bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescribing in pregnancy for women with diabetes: use of potential teratogenic drugs and contraception
Authors: Makda S. I. , Davies M. J. , Wilmot E. , Bankart J. , Yates T. , Varghese E. M. , Fisher H. , Anwar A. , Khunti K.
Published: October 2012

Aims

To describe contraception use and the prescription of drugs that are either not recommended in pregnancy or are potentially teratogenic by diabetes type in women of child‐bearing age.

Methods

Retrospective, cross‐sectional chart review undertaken in 22 general practices in Warwickshire, UK. Demographic, anthropometric, medical history, medication and contraception data were extracted from women aged 14 to 49 years with pre‐existing diabetes. Independent sample t‐test, Mann–Whitney test and χ2‐test were used to test for univariable associations and multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders.

Results

Four hundred and seventy eligible women were identified; the majority had a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes (67%). Thirty‐six per cent and 64% of women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, respectively, were prescribed drugs not recommended for use in pregnancy (P < 0.001). Less than half were using concomitant contraception (P < 0.001). No significant difference of contraception use was observed between women who were and were not taking drugs not recommended for use in pregnancy (40 vs. 41%, P = 0.4).

Conclusions

Use of drugs not recommended during pregnancy in women with diabetes of child‐bearing age is common but is not associated with increased use of contraception. There is need to identify and overcome barriers to effective contraception use for this population group in order to facilitate optimal management of cardiovascular risk.
Lymphodepletion chemotherapy followed by donor leukocytes for post‐transplantation relapse of myelofibrosis after previous donor leukocyte infusion failure
Authors: Neave Emma Lucy , Schwarb Heike , Shlebak Abdurrazag , Layton David Mark , Apperley Jane F. , Pavlu Jiri
Published: October 2012

Treatment of relapse after allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) is challenging. The efficacy of donor leukocyte infusions (DLI) is excellent in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia but limited in other disorders. We present a patient who relapsed 10 months after reduced intensity conditioning allo‐SCT for a myelodysplastic/ myeloproliferative neoplasm with myelofibrosis despite receiving escalating doses of DLI for incomplete chimerism. He finally achieved complete remission with full whole blood and T‐cell donor chimerism after DLI preceded by lymphodepletion chemotherapy. This case demonstrates that chemotherapy prior to DLI is a useful approach for treating relapses of relatively slowly progressive diseases, such as myeloproliferative diseases or myelodysplastic syndromes.
Perinatal role of hepcidin and iron homeostasis in full‐term intrauterine growth–restricted infants
Authors: Briana Despina D. , Boutsikou Theodora , Baka Stavroula , Boutsikou Maria , Stamati Lamprini , Hassiakos Dimitrios , Gourgiotis Dimitrios , Malamitsi‐Puchner Ariadne
Published: October 2012

Objectives

To prospectively investigate iron homeostasis in full‐term intrauterine growth–restricted (IUGR) and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA) infants at birth, by evaluating cord blood concentrations of hepcidin (a bioactive molecule, principal regulator of iron metabolism, downregulated by hypoxia/iron deficiency and upregulated by inflammation), erythropoietin (EPO, a marker of prolonged fetal hypoxia), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR, a marker of increased erythropoiesis and tissue iron deficiency), iron, ferritin, and unsaturated iron‐binding capacity (UIBC).

Methods

Serum cord blood samples from 47 well‐defined IUGR and 104 AGA singleton, full‐term infants were analyzed for concentrations of all the aforementioned parameters by enzyme immunoassays and spectrophotometry.

Results

Hepcidin concentrations were similar, while EPO concentrations were higher in IUGR cases than in AGA controls (P = 0.047). Cord blood sTfR concentrations were increased in IUGR, compared to AGA infants (P = 0.004), and negatively correlated with their customized centiles and birth weight (r = −0.238, P = 0.003 and r = −0.157, P = 0.050, respectively). Ferritin concentrations were lower in IUGR cases than in AGA controls (P = 0.039). In both groups, no correlations were observed between cord blood hepcidin concentrations and iron status indices.

Conclusions

Cord blood hepcidin concentrations in term IUGRs may remain unaffected, possibly due to a balance between hepcidin downregulation by chronic fetal hypoxia (indicated by higher EPO concentrations) and impaired iron metabolism (indicated by lower ferritin and higher sTfR concentrations) on the one hand, and hepcidin upregulation by the inflammatory state characterizing IUGRs, on the other. Furthermore, our findings may possibly indicate the need for regular follow‐up for detection of iron‐deficient anemia, not only in preterm but also in full‐term IUGR neonates.
Fracture mineralization and fluid flow evolution: an example from Ordovician–Devonian carbonates, southwestern Ontario, Canada
Authors: HAERI‐ARDAKANI O. , AL‐AASM I. , CONIGLIO M.
Published: October 2012

