bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐medication and adherence to treatment in psoriasis
Authors: Kivelevitch Dario Nicolas , Tahhan Paula Valeria , Bourren Paula , Kogan Nora Noemi , Gusis Simon Eduardo , Rodríguez Eduardo Adolfo
Published: March 2012

Background  Self‐medication and non‐adherence to treatment are very common practice. This often implies bad results for the patients, as well as for the physicians. Several studies suggest that up to 30–40% of the population is non‐adherent to treatments. This problem generates 5% of all hospitalizations, having caused about 45,000 deaths in 2007 in Argentina.

Materials and methods  A 21‐question survey was carried out among 176 patients with psoriasis in the Psoriasis Center at the Fernandez Hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Results  Seventy‐seven percent of the patients were non‐adherent to treatment, and 33% were self‐medicated. The two groups combined accounted for 82% of the population studied. We found no significant differences among the variables studied in either the non‐adherence or the combined group, although males comprised 67% and females 33% of the self‐medicated group, and that difference was statistically significant (P < 0.025).

Conclusions  Self‐care is a very complex behavior to be explained by a single cause, which clearly makes it a multifactorial problem. In our view, patient education, the physician–patient relationship, and availability of more effective therapeutic options would be significant factors in modifying a deep‐rooted behavior pattern.
Evaluation of a newly‐developed immunochromatography strip test for diagnosing dermatophytosis
Authors: Higashi Yuko , Miyoshi Hayao , Takeda Koichiro , Saruwatari Hiroshi , Kubo Hidemichi , Sakaguchi Ikuyo , Iwata Masahiro , Uchida Youhei , Tada Koichi , Miyamoto Masahiro , Wakamoto Hiroaki , Takasaki Shinichi , Ishida Hisaya , Noriki Sakon , Kanekura Takuro
Published: March 2012

Background  Traditionally, dermatophytosis, a common disease affecting millions of people world‐wide, has been diagnosed by direct microscopy and fungal culture. The immunochromatography (ICG) strip test was recently developed.

Methods  We compared the performance of the ICG strip test for the detection of dermatophytes in samples from human skin and nails with direct microscopy. The 160 samples, consisting of 88 skin and 72 nail specimens, were subjected to direct microscopy study using a 20% KOH solution and to examination with the ICG strip test. Of 160 samples, 18 were examined by fungal culture using Sabouraud dextrose agar medium.

Results  We found that the overall sensitivity and specificity of the ICG test were 83.5% and 66.7%; they were 82.1% and 76.2% for the 88 skin and 85.4% and 58.3% for the 72 nail specimens, respectively.

Conclusions  Our findings indicate that the efficacy of the ICG test is comparable to direct microscopy for the detection of dermatophytes. Performance of the assay was easy, and results were available quickly. We suggest that it is an effective tool for dermatophytosis screening.
Amelanotic melanomas presenting as red skin lesions: a diagnostic challenge with potentially lethal consequences
Authors: McClain Susannah E. , Mayo Kira B. , Shada Amber L. , Smolkin Mark E. , Patterson James W. , Slingluff Craig L.
Published: March 2012

Objective  To characterize epidemiologic and clinical features of red primary amelanotic melanomas, an atypical presentation of melanoma that is underemphasized in patient and physician education.

Patients and methods  Review of a prospectively collected melanoma database identified 46 patients with red amelanotic melanomas, whose clinical features were compared with 329 patients with pigmented melanomas from the same database and same timeframe from January 1964 to September 2005.

Results  Red amelanotic melanomas represented 3.9% of all melanomas recorded in our database and accounted for nearly 70% of amelanotic melanomas. Melanoma was included in the clinical differential diagnosis in 32% of red amelanotic melanomas vs. 94% of pigmented melanomas (P < 0.001). Red amelanotic melanomas more commonly underwent shave biopsy (55 vs. 12%, P < 0.001) and more likely had positive deep margins (35 vs. 9%, P < 0.001) but had comparable risks of metastasis and mortality.

Conclusion  Red amelanotic melanomas are often misdiagnosed clinically but carry a mortality risk comparable to pigmented melanomas. Clinicians screening for melanoma should be more vigilant in considering melanoma in the differential diagnosis of red skin lesions.
Characterization of TGM1 c.984+1G>A mutation identified in a homozygous carrier of lamellar ichthyosis
Authors: Fachal Laura , Rodríguez‐Pazos Laura , Ginarte Manuel , Beiras Andrés , Suárez‐Peñaranda José M. , Toribio Jaime , Carracedo Ángel , Vega Ana
Published: March 2012

Background  Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a rare, nonsyndromic, heterogeneous disorder of cornification. It is divided into three clinical subtypes: lamellar ichthyosis (LI); congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma; and harlequin ichthyosis. In the majority of patients, LI is caused by transglutaminase‐1 (TGase1) deficiency resulting from mutations in both copies of the transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) gene in chromosome 14.

