus Oxaliplatin plus S-1 for First-Line Treatment of Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Mei , Wu Meihong , Wang Wei , Wang Qingshui , Wang Yajie
Published: February 2014

Background: Both docetexal plus S-1 (DS) and oxaliplatin plus S-1 (SOX) are active regimens currently used in patients with advanced gastric cancer. In this retrospective study, efficacy and safety of these 2 combination regimens were evaluated. Patients and Methods: Patients received docetaxel infusion 75 mg/m2 in the DS group or oxaliplatin infusion 130 mg/m2 in the SOX group at day 1 of each 3-week cycle. S-1 40 mg/m2 was administered orally twice daily on days 1-14 in the 3-week cycle in both groups. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety perimeters were evaluated. Results: 84 patients were retrospectively evaluated in the study: 36 patients in the DS group and 48 patients in the SOX group. The median PFS was 6.55 months in the DS group and 5.73months in the SOX group. The median OS was 13.97 in the DS group and 13.13 months in the SOX group. The overall response rates were 41.7% and 43.8% and the disease control rates were 77.8% and 87.5% for DS and SOX, respectively. The most frequent grade 3 and 4 toxicities were thrombocytopenia for DS (19.4%) and anemia for SOX (12.5%). Conclusion: Both regimens were active and well tolerated in advanced gastric cancer patients.
Correlation between Expression of Biological Markers and [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Jo Moo-Sung , Choi Ook-Hwan , Suh Dong-Soo , Yun Man-Soo , Kim Seong-Jang , Kim Gi-Hyung , Jeon Han-Na
Published: February 2014

Purpose: Positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) utilizing [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) has been recommended for the diagnosis, staging, therapy monitoring, prediction of prognosis, and detection of recurrence in endometrial cancer. We aimed to define the correlations of biological markers with 18F-FDG uptake in endometrial cancer. Methods: 29 patients (55 ± 8.93 years) with endometrial cancer were included in this study. All patients underwent hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Pusan National University Hospital. Immunohistochemical studies were performed for glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), hexokinase II (HK-II), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX). Results: There were positive correlations between FDG uptake and GLUT-1 (r = 0.375, p = 0.0452), and HK-II (r = 0.537, p = 0.0027). However, HIF-1α (r = 0.153, p = 0.4283), VEGF (r = -0,101, p = 0.6032) and CA-IX (r = 0.240, p = 0.2105) were not significantly associated with FDG uptake. No significant correlations were found among the expression levels of biological markers. Conclusion: FDG uptake in endometrial cancer was significantly associated with GLUT-1 and HK-II, while HIF-1α, VEGF and CA-IX were not associated with FDG uptake. No significant correlations were found among the expression levels of biological markers.
Concurrent Salmonella Mycotic Abdominal Aneurysm and Empyema Thoracis: A Rare Coincidence
Authors: Chao Chia-Ter
Published: February 2014

Objective: To present a case of Salmonella bacteremia with a rare metastatic focus. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 61-year-old male presented with a suicide attempt after ingestion of half a bottle of toilet cleaner. He had a medical history of intravenous drug abuse and major depression. Persistent Salmonella enteritidis bacteremia occurred during his hospitalization, and a search for the primary source of infection disclosed a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm. A suppurative lesion was also noted over the left pleural space, and Salmonella empyema was confirmed after thoracentesis. He underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and endovascular repair of the abdominal aortic aneurysm and was placed on long-term antibiotics, without recurrence. Conclusion:S. enteritidis involvement of the cardiovascular system is a rare coincidence and results in significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, the phenomenon of secondary metastatic infective foci involving the pleural space has an even lower frequency than that of cardiovascular involvement. Therefore, a high index of suspicion and prompt treatment from the treating physicians are strongly recommended.
Switch-Associated Protein 70 Antibodies in Multiple Sclerosis: Possible Association with Disease Progression
Authors: Türkoğlu Recai , Gencer Mehmet , Ekmekçi Duygu , Ulusoy Canan , Erdağ Ece , Şehitoğlu Elçin , Çavuş Filiz , Haytural Hazal , Küçükerden Melike , Yalçınkaya Nazlı , Turan Selin , Akbaş-Demir Deniz , Çoban Arzu , Vural Burçak , Tüzün Erdem
Published: February 2014