Petrography, geochemistry (stable and radiogenic isotopes), and fluid inclusion microthermometry of matrix dolomite, fracture‐filling calcite, and saddle dolomite in Ordovician to Devonian carbonates from southwestern Ontario, Canada, provide useful insights into fluid flow evolution during diagenesis. The calculated δ18Ofluid, ΣREE, and REESN patterns of matrix and saddle dolomite suggest diverse fluids were involved in dolomitization and/or recrystallization of dolomite. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of dolomite of each succession vary from values in the range of coeval seawater to values more radiogenic than corresponding seawater, which indicate diagenetic fluids were influenced by significant water/rock interaction. High salinities (22.4–26.3 wt. % NaCl + CaCl2) of Silurian and Ordovician dolomite–hosted fluid inclusions indicate involvement of saline waters from dissolution of Silurian evaporites. High fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures (>100°C) in all samples from Devonian to Ordovician show temperatures higher than maximum burial (60–90°C) of their host strata and suggest involvement of hydrothermal fluids in precipitation and/or recrystallization of dolomite. A thermal anomaly over the mid‐continent rift during Devonian to Mississippian time likely was the source of excess heat in the basin. Thermal buoyancy resulting from this anomaly was the driving force for migration of hydrothermal fluids through regional aquifers from the center of the Michigan Basin toward its margin. The decreasing trend of homogenization temperatures from the basin center toward its margin further supports the interpreted migration of hydrothermal fluids from the basin center toward its margin. Hydrocarbon‐bearing fluid inclusions in late‐stage Devonian to Ordovician calcite cements with high homogenization temperatures (>80°C) and their 13C‐depleted values (approaching −32‰ PDB) indicate the close relationship between hydrothermal fluids and hydrocarbon migration.
Two perennial legumes (Astragalus adsurgens Pall. and Lespedeza davurica S.) adapted to semiarid environments are not as productive as lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), but use less water
Authors: Guan X.‐K. , Zhang X.‐H. , Turner N. C. , Xu B.‐C. , Li F.‐M.
Published: October 2012

Perennial forage legumes, particularly lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), play a significant role in crop/livestock mixed farming systems in the semiarid region of the Loess Plateau of China as stock feed and a source of nitrogen for subsequent crops. However, there is evidence that lucerne reduces soil water deep in the soil profile, thereby reducing subsequent crop productivity. From 2004 to 2010, this study evaluated the forage productivity and water use of two locally adapted perennial legume species, milk vetch (Astragalus adsurgens Pall.) and bush clover (Lespedeza davurica S.), compared with lucerne. The 7‐year total and average annual forage yield of milk vetch were 56 and 8 t ha−1 and bush clover was 42 and 6 t ha−1, respectively, significantly lower than lucerne at 91 and 13 t ha−1. However, despite lower water‐use efficiencies (16 and 12 kg ha−1 mm−1 for milk vetch and bush clover, respectively, compared to 22 kg ha−1 mm−1 for lucerne), the total 7‐year water use in milk vetch and bush clover was 3500 mm and 3490 mm, respectively, which was 135–140 mm less than lucerne. After 7 years, lucerne had extracted water from the upper 5 m soil, whereas bush clover used water mainly from the upper 2 m of the soil profile and milk vetch still had some water available below 3 m. We conclude that while the locally adapted forage legumes were not as productive as lucerne as a source of fodder in mixed cropping/livestock system in this region, they use less water, which may be advantageous in drier regions.
Seed yield variation in plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii (Vasey) Piper) populations and its relation with phenotypic characteristics and environmental factors
Authors: Biligetu B. , Schellenberg M. P. , McLeod J. G. , Wang Z.
Published: October 2012

Plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii (Vasey) Piper) is a dominant grass in the endangered Fescue Prairie of North America. Infrequent and unpredictable seed production presents a challenge for the use of this species in restoration and rangeland seeding. The objective of this study was to compare seed yield of different plains rough fescue populations and to determine the dependence of seed yield on phenotypic characteristics. Effect of weather conditions during the floral induction and initiation period of different years of the study was also compared. In 2007, a completely randomized field plot experiment was established from eleven populations of plains rough fescue at Swift Current, SK, Canada. In 2007, 2010 and 2011, individual plant seed yield, reproductive tillers, above‐ground biomass, plant height and crown diameter were measured, and plant vigour was scored. All measured variables differed significantly (P ≤ 0·05) among populations. Four populations were identified as having higher seed yield potential. Plants in these four populations also had characteristics of good plant vigour, taller stems, more reproductive tillers and greater biomass. Seed yield increased linearly with increasing plant height, crown diameter, above‐ground biomass and number of reproductive tillers (r2 ranged 0·17–0·67, P < 0·001), but number of reproductive tillers (r2 = 0·53–0·67, P < 0·001) was a better predictor for selection of lines with higher seed yield. Although seed yield varied among years, populations with higher seed yield tended to produce greater amounts of seed over the period of the study.
Reactivation of hepatitis viruses following immunomodulating systemic chemotherapy
Authors: Watanabe Tsunamasa , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: October 2012

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection following anticancer chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy is a well‐known complication. HBV reactivation has been reported to be associated with anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab‐containing chemotherapy and tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitor‐containing immunosuppressive therapy in HBV resolved patients (hepatitis B surface antigen negative and antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen positive and/or antibodies against surface antigen positive). On the other hand, HCV reactivation has been reported to be associated with liver damage or hepatic dysfunction, but fulminant hepatitis due to HCV reactivation is a rare complication. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of the reactivation of HBV and HCV infection, as well as the clinical evidence and management of HCV reactivation.
Effective classification of the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Mitchell Shira A. , Pagano Marcello
Published: October 2012

Objective  To present an effective classification method based on the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni in the community.