Case report  We report a patient with a severe LI phenotype who has a homozygous putative splicing mutation in the TGM1 gene. Our aim is to assess the pathologic effect of the TGM1 c.984+1G>A by splicing assays and bioinformatic tools.

Results  c.984+1G>A mutation created two alternative TGM1 mRNA splice variants that included 30 or 32 nucleotides of the 5′ of intron 6. At the protein level, the partial in‐frame aberrant transcript retaining 30 bp of intron 6 led to the insertion of 10 amino acids (p.Met329_Val330ins10) at the catalytic core domain of TGM1 protein (codons 247–572), whereas the transcript with the insertion of 32 nucleotides is predicted to encode a truncated protein (p.Val330MetfsX12).

Conclusion  Our splicing assay, together with bioinformatic prediction tools, supports the pathological effect of the recently identified c.984+1G>A mutation in the TGM1 gene and unravels the molecular mechanism by which c.984+1G>A acts.
Use of intense pulse light for acne vulgaris in Indian skin – a case series
Authors: Mohanan Saritha , Parveen Basheerahmed , Annie Malathy Priyavathani , Gomathi Nellainayagam
Published: March 2012

Background  Intense pulse light (IPL) has become extremely popular in Indian cosmetology circles. Yet, literature is silent on its effect in heavily melanized skin.

Objective  A descriptive study to gauge the effect of IPL on acne vulgaris in Indian patients done in a tertiary care center in south India.

Materials and methods  Patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris were given a maximum of five sittings of IPL treatment. Lesion counts were performed and photographs compared before and after treatment.

Results  IPL was offered to 10 patients with acne vulgaris. Two patients dropped out, seven patients had a good response after a mean of 3.4 sittings; 87.5% patients expressed satisfaction with the procedure. No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusion  IPL serves a useful role in the treatment of acne vulgaris and could reduce treatment costs and pill burden. There is no increased risk of side effects with IPL on Indian skin with standard care.
Randomized, double‐blind trial of 220 mg zinc sulfate twice daily in the treatment of rosacea
Authors: Bamford Joel T. M. , Gessert Charles E. , Haller Irina V. , Kruger Kim , Johnson Brian P.
Published: March 2012

A 2006 article published in the International Journal of Dermatology reported that oral zinc sulfate 100 mg three times daily was associated with improvement in the severity of facial rosacea (Sharquie et al. 2006; 45: 857–861). The current study was undertaken to further assess the role of zinc in the management of rosacea. This was a randomized, double‐blind trial of 220 mg of zinc sulfate twice daily for 90 days in patients with moderately severe facial rosacea at baseline. Subjects were recruited in the Upper Midwest USA between August 2006 and April 2008, and followed until July 2008. Forty‐four subjects completed the trial (22 in each arm). Rosacea improved in both groups. There were no differences in magnitude of improvement based on rosacea severity scores between subjects receiving zinc sulfate and subjects receiving placebo (P = 0.284). Serum zinc levels were higher in subjects receiving zinc (P < 0.001). Oral zinc sulfate was not associated with greater improvement in rosacea severity compared with placebo in this study. Additional studies are needed to determine what role oral zinc may have in the management of rosacea.
Tryptase and histamine metabolites as diagnostic indicators of indolent systemic mastocytosis without skin lesions
Authors: van Doormaal J. J. , van der Veer E. , van Voorst Vader P. C. , Kluin P. M. , Mulder A. B. , van der Heide S. , Arends S. , Kluin‐Nelemans J. C. , Oude Elberink J. N. G. , de Monchy J. G. R.
Published: March 2012

Background

Risk indicators of indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) in adults with clinical suspicion of ISM without accompanying skin lesions [urticaria pigmentosa (UP)] are lacking. This study aimed at creating a decision tree using clinical characteristics, serum tryptase, and the urinary histamine metabolites methylimidazole acetic acid (MIMA) and methylhistamine (MH) to select patients for bone marrow investigations to diagnose ISM.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis of all adults, in whom bone marrow investigations were performed to diagnose ISM, was carried out.

Results

In total, 142 patients were included. SM was absent in all 44 patients with tryptase <10 μg/l, in 45 of 98 (46%) patients with tryptase ≥10 μg/l and in 18 of 52 patients (35%) with tryptase >20 μg/l. Above 43 μg/l, all patients had ISM (n = 11). Male gender, insect venom anaphylaxis as presenting symptom, tryptase, MIMA, and MH were independent ISM predictors. If tryptase was ≥10 μg/l, the diagnostic accuracy of MIMA and MH was high (areas under the ROC curve 0.92).