Objective: This study was conducted to identify a biomarker for multiple sclerosis (MS) that can be used as a predictor of relapse and disability. Materials and Methods: Sera of 26 consecutive relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients were screened for switch-associated protein 70 (SWAP-70) antibody, which was previously identified by protein macroarray. The serum levels of several cytokines, chemokines and soluble adhesion molecules related to MS attacks were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A possible correlation was sought among levels of SWAP-70 antibody, measured humoral factors and disability scores. Results: ELISA studies showed high-titre SWAP-70 antibodies in 16 (61.5%) RRMS sera obtained during the attack period and 9 (34.6%) sera obtained during remission. There was a significant inverse correlation between SWAP-70 antibody levels and expanded disability status scale scores, CXCL10, soluble VCAM-1, CXCL13 and soluble VLA-4 levels. Conclusion: Our results showed that SWAP-70 antibodies could potentially be utilized as relapse and prognostic biomarkers in MS. Whether or not SWAP-70 antibodies have any effect on disease mechanisms requires further investigation.
Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination
Authors: Ogino Ken , Kishi Shoji , Yoshimura Nagahisa
Published: February 2014

Although the cause of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) has not been elucidated, 2 reports have described cases of MEWDS after vaccination. A 16-year-old girl presented with throat pain, headache, and photopsia in the left eye 2 weeks after receiving a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. The clinical examination revealed numerous white dots on the fundus, visual field loss, and abnormal electroretinography results, which are concordant with a diagnosis of MEWDS. Although the white dots on the fundus disappeared within a few months, her visual field continued to deteriorate progressively over 1.5 years of follow-up. Images obtained by fundus autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography revealed longitudinal changes consistent with the observed functional losses. Immunosuppressive therapy (betamethasone 200 mg/day) resulted in the complete resolution of all fluorescein leakage from the retinal vasculature. Maintenance betamethasone treatment (0.5 mg/day) led to visual field results over a period of 6 months. In this case of MEWDS, subsequent to HPV vaccination, the results of fluorescein angiography showed a marked response to immunosuppressive therapy. These findings support the hypothesis that MEWDS is associated with an impaired immune function.
Metabolic Activity of the Spleen and Bone Marrow in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Evaluated by
18
F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomograpic Imaging
Authors: Kim Eung Ju , Kim Sungeun , Kang Dong Oh , Seo Hong Seog
Published: February 2014

Background—

Atherosclerosis is considered to be an inflammatory disease associated with the activation of hematopoietic and immune-related organs such as the bone marrow (BM) and spleen. We evaluated the metabolic activity of those organs and of the carotid artery with
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with coronary artery disease, including acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Whole-body combined
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography was performed in 32 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 33 patients with chronic stable angina, and 25 control subjects. The mean standard uptake value was calculated in the regions of interest in the spleen and the BM of lumbar vertebrae. The target-to-background ratio of the standard uptake values of the carotid artery and jugular vein was also calculated. In patients with acute myocardial infarction, the standard uptake values of the BM (1.67±0.16) and spleen (2.57±0.39), as well as the target-to-background ratio of the carotid artery (2.13±0.42), were significantly higher than the corresponding values of patients with angina (1.22±0.62; 2.03±0.35; 1.36±0.37; all
P
<0.001) and controls (0.80±0.44; 1.54±0.26; 1.22±0.22; all
P
<0.001), independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. In all groups combined, the target-to-background ratio of the carotid artery was significantly associated with the standard uptake values of the BM (
r
=0.535;
P
<0.001), spleen (
r
=0.663;
P
<0.001), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (
r
=0.465;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

The metabolic activity of the BM and spleen, as well as of the carotid artery, was highest in patients with acute myocardial infarction, intermediate in patients with angina, and lowest in control subjects. The activation of the BM and spleen was significantly associated with inflammatory activity of the carotid artery.
Hospital Variation in Survival After In‐hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Merchant Raina M. , Berg Robert A. , Yang Lin , Becker Lance B. , Groeneveld Peter W. , Chan Paul S. ,   for the American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines‐Resuscitation Investigators
Published: February 2014

Background

In‐hospital cardiac arrest (
IHCA
) is common and often fatal. However, the extent to which hospitals vary in survival outcomes and the degree to which this variation is explained by patient and hospital factors is unknown.

