bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forensic Facial Comparison: Issues of Admissibility in the Development of Novel Analytical Technique
Authors: Mallett Xanthé , Evison Martin P.
Published: May 2013

Much contemporary debate in forensic science concerns validity and admissibility of scientific evidence in court. In this paper, three current approaches to facial identification—image superimposition, photogrammetry, and morphological analysis—are considered with regard to criteria for scientific evidence in the United States, and England, and Wales. The aim of the paper is to assess the extent to which facial image comparison meets criteria of admissibility in these jurisdictions. The method used is a comparative evaluation of the methods of facial image comparison and their underlying premises against the range of admissibility criteria reported in court rulings and relevant judicial and scientific inquiries in the United States and the United Kingdom. While the techniques of facial image comparison are generally accepted within their practitioner communities, they are not tested, and their error rates are unknown. On that basis, the methods of facial image comparison would appear not to meet the anticipated standards. They are, nevertheless, admitted in court in the United States, and England, and Wales. This paper concludes that further research in science and law will be necessary to more definitively establish admissibility of facial image comparison evidence, as it will for other nascent and novel methods that are potentially influential in court proceedings.
The all‐ceramic, inlay supported fixed partial denture. Part 4. Fracture surface analyses of an experimental model, all‐ceramic, inlay supported fixed partial denture
Authors: Thompson MC , Sornsuwan T , Swain MV
Published: May 2013

Background

In the previous three papers, the authors sought to conduct a thorough analysis of the feasibility for the use of zirconia in inlay supported, fixed partial dentures via finite element analysis (FEA). Correlating the response of the numerical model against the experimental model has never been satisfactorily performed for an anatomically accurate ceramic bridge; such validation is crucial if the results from the FEA are to be confidently relied upon. Part 4 of this series is a detailed fractographic analysis of the zirconia bridge that was the model for the experimental validation, performed in order to confirm the fracture origin/s and fracture trajectory as predicted from the FEA.

Methods

Established fractographic techniques involving optical examination followed by examination with scanning electron microscopy were conducted. The porous, granular surface of zirconia (both partially and fully sintered) does not lend itself to easy surface analysis but the classic fractographic signs (hackle lines, wake hackle lines and compression curl) are present. Use of linear fracture elastic mechanics allowed the calculation of theoretical critical flaw size and a comparison to two defects or inclusions found at the primary origin of fracture.

Results

Excellent agreement between the fracture sites and paths of travel as predicted in the numerical analysis exist with fractographic analysis. Furthermore, the calculated critical flaw size of 30 μm to 40 μm equates very well with defects seen at the general vicinity of the primary fracture origin and the general observed size of critical flaws in machined ceramics which range between 20 μm to 50 μm, thus providing further confirmation.

Conclusions

The fractographic analysis detailed in this study provides validation of the ‘zones of failure’ as predicted in our FEA. Additionally, the excellent correlation between the calculated critical flaw size and the defects observed at the primary fracture site demonstrates that field of experimental mechanics is a powerful predictive tool.
Parental knowledge and attitudes towards dental radiography for children
Authors: Chiri R , Awan S , Archibald S , Abbott PV
Published: May 2013

Background

Radiographs are an essential part of most clinical dental examinations and diagnoses. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents towards dental radiographs for their children.

Methods

A 21‐item questionnaire, covering parental level of radiation knowledge and socio‐demographics was applied. Sliding scales were used to assess attitude towards dental radiographs.

Results

There were 1467 questionnaires distributed between five primary schools in the Perth (Western Australia) metropolitan area, with 309 surveys (21%) returned for collection. Most parents displayed a low level of knowledge, but had a positive attitude towards dental radiographs. Parents with children who have previously had dental radiographs perceived dental radiographs as ‘good’, ‘useful’ and ‘pleasant’. A higher level of education and parents with children who have previously had radiographs were significantly associated with a higher level of knowledge about dental radiography. Parents who had higher scores on questions assessing radiation knowledge were more likely to perceive dental radiographs as ‘safe’ and ‘beneficial’.

Conclusions

Most parents have a positive attitude towards dental radiographs on their children. However, the majority of parents lack knowledge regarding dental radiography, especially regarding the risks involved.
Transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma with vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis: A systematic review
Authors: Zhao Yan , Cai Guohong , Zhou Lin , Liu Lei , Qi Xingshun , Bai Ming , Li Yongping , Fan Daiming , Han Guohong
Published: May 2013

Aims

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vascular invasion or extrahepatic metastasis has been considered a contraindication for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging classification. However, real clinical practice varies among different countries. In recent years another opinion has been developing that considers that TACE can be safely performed in advanced HCC patients.

Methods

All studies on the efficacy of TACE for patients with advanced HCC were identified via the PubMed database. The primary items were TACE and HCC.

Results

We identified 15 studies in the treatment of TACE in advanced HCC patients. Most adverse events reported were treated successfully and in these studies there were no procedure‐related deaths within 4 weeks of the TACE treatment. Four controlled studies reported that TACE increased survival rate and prolonged overall survival compared with conservative management. The most frequent prognostic factors were liver function and the degree of portal vein tumor thrombosis.