Methods  We created decision rules (defined by cut‐offs for number of positive slides), which account for imperfect sensitivity, both with a simple adjustment of fixed sensitivity and with a more complex adjustment of changing sensitivity with prevalence. To reduce screening costs while maintaining accuracy, we propose a pooled classification method. To estimate sensitivity, we use the De Vlas model for worm and egg distributions. We compare the proposed method with the standard method to investigate differences in efficiency, measured by number of slides read, and accuracy, measured by probability of correct classification.

Results  Modelling varying sensitivity lowers the lower cut‐off more significantly than the upper cut‐off, correctly classifying regions as moderate rather than lower, thus receiving life‐saving treatment. The classification method goes directly to classification on the basis of positive pools, avoiding having to know sensitivity to estimate prevalence. For model parameter values describing worm and egg distributions among children, the pooled method with 25 slides achieves an expected 89.9% probability of correct classification, whereas the standard method with 50 slides achieves 88.7%.

Conclusions  Among children, it is more efficient and more accurate to use the pooled method for classification of S. mansoni prevalence than the current standard method.
C‐kit expression in spermatogonia damaged by doxorubicin exposure in mice
Authors: Tanigaki Reiko , Sueoka Kou , Tajima Hiroto , Nakabayashi Akira , Sato Kenji , Asada Hironori , Kato Shingo , Hosoi Yoshihiko , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: October 2012

Aim

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between chronically impaired spermatogenesis induced by exposing mice to doxorubicin (DXR) and expression of the infertility factor c‐kit.

Method

Eight‐week‐old male Institute for Cancer Research (ICR) mice were intraperitoneally treated with DXR (0.15 mg/kg, DXR group) or saline (0.15 mg/kg, control group) twice weekly for five weeks and were killed 14 weeks after initial exposure. The animals were sacrificed and bilateral testes were removed and weighed. The testes were stored for the mRNA assay and were fixed for immunohistochemistry. Some testicular samples were fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological examination.

Results

Testicular weight (67.6 ± 9.7 mg, P < 0.05), sperm motility (18 ± 6.0%, P < 0.05) and the fertilization rate (2‐to‐16‐cell embryos, 5%; P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the DXR group than in the control group. In the DXR group there was severe tissue damage from the spermatogonia onward, and the Sertoli cell ratio was lower in the DXR group than in the control group (38% vs. 9%, P < 0.05). In addition, there was a decrease in c‐kit protein expression, and the amount of c‐kit messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression according to a semiquantitative method was also decreased.

Conclusion

Expression of c‐kit in the mice with chronically impaired spermatogenesis induced by long‐term, low‐dose administration of DXR correlated with the decrease in the number of spermatogonia.
Changes of insulin resistance and β‐cell function in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnant women during mid‐ and late pregnant period: A case–control study
Authors: Wang Yun‐Hui , Wu Hui‐Hua , Ding Hong , Li Yan , Wang Zhen‐Hua , Li Feng , Zhang Jian‐Ping
Published: October 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to observe insulin resistance and β‐cell function changes among women diagnosed with gestational impaired glucose tolerance or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in mid‐pregnancy.

Material and Methods

Sixty‐four pregnant women receiving prenatal care underwent an oral glucose tolerance test at 20–24 weeks of gestation and an insulin release test. The GDM group included 34 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational impaired glucose tolerance or GDM, and the subjects with normal blood glucose were the control group. Insulin resistance and islet β‐cell function changes were observed with the oral glucose tolerance test and insulin release test.

Results

The homeostatic model assessment‐β levels in late pregnancy were higher than those in mid‐pregnancy for both groups, and the primary time effect was statistically significant. The early insulin secretion index (ΔI30/ΔG30) values in mid‐ and late pregnancy were lower in the GDM group. The values of the area under the curve of blood glucose in mid‐ and late pregnancy were higher in the GDM group than those in the control group. Insulin resistance was higher in GDM patients than in normal pregnant women.

Conclusions

Insulin resistance was aggravated, and β‐cell's ability to compensate for the increased insulin resistance by modulating insulin secretion was aggravated, as gestational week increased in women with gestational diabetes and normal pregnant women. Insulin resistance in women with GDM is higher than in pregnant women with normal metabolism of glucose.
Significance of maternal screening for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus infection in cases of fetal growth restriction
Authors: Yamamoto Ryo , Ishii Keisuke , Shimada Mayumi , Hayashi Syusaku , Hidaka Nobuhiro , Nakayama Masahiro , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: October 2012

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of maternal toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (TORCH) screening in cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Material and Methods

The medical records of women carrying fetuses with FGR who underwent TORCH screening over a 10‐year period were retrospectively reviewed for maternal and congenital TORCH infection. Women carrying fetuses with FGR routinely underwent serologic TORCH tests and systematic ultrasound evaluation for congenital abnormalities. If a congenital CMV infection was suspected, amniotic fluid, placenta or neonatal urine was used for CMV DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In 319 patients, no cases of maternal or congenital infection with toxoplasma, rubella, or herpes simplex virus were found. Conversely, six cases (1.8%) were diagnosed with congenital CMV infection, two of which had no structural abnormalities other than FGR.