Methods and Results

Within Get with the Guidelines‐Resuscitation, we identified 135 896 index
IHCA
events at 468 hospitals. Using hierarchical models, we adjusted for demographics comorbidities and arrest characteristics (eg, initial rhythm, etiology, arrest location) to generate risk‐adjusted rates of in‐hospital survival. To quantify the extent of hospital‐level variation in risk‐adjusted rates, we calculated the median odds ratio (
OR
). Among study hospitals, there was significant variation in unadjusted survival rates. The median unadjusted rate for the bottom decile was 8.3% (range: 0% to 10.7%) and for the top decile was 31.4% (28.6% to 51.7%). After adjusting for 36 predictors of in‐hospital survival, there remained substantial variation in rates of in‐hospital survival across sites: bottom decile (median rate, 12.4% [0% to 15.6%]) versus top decile (median rate, 22.7% [21.0% to 36.2%]). The median
OR
for risk‐adjusted survival was 1.42 (95%
CI
: 1.37 to 1.46), which suggests a substantial 42% difference in the odds of survival for patients with similar case‐mix at similar hospitals. Further, significant variation persisted within hospital subgroups (eg, bed size, academic).

Conclusion

Significant variability in
IHCA
survival exists across hospitals, and this variation persists despite adjustment for measured patient factors and within hospital subgroups. These findings suggest that other hospital factors may account for the observed site‐level variations in
IHCA
survival.
Nomenclatural analysis of validity of Taraxacum names published by J. L. van Soest after 1958
Authors: Kirschner Jan , Štěpánek Jan
Published: February 2014

A revision of names published by J. L. van Soest (1898–1983) after 1958 revealed a number of names of doubtful validity. A detailed nomeclatural analysis of the validity of these names revealed that, from the point of view of the typification methods of van Soest, there are ten categories of names, many of them requiring validation. All the relevant names were studied and the problematic names are listed. There are 27 names with more than one specimen of a single gathering cited (20 are lectotypified). Another 19 names are listed that were typified by van Soest only in the captions to figures accompanying the text. Many names were found invalid; of these, eight names were validated later by van Soest or other authors, another 15 names were not considered as taxonomically sound by the present authors (and remained invalid). The following 15 names are validated and therefore published as new here, with the authorship of J. L. van Soest retained, Art. 46, Ex. 20): Taraxacum luteocucullatum, T. elegans, T. fulvobrunneum, T. nagaricum, T. sordidepapposum, T. vulpinum, T. brakelii, T. flavum, T. pseudoeriopodum, T. pullocarpum, T. rufulum, T. tenuiceps, T. helianthum, T. phoenicolepis and T. stereodiforme (all mainly as a result of the conflict with Art. 40.1, 40.3, Ex. 3, or Art. 30.4, 30.5 of the Code).
New synonymy in Ptychanthus striatus (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Wang Jian , Gradstein Stephan Robbert , Daniels Albert Ebenezer Dulip , Zhu Rui-Liang
Published: February 2014

Morphological and molecular evidence shows that Spruceanthus wiggintonii A.E.D.Daniels, K.C.Kariyappa & P.Daniel from southern India is a synonym of the widespread Ptychanthus striatus (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Nees.
Saint-Hilaire’s Polygalaceae
Authors: Pastore José Floriano Barêa
Published: February 2014

This paper is a review of all Polygalaceae material on which the treatments of the family by Saint-Hilaire and Moquin-Tandon in 1828 and Saint-Hilaire in 1829 were based. It includes type designation for the names of all new taxa there proposed, except for Polygala paludosa var. ambigua. Some of the Saint-Hilaire and Moquin-Tandon’s names which were omitted in several Neotropical Polygalaceous treatments are here reviewed. Therefore, one of them, Polygala sellowiana, is here re-established as the correct name for the species better known as P. sabulosa. More detailed information is provided for Saint-Hilaire’s Polygalaceae collection.
Friesodielsia sahyadrica (Annonaceae), a peculiar new species from the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Page Navendu V. , Surveswaran Siddharthan
Published: February 2014