Conclusions

In suspected patients without UP, the ISM risk is very low (if present at all) if tryptase is <10 μg/l. If tryptase is ≥10 μg/l, this risk depends on MIMA and MH, being low if these are normal, but high if these are elevated. Male gender and insect venom anaphylaxis are additional risk indicators. We recommend refraining from bone marrow examinations in suspected patients without UP if tryptase is <10 μg/l. Our results question the reliability of the minor diagnostic World Health Organization criterion of tryptase >20 μg/l.
A novel allele HLA‐DRB1*11:119 was identified by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W. , He J. , Lv H.‐J. , Yan L.‐X.
Published: March 2012

HLA‐DRB1*11:119 has one nucleotide difference from HLA‐DRB1*11:25 at position 286 T>A in exon 2.
The outcome after severe bronchiolitis is related to gender and virus
Authors: Mikalsen Ingvild B. , Halvorsen Thomas , Øymar Knut
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Mikalsen IB, Halvorsen T, Øymar K. The outcome after severe bronchiolitis is related to gender and virus. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 391–398.

The association between bronchiolitis in the first year of life and subsequent asthma, atopy, airway obstruction and bronchial hyper‐responsiveness (BHR) is unsettled. Genetic predispositions, pre‐morbid lung function, environmental interactions and altered immunological responses are risk factors that have been studied. The aim of this study was to assess lung function, BHR and the occurrence of asthma and atopy 11 yr after hospitalization for bronchiolitis in the first year of life, particularly focusing on the role of gender and virus involved. The study included 121 of 131 (92%) children hospitalized for bronchiolitis, 90 (74%) respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–positive children and 141 children in an age‐matched and unselected control group. At follow‐up, current asthma was more common after RSV‐negative bronchiolitis compared to controls (35.5% vs. 9.2%; p < 0.001), but not after RSV bronchiolitis (15.6%; p = 0.144). Higher BHR and an obstructive lung function pattern were observed after bronchiolitis, the latter most prominent after RSV‐negative bronchiolitis. Higher BHR was confined to boys, but present in both the RSV‐positive and RSV‐negative groups (p = 0.007 and 0.003, respectively). Asthma after bronchiolitis was not associated with atopy. Atopy was similarly distributed between the RSV‐positive and RSV‐negative bronchiolitis groups and the control group. This study has shown that gender and type of virus are important factors to consider when addressing later development of asthma, BHR and lung function after hospitalization for bronchiolitis in early life.
Study of compliance with a new, targeted antenatal D immunization prevention programme in Denmark
Authors: Damkjær M. B. , Perslev A. , Clausen F. B. , Dziegiel M. H. , Jørgensen F. S.
Published: March 2012

Background and Objectives  A targeted routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis programme was implemented in Denmark where anti‐D immunoglobulin is given based on the result from noninvasive antenatal screening for fetal RHD. Our objective was to evaluate compliance with this new programme right after its initiation.

Materials and Methods  We examined the treatment outcome of 239 D‐negative pregnant women who gave birth at our hospital between June and September 2010.

Results  The majority of these women (90%) underwent antenatal RHD screening, 86% of the women who were recommended antenatal prophylaxis received anti‐D, and 99% of the women who delivered RhD‐positive infants received postnatal anti‐D.

Conclusion  These compliance results are acceptable as they were obtained only a few months after the initiation of the new prophylaxis regime. However, suggestions to further improve compliance are presented.
Herkogamy and mate diversity in the wild daffodilNarcissus longispathus: beyond the selfing–outcrossing paradigm in the evolution of mixed mating
Authors: Medrano M. , Requerey R. , Karron J. D. , Herrera C. M.
Published: March 2012

Spatial separation of male and female reproductive structures (herkogamy) is a widespread floral trait that has traditionally been viewed as an adaptation that reduces the likelihood of self‐pollination. Here we propose that increased herkogamy may also influence another important aspect of plant mating: the diversity of pollen donors siring seeds within fruits. We test this hypothesis inNarcissus longispathus, a wild daffodil species with extensive variation in anther–stigma separation. To study the morphological basis of variation in herkogamy, floral measurements were undertaken in 16 populations ofN. longispathus. We then quantified multilocus outcrossing rates and the correlation of outcrossed paternity in three of these populations sampled over several years. Mating system estimates were calculated for each population and year, and also separately for groups of plants that differed markedly in herkogamy within each population and year. InN.  longispathusherkogamy was much more variable than other floral traits, and was more closely related to style length than to anther position. Averaged across populations and years, plants with high herkogamy had similar outcrossing rates (0.683) to plants with intermediate (0.648) or low herkogamy (0.590). However, a significant linear trend was found for correlation of outcrossed paternity, which increased monotonically from high herkogamy (0.221), through intermediate herkogamy (0.303) to low herkogamy (0.463) plants. The diversity of pollen donors siring seeds of high herkogamyNarcissusflowers was thus consistently greater than the diversity of pollen donors siring seeds of low herkogamy flowers. Results of this study contribute to the emerging consensus that floral traits can simultaneously influence several aspects of plant mating system in complex ways, thus extending the traditional focus centred exclusively on patterns and relative importance of self‐ and cross‐fertilisation.
Spread of herbicide‐resistant weedy rice (red rice, Oryza sativa L.) after 5 years of Clearfield rice cultivation in Italy
Authors: Busconi M. , Rossi D. , Lorenzoni C. , Baldi G. , Fogher C.
Published: March 2012