Conclusions

A complete maternal TORCH screening for cases of FGR appears to be unnecessary. Although a maternal CMV test can be considered, the incidence of congenital CMV infection was found to be low in FGR cases.
Cervical clamp with ring forceps to prevent prolapse of an intrauterine balloon in the management of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Kawamura Akeo , Kondoh Eiji , Hamanishi Junzo , Kawamura Yosuke , Kusaka Kyoko , Ueda Akihiko , Kawasaki Kaoru , Fujita Kohei , Mogami Haruta , Konishi Ikuo
Published: October 2012

An intrauterine balloon tamponade is a simple but highly effective method for the management of postpartum hemorrhage. However, treatment failure can occur due to prolapse of an intrauterine balloon into the vagina. We present two cases with a successful maneuver in maintaining the intrauterine placement of the balloon by clamping the cervix with two ring forceps in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Although the balloon was initially expelled through a dilated cervix, a cervical clamp using ring forceps prevented displacement of the balloon, and the hemorrhage ceased. Clamping the cervix with two ring forceps to retain the balloon can be a simple and readily available approach to consider when an intrauterine balloon tamponade does not work due to its expulsion.
Primary Ewing's sarcoma of vulva: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Che Shao‐Min , Cao Pei‐Long , Chen Hong‐Wei , Liu Zi , Meng Du
Published: October 2012

Ewing sarcomas/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (ES/pPNET) are extremely rare in the vulva. A review of the literature reveals only 14 previously reported possible cases. Here we reported a case of primary extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma (EES) of the vulva in a 37‐year‐old woman. Characteristic histologic features of ES/pPNET were present in this case, including a monomorphic population of small round blue cells with cytoplasmic glycogen confirmed by periodic acid‐Schiff, membrane staining with CD99 and nuclear staining with FLI‐1. After surgery, the patient was found to have pulmonary metastasis and then received six cycles of polychemotherapy. She is still alive with stable disease after 1 year of follow up. Our findings underline the crucial role of immunohistochemical techniques in the differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors in these unusual locations. We also give a summary about the clinical and pathological features of the primary ES/pPNET in the vulva reported previously in the literature.
Dietary practices of Saudi women during puerperium
Authors: Saadia Zaheera , Roshdy Salah , Sagir Faiza , Abidin Shazia
Published: October 2012

Aim

Poor maternal health sometimes can be a consequence of practicing different myths during puerperium. This cross‐sectional study describes the practice of different myths regarding diet among Saudi women.

Material and Methods

The study comprised women attending the postnatal clinic at the Mother and Child Hospital in Buraidah from January to December 2011.

Results

Almost 65.9% of women were using a combination of herbs such as ginger (zingiber officinale), hilba (fenugreek) and black seeds (nigella sativa). The multinomial logistic regression of herbs on age, education, occupation, parity and mode of delivery was statistically significant (χ2 [48] = 214.645, P < 0.001). Hilba was more commonly used by women with instrumental delivery. It was common for women to avoid different fruits and vegetables (33.89%). Eggs were avoided by 16.5% of women and 11% avoided cold drinks. The multinomial logistic regression of diet on age, education, occupation, parity and mode of delivery was statistically significant (χ2 [72] = 389.861, P < 0.001). Individuals below college level education were more likely to avoid fruits, vegetables and cold drinks in their diet.

Conclusion

Health education programs are needed to improve knowledge about dietary malpractices during puerperium. This may help eliminate myths regarding avoidance of certain dietary components.
Distribution of nuchal translucency thickness in Japanese fetuses
Authors: Hasegawa Junichi , Nakamura Masamitsu , Hamada Shoko , Matsuoka Ryu , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Sekizawa Akihiko , Okai Takashi
Published: October 2012

Aim

To establish reference values for the nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in Japanese fetuses.

Material and Methods

Ultrasonographic measurements of the crown‐rump length (CRL) and NT were performed from 11 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in consecutive Japanese fetuses examined during prenatal visits between February 2011 and January 2012. The median, 5th and 95th percentiles of the NT thickness with 5 mm intervals of the CRL were confirmed.

Results

A total of 970 cases were enrolled in the study. The median NT thickness for a CRL between 45 and 80 mm ranged from 1.2 mm to 1.9 mm, and the 95th percentile of these values ranged from 2.1 mm to 3.2 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The reference values for the NT thickness in Japanese fetuses were determined. These values should be useful for fetal biometry, morphological assessment and first trimester screening for chromosomal abnormalities in Japan.
Molecular phylogeny of the Helicodontidae and Trissexodontidae (Gastropoda)
Authors: Gómez‐Moliner Benjamín J. , Elejalde Arantzazu M. , Arrébola Jose R. , Puente Ana I. , Martínez‐Ortí Alberto , Ruiz Antonio , Madeira María J.
Published: October 2012

Gómez‐Moliner, B.J., Elejalde, A.M., Arrébola, J.R., Puente, A.I., Martínez‐Ortí, A., Ruiz, A. & Madeira, MJ. (2012). Molecular phylogeny of the Helicodontidae and Trissexodontidae (Gastropoda). —Zoologica Scripta, 00, 000–000.

