bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating Relevant Value Through Demand and Supply Integration
Authors: Stank Theodore P. , Esper Terry L. , Crook T. Russell , Autry Chad W.
Published: June 2012

Firms that pursue cost leadership strategies tend to focus on operational efficiency but sometimes fail to fully hear the “voice of the customer.” Alternatively, firms pursuing differentiation strategies tend to focus on the customer, but sometimes to the detriment of operational excellence. To help address such imbalances, an emerging stream of supply chain research has introduced the concept of demand and supply integration (DSI). DSI involves coordinating the activities and processes reflective of a firm’s customer focus, with the operational, supply‐side activities that make demand fulfillment possible. This article contributes to this research stream by providing researchable propositions intended to foster support of a new dominant logic in supply chain management thought, describing how firms can best achieve “relevant” customer value by coordinating supply‐ and demand‐focused activities within and across their functional units.
QTL region–specific microarrays reveal differential expression of positional candidate genes of signaling pathways associated with the liability for the inverted teat defect
Authors: Chomwisarutkun K. , Murani E. , Brunner R. , Ponsuksili S. , Wimmers K.
Published: June 2012

The inverted teat defect is the most common disorder of the mammary complex in pigs. It is characterized by the failure of teats to protrude from the udder surface, preventing normal milk flow and thus limiting the rearing capacity and increasing the risk of mastitis. The inverted teat defect is a liability trait with a complex mode of inheritance. We previously identified QTL for inverted teats. As a complementary approach that integrates map‐based efforts to identify candidate genes for the inverted teat defect with function‐driven expression analysis, application‐specific microarrays were constructed that cover 1525 transcripts mapping in QTL regions on pig chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6 and 11. About 950 transcripts were expressed in epithelial and mesenchymal teat tissue. The expression of three categories of teats was compared: normal teats of both non‐affected and affected animals and inverted teats of affected animals. In epithelium and mesenchyme, 62 and 24 genes respectively were significantly differentially expressed (DE). The majority of biofunctions to which a significant number of DE genes were assigned are related to the following: (1) cell maintenance, proliferation, differentiation and replacement; (2) organismal, organ and tissue development; or (3) genetic information and nucleic acid processing. Moreover, the DE genes belong almost exclusively to canonical pathways related to signaling rather than metabolic pathways. This is in line with findings obtained by genome‐wide catalogue microarrays. This study adds another piece to the puzzle of the etiology of inverted teats by indicating that causal genetic variation leading to the disorder is likely among the genes encoding for members of the signaling cascades of growth factors.
Genetic variants in a lipid regulatory pathway as potential tools for improving the nutritional quality of grass‐fed beef
Authors: Baeza M. C. , Corva P. M. , Soria L. A. , Pavan E. , Rincon G. , Medrano J. F.
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic variants on candidate genes corresponding to the sterol recognition element–binding protein‐1 (SREBP‐1) signaling pathway and stearoyl‐CoA desaturases (SCD1andSCD5) on muscle fatty acid (FA) composition of Brangus steers fattened on grass.FAprofiles were measured on Longissimus lumborum muscle samples using a gas chromatography–flame ionization detection technique. A total of 43 tag single‐nucleotide polymorphisms on theSCD1,SCD5,SREBP‐1,SCAP,INSIG1,INSIG2,MBTPS1,MBTPS2,andSRPRgenes were genotyped on 246 steers to perform a marker–trait association study. To evaluate the influence of the Indicine breed in the composite breed, additional groups of 48 Angus, 18 Hereford, 75 Hereford x Angus, and 36 Limousin x Hereford–Angus steers were also genotyped. To perform the association analysis,FAdata were grouped according to the number of carbon atoms and/or number of double bonds (i.e.SFA,MUFA,PUFA, etc.). In addition, different indexes that reflect the activity ofFAdesaturase and elongase enzymes were calculated.SCD1markers significantly affected C14:1/(C14:0 + C14:1) and C18:1/(C18:0 + C18:1) indexes, whereas oneSNPinSCD5was correlated with the C16:1/(C16:0 + C16:1) index. Polymorphisms in thesignal recognition particle receptor(SRPR) gene were associated with all the estimated desaturase indexes. Because the evaluated markers showed no effect on total lipid content of beef, this work supports the potential utilization of these markers for the improvement of grass‐fed beef without undesirable side effects.
Phosphorylated 4E‐binding protein 1 (p‐4E‐BP1): a novel prognostic marker in human astrocytomas
Authors: Korkolopoulou Penelope , Levidou Georgia , El‐Habr Elias A , Piperi Christina , Adamopoulos Christos , Samaras Vassilis , Boviatsis Efstathios , Thymara Irene , Trigka Eleni‐Andriana , Sakellariou Stratigoula , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Patsouris Efstratios , Saetta Angelica A
Published: June 2012