Annonaceae are one of the largest families of the magnoliid angiosperms, comprising trees, shrubs and lianas. Although they exhibit a pantropical distribution, relatively high levels of generic endemism are observed at the continental scale (Doyle and Le Thomas 1997). In India, they are represented by 24 genera and ca. 125 species (Kundu 2006).
Five new species of Qadria Mahmood (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae) from China
Authors: SONG YUE-HUA , LI ZI-ZHONG
Published: February 2014

Five new leafhopper species, Qadria bannaensis, Q. daliensis, Q. dongfanga, Q. guiyanga and Q. cucullata spp. nov. from Yunnan, Hainan and Guizhou Prov. of China are described and illustrated, and a key to all species of the genus Qadria is provided.
A new species of Psorodonotus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) from Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: TAYLAN MEHMET SAİT , MOL ABBAS , ŞİRİN DENİZ
Published: February 2014

Descriptions of a new species of Tettigoniinae; Psorodonotus suphani sp. n. from Turkey were given. The relationships between the new species and closest taxa (morphologically and geographically) were evaluated by using morphological characters. Ultimately, some remarkable points of the distribution pattern of the species were presented.
Uncertainty of Concentration–Terrestrial Carbon Feedback in Earth System Models*
Authors: Hajima Tomohiro , Tachiiri Kaoru , Ito Akihiko , Kawamiya Michio
Published: February 2014

Carbon uptake by land and ocean as a biogeochemical response to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is called concentration–carbon feedback and is one of the carbon cycle feedbacks of the global climate. This feedback can have a major impact on climate projections with an uncertain magnitude. This paper focuses on the concentration–carbon feedback in terrestrial ecosystems, analyzing the mechanisms and strength of the feedback reproduced by Earth system models (ESMs) participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. It is confirmed that multiple ESMs driven by a common scenario show a large spread of concentration–carbon feedback strength among models. Examining the behavior of the carbon fluxes and pools of the models showed that the sensitivity of plant productivity to elevated CO2 is likely the key to reduce the spread, although increasing CO2 stimulates other carbon cycle processes. Simulations with a single ESM driven by different CO2 pathways demonstrated that carbon accumulation increases in scenarios with slower CO2 increase rates. Using both numerical and analytical approaches, the study showed that the difference among CO2 scenarios is a time lag of terrestrial carbon pools in response to atmospheric CO2 increase—a high rate of CO2 increase results in smaller carbon accumulations than that in an equilibrium state of a given CO2 concentration. These results demonstrate that the current quantities for concentration–carbon feedback are incapable of capturing the feedback dependency on the carbon storage state and suggest that the concentration feedback can be larger for future scenarios where the CO2 growth rate is reduced.
A Technique to Measure Ice Nuclei in the Contact Mode
Authors: Niehaus Joseph , Bunker Kristopher W. , China Swarup , Kostinski Alexander , Mazzoleni Claudio , Cantrell Will
Published: February 2014

This study presents a new technique to study ice nucleation by aerosols in the contact mode. Contact freezing depends upon the interaction of a supercooled droplet of water and an aerosol particle, with the caveat that the particle must be at the air–water interface. To measure nucleation catalyzed in this mode, the technique employs water droplets that are supercooled via a temperature-controlled copper stage, then pulls aerosol-laden air past them. Particles deposit out of the airstream and come into contact with the surface of the droplet. The probability that a particle–droplet collision initiates a freezing event, necessitating knowledge of the total number of particles that collide with the droplet, is reported. In tests of the technique, ice nucleation by the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae is found to be more efficient in the contact mode than in the immersion mode by two orders of magnitude at −3°C with the difference diminishing by −8°C.
Objective Categorization of Heavy-Rain-Producing MCS Synoptic Types by Rotated Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Peters John M. , Schumacher Russ S.
Published: February 2014