The weedy relative of cultivated rice, red rice, can invade and severely infest rice fields, as reported by rice farmers throughout the world. Because of its close genetic relationship to commercial rice, red rice has proven difficult to control. Clearfield (Cl) varieties, which are resistant to the inhibiting herbicides in the chemical group AHAS (acetohydroxyacid synthase), provide a highly efficient opportunity to control red rice infestations. In order to reduce the risk of herbicide resistance spreading from cultivated rice to red rice, stewardship guidelines are regularly released. In Italy, the cultivation of Cl cultivars started in 2006. In 2010, surveillance of the possible escape of herbicide resistance was carried out; 168 red rice plants were sampled in 16 fields from six locations containing Cl and traditional cultivars. A first subsample of 119 plants was analysed after herbicide treatment and the resistance was found in 62 plants. Of these 119 plants, 78 plants were randomly selected and analysed at the level of the AHAS gene to search for the Cl mutation determining the resistant genotype: the Cl mutation was present in all the resistant plants. Nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers revealed a high correlation between genetic similarity and herbicide resistance. The results clearly show that Cl herbicide‐resistant red rice plants are present in the field, having genetic relationships with the Cl variety. Finding plants homozygous for the mutation suggests that the crossing event occurred relatively recently and that these plants are in the F2 or later generations. These observations raise the possibility that Cl red rice is already within the cultivated rice seed supply.
Incentive Value learning in Domestic Hens
Authors: Forkman Björn , Coerse Nancy C. A. , Haskell Marie J.
Published: March 2012

The present experiment investigated whether domestic hens (Gallus domesticus) assign different incentive values to novel food depending on their deprivation state when they encounter this novel food. Firstly, hens were trained to search under wood shavings in a food dish to find a small amount of a novel food. Half of the hens were then presented with the novel food while food deprived, and the other half were presented to it while sated. In the test, all hens were food deprived, and given access to the food dish used in the first stage, filled with shavings but without food. Hens that had experienced the food while deprived spent more time on food‐related behaviours in and at the dish than did hens that had not (pecking at dish, Median 63 vs. 37, p < 0.05). These results indicate that the first group had assigned a higher value to the novel food. The results show for the first time that incentive value learning occurs in domestic hens. This implies that care must be taken when designing choice tests to take into account the animal’s motivational state when it previously encountered the resources being studied.
Treatment via videoconferencing: A pilot study of delivery by clinical psychology trainees
Authors: Dunstan Debra A. , Tooth Susan M.
Published: March 2012

Objective:  This pilot study explored the outcomes of clinical psychology trainees delivering treatments via videoconferencing.

Design:  A noncurrent, multiple baseline across subjects and settings.

Setting:  University outpatient psychology clinic.

Participants:  Six clients (two men and four women) with an anxiety or depressive disorder were randomly assigned to received six sessions of individual therapy (either via videoconferencing or face to face) from a male or female clinical psychology trainee.

Main outcome measures:  Participants provided daily ratings (0–10) of subjective distress/well‐being via text messaging, and at pre‐, post‐, and 1 month follow‐up of treatment, completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and the Outcome Questionnaire‐45. Along with the trainees, participants also provided feedback on the therapy experience.

Results:  The subjective well‐being of all participants improved, and all videoconferencing participants showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction in symptomology and gains in general life functioning. Feedback comments were positive.

Conclusions:  This study suggests that there is value in clinical psychology trainees gaining experience in the delivery of treatments via videoconferencing. Further study is needed to demonstrate the potential for university clinics to deliver mental health services, via this modality, to rural and remote areas.
Is personality the missing link in understanding recruitment and retention of rural general practitioners?
Authors: Jones Michael P. , Humphreys John S. , Nicholson Tahnee
Published: March 2012

Context:  Little is known about the role of personality and related constructs in general practitioners' (GPs) choices of geographic location of medical practice. There is however some theory suggesting a role for personality in career decision making and some limited empirical evidence that this applies in medical career decisions.

Purpose:  The aim of this study is to gain insight into whether personality plays a role in GPs' decisions to work in rural areas and the length of time that they intend to remain as a rural practitioner.

Method:  Samples of rural (n = 372) and urban (n = 100) GPs from New South Wales (Australia) completed the Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness – Five Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) and Adjective Checklist personality instruments and answered questions about demographics and rural upbringing.

Findings:  Rural GPs scored, on average, more highly than urban GPs with respect to conscientiousness and agreeableness but lower on openness, which can also be taken to mean a more ‘down‐to‐earth’ personality. Personality together with age, gender, experience as a GP, time in current location and rural childhood yield an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 in discriminating rural from urban GPs. Among rural GPs openness (P = 0.007) was positively correlated with intended longevity as a rural doctor as was nurturing (P = 0.06).