Korkolopoulou P, Levidou G, El‐Habr E A, Piperi C, Adamopoulos C, Samaras V, Boviatsis E, Thymara I, Trigka E‐A, Sakellariou S, Kavantzas N, Patsouris E & Saetta A A  (2012) Histopathology 61, 293–305

Phosphorylated 4E‐binding protein 1 (p‐4E‐BP1): a novel prognostic marker in human astrocytomas

Aims:  To investigate the significance of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in astrocytic tumours, published information in this context being limited, especially regarding phosphorylated 4E‐binding protein (p‐4E‐BP) 1.

Methods and results:  Paraffin‐embedded tissue from 111 patients with astroglial tumours (grades II–IV) was investigated for the association of phosphorylated mTOR (p‐mTOR) signalling components with phosphorylated extracellular signal‐related kinase 1/2 (p‐ERK1/2) and phosphorylated AKT (p‐AKT) expression, clinicopathological features, angiogenesis, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1)‐R132H, and survival. Expression was also quantified by western blot analysis in 12 cases and in three primary glioma cell cultures following rapamycin treatment. p‐mTOR expression correlated with p‐4E‐BP1 expression and marginally with p‐p70S6K expression. p‐4E‐BP1 expression increased with tumour grade. Rapamycin induced a decline in phosphorylation levels of all three proteins. Nuclear p‐AKT and cytoplasmic p‐ERK1/2 immunoexpression correlated with p‐4E‐BP1 expression, whereas cytoplasmic p‐AKT expression correlated with p‐p70S6K expression. All three proteins were associated with increased angiogenesis but not with IDH1‐R132H expression status. p‐mTOR adversely affected overall and disease‐free survival in univariate analysis. In multivariate survival analysis, the presence of p‐4E‐BP1 predicted shortened overall survival in the entire cohort and glioblastomas.

Conclusions:  mTOR signalling components are differentially involved in the acquisition of a more aggressive and angiogenic phenotype in astrocytic tumours. Moreover, p‐4E‐BP1 emerges as a novel prognostic marker, which might aid in the selection of patients who are more likely to benefit from therapy with mTOR inhibitors.
RUNX‐1 and CD44 as markers of resident stem cell derivation in undifferentiated intimal sarcoma of pulmonary artery
Authors: Vasuri Francesco , Resta Leonardo , Fittipaldi Silvia , Malvi Deborah , Pasquinelli Gianandrea
Published: June 2012

Vasuri F, Resta L, Fittipaldi S, Malvi D & Pasquinelli G  (2012) Histopathology 61, 737–743

RUNX‐1 and CD44 as markers of resident stem cell derivation in undifferentiated intimal sarcoma of pulmonary artery

Aims:  To report a rare case of undifferentiated intimal sarcoma (UIS) of the pulmonary artery in a 44‐year‐old woman, and to study it by electron microscopy and a novel immunohistochemical (IHC) panel that recognizes markers of endothelial and haematopoietic stemness, in order to extend current knowledge about the histogenesis of this rare neoplasm.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemical reactions for CD31, CD34, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), caldesmon, calponin, actin, desmin, epithelial membrane antigen, WT1, CD117, Ki67, nestin, RUNX‐1, platelet‐derived growth factor, NG2, CD44, CD90 and CD105 were performed manually or automatically. Neoplastic cells were negative for CD31 and CD34, but positive for calponin, nestin, WT1, CD44, and RUNX‐1. Electron microscopy was performed after osmium tetroxide fixation and staining with lead citrate and uranyl acetate. Ultrastructurally, tumour cells had slightly irregular nuclei, cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and punctate intercellular junctions.