In this study, we present a molecular phylogeny of the Trissexodontidae and Helicodontidae obtained by means of Maximum Parsimony, Neighbor Joining, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses of DNA sequences. Nearly 3 KB of sequence data of two mitochondrial genes (COI, 16S rDNA) and the nuclear rRNA gene cluster including ITS‐1, the 3′end of the 5.8S gene, the complete ITS‐2 region and 5′ end of the large subunit 28S were used to reconstruct the phylogeny of these two families. Monophyly of Trissexodontidae and Helicodontidae at the family level is well supported. A new classification of the genera in the Trissexodontidae is proposed. It includes two subfamilies: Gittenbergeriinae (monotypic for Gittenbergeria turriplana) and Trissexodontinae. The latter includes three strongly supported tribes: (i) Trissexodontini, including Mastigophallus, Trissexodon, Oestophorella and Suboestophora; (ii) Oestophorini, with Oestophora; and (iii) Caracollinini, with Caracollina, Gasulliella, Gasullia and Hatumia. The polytypic Oestophora and Suboestophora are recovered as two monophyletic genera. The anatomy of the auxiliary copulatory organs of the reproductive system is coherent with the new taxonomic interpretation of the Trissexodontidae. Further work, including some more taxa is needed to delimitate subfamilies within Helicodontidae. Finally, the addition of some sequences of other Helicoidea shows that the genus Ciliella is not closely related to Trissexodontidae, being grouped within the Hygromiidae, instead.
Diethylstilbestrol in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Wilkins Anna , Shahidi Mehdi , Parker Chris , Gunapala Ranga , Thomas Karen , Huddart Robert , Horwich Alan , Dearnaley David
Published: October 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) was the first hormone treatment used for prostate cancer and has also shown effectiveness in castration‐resistant disease in small studies; however, concerns over thromboembolic toxicity have restricted its use in the past.

Over 200 elderly men with castration‐resistant prostate cancer were treated with 1–3 mg of DES, given with 75 mg aspirin and breast bud irradiation. Almost 30% of men showed a significant PSA response and the median time to PSA progression was 4.6 months. Almost 20% of patients with pain had a significant analgesic benefit. The most important toxicity was thromboembolism in 10% of men. Overall the drug has an acceptable toxicity profile and offers a palliative benefit in frail elderly men who may not be fit for chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the management of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 231 patients with CRPC received treatment with DES at the Royal Marsden Hospital between August 1992 and August 2000.

The median pre‐treatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level was 221 ng/mL.

DES was used at a dose of 1–3 mg daily, with aspirin 75 mg.

The primary endpoint was PSA response rate.

RESULTS

The PSA response rate (using PSA Working Group criteria) was 28.9%.

The median time to PSA progression was 4.6 months.

Of patients with bone pain, 18% had an improvement in their European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer pain score.

Thromboembolic complications were seen in 9.9% of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

DES has significant activity in CRPC and can be of palliative benefit.

DES has an acceptable toxicity profile in the management of patients with symptomatic CRPC when used at a dose of 1–3 mg, combined with aspirin and prophylactic breast bud radiotherapy.
Religious Supply, Welfare State Restructuring and Faith-Based Social Activities
Authors: Zehavi Amos
Published: October 2012

This article explores whether recent social and political developments have transformed religious organisations' involvement in welfare activities. Most developed countries have undergone a process of secularisation in which the religious attachments of major segments of society, and also certain state institutions, have weakened. In recent years, welfare state expansion has stalled and most welfare states have entered an ‘age of austerity’. Changes in the welfare state terrain – primarily restructuring – have transformed the opportunity structure faced by faith-based organisations. A survey of faith-based organisation involvement in welfare across four countries – England, Israel, Germany and the Netherlands – reveals a complex picture. While in some countries welfare state restructuring creates opportunities for faith-based organisations to expand their role, in others the combination of secularisation and restructuring create unfavourable conditions for these organisations.
Disconnected Citizenship? The Impacts of Anti-Terrorism Policy on Citizenship in the UK
Authors: Jarvis Lee , Lister Michael
Published: October 2012

This article draws on primary focus group data from the UK to offer three contributions to recent debate on the impact of anti-terrorism measures on citizenship. First, it presents a qualitatively rich account of citizens' own perspectives on this relationship. Second, it explores the significance of ethnic identity in relation to public attitudes. Finally, it traces the implications of anti-terrorism initiatives upon multiple dimensions of citizenship including participation, identity and duties as much as rights. The article argues that citizens from a range of ethnic minority backgrounds, and thus not only Muslims, believe that anti-terrorism measures have directly curtailed and diminished their citizenship. This is in contrast to white participants who, while not untroubled about the impact of these measures, generally viewed this as a concern distanced from their everyday lives. This difference suggests that anti-terrorism measures may be contributing to a condition of disconnected citizenship in the UK.
Coexistence of Unconditionality and Conditionality of the Davidic Covenant in Chronicles
Authors: Hwang Sunwoo
Published: October 2012