Conclusion

TACE can be safely performed in advanced HCC patients with vascular invasion or extrahepatic spread and may improve their overall survival. Patients with portal vein branch invasion and well‐preserved liver function seemed to derive optimal benefit from treatment with TACE. Further studies are needed to provide strong evidence of the efficacy of TACE for advanced HCC patients to update the BCLC staging system.
Histopathological insights into hair loss in Cronkhite–Canada syndrome: Diffuse anagen‐telogen conversion precedes clinical hair loss progression
Authors: Watanabe‐Okada Emiko , Inazumi Toyoko , Matsukawa Hidehiko , Ohyama Manabu
Published: May 2013

Cronkhite–Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare disorder characterised by gastrointestinal polyposis and ectodermal changes, represented by extensive alopecia. Detailed histopathological investigations of alopecic lesions in two female CCS patients with severe hair loss revealed a marked increase in telogen hair follicles with no sign of loss or of the minaturisation or atrophy of hair follicle structures and the absence of inflammatory change, despite severe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. These findings suggested that hair regrowth can be expected without systemic corticosteroids, if they are not necessary for treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, and that anagen‐telogen transition is an early event preceding clinical hair loss in CCS.
Genetic regulation of fetal haemoglobin in inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
Authors: Alter Blanche P. , Rosenberg Philip S. , Day Thomas , Menzel Stephan , Giri Neelam , Savage Sharon A. , Thein Swee Lay
Published: May 2013

Patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) have ‘stress erythropoiesis’, with anaemia, macrocytosis, increased fetal haemoglobin (Hb F) and high erythropoietin levels. In haemoglobinopathies, Hb F levels are regulated by 3 quantitative trait loci, HBS1L‐MYB, BCL11A and Xmn1‐HBG2. In our study of 97 patients with an IBMFS, increased Hb F was associated with young age, male gender, anaemia, high erythropoietin levels, and alternative alleles in Xmn1‐HBG2 [adjusted P = 0·04 for the total group, driven by Fanconi anaemia (P = 0·02) and dyskeratosis congenita (P = 0·09)]. Thus Hb F is regulated in IBMFS by Xmn1‐HBG2, as it is in the haemoglobinopathies.
Long‐term survival with low toxicity after allogeneic transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplasia using non‐myeloablative conditioning without T cell depletion
Authors: Davies Jeff K. , Taussig David , Oakervee Heather , Smith Matthew , Agrawal Samir , Cavenagh Jamie D. , Gribben John G.
Published: May 2013

The toxicity burden and long‐term anti‐leukaemic effect of non‐myeloablative (NMA) allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation (AHSCT) for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplasia (MDS) remains undefined. We report the outcome of 56 patients with AML/MDS transplanted from human leucocyte antigen‐matched donors using NMA conditioning without T‐cell depletion. With a median follow‐up of 5 years, treatment‐related mortality was 9% and current disease‐free survival (CDFS) was 45% (overall) and 55% (patients transplanted in remission). Development of graft‐versus‐host disease upon withdrawal of post‐transplant immunosuppression was associated with less relapse and better CDFS. These data confirm that NMA AHSCT without T‐cell depletion is safe and can result in sustained remissions of AML/MDS.
Pelvic exenteration for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the pelvic organs arising from the cloaca – a single institution's experience over 16 years
Authors: Tan K. K. , Pal S. , Lee P. J. , Rodwell L. , Solomon M. J.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Minimal data are available on the role of pelvic exenteration in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pelvic organs. This study aimed to highlight our experience of pelvic exenteration in patients with recurrent and re‐recurrent SCC of the pelvic organs.

Method

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the pelvic organs arising from the embryological cloaca from 1994 to 2010 was performed.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (median age 59, range, 27–79 years) underwent pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the anus (18), cervix and upper vagina (2), lower vagina (1) and the vulva (3). Nine patients with anal SCC had undergone abdominoperineal excision prior to pelvic exenteration. Ten (41.7%) patients underwent a complete pelvic exenteration procedure, while sacrectomy was performed in 13 (54.2%) patients. There was no 30‐day inpatient mortality. An R0 resection was achieved in 15 (62.5%) patients. Three (12.5%) had R1 resections while 6 (25%) had R2 resections. In the 15 patients with an R0 resection, 7 (46.7%) developed metastatic disease at a median of 18 (range 10–131) months. After a median follow‐up of 26 (range 4–169) months, 1‐ and 2‐year overall survival rates were 64% [95% confidence interval (CI), 44–84%] and 57% (95% CI 35–79%), respectively.