Conclusions:  We report a case of pulmonary artery UIS expressing previously unreported markers, i.e. RUNX‐1, nestin, WT1, and CD44, that are commonly seen in different stages of the vascular differentiation hierarchy. These findings, together with the negativity for mature endothelial and smooth muscle markers, raise the question of whether this neoplasm may derive from a vessel wall‐resident stem cell, such as the haemangioblast or an embryonic‐like stem cell.
Differential expression of microRNAs miR‐21, miR‐31, miR‐203, miR‐125a‐5p and miR‐125b and proteins PTEN and p63 in verrucous carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Odar Katarina , Boštjančič Emanuela , Gale Nina , Glavač Damjan , Zidar Nina
Published: June 2012

Odar K, Boštjančič E, Gale N, Glavač D & Zidar N  (2012) Histopathology 61, 257–265

Differential expression of microRNAs miR‐21, miR‐31, miR‐203, miR‐125a‐5p and miR‐125b and proteins PTEN and p63 in verrucous carcinoma of the head and neck

Aims:  To investigate the expression of microRNAs miR‐21, miR‐31, miR‐203, miR‐125a‐5p and miR‐125b and proteins phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and p63 in verrucous carcinoma (VC) of the head and neck.

Methods and results:  Thirty cases of VC, 50 cases of conventional squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 30 samples of normal epithelium of the head and neck were included. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to analyse the expression of microRNAs and proteins, respectively. In comparison to normal epithelium, miR‐21 was overexpressed in both VC and SCC and miR‐31 was overexpressed in VC and in well‐ and moderately differentiated SCC. Levels of miR‐203 were elevated in VC but unaltered or reduced in SCC, and levels of miR‐125a‐5p and miR‐125b were reduced in VC but unaltered in SCC. PTEN was down‐regulated in both VC and SCC, whereas p63 was down‐regulated in VC but up‐regulated in SCC. Differential expression of p63 in VC correlated inversely with the expression of miR‐21 and miR‐203.

Conclusions:  Differences between VC, SCC and normal epithelium in expression profiles of investigated molecules indicate their association with the pathogenesis and clinicopathological characteristics of VC. Our results suggest that some microRNAs and proteins, particularly miR‐125b, miR‐203 and p63, might be useful in the diagnosis of VC.
Notch3 and Jagged2 contribute to gastric cancer development and to glandular differentiation associated with MUC2 and MUC5AC expression
Authors: Kang Haeyoun , An Hee‐Jung , Song Ji‐Ye , Kim Tae‐Heon , Heo Jin‐Hyung , Ahn Dae‐Ho , Kim Gwangil
Published: June 2012

Kang H, An H‐J, Song J‐Y, Kim T‐H, Heo J‐H, Ahn D‐H & Kim G  (2012) Histopathology 61, 576–586

Notch3 and Jagged2 contribute to gastric cancer development and to glandular differentiation associated with MUC2 and MUC5AC expression

Aims:  Notch signalling plays diverse roles in malignant tumours as well as in normal tissue development. In this study we investigated the expression of Notch signalling pathway genes and their clinicopathological significance in gastric carcinomas.

Methods and results:  Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1, Jagged2 and Hes1 expression were analysed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) (n = 81) and immunohistochemistry (n = 103) in gastric carcinomas. MUC2 and MUC5AC expression were also assessed, using immunohistochemistry only. With qRT–PCR, Notch1, Notch3, Jagged1 and Jagged2 expression were increased significantly in tumour compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively). Overexpression of Notch3 and Jagged2 was associated with intestinal‐type carcinomas (P = 0.024) and better histological differentiation (P = 0.047), respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed a reverse correlation between MUC2 and Notch3 or Jagged1 (P = 0.033 and P = 0.005, respectively) and between MUC5AC and Jagged1 or Hes1 (P = 0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively). Notch3 and Jagged2 gene overexpression related to a favourable outcome on univariate (P = 0.046 and P = 0.042, respectively) and multivariate (P = 0.045, Notch3) analysis.

Conclusions:  The expression of Notch3 and Jagged2 is associated not only with gastric cancer development but also with the intestinal/glandular differentiation of gastric carcinoma cells, suggesting a role as a possible favourable prognostic indicator.
Environmental controls on the global distribution of shallow‐water coral reefs
Authors: Couce Elena , Ridgwell Andy , Hendy Erica J.
Published: June 2012

Aim  Elucidating the environmental limits of coral reefs is central to projecting future impacts of climate change on these ecosystems and their global distribution. Recent developments in species distribution modelling (SDM) and the availability of comprehensive global environmental datasets have provided an opportunity to reassess the environmental factors that control the distribution of coral reefs at the global scale as well as to compare the performance of different SDM techniques.

Location  Shallow waters world‐wide.

Methods  The SDM methods used were maximum entropy (Maxent) and two presence/absence methods: classification and regression trees (CART) and boosted regression trees (BRT). The predictive variables considered included sea surface temperature (SST), salinity, aragonite saturation state (ΩArag), nutrients, irradiance, water transparency, dust, current speed and intensity of cyclone activity. For many variables both mean and SD were considered, and at weekly, monthly and annually averaged time‐scales. All were transformed to a global 1° × 1° grid to generate coral reef probability maps for comparison with known locations. Model performance was compared in terms of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) scores. Potential geographical bias was explored via misclassification maps of false positive and negative errors on test data.