Conclusions:  Personality appears to play some role both in discriminating rural from urban GPs and in how long existing rural GPs intend to remain as rural GPs. Consideration of personality might assist in selection of individuals who will better fit the professional and social environment of rural life.
Captopril attenuates hypertension and renal injury induced by the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor sorafenib
Authors: Nagasawa Tasuku , Hye Khan Md Abdul , Imig John D
Published: March 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (VEGFi) are known to cause hypertension and renal injury that severely limits their use as an anticancer therapy. We hypothesized that the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor captopril not only prevents hypertension, but also decreases renal injury caused by the VEGFi sorafenib.

Rats were administered sorafenib (20 mg/kg per day) alone or in combination with captopril (40 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks. Sorafenib administration increased blood pressure, which plateaued by day 10.

Concurrent treatment with captopril for 4 weeks resulted in a 30 mmHg decrease in blood pressure compared with sorafenib alone (155 ± 5 vs 182 ± 6 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, concurrent captopril treatment reduced albuminuria by 50% compared with sorafenib alone (20 ± 8 vs 42 ± 9 mg/day, respectively; P < 0.05) and reduced nephrinuria by eightfold (280 ± 96 vs 2305 ± 665 μg/day, respectively; P < 0.05). Glomerular injury, thrombotic microangiopathy and tubular cast formation were also decreased in captopril‐treated rats administered sorafenib. Renal autoregulatory efficiency was determined by evaluating the afferent arteriolar constrictor response to ATP. Sorafenib administration attenuated the vasoconstriction to ATP, whereas concurrent captopril treatment improved ATP reactivity.

In conclusion, captopril attenuated hypertension and renal injury and improved renal autoregulatory capacity in rats administered sorafenib. These findings indicate that captopril treatment, in addition to alleviating the detrimental side‐effect of hypertension, decreases the renal injury associated with anticancer VEGFi therapies such as sorafenib.
Symptom patterns, duration and responses in newly diagnosed patients with heart failure
Authors: Gallagher Robyn , Sullivan Anne , Hales Susan , Gillies Geraldine , Burke Rhonda , Tofler Geoffrey
Published: March 2012

Gallagher R, Sullivan A, Hales S, Gillies G, Burke R, Tofler G. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 133–139

Symptom patterns, duration and responses in newly diagnosed patients with heart failure

This study investigated the symptom patterns and duration and associated predictors occurring prior to first heart failure (HF) admission. Data from the Managing Cardiac Function (MACARF) program from January to December 2007 were reviewed in relation to preadmission symptoms and contacts with health professionals. Patients (n = 242) were aged 78.7 years (SD 12 years), male (54%) and married (45%). Patients experienced up to seven symptoms (Mean 2.7, SD 1.4) for a median of 4.47 days (range 1–7) before admission, most commonly increased dyspnoea on exertion (88%), and for the shortest duration chest discomfort. Less than half (48%) contacted a health professional before hospitalization, most often a general practitioner (37%). The duration patients experienced before presenting to hospital was increased if they presented during business hours (beta = 2.68) or the evening (beta = 1.88) (and therefore less from midnight to 8:30 am), or with a change in symptom (beta = 1.4), whereas duration was reduced by chest discomfort (beta = −2.01) and older age (beta = −0.07). There is a significant time window during which patients and health professionals may detect and act on worsening HF symptoms. Newly diagnosed patients with HF need support to recognize and respond to these symptoms to avoid hospital admission.
Health related quality of life and the support needs of carers of cardiac surgical patients: An exploratory study
Authors: Robinson Rosemary , Barnett Tony
Published: March 2012

Robinson R, Barnett T. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18: 205–209

Health related quality of life and the support needs of carers of cardiac surgical patients: An exploratory study

In this descriptive, repeated‐measures study, we assessed changes in Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of cardiac surgical patients' caregivers over time and their need for support. Ninety‐six primary carers of cardiac patients who had received elective surgery at one tertiary referral hospital were recruited. The majority were female spouses of patients who had undergone bypass and/or cardiac valve surgery. Participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire that included the SF‐36v2 quality of life health survey and asked about their need for support 6 weeks and 6 months following patient discharge. Carers reported a significant improvement in five out of eight HRQL dimensions (Physical functioning, Physical role, Vitality, Social functioning, Role‐emotional) over the study period (P < 0.05). Those who completed the survey at 6 weeks but not 6 months reported higher scores across all dimensions. Carers' need for support need was higher at 6 weeks than 6 months.
Heme oxygenase‐1 induction: The anti‐inflammatory regime in organ transplant
Authors: Wu Chung‐Wah , Yu Jun
Published: March 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 832–840.
Is impaired Kupffer cell function really important to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis?
Authors: Ono Masafumi , Saibara Toshiji
Published: March 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 789–796.
Prebiopsy magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R , Thulkar Sanjay , Kumar Rajeev
Published: March 2012

Introduction:  Existing screening investigations for the diagnosis of early prostate cancer lack specificity, resulting in a high negative biopsy rate. There is increasing interest in the use of various magnetic resonance methods for improving the yield of transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsies of the prostate in men suspected to have prostate cancer. We review the existing status of such investigations.