Conclusion

Pelvic exenteration for recurrent SCC of the cloaca is safe and feasible even after previous salvage surgery. An R0 resection can be achieved in 62.5% of the patients with reasonable early survival though less than published recurrent rectal cancer studies.
Hard palate hyperpigmentation secondary to chronic chloroquine therapy: report of five cases
Authors: de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Pires Fábio Ramôa , Mesquita Ana Terezinha Marques , Falci Saulo Gabriel Moreira , dos Santos Silva Alan Roger , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Jorge Jacks , de Almeida Oslei Paes
Published: May 2013

Antimalarials are commonly prescribed in medical practice for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, as well as malaria. They are generally well‐tolerated, but side effects, although infrequent, are well known. The antimalarial chloroquine diphosphate may be associated with a bluish‐gray to black hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa, mainly on the hard palate. In this report we described five additional cases of palate hyperpigmentation related to the chronic use of chloroquine diphosphate. Professionals must be aware of the adverse effects of antimalarials as chloroquine diphosphate in order to make the correct diagnosis and appropriate management of the patient. Early diagnosis of oral pigmentation by antimalarials may be of great relevance, because it might be an early sign of ocular involvement, and therefore it may be helpful to prevent further complications of antimalarial therapy for the patient.
Can structural or functional changes following traumatic brain injury in the rat predict epileptic outcome?
Authors: Shultz Sandy R. , Cardamone Lisa , Liu Ying R. , Hogan R. Edward , Maccotta Luigi , Wright David K. , Zheng Ping , Koe Amelia , Gregoire Marie‐Claude , Williams John P. , Hicks Rodney J. , Jones Nigel C. , Myers Damian E. , O'Brien Terence J. , Bouilleret Viviane
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) occurs in a proportion of traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, significantly compounding the disability, and risk of injury and death for sufferers. To date, predictive biomarkers for PTE have not been identified. This study used the lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) rat model of TBI to investigate whether structural, functional, and behavioral changes post‐TBI relate to the later development of PTE.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats underwent LFPI or sham injury. Serial magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and behavioral analyses were performed over 6 months postinjury. Rats were then implanted with recording electrodes and monitored for two consecutive weeks using video–electroencephalography (EEG) to assess for PTE. Of the LFPI rats, 52% (n = 12) displayed spontaneous recurring seizures and/or epileptic discharges on the video‐EEG recordings.

Key Findings

MRI volumetric and signal analysis of changes in cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–PET analysis of metabolic function, and behavioral analysis of cognitive and emotional changes, at 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months post‐LFPI, all failed to identify significant differences on univariate analysis between the epileptic and nonepileptic groups. However, hippocampal surface shape analysis using large‐deformation high‐dimensional mapping identified significant changes in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 1 week postinjury relative to baseline that differed between rats that would go onto become epileptic versus those who did not. Furthermore, a multivariate logistic regression model that incorporated the 1 week, and 1 and 3 month 18F‐FDG PET parameters from the ipsilateral hippocampus was able to correctly predict the epileptic outcome in all of the LFPI cases. As such, these subtle changes in the ipsilateral hippocampus at acute phases after LFPI may be related to PTE and require further examination.

Significance

These findings suggest that PTE may be independent of major structural, functional, and behavioral changes induced by TBI, and suggest that more subtle abnormalities are likely involved. However, there are limitations associated with studying acquired epilepsies in animal models that must be considered when interpreting these results, in particular the failure to detect differences between the groups may be related to the limitations of properly identifying/separating the epileptic and nonepileptic animals into the correct group.
An acellular aortic matrix of buffalo origin crosslinked with 1‐ethyl‐3‐3‐dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride for the repair of inguinal hernia in horses
Authors: Kumar V. , Kumar N. , Singh H. , Mathew D. D. , Singh K. , Ahmad R. A.
Published: May 2013

An acellular aortic matrix (AAM) crosslinked with 1‐ethyl‐3‐3‐dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) was evaluated for the repair of inguinal hernias in 5 horses. The aorta from buffalo was acellularised using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 0.25% trypsin. The AAM was crosslinked with 1% EDC. Under anaesthesia, inguinal hernias were repaired with EDC‐crosslinked AAM graft using an inlay graft technique. Blood samples collected on Days 0, 15 and 30 post implantation, were used for SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis to assess the animals' serum protein concentration, and gelatin zymography for the identification of matrix metalloproteinases. All animals that underwent hernia repair demonstrated successful healing without clinical signs of wound dehiscence, infection or recurrence during a 6‐month follow‐up period. SDS‐PAGE analysis of serum protein concentrations revealed that, this was increased at Day 15 and had decreased again at Day 30. Gelatin zymography of serum of implanted horses expressed a band of 92 kDa, corresponding to MMP‐9 activity. The relative amount of the 92 kDa band was higher at Day 15 as compared to Days 0 and 30. It may be concluded that EDC‐crosslinked AAM of buffalo origin can be used safely in horses for the repair of inguinal hernia with adequate strength and minimal foreign body reaction.
Whitening and antioxidant activities of bornyl acetate and nezukol fractionated from Cryptomeria japonica essential oil
Authors: Kim S. H. , Lee S. Y. , Hong C. Y. , Gwak K. S. , Park M. J. , Smith D. , Choi I. G.
Published: May 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the whitening and antioxidant activities of essential oils from Cryptomeria japonica by determining their tyrosinase inhibition, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐like activities.