In this research, rotated principal component analysis was applied to the atmospheric fields associated with a large sample of heavy-rain-producing mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). Cluster analysis in the subspace defined by the leading two resulting principal components revealed two subtypes with distinct synoptic and mesoscale characteristics, which are referred to as warm-season-type and synoptic-type events, respectively. Subsequent composite analysis showed that both subtypes typically occurred on the cool side of a quasi-stationary, low-level frontal boundary, within a region of locally maximized low-level convergence and warm advection. Synoptic-type events, which tended to exhibit greater horizontal extent than warm-season-type events, typically occurred downstream of a progressive upper-level trough, along a low-level potential temperature gradient with the warmest air to the south and southeast. Warm-season-type events, on the other hand, occurred within the right-entrance region of a minimally to anticyclonically curved upper-level jet streak, along a low-level potential temperature gradient with the warmest low-level air to the southwest. Synoptic-scale forcing for ascent was stronger in synoptic-type events, while low-level moisture was greater in warm-season-type events. Warm-season-type events were frequently preceded by the passage of a trailing-stratiform- (TS) type MCS, whereas synoptic-type events often occurred prior to the passage of a TS-type system. Analysis of the composite vertical wind profiles at the event location suggests that quasi-stationary behavior in warm-season events predominantly resulted from upstream propagation that nearly canceled advection by the mean steering flow, whereas in the case of synoptic-type events training predominantly resulted from system motion that paralleled a front.
Lost Autonomy, Nationalism and Separatism
Authors: Siroky David S. , Cuffe John
Published: February 2014

Case studies suggest that ethnic groups with autonomous institutional arrangements are more prone to secede, but other evidence indicates that autonomy reduces the likelihood of secession. To address this debate, we disaggregate their autonomy status into three categories—currently autonomous, never autonomous, and lost autonomy—and then unpack how each shapes the logic of collective action. We argue groups that were never autonomous are unlikely to mobilize due to a lack of collective action capacity, whereas currently autonomous groups may have the capacity but often lack the motivation. Most important, groups that have lost autonomy often possess both strong incentives and the capacity to pursue secession, which facilitates collective action. Moreover, autonomy retraction weakens the government’s ability to make future credible commitments to redress grievances. We test these conjectures with data on the autonomous status and separatist behavior of 324 groups in more than 100 countries from 1960 to 2000. Our analysis shows clear empirical results regarding the relationship between autonomy status and separatism. Most notably, we find that formerly autonomous groups are the most likely to secede, and that both currently autonomous and never autonomous groups are much less likely.
Social Spending Responses to Organized Labor and Mass Protests in Latin America, 1970-2007
Authors: Zarate Tenorio Barbara
Published: February 2014

This article analyzes the relationship between collective protest and social spending in Latin America from 1970 to 2007. I argue that under democracy, organized labor is in a better position relative to other groups in society to obtain social policy concessions as a consequence of their collective action efforts. Labor insiders mobilize around specific demands, and labor strikes carry significant economic and political costs on governments. In contrast, other groups in society rarely protest around specific social policy issues and are more often subject to successful demobilization tactics from political leaders. Results from an error correction model (ECM) show that in democracies, collective protest has differentiated effects on social spending. While strikes have a strong positive long-term effect on social security and welfare spending, none of the different forms of collective protest affect education or health spending. Importantly, I also find evidence of a deterrent effect of mass protests in democratic regimes; cutbacks in human capital spending are less likely as peaceful large-scale demonstrations increase.
Oligodontia and Curly Hair Occur with Ectodysplasin-A Mutations
Authors: Lee K.E. , Ko J. , Shin T.J. , Hyun H.K. , Lee S.H. , Kim J.W.
Published: February 2014

Oligodontia is the developmental absence of more than 5 permanent teeth except for the third molar. Familial oligodontia can occur as an isolated form or as part of a genetic syndrome. Mutations in the MSX1, PAX9, AXIN2, EDA, and WNT10A genes have been identified in familial non-syndromic oligodontia. Ectodermal dysplasia is a group of syndromes involving abnormalities of the ectodermal structures and is comprised of more than 150 different forms. Mutations in the ectodysplasin-A ( EDA) gene have been associated with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, and partial disruption of the EDA signaling pathway has been shown to cause an isolated form of oligodontia. We identified 2 X-linked oligodontia families and performed mutational analysis of the EDA gene. The mutational analysis revealed 2 novel EDA mutations: c.866G>T, p.Arg289Leu and c.1135T>G, p.Phe379Val (reference sequence NM_001399.4). These mutations were perfectly segregated with oligodontia and curly hair within each family and were not found in the 150 control X-chromosomes with the same ethnic background and in the exome variant server. This study broadens the mutational spectrum of the EDA gene and the understanding of X-linked oligodontia with curly hair.
Not all lexical access tasks are created equal: Lexical development between three and five
Authors: Isacoff Nora M. , Stromswold Karin
Published: February 2014