Methods:  A literature search was carried out using the Pubmed database to identify articles related to magnetic resonance methods for diagnosing prostate cancer. References from these articles were also extracted and reviewed.

Results:  Recent studies have focused on prebiopsy magnetic resonance investigations using conventional magnetic resonance imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging, magnetization transfer imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the prostate. This marks a shift from the earlier strategy of carrying out postbiopsy magnetic resonance investigations. Prebiopsy magnetic resonance investigations has been useful in identifying patients who are more likely to have a biopsy positive for malignancy.

Conclusions:  Prebiopsy magnetic resonance investigations has a potential role in increasing specificity of screening for early prostate cancer. It has a role in the targeting of biopsy sites, avoiding unnecessary biopsies and predicting the outcome of biopsies.
Evaluation of N‐acetilglucosaminidase and myeloperoxidase activity in patients with endometriosis‐related infertility undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Lamaita Rívia Mara , Pontes Anaglória , Belo Andrezza V. , Caetano João Pedro , Andrade Sílvia P. , Cândido Eduardo B. , Carneiro Márcia Mendonça , Silva‐Filho Agnaldo L.
Published: March 2012

Aim:  Inflammation is as an important factor in ovulation with the active participation of leucocytes and their inflammatory mediators. The present study was performed to compare the activity of the inflammatory enzymes myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) in patients with endometriosis‐related infertility and in normally ovulating women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Material and Methods:  This prospective study included infertile women undergoing ICSI treatment. These women were divided into two groups: endometriosis anovulation (n = 18) and normally ovulating (n = 20). NAG and MPO activity was evaluated colorimetrically in serum and in follicular fluids obtained at the time of oocyte retrieval.

Results:  There was a significant correlation between the serum and follicular fluid activities of NAG and MPO (τ = 0.256, P = 0.025; and τ = −0.234, P = 0.041; respectively). Both serum and follicular fluid NAG activities were higher in patients with endometriosis compared to the control group (P < 0.001). MPO follicular fluid activity was lower in patients with endometriosis compared to normally ovulating women (P = 0.016).

Conclusion:  Infertile patients with endometriosis show a distinct pattern of serum and follicular fluid macrophage/neutrophil activation compared to normally ovulating women undergoing ICSI, which may reflect the role of immune and inflammatory alterations in endometriosis‐related infertility.
Opposing effects of organic and conventional fertilizers on the performance of a generalist and a specialist aphid species
Authors: Stafford David B. , Tariq Muhammad , Wright Denis J. , Rossiter John T. , Kazana Eleana , Leather Simon R. , Ali Muhammad , Staley Joanna T.
Published: March 2012

Sustainable and conventional farming systems use fertilizers that differ in the availability of nitrogen, which may affect plant quality to alter the abundance and performance of potential pest species.

We grew brassica plants in several types of fertilizer, including those commonly used in conventional and sustainable farming systems, and an unfertilized control. The effects of fertilizer type on the performance of two aphid species and foliar glucosinolate content were investigated.

Both aphid species performed poorly (with reduced fecundity) on the unfertilized treatment compared with those feeding on fertilized host plants.

Brevicoryne brassicae, the brassica specialist, performed best on Brassica oleracea plants fertilized with an organic animal manure, with a 72% increase in fecundity and an 18% increase in intrinsic rate of increase compared with plants fertilized with ammonium nitrate.

By contrast, the generalist Myzus persicae had an intrinsic rate of increase that was reduced by 15% on plants growing in the animal manure compared with those growing in ammonium nitrate.

These results may explain earlier findings on the effects of fertilizer type on aphid populations in the field, and are discussed in the context of pest species' responses to sustainable and conventional agricultural systems.
Assessing couples' preferences for postoperative sexual rehabilitation before radical prostatectomy
Authors: Davison B. Joyce , Matthew Andrew , Elliott Stacy , Breckon Erin , Griffin Shannon
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Therapy (patient's preference)

Level of Evidence 2b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy (RP) continues to cause men significant levels of distress, but few report being satisfied with the erectile aids that are prescribed. Most couples who do seek treatment report difficulty in maintaining sexual activity and intimate relationships. Although inclusion of partners in sexual rehabilitation programmes may be beneficial, partners are usually not included as part of current treatment protocols.

Preoperative assessment of a couple's readiness to engage in a sexual rehabilitation programme is needed given that only 41% of patients scheduled for a radical prostatectomy during the study period agreed to be in the study. Results show that although patients have mild erectile function, their partners' overall levels of sexual function suggest a need for further medical evaluation. Patients want their partners to be included in the sexual rehabilitation process but few institutions currently offer couple‐based rehabilitation programmes. Although intimacy levels of couples are high preoperatively, there is a need to prospectively determine how these levels are impacted by changes in sexual function postoperatively.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the readiness of couples to engage in a sexual rehabilitation programme (SRP) before radical prostatectomy (RP) and to identify barriers to participation in an SRP after RP.

To identify couples' current levels of sexual function and intimacy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and their partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to measure sexual function.