Methods

Essential oils of C. japonica leaves were extracted with distilled water, and after condensation of volatile constituents, the condensates were extracted with ethyl acetate. Crude essential oils of C. japonica were divided into six fractions by thin layer chromatography and open column chromatography, and their chemical analysis was performed by GC/MS. Major compounds of fractions were composed of kaurene, bornyl acetate, nezukol, (‐)‐4‐terpineol, δ‐cadinene, α‐terpineol, γ‐eudesmol, α‐eudesmol and elemol.

Results

For tyrosinase inhibitory activity using two substrates, l‐tyrosine and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (l‐DOPA), kaurene, bornyl acetate and nezukol were highly effective. In antioxidant activity, (‐)‐4‐terpinenol and δ‐cadinene showed high DPPH radical scavenging activity, and bornyl acetate and nezukol indicated extremely high SOD‐like activity.

Conclusion

Therefore, bornyl acetate and nezukol fractionated from C. japonica essential oil, which showed highly active whitening and antioxidant activities, have potential applications in cosmeceutical materials.
First screening of Aedes albopictus immunogenic salivary proteins
Authors: Doucoure S. , Cornelie S. , Patramool S. , Mouchet F. , Demettre E. , Seveno M. , Dehecq J. S. , Rutee H. , Herve J. P. , Favier F. , Missé D. , Gasque P. , Remoue F.
Published: May 2013

Study of the human antibody (Ab) response to Aedes salivary proteins can provide new biomarkers to evaluate human exposure to vector bites. The identification of genus‐ and/or species‐specific proteins is necessary to improve the accuracy of biomarkers. We analysed Aedes albopictus immunogenic salivary proteins by 2D immunoproteomic technology and compared the profiles according to human individual exposure to Ae. albopictus or Ae. aegypti bites. Strong antigenicity to Ae. albopictus salivary proteins was detected in all individuals whatever the nature of Aedes exposure. Amongst these antigenic proteins, 68% are involved in blood feeding, including D7 protein family, adenosine deaminase, serpin and apyrase. This study provides an insight into the repertoire of Ae. albopictus immunogenic salivary proteins for the first time.
Common Factors in the Performance of European Corporate Bonds – Evidence before and after the Financial Crisis
Authors: Aussenegg Wolfgang , Goetz Lukas , Jelic Ranko
Published: May 2013

We examine monthly excess returns for 23 Euro‐denominated corporate bond indices and propose a new specification for bond asset pricing models. Specifically, we separate level and slope components of term and default risk factors and examine liquidity risk. Our results suggest that level and slope risk factors, derived from complete interest rate and default spread term structures, significantly improve the explanatory power of the Fama and French (1993) 2‐factor model. We also demonstrate different sensitivities of risk factors before and after recent financial crisis. The results are robust to calendar seasonality and the consideration of equity market returns.
The trans‐equatorial loop migration system of Eleonora’s falcon: differences in migration patterns between age classes, regions and seasons
Authors: Mellone Ugo , López‐López Pascual , Limiñana Rubén , Piasevoli Gvido , Urios Vicente
Published: May 2013

Internal factors such as experience (e.g. age) and motivation for breeding, and external ones such as environmental conditions (e.g. meteorology and landscape characteristics) can promote differences in migratory behaviour and routes among seasons, regions and populations. Using satellite telemetry we investigated whether such differences occur and which factors promote them among migrating Eleonora’s falcons breeding in the Mediterranean area (Spain and Croatia) and wintering in Madagascar. We found that during autumn migration no age differences occur when crossing the Sahara desert, but in the remaining African regions, juveniles were more prone than adults to fly at a slower and more tortuous rate, as well as exhibiting longer stop‐overs, particularly in the Sahel region. Such differences might be promoted by a lower foraging and pre‐migratory fattening efficiency in juveniles. During spring, routes were significantly more eastern than during autumn, resulting in a loop migration occurring in all studied populations. This could be accounted by seasonal variation in the distribution of trophic resources. Our results show that Eleonora’s falcons integrate spatially seasonal changing resources on a continental scale throughout their annual cycle, changing their movement patterns in response to internal (age) and external (habitat) factors. This loop migration pattern may prove to be widespread among other Palearctic trans‐continental migratory bird species.
The Influence of Older Classmates on Adolescent Sexual Behavior in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Lam David , Marteleto Letícia J. , Ranchhod Vimal
Published: May 2013

This study examines the influence of exposure to older within‐grade peers on sexual behavior among students in urban South Africa. Data are drawn from the Cape Area Panel Study, a longitudinal survey of young people conducted in metropolitan Cape Town from 2002 to 2006. The combination of early sexual debut, high rates of school enrollment into the late teens, and grade repetition create an environment in which young people who progress through school ahead of many in their cohort interact with classmates who may be several years older. We construct a measure of cumulative exposure to classmates who are at least two years older and show that such exposure is statistically significantly associated with early sexual initiation among adolescent girls. This exposure also increases the age difference between these girls and their first sexual partner, and helps explain a significant proportion of the earlier sexual debut of African girls, compared with colored and white girls in Cape Town.
Assessing the Quality of Data Regarding Use of the Lactational Amenorrhea Method
Authors: Fabic Madeleine Short , Choi Yoonjoung
Published: May 2013