TheDavidic covenant is the basis of the hope for a restoration of theDavidic kingdom inChronicles. TheChronicler's retention of both the unconditionality and conditionality of theDavidic covenant does not mean that he was inconsistent; in my view, he views the two as complementary. The royal promise is conditional in the sense that theDavidic kings are disciplined and punished, and the kingdom ceases to exist when it does not meet the conditions set down byYHWH; it is unconditional in thatYHWH'swill never depart from the kingdom, as seen in 1Chron. 17:13 whereYHWHdistinguishes his promise toDavid from his promise toSaul. Following this line of thought, theChronicler yearns for further change in the postexilic temple‐centered society through a restoration of the lost kingdom by appealing to theDavidic covenant. The latter subtends the preservation of theDavidic kingdom in the preexilic period and a possible restoration in the postexilic period.
Mapping black carbon content in topsoils of central France
Authors: Paroissien J.‐B. , Orton T. G. , Saby N. P. A. , Martin M. P. , Jolivet C. C. , Ratie C. , Caria G. , Arrouays D.
Published: October 2012

Black Carbon (BC) is an important carbon pool due to its relative stability in soil. Thus, it is essential to determine the amount of BC in soil to have a better understanding of the global carbon cycle. The spatial distribution of BC was determined in the central region of France in relation to the main controlling factors. BC was measured for topsoil at 158 sites in the French soil monitoring network on a regular 16 × 16‐km grid. A linear mixed model (LMM) which included fixed effects (linear relationships between BC content and covariates) and spatially correlated random effects was used for mapping BC to aid explanation. Covariates were selected from a set of factors linked to the BC cycle using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The results show high variability in BC content with a minimum of 0.9%, a maximum of 32% and an average of 5.3% for total organic carbon. The fine‐earth fraction and clay content gave the best statistical explanation for the spatial distribution of BC. Data on these covariates were not available in total for the whole study area, and therefore we reselected covariates using the fine‐earth amount and density of fires from burning crop residues.
Effects of grass vegetation strips on soil conservation and crop yield under rainfed conditions in theIndian sub‐Himalayas
Authors: Ghosh B. N. , Dogra P. , Bhattacharyya R. , Sharma N. K. , Dadhwal K. S.
Published: October 2012

Vegetation strips (VS) along with conservation tillage, application of organic amendments and weed mulching improve crop yields by reducing run‐off and topsoil erosion. To investigate these issues, an experiment was conducted under rainfed conditions using grassVSfor four and a half years (June 2007 to October 2011) at Dehradun, Uttarakhand, in the Indian Himalayan region.VSwere incorporated in the experimental plots (Entisols) in a randomized complete block design in permanent 100 × 20 m (2000 m2) plots with a 2% slope to evaluate the effects of vegetation strips on run‐off, soil loss and crop yield. Three treatments were evaluated: (i) withoutVSwith recommendedNPKunder conventional tillage, (ii) panicum asVSwith recommendedNPKunder conventional tillage and (iii) palmarosa+ that consists of palmarosa asVSalong with organic amendments (farmyard manure, vermicompost and poultry manure) and weed mulch under minimum tillage. The results show that soil loss and run‐off were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in plots under palmarosa+ than withoutVStreatment. Mean soil loss of 3.4, 5.2 and 7.1 t/ha was recorded from palmarosa+, panicum and withoutVStreated plots, respectively. Mean run‐off was 234, 356 and 428 mm from plots under palmarosa+, panicum and withoutVS, respectively. Maize yield was lower on the plots under palmarosa+ compared with panicum, but significantly higher (P < 0.05) than without a strip. The succeeding rainfed wheat yield was significantly greater in plots under palmarosa+ than in the initial years. The wheat yield equivalent was significantly higher in plots under palmarosa+ followed by panicum and withoutVS. Thus, vegetation strips are recommended for wider adoption to reduce run‐off and soil loss and to increase crop yield. The long‐term goal is to achieve a palmarosa+ system (palmarosa as a vegetation strip along with organic amendments, farmyard manure, vermicompost and poultry manure) and weed mulch under minimum tillage.
Life mode of in situ Conularia in a Middle Devonian epibole
Authors: VAN ITEN HEYO , TOLLERTON VICTOR P. , VER STRAETEN CHARLES A. , De MORAES LEME JULIANA , SIMÕES MARCELLO GUIMARAES , RODRIGUES SABRINA COELHO
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Exceptionally abundant specimens of Conularia aff. desiderata Hall occur in multiple marine obrution deposits, in a single sixth‐order parasequence composed of argillaceous and silty very fine sandstone, in the Otsego Member of the Mount Marion Formation (Middle Devonian, Givetian) in eastern New York State, USA. Associated fossils consist mostly of rhynchonelliform brachiopods but also include bivalve molluscs, orthoconic nautiloids, linguliform brachiopods and gastropods. Many of the brachiopods, bivalve molluscs and conulariids have been buried in situ. Conulariids buried in situ are oriented with their aperture facing obliquely upward and with their long axis inclined at up to 87 degree to bedding. Most specimens are solitary, but some occur in V‐like pairs or in radial clusters consisting of three specimens, with the component specimens being about equally long or (less frequently) substantially different in length. The compacted apical end of Conularia buried in situ generally rests upon argillaceous sandstone. With one possible exception, none of the examined specimens terminates in a schott (apical wall), and internal schotts appear to be absent. The apical ends of specimens in V‐like pairs and radial clusters show no direct evidence of interconnection of their periderms. The apical, middle or apertural region of some inclined specimens abuts or is in close lateral proximity to a recumbent conulariid or to one or more spiriferid brachiopods, some of which have been buried in their original life orientation. The azimuthal bearings of Conularia and nautiloid long axes and the directions in which conulariids open are nonrandom, with conulariids being preferentially aligned between 350 and 50 degree and with their apertural end facing north‐east, and nautiloids being preferentially aligned between 30 and 70 degree. Otsego Member Conularia were erect or semi‐erect, epifaunal or partially infaunal animals, the apical end of which rested upon very fine bottom sediment. The origin of V‐like pairs and radial clusters remains enigmatic, but it is probable that production of schotts was not a regular feature of this animal’s life history. Finally, conulariids and associated fauna were occasionally smothered by distal storm deposits, under the influence of relatively weak bottom currents.
Measurement of intra‐abdominal pressure in dogs and cats
Authors: Smith Shelley E. , Sande Allison A.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To review and summarize the human and veterinary literature on intra‐abdominal pressure measurement techniques.