Couples completed the Miller Social Intimacy Scale (MSIS) to measure intimacy in relationships.

All participants were seen by a sexual health clinician after completing the measures to discuss barriers to participation in an SRP, and to receive an education session.

RESULTS

Study participants comprised 143 patients and 104 partners.

Patients <60 years old had significantly higher sexual function (P < 0.002) compared with those patients aged 60 years and older.

Partners' sexual function scores were suggestive of need for further medical evaluation.

Partners' participation was cited by patients as important to them enrolling in an SRP.

Couples' intimacy levels were strongly correlated (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that less than 50% of patients are interested in receiving information about the impact of RP on sexual function before surgery.

Female sexual function should be assessed as part of any SRP because they may require medical treatment if they are to support rehabilitation efforts for their spouses.

Baseline assessment of a couple's sexual function and willingness to participate in an SRP should be performed preoperatively.
VOUCHERS, PUBLIC SCHOOL RESPONSE, AND THE ROLE OF INCENTIVES: EVIDENCE FROM FLORIDA
Authors: CHAKRABARTI RAJASHRI
Published: March 2012

This paper analyzes the incentives and responses of public schools in the context of an educational reform. Much of the literature studying the effect of voucher programs on public schools has looked at the effect on student and mean school scores. This paper tries to go inside the black box to investigate some of the ways in which schools facing the Florida accountability‐tied voucher program behaved. Schools getting an “F” grade for the first time were exposed to the threat of vouchers, but did not face vouchers unless and until they got a second “F” within the next 3 years. In addition, “F,” being the lowest grade, exposed the threatened schools to stigma. Exploiting the institutional details of this program, I analyze the incentives built into the system and investigate the behavior of the threatened public schools facing these incentives. There is strong evidence that they did respond to incentives. Using highly disaggregated school‐level data, a difference‐in‐differences estimation strategy as well as a regression discontinuity (RD) analysis, I find that the threatened schools tended to focus more on students below the minimum criteria cutoffs rather than equally on all. Second, consistent with incentives, the threatened school improvements were, by far, the largest in writing. These results are robust to controlling for differential preprogram trends, changes in demographic compositions, mean reversion, and sorting. These findings have important policy implications. (JEL H4, I21, I28)
NEW EVIDENCE ON CREDIT CARD BORROWING AND REPAYMENT PATTERNS
Authors: JIANG SARAH S. , DUNN LUCIA F.
Published: March 2012

A new dataset allows researchers to examine patterns of credit card use for both borrowing and payoff. This article addresses changes in these behaviors for different birth cohorts by estimating cohort‐adjusted age profiles for debt and payoff rates based on a time series of cross sections. Younger consumers are found to be borrowing more heavily and repaying at lower rates than older generations. The accumulation of credit card debt is found to continue over the lifecycle. This has implications for recent changes in laws governing the credit card industry. Increases in minimum required payment rates are examined and are found to increase actual payoff rates more than proportionately. (JEL D12)
Gender difference in academic performance of nursing students in a Malaysian university college
Authors: Wan Chik W.Z. , Salamonson Y. , Everett B. , Ramjan L.M. , Attwood N. , Weaver R. , Saad Z. , Davidson P.M.
Published: March 2012

WAN CHIK W.Z., SALAMONSON Y., EVERETT B., RAMJAN L.M., ATTWOOD N., WEAVER R., SAAD Z. & DAVIDSON P.M. (2012) Gender difference in academic performance of nursing students in a Malaysian university college. International Nursing Review59, 387–393

Purpose:  To examine differences in academic performance between male and female nursing students, and to identify whether professional identity and language usage were explanatory factors of academic performance.

Background:  Although the numbers of men entering the nursing profession are increasing, societal stereotypes and the lack of male role models in nursing may have a negative impact on motivation, and hence, academic performance.

Methods:  A total of 147 students who were enrolled in an undergraduate nursing programme in Peninsula Malaysia were surveyed in January 2011. In addition to demographic and academic data, three instruments were administered to measure language acculturation and professional identity.

Findings:  The mean age of participants was 20.0 (SD: 1.5) years with 81% being female. Almost all students spoke the Malay language at home. Although there were no differences between male and female nursing students in relation to professional identity (P = 0.496), male nursing students reported a lower mean English language usage score (9.9 vs. 10.9, P = 0.011) and a higher mean Malay language usage score (20.4 vs. 18.8, P = 0.017). Males were also found to have lower academic performance than female students, as measured by grade point average (GPA) (2.7 vs. 3.2, P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed gender was the only significant predictor of academic performance (β = −0.44, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Males represent less than 10% of the nursing workforce in developed countries, with some developing countries experiencing even lower participation rates. Promoting academic support of male nursing students may assist in increasing the number of male registered nurses in the nursing workforce.
Short sleep duration and its association with energy metabolism
Authors: Klingenberg L. , Sjödin A. , Holmbäck U. , Astrup A. , Chaput J.‐P.
Published: March 2012