This study assesses the quality of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data regarding self‐reported current use of the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). LAM is an important modern contraceptive method that, when practiced correctly, has a 98 percent effectiveness rate six‐months postpartum. The objectives of this study are to examine the accuracy of self‐reported LAM use, compared with the constructed correct‐practice variable, and to explore differentials in accuracy measures by characteristics at the individual and survey level by analyzing data from 73 DHSs conducted in 45 countries between 1998 and 2011. Findings reveal that only 26 percent of reported LAM users meet the criteria for correct LAM practice. We discuss the implications for future DHS data collection and for family planning and maternal and child health programming.
Realistic nurse‐led policy implementation, optimization and evaluation: novel methodological exemplar
Authors: Noyes Jane , Lewis Mary , Bennett Virginia , Widdas David , Brombley Karen
Published: May 2013

Aim

To report the first large‐scale realistic nurse‐led implementation, optimization and evaluation of a complex children's continuing‐care policy.

Background

Health policies are increasingly complex, involve multiple Government departments and frequently fail to translate into better patient outcomes. Realist methods have not yet been adapted for policy implementation.

Design

Research methodology – Evaluation using theory‐based realist methods for policy implementation.

Methods

An expert group developed the policy and supporting tools. Implementation and evaluation design integrated diffusion of innovation theory with multiple case study and adapted realist principles. Practitioners in 12 English sites worked with Consultant Nurse implementers to manipulate the programme theory and logic of new decision‐support tools and care pathway to optimize local implementation. Methods included key‐stakeholder interviews, developing practical diffusion of innovation processes using key‐opinion leaders and active facilitation strategies and a mini‐community of practice. New and existing processes and outcomes were compared for 137 children during 2007–2008.

Results

Realist principles were successfully adapted to a shorter policy implementation and evaluation time frame. Important new implementation success factors included facilitated implementation that enabled ‘real‐time’ manipulation of programme logic and local context to best‐fit evolving theories of what worked; using local experiential opinion to change supporting tools to more realistically align with local context and what worked; and having sufficient existing local infrastructure to support implementation. Ten mechanisms explained implementation success and differences in outcomes between new and existing processes.

Conclusions

Realistic policy implementation methods have advantages over top‐down approaches, especially where clinical expertise is low and unlikely to diffuse innovations ‘naturally’ without facilitated implementation and local optimization.
Phylogeography and polyploid evolution of North American goldenrods (Solidago subsect. Humiles, Asteraceae)
Authors: Peirson Jess A. , Dick Christopher W. , Reznicek Anton A.
Published: May 2013

Aim

We analysed range‐wide chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation in a clade of North American goldenrods (Solidago subsect. Humiles) to infer its biogeographical history and evolution. Our objectives were to: (1) examine the structuring of cpDNA diversity in this widespread species complex, (2) reconstruct Pleistocene refugia and post‐glacial migration of the study species, and (3) test hypotheses relating to the frequency of polyploidization. We expected the glacial history of Solidago to differ markedly from that of temperate trees and forest understorey plants.

Location

North America (Canada, continental USA, Mexico).

Methods

1466 bp of chloroplast intergenic spacer DNA (cpDNA) were sequenced from 368 individuals representing 72 populations of subsect. Humiles, which consists of the widespread Solidago simplex and four geographically restricted species. Estimates of NST and GST were compared as a test of phylogeographical structure, and spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) was used to examine cpDNA variation. Rarified haplotype diversity and chromosome diversity (ploidy levels) were used to infer locations of glacial refugia and post‐glacial expansion, and to determine origins of polyploidy, respectively.

Results

A total of 46 haplotypes were recovered. While there was significant phylogeographical structure (NST > GST), cpDNA variation was not strongly partitioned across species boundaries, geography or ploidy levels, and six haplotypes were shared among species. The highest haplotype diversity was located in western North America, followed by the south‐eastern USA and the formerly glaciated Great Lakes region.

Main conclusions

Solidago simplex recolonized formerly glaciated eastern North America from refugia in western North America and near the perimeter of the ice margin. The south‐eastern USA had only limited involvement in recolonization of these northern regions. The geographical disjunction and scattered positions of polyploids in the haplotype network provide evidence of multiple polyploid origins within S. simplex, and the restriction of endemic, polyploid taxa to post‐glacial habitats provides evidence of Holocene polyploid speciation. The results highlight polyploidization as a source of adaptive genetic variation and speciation in novel and post‐glacial habitats.
Will the Europe Union's Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive (Directive 2004/24/EC) be against traditional Chinese medicine in EU market?
Authors: Xu Juncai , Liu Min , Xia Zhijie
Published: May 2013