Data Sources

Human and veterinary clinical studies, research articles, reviews, and textbooks with no date restrictions with a focus on techniques for intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement and their limitations.

Human Data Synthesis

Human literature has established the intravesicular method as the gold standard for indirect measurement of IAP. However, current research has explored the intragastric method as a valid alternative. Recently, debate has focused on the shortcomings of the various measurement methods.

Veterinary Data Synthesis

Early human literature using dogs as models contributed to the original data for IAP measurements in small animals. Since that time, a number of clinical studies and 1 case report have contributed to that original information. A reference interval for IAP measured by the intravesicular method has recently been determined in healthy cats.

Conclusions

Further studies investigating IAP in critically ill veterinary patients are required to establish the optimal technique for this measurement in veterinary medicine.
Preoperative thoracic radiographic findings in dogs presenting for gastric dilatation‐volvulus (2000–2010): 101 cases
Authors: Green Jaime L. , Cimino Brown Dorothy , Agnello Kimberly A.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To identify the incidence of clinically significant findings on preoperative thoracic radiographs in dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV) and to determine if those findings are associated with survival.

Design

Retrospective study from 2000 to 2010.

Setting

Urban university small animal teaching hospital.

Animals

One hundred and one dogs diagnosed with GDV that had thoracic radiographs obtained preoperatively, and medical records available with the following information available: signalment, time of presentation, respiratory status, plasma lactate, presence of cardiac arrhythmias, reason for thoracic radiographs, radiographic findings, and outcome.

Interventions

None.

Results

Findings on preoperative thoracic radiographs included small vena cava (40%), esophageal dilation (39%), microcardia (34%), aspiration pneumonia (14%), cardiomegaly (5%), pulmonary nodule (4%), pulmonary edema (2%), sternal lymphadenopathy (1%), and pulmonary bullae (1%). Eighty‐four percent of dogs (85 out of 101) survived to discharge. Dogs without cardiomegaly on presenting thoracic radiographs had a 10.2 greater odds of surviving to discharge.

Conclusions

The most common findings on preoperative thoracic radiographs include esophageal dilation, microcardia, and a small vena cava while the incidence of pulmonary nodules was low. A negative association between survival and presence of cardiomegaly on preoperative thoracic radiographs in dogs with GDV supports the need to obtain these images for prognostic information in spite of the emergency surgical nature of the GDV. The main limitations of this study include the possibilities of type I and type II errors, the retrospective nature of the study, and the lack of well‐defined criteria for obtaining thoracic radiographs.
Use of intravenous lipid therapy in three cases of feline permethrin toxicosis
Authors: Haworth Mark D. , Smart Lisa
Published: October 2012

Objective

To describe the use of intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) as an adjunctive therapy in 3 cats with permethrin toxicosis.

Case Series Summary

Three cats with permethrin toxicosis were treated withIVLEin addition to the current accepted treatment regime. All 3 cats demonstrated a subjective rapid clinical improvement after the administration ofIVLE, with no adverse reactions observed.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first reported use ofIVLEfor feline permethrin toxicosis, with encouraging results. A possible reduction in costs associated with treatment may contribute to a reduction in euthanasia. Further investigation of the use ofIVLEs in permethrin toxicosis is warranted.
Retrospective evaluation of toxicosis from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: 313 dogs (2005–2010)
Authors: Thomas Danielle E. , Lee Justine A. , Hovda Lynn R.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate a clinical population of dogs exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medications and describe the clinical findings, epidemiological characteristics, outcome, and prognosis.

Design

Retrospective study (February 1, 2005–August 31, 2010).

Setting

Animal poison control helpline.

Animals

Three hundred thirteen dogs with presumed SSRI toxicosis.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Dogs with presumptive SSRI medication toxicosis identified by a review of the electronic database of Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center, were evaluated. No clinical signs were reported in 76.3% (239/313) of cases. The remaining 23.6% (74/313) of cases demonstrated the following clinical signs: neurological 79.7% (59/74), gastrointestinal 25.6% (19/74), cardiovascular 9.5% (7/74), respiratory 8.2% (6/74), and thermoregulatory 6.7% (5/74). Of the dogs exhibiting neurological signs, 62.7% (37/59) showed depression, 37.2% (22/59) showed hyperactivity, 10.1% (6/59) exhibited ataxia, and 1.7% (1/59) showed other miscellaneous signs (eg, hyperesthesia). There was a significant difference between the dose ingested by symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs for fluoxetine (P = 0.0039), but not with any other SSRI. Ninety‐four patients were confirmed to have received veterinary care. In cases where duration of veterinary care was determined (55/313), 67.2% (37/55) of dogs were hospitalized and 32.7% (18/55) treated as outpatients. The average duration of hospitalization was 18.5 hours, excluding outpatient visits. Of those patients that had complete follow‐up information available (136/313), overall survival was 100%.