A growing body of observational evidence suggests that short sleep duration is a risk factor for the development of obesity. Although increased energy intake is the most prevailing causal explanation for this association, we should also consider possible effects on energy metabolism to understand fully the potential impact of short sleep duration on the regulation of energy balance. We performed a search of the literature from 1970 to 2011, including original papers, investigating the relation between short sleep and energy metabolism in animals and humans. Although the limited number of experimental studies in humans precludes any definitive conclusions about causality, short sleep duration does not seem to substantially affect total daily energy expenditure, nor is there sufficient evidence in support of any meaningful effect of restricted sleep on the specific components of energy metabolism (i.e. resting metabolic rate, intentional as well as unintentional physical activity, diet‐induced thermogenesis, and substrate utilization). As studies on rats suggest that other factors that can potentially influence energy metabolism could be affected (i.e. hormonal systems and thermoregulation), we included these factors in our literature search and found some indications in support of an up‐regulation of thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids as well as increased heat dissipation following total or severe sleep deficit. Although we found some evidence also in humans that suggests a possible effect on energy metabolism, the limitations of the studies make it difficult to draw conclusions on the effect of short sleep on energy metabolism under relevant free living conditions. To explore this area further, more studies using suitable methodology under relevant conditions to mimic real‐life situations are needed.
The consequences of a human food pathogen vaccine on food demand: a calibrated partial‐equilibrium analysis of the U.S. beef market
Authors: Marette Stéphan , Roe Brian E. , Teisl Mario F.
Published: March 2012

Human vaccines against several common foodborne pathogens are being developed and could substantially alter consumer and producer behaviour in the markets for foods commonly afflicted by these pathogens. To understand the possible impacts of such an innovation, we derive and calibrate a partial‐equilibrium model using parameters for consumer vaccine uptake from stated‐preference work under an array of assumptions concerning industry moral hazard, consumer awareness and alternative preventive effort exercised by consumers. We simulate three scenarios in the U.S. beef sector: the introduction of a vaccine, the tightening of pathogen standards for beef production and the simultaneous introduction of both vaccinations and tighter standards. Our simulation shows that all policies can increase aggregate surplus given most calibrations; though, the largest effects are attributed to vaccine introductions, which reduce expected damages from foodborne illness among vaccinated consumers without shifting firm costs. However, unaware consumers and aware consumers who choose not to vaccinate experience no change in expected damages when a vaccine is introduced but face a higher price of food because of the stronger demand of food from vaccinated consumers.
The Spreading of the City Improvement District Model in Johannesburg and Cape Town: Urban Regeneration and the Neoliberal Agenda in South Africa
Authors: DIDIER SOPHIE , PEYROUX ELISABETH , MORANGE MARIANNE
Published: March 2012

The spreading of city improvement districts (CIDs) and connected forms of public–private partnership as an international model of urban renewal has been linked to the rise of ‘urban entrepreneurialism’ and the neoliberalization of policies and practices, at a time when competition between cities in the global economy has never been greater. The aim of this article is to explore the transfer and adaptation of the CID model in two cities of the South, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Arguing that CIDs are an example of the local embeddedness of neoliberalism, we highlight the role of the private sector in importing and adapting CIDs in South Africa, and point out the rise of techno‐politicians in CID management. Paying particular attention to discourses, we analyse the way images of decaying urban centres were used to legitimate the adoption of such schemes. The subsequent transformation of the model also enables us to explore the specificity of the adoption of this international best practice model in South Africa and its further circulation at the Southern African level. We conclude that while CIDs in South Africa raise familiar North American issues regarding the private management of public spaces, they also question the very nature of the African city model proposed and envisioned locally.

La diffusion du modèle du CID et du principe du partenariat public–privéà l'échelle internationale pour servir des stratégies de renouvellement urbain a été lue comme conséquence de la montée en puissance de l'urbanisme entrepreneurial et comme l'avènement de pratiques et politiques néolibérales, ceci alors que la compétition économique mondiale entre les villes est plus vive que jamais. Les auteures s'attachent dans cet article à décrypter le processus de transfert et d'adaptation du modèle du CID dans deux villes du Sud, Johannesbourg et le Cap. L'argument central est que les CIDs offrent un cas d'école de l'ancrage local du néoliberalisme. Le rôle du secteur privé dans l'importation et la promotion du modèle en Afrique du Sud est souligné, et illustre la montée en puissance des techno‐politiciens dans les affaires urbaines. Faisant une place particulière aux discours, les auteures analysent la façon dont les images du déclin des centres ont légitimé l'adoption du modèle. La transformation ultérieure du modèle permet par ailleurs de réfléchir aux spécificités de l'ancrage de ce modèle de «best practice» en Afrique du Sud et sa circulation à l'échelle de l'Afrique australe: alors que les CIDs nous renvoient à des questions relatives à la gestion privée des espaces publics déjà traitées dans les contextes du Nord, ils permettent également de réfléchir à la nature même du modèle de ville africaine proposé ici.