As human civilization develops, biomedicine stays robust. Faced with the challenge of Europe Union's Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive, if traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) wants to be still used as one kind of medicine to treat patients, China should be in line with scientific law, that is, each claim that TCM treats any disease or indication should be supported by the data of evidence‐based randomized clinical trials. As a priority, there is an urgent need to conduct more scientific experiments and clinical trials to verify the concepts and mechanisms of TCM. Also, China is encouraged to get rid of non‐scientific concepts and theories of TCM.
Systematic approach: an evidence management strategy for better decision‐making
Authors: Squara Pierre
Published: May 2013

Evidence‐based medicine aims to apply best evidences to medical decision making. Although evidence are established using the scientific method, decision making has received less priority. Decision making is a mental process requiring a systematic analysis of evidences for a specific use, leading to a final choice of action. In many scientific disciplines involving decision and control, this process has been significantly improved by making it as a system (a set of interacting entities forming an integrated whole).

Hypothesizing that most medical decisions can be described as a system, we present a schematic systematic loop, based on four traditional medical steps (nosology, semeiology, pathophysiology, and therapy), and on the four transitions between these steps. Steps are evaluated by reproducibility, transitions are evaluated by predictability. This leads to formulate eight basic questions for testing the reliability of any loop. We applied this approach to a specific study (EPHESUS) to show its interest in the control of the medical knowledge provided by a study and in indicating where evidence is missing.

A systematic approach helps evidence‐based medicine in structuring evidences for better medical decisions and in determining which research needs priority.
Structure‐function Aspects of Extracellular Leucine‐rich Repeat‐containing Cell Surface Receptors in Plants
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Thomma Bart P.H.J.
Published: May 2013

Plants exploit several types of cell surface receptors for perception of extracellular signals, of which the extracellular leucine‐rich repeat (eLRR)‐containing receptors form the major class. Although the function of most plant eLRR receptors remains unclear, an increasing number of these receptors are shown to play roles in innate immunity and a wide variety of developmental processes. Recent efforts using domain swaps, gene shuffling analyses, site‐directed mutagenesis, interaction studies, and crystallographic analyses resulted in the current knowledge on ligand binding and the mechanism of activation of plant eLRR receptors. This review provides an overview of eLRR receptor research, specifically summarizing the recent understanding of interactions among plant eLRR receptors, their co‐receptors and corresponding ligands. The functions of distinct eLRR receptor domains, and their role in structure, ligand perception and multimeric complex formation are discussed.

image

Bart P.H.J. Thomma

(Corresponding author)
Using the Right Yardstick: Assessing Financial Literacy Measures by Way of Financial Well‐Being
Authors: SCHMEISER MAXIMILIAN D. , SELIGMAN JASON S.
Published: May 2013

Despite the proliferation of academic studies examining financial literacy and financial outcomes, no consistent definition or empirically validated measures of financial literacy exist. While a handful of questions have become the standard measures of financial literacy in previous research, little work has been done examining whether responses to these questions accurately capture underlying financial capability, or whether they causally relate to subsequent financial well‐being. Taking advantage of longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study we examine whether some of the questions previously used as measures of financial literacy are consistent measures of financial knowledge and effective predictors of future changes in wealth. We find that respondents frequently do not consistently answer questions across survey waves and that the context in which a question is asked affects the likelihood of correctly responding. Moreover, our regression analyses suggest that correctly answering these questions, consistently or not, has little significant relationship to changes in wealth over time, and is often related to a decrease in future wealth. Our findings should give pause to researchers using the financial literacy questions examined here, particularly from cross‐sectional data.
An exploration of postpartum women's perspective on desired obstetric nursing qualities
Authors: CY Chan Zenobia , Wong Kwan Sau , Lam Wing Man , Wong Ka Yi , Kwok Yiu Cheung
Published: May 2013

Aims and objectives

To gain an understanding of the perceptions of postpartum women regarding the desired nursing qualities of obstetric nurses.

Background

Giving birth is one of the most memorable events in a woman's life. A positive birth experience can foster women's self‐worth and promote family relationship. As obstetric nurses play an important role in facilitating birth‐giving experiences, it is essential to explore postpartum women's desired nursing qualities of obstetric nurses.

Design

Qualitative approach based on 15 individual semi‐structural interviews

Methods

Fifteen postpartum women who had given birth to healthy newborns were selected through purposive sampling approach. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted and audio recorded in a private hospital in Hong Kong according to an interview guideline. Colaizzi's framework was used as a guideline to carry out interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Five themes related to preferred obstetric nurses' qualities were captured: (1) providing information, (2) performing nursing skills in competent manner, (3) demonstrating a positive attitude, (4) attending to individual needs and (5) demonstrating cultural competence.