Conclusions

The overall prognosis for animals with SSRI toxicosis is excellent with veterinary attention. Central nervous system depression was the most common clinical sign associated with SSRI toxicosis.
Expression of IL‐24 and IL‐24 receptors in human wound tissues and the biological implications of IL‐24 on keratinocytes
Authors: Bosanquet David C. , Harding Keith G. , Ruge Fiona , Sanders Andrew J. , Jiang Wen G.
Published: October 2012

Interleukin (IL)‐24, also known as melanoma differentiation‐associated gene‐7, is a cytokine initially identified from cancerous cells and expressed in a range of cell types. It is a regulator of cell differentiation, growth, and apoptosis, and a promising anticancer agent. IL‐24 acts via its heterodimic receptors: the IL‐20R1 and IL‐20R2 complex and the IL‐22R1 and IL‐20R2 complex. There is limited information on the effect of IL‐24 in wound healing. Human acute and chronic wound tissues were used to analyze the transcript levels and histological staining of IL‐24 and the IL‐24 receptors. The biological response of human keratinocytes to recombinant human IL‐24 was evaluated using electric cell‐substrate impedance sensing‐based methods in conjunction with inhibitors to candidate signaling pathways. IL‐24 significantly slowed the migration of keratinocytes (p = 0.01), with only a marginal effect on cellular adhesion. The inhibitory effect of IL‐24 on migration was completed reversed following addition of an AKT inhibitor (p = 0.004) but not an SMAD3 pathway inhibitor. Human chronic wound tissues showed raised levels of both IL‐24 (p = 0.003) and its receptor (p = 0.0305) compared with acute wound tissues. We conclude that IL‐24 appears to promote wound chronicity via its inhibitory effect on the migratory behavior of human keratinocytes, mediated through an AKT‐dependent pathway.
Predictive validity of granulation tissue color measured by digital image analysis for deep pressure ulcer healing: a multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Iizaka Shinji , Kaitani Toshiko , Sugama Junko , Nakagami Gojiro , Naito Ayumi , Koyanagi Hiroe , Konya Chizuko , Sanada Hiromi
Published: October 2012

This multicenter prospective cohort study examined the predictive validity of granulation tissue color evaluated by digital image analysis for deep pressure ulcer healing. Ninety‐one patients with deep pressure ulcers were followed for 3 weeks. From a wound photograph taken at baseline, an image representing the granulation red index (GRI) was processed in which a redder color represented higher values. We calculated the average GRI over granulation tissue and the proportion of pixels exceeding the threshold intensity of 80 for the granulation tissue surface (%GRI80) and wound surface (%wound red index 80). In the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, most GRI parameters had adequate discriminative values for both improvement of the DESIGN‐R total score and wound closure. Ulcers were categorized by the obtained cutoff points of the average GRI (≤80, >80), %GRI80 (≤55, >55–80, >80%), and %wound red index 80 (≤25, >25–50, >50%). In the linear mixed model, higher classes for all GRI parameters showed significantly greater relative improvement in overall wound severity during the 3 weeks after adjustment for patient characteristics and wound locations. Assessment of granulation tissue color by digital image analysis will be useful as an objective monitoring tool for granulation tissue quality or surrogate outcomes of pressure ulcer healing.
A multifunctional in situ–forming hydrogel for wound healing
Authors: Du Lina , Tong Li , Jin Yiguang , Jia Junwei , Liu Yangpu , Su Chang , Yu Shanjiang , Li Xin
Published: October 2012

In this study, a multifunctional in situ–forming hydrogel (MISG) was prepared as a wound dressing designed to stop bleeding, inhibit inflammation, relieve pain, and improve healing. A mixture of poloxamers 407 and 188 was used for the matrix of the MISG. Other ingredients include aminocaproic acid (to stop bleeding), povidone iodine (anti‐infective), lidocaine (pain relief), and chitosan (to enhance wound healing and regeneration). The incipient gelation temperature of the MISG was modified by varying the poloxamer concentration. Poloxamer cytotoxicity was evaluated in addition to the effect of the MISG on hemostasis in rabbits, pain relief in mice, bacteriostasis in vitro, and wound healing. The optimal MISG matrix consisted of 30% (w/v) poloxamer (407/188, 1 : 1, w/w) solution and was able to change to a gel within 10 minutes at 37 °C. The poloxamer solution had no cytotoxicity in fibroblasts. Compared to sterile gauze alone, the MISG significantly shortened average hemostasis time and decreased bleeding. The hydrogel showed strong bacteriostatic action similar to povidone iodine solution. It markedly increased the pain threshold and accelerated wound healing compared to the gauze. The MISG is a promising formulation for wound healing in emergency situations.