Lexical access tasks are designed to measure efficiency of lexical access, but task demands and methods vary greatly. Many lexical access tasks do not account for confounding factors including competence in other linguistic abilities. In this study, preschoolers were given two lexical access tasks. In the single-category naming (SCN) task, children rapidly named animals. In the multi-category naming (MCN) task, children named one item from each of 10 categories. Children were also tested on vocabulary, syntax, and articulation. First, scores on each task increase with age. Second, the two lexical access scores were only moderately correlated, suggesting that different ‘lexical access’ tasks measure different abilities. Finally, we compared scores on each of the lexical access tasks with scores on the other linguistic tasks, demonstrating that different linguistic abilities are involved in each task at different ages. Results suggest that even very similar tasks capture different aspects of lexical access, and that the SCN task is a purer lexical access test.
Goal Preference Shapes Confrontations of Sexism
Authors: Mallett Robyn K. , Melchiori Kala J.
Published: February 2014

Although most women assume they would confront sexism, assertive responses are rare. We test whether women’s preference for respect or liking during interpersonal interactions explains this surprising tendency. Women report preferring respect relative to liking after being asked sexist, compared with inappropriate, questions during a virtual job interview (Study 1, n = 149). Women’s responses to sexism increase in assertiveness along with their preference for being respected, and a respect-preference mediates the relation between the type of questions and response assertiveness (Studies 1 and 2). In Study 2 ( n = 105), women’s responses to sexist questions are more assertive when the sense of belonging is enhanced with a belonging manipulation. Moreover, preference for respect mediates the effect of the type of questions on response assertiveness, but only when belonging needs are met. Thus the likelihood of confrontation depends on the goal to be respected outweighing the goal to be liked.
Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Externa Executive Summary
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard M. , Schwartz Seth R. , Cannon C. Ron , Roland Peter S. , Simon Geoffrey R. , Kumar Kaparaboyna Ashok , Huang William W. , Haskell Helen W. , Robertson Peter J.
Published: February 2014

The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO‐HNSF) has published a supplement to this issue featuring the updated Clinical Practice Guideline: Acute Otitis Externa, as a supplement to Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. To assist in implementing the guideline recommendations, this article summarizes the rationale, purpose, and key action statements. The 8 recommendations developed address appropriate diagnosis of acute otitis externa (AOE) and the use of oral and topical antimicrobials and highlight the need for adequate pain relief. An updated guideline is needed due to new clinical trials, new systematic reviews, and the lack of consumer participation in the initial guideline development group.
Quantitative Video Laryngoscopy to Monitor Recovery from Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury in the Rat
Authors: Mor Niv , Naggar Isaac , Das Olipriya , Nakase Ko , Silverman Joshua B. , Sundaram Krishnamurthi , Stewart Mark , Kollmar Richard
Published: February 2014

Recovery from unilateral vocal‐fold paralysis is lengthy, unpredictable, and often incomplete, highlighting the need for better treatments of the injured recurrent laryngeal nerve. To be able to monitor recovery of vocal‐fold motion in studies with rats, we developed a procedure for quantitative video laryngoscopy. An asymmetry index was defined as a continuous and robust measure of unequal vocal‐fold motion and calculated from spectral‐density plots of vocal‐fold displacements. In a cohort of 8 animals, unilateral vocal‐fold paralysis was observed within seconds after clamping of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve and was accompanied by a markedly negative asymmetry index. Over the next month, the asymmetry index gradually returned to zero, concomitant with a visible recovery of vocal‐fold motion. Our results suggest that quantitative video laryngoscopy is a sensitive and discriminating method for monitoring recovery from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and set the stage for testing novel surgical and pharmacological treatments of unilateral vocal‐fold paralysis.