Conclusion

Nurses who demonstrate their skills, knowledge and attitude as well as their ability to give physical, psychological and educational support to postpartum women will be able to enhance patients' positive labour experience, resulting in greater patient satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice

By exploring postpartum women's desired qualities of obstetric nurses, nurses will gain a better understanding in their role and the definition of competent attitudes and skills. Nurses with preferred nursing qualities can enhance professional practice and patients' experience during the postpartum period, resulting in increased patient satisfaction.
Risk of transmission associated with sharing drug injecting paraphernalia: analysis of recent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using cross‐sectional survey data
Authors: Palmateer N. , Hutchinson S. , McAllister G. , Munro A. , Cameron S. , Goldberg D. , Taylor A.
Published: May 2013

Sharing injecting paraphernalia (containers, filters and water) poses a risk of transmitting the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The prevalence of, and risk of HCV from, such behaviour has not been extensively reported in Europe. People who inject drugs (PWID) were recruited in cross‐sectional surveys from services providing sterile injecting equipment across Scotland between 2008 and 2010. Participants completed a questionnaire and provided a blood spot for anonymous testing. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between recent HCV infection (anti‐HCV negative and HCV‐RNA positive) and self‐reported measures of injecting equipment sharing in the 6 months preceding interview. Twelve per cent of the sample reported sharing needles/syringes, and 40% reported sharing paraphernalia in the previous 6 months. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for sharing needles/syringes (+/− paraphernalia), and sharing only paraphernalia in the last 6 months were 6.7 (95% CI 2.6–17.1) and 3.0 (95% CI 1.2–7.5), respectively. Among those who reported not sharing needles/syringes, sharing containers and filters were both significantly associated with recent HCV infection (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.8 and 3.1, 95% CI 1.3–7.5, respectively); sharing water was not. We present the first study to apply a cross‐sectional approach to the analysis of the association between sharing paraphernalia and incident HCV infection and demonstrate consistent results with previous longitudinal studies. The prevalence of paraphernalia sharing in our study population is high, representing significant potential for HCV transmission.
Dosing regimen and tolerability of methoxy polyethylene glycol–epoetin beta in Chinese dialysis patients
Authors: Choy Bo Ying , Lam Man Fai , Yip Terence , Tang Hon Lok , Wong Ping Nam , Chow Chik Cheung Vincent , Yap Desmond YH , Chan Tak Mao
Published: May 2013

Aim

To investigate methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta dosing regimen in treatment naïve subjects and dose conversion in darbepoetin alpha treated subjects, in Chinese dialysis patients.

Methods

Adult Chinese patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) or haemodialysis (HD), with no prior treatment with erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents and haemoglobin below 8 g/dL (Group I) or receiving darbepoetin alpha and had stable haemoglobin at 10–12 g/dL (Group II) were included in this prospective open‐label study. In Group I methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta was started at 0.6 μg/kg subcutaneously fortnightly till haemoglobin reached 10 g/dL, after which it was given monthly. A dose conversion table was devised for Group II. Follow‐up was 36 weeks.

Results

Forty‐five patients were included. Haemoglobin in Group I (n = 23, PD/HD:19/4) increased from 7.5 ± 0.9 g/dL at baseline to 10.7 ± 1.0 g/dL after 16 weeks, while it remained stable at 10.4 ± 1.0 g/dL after conversion in Group II (n = 22, PD/HD:15/7). Actual dose required after stabilization was 1.7 μg/kg per month in Group I and 2.3 μg/kg per month in Group II. Median number of dose adjustment was three in Group I and one in Group II, while haemoglobin overshoot to 13 g/dL or above occurred in 4.4% and 9.1%, respectively. No significant side‐effect was observed.

Conclusions

Our dosing regimen for methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta, for treatment naïve subjects or for conversion from darbepoetin alpha, is safe and effective. The dose required to achieve a haemoglobin concentration of 10–11 g/dL in Chinese dialysis patients is approximately 2 μg/kg monthly.
INSTITUTIONAL LOGICS, INSTITUTIONAL WORK, AND PUBLIC SERVICE INNOVATION IN NON‐PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: COULE TRACEY , PATMORE BETH
Published: May 2013

Based on empirical research with two non‐profit organizations, this article critiques structural explanations of non‐profit service innovation, which portray innovation as a response to institutional contexts and downplay the power and role of human agents. We offer, instead, a conceptualization of non‐profit innovation in which human agency – and its interplay with institutional logics – is an integral feature. Specifically, we outline the ways in which non‐profit actors draw upon the competing institutional logics available to them to frame and serve their interests. We find that actors' assumptions and beliefs about the organization's role in the institutional field and the practice of normative, discursive work are central tenets of both the maintenance and transformation of institutions. We also find instances of service stability and service innovation ensuing from non‐profit actors' agency in infusing organizational practices with interpretations and elaborations of institutional logics.
Predictors of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Du Wei , L'Ecuyer Thomas J.
Published: May 2013

CAV remains a leading cause of late graft loss and mortality among survivors of pediatric heart transplantation. We sought to define the incidence of CAV and identify its predictors in pediatric heart transplant recipients. The OPTN/UNOS database was analyzed for pediatric recipients who underwent heart transplant between 1987 and 2011. The primary end‐point is time from heart transplantation to development of CAV (CAV‐free survival). To identify predictors of CAV‐free survival, demographic and transplant data were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier survival method and Cox proportional hazards regression. Of 5211 pediatric heart transplant recipients with at least one‐yr follow‐up, the incidence of CAV at five, 10, and 15 yr was 13%, 25%, and 54%, respectively. Multivariate analysis found that risk of CAV was associated with the following variables: Recipient age 1–4 yr (HR 1.25), 5–9 yr (1.45), 10–18 yr (1.83), donor age >18 yr (1.34), re‐transplantation (2.14), recipient black race (1.55), and donor cigarette use (1.54). Older recipient and donor age, recipient black race, donor cigarette use, and re‐transplantation were highly associated with shorter CAV‐free survival.
The difference of neovascularization in early intra‐alveolar fibrosis between nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and usual interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Takahashi Mikiko , Kunugi Shinobu , Terasaki Yasuhiro , Terasaki Mika , Urushiyama Hirokazu , Kuwahara Naomi , Wakamatsu Kyoko , Nakayama Tomoko , Fukuda Yuh
Published: May 2013

Of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) usually have poor prognoses. The prognoses of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) are usually more favorable. Although several reports have described neovascularization in COP and UIP, this aspect of UIP has not been compared with NSIP. In this study, we evaluated neovascularization in intra‐alveolar fibrotic lesion of cases of fibrosing NSIP (f‐NSIP) (n = 26) and UIP (n = 25). In the f‐NSIP group, a considerable degree of neovascularization was observed compared to the UIP group and bud type intra‐alveolar fibrosis showed a greater degree of neovascularization compared to the mural‐incorporation and obliterative types of intra‐alveolar fibrosis. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed a significantly greater expression of VEGF‐A mRNA in f‐NSIP than in UIP. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) mRNA also showed significantly higher in f‐NSIP than UIP. The greater VEGF‐A and MMP‐2 expression may play a role in the pathogenesis of neovascularization in early intra‐alveolar fibrotic lesions in f‐NSIP.
Genetic alteration and immunohistochemical staining patterns of ovarian high‐grade serous adenocarcinoma with special emphasis on p53 immnnostaining pattern
Authors: Lee Sang Hwa , Kim Hyunkyung , Kim Wook Youn , Han Hye Seung , Lim So Dug , Kim Wan Seop , Kim Sehun , Hwang Tae Sook
Published: May 2013

We evaluated p53, KRAS, BRAF and CTNNB1 mutation and p53, WT1, p16 and beta‐catenin expression in 31 ovarian high‐grade serous adenocarcinoma. Twenty‐five (80.6%) tumors contained functional mutations of p53; three frameshift, four nonsense and 19 missense mutations. None of the tumors showed KRAS, BRAF or CTNNB1 mutation. In all 18 tumors with missense mutations, ≥60% of tumor cells were strongly positive for p53 immunostaining whereas all tumors with frameshift or nonsense mutations were completely negative. Missense mutation was correlated with diffuse and strong imunoreaction and frameshift/nonsense mutation was correlated with completely negative immunoreaction (P = 0.000). Tumors with wild‐type p53 revealed a wide range of immunostaining patterns. In 27 (87.1%) and 18 (58.1%) tumors, ≥50% of tumor cells were moderate to strongly positive for WT1 and p16, respectively. A considerable intratumoral heterogeneity for p16 expression was present. None of the tumors demonstrated nuclear beta‐catenin expression. p53 mutations appear to be a powerful molecular marker for ovarian high‐grade serous adenocarcinoma. Using p53 with an appropriate interpretation criteria together with WT1, p16 and beta‐catenin, most of the high‐grade serous adenocarcinoma could be distinguished from other ovarian tumors.
Non‐sebaceous lymphadenoma of the salivary gland with serous acinic cell differentiation, a first case report in the literature
Authors: Ishii Aya , Kawano Hiroo , Tanaka Shinsuke , Yamamoto Yohei , Nakamoto Tetsuya , Hirose Yoshinobu , Yamashita Hiroshi , Morinaga Shojiroh , Ikeda Eiji
Published: May 2013

We report an atypical case of non‐sebaceous lymphadenoma (NSL) of the parotid gland showing serous acinic cell differentiation. NSL is a rare benign salivary gland tumor with intermingled lymphoid and epithelial tissues without sebaceous differentiation. Since the first description of a case designated by Auclair et al. as ‘non‐sebaceous lymphadenoma’ in 1991, to our best knowledge, only 37 cases have been reported, and no differentiation of tumor cells into serous acinic cell lineage has been described so far. In this paper, we present a case of NSL with serous acinic cell differentiation. The patient was a 78‐year‐old female with the complaint of a painless mass in the left parotid gland. The surgically resected tumor was encapsulated and measured 13 × 9 × 9 mm. Histologically, the tumor had the features of NSL, and an unusual finding of this case was the presence of epithelial cells with serous acinic cell differentiation. Dense cytoplasm packed with basophilic granules in those cells was positive in periodic acid Schiff reaction after diastase digestion (D‐PAS), which was compatible with the feature of serous acinic cell differentiation. Possible differentiation of the epithelial component into serous acinic cell in this rare entity is warranted to avoid confusion in the diagnosis.