Results  Boosted regression trees consistently outperformed other methods, although Maxent also performed acceptably. The dominant environmental predictors were the temperature variables (annual mean SST, and monthly and weekly minimum SST), followed by, and with their relative importance differing between regions, nutrients, light availability and ΩArag. No systematic bias in SDM performance was found between major coral provinces, but false negatives were more likely for cells containing ‘marginal’ non‐reef‐forming coral communities, e.g. Bermuda.

Main conclusions  Agreement between BRT and Maxent models gives predictive confidence for exploring the environmental limits of coral reef ecosystems at a spatial scale relevant to global climate models (c. 1° × 1°). Although SST‐related variables dominate the coral reef distribution models, contributions from nutrients, ΩArag and light availability were critical in developing models of reef presence in regions such as the Bahamas, South Pacific and Coral Triangle. The steep response in SST‐driven probabilities at low temperatures indicates that latitudinal expansion of coral reef habitat is very sensitive to global warming.
QTL and quantitative genetic analysis of beak morphology reveals patterns of standing genetic variation in an Estrildid finch
Authors: KNIEF ULRICH , SCHIELZETH HOLGER , KEMPENAERS BART , ELLEGREN HANS , FORSTMEIER WOLFGANG
Published: June 2012

The intra‐ and interspecific diversity of avian beak morphologies is one of the most compelling examples for the power of natural selection acting on a morphological trait. The development and diversification of the beak have also become a textbook example for evolutionary developmental biology, and variation in expression levels of several genes is known to causally affect beak shape. However, until now, no genomic polymorphisms have been identified, which are related to beak morphology in birds. QTL mapping does reveal the location of causal polymorphisms, albeit with poor spatial resolution. Here, we estimate heritability and genetic correlations for beak length, depth and width and perform a QTL linkage analysis for these traits based on 1404 informative single‐nucleotide polymorphisms genotyped in a four‐generation pedigree of 992 captive zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Beak size, relative to body size, was sexually dimorphic (larger in males). Heritability estimates ranged from 0.47 for beak length to 0.74 for beak width. QTL mapping revealed four to five regions of significant or suggestive genome‐wide linkage for each of the three beak dimensions (nine different regions in total). Eight out of 11 genes known to influence beak morphology are located in these nine peak regions. Five QTL do not cover known candidates demonstrating that yet unknown genes or regulatory elements may influence beak morphology in the zebra finch.
The peach (Prunus persica) defensin PpDFN1 displays antifungal activity through specific interactions with the membrane lipids
Authors: Nanni V. , Zanetti M. , Bellucci M. , Moser C. , Bertolini P. , Guella G. , Dalla Serra M. , Baraldi E.
Published: June 2012

Ppdfn1 is a defensin gene previously identified in peach (Prunus persica). The biological role of Ppdfn1 was investigated by analysing its expression profile in leaves, flowers and fruits, either inoculated with the Monilinia laxa fungal pathogen or mock‐inoculated. Ppdfn1 expression was highest in flowers and, in fruits, did not vary upon M. laxa inoculation. To characterize the PpDFN1 antifungal activity, the recombinant mature peptide was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified; recombinant PpDFN1 displays antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, M. laxa and Penicillium expansum, with IC50 values of 15·1, 9·9 and 1·1 μg mL−1, respectively. Treatment of fungal hyphae with FITC‐labelled PpDFN1 indicated that the peptide is not internalized by fungal hyphae, but localizes on their external cell surface. At this site, PpDFN1 is capable of membrane destabilization and permeabilization, as demonstrated by SYTOX Green fluorescence uptake by the treated mycelia. Using artificial lipid monolayers, it was shown that PpDFN1 interacts with sphingolipid‐containing membranes; however the strongest interaction occurs with monolayers composed of lipids extracted from sensitive fungi, such as P. expansum. These data suggest that the lipid composition of fungal membranes is of key relevance for defensin specificity.
Imitation Switch chromatin remodeling factors and their interacting RINGLET proteins act together in controlling the plant vegetative phase in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Guang , Zhang Jiawei , Li Jiqin , Yang Zhongnan , Huang Hai , Xu Lin
Published: June 2012

During their life cycle, flowering plants must experience a transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. Here, we report that double mutations in the Arabidopsis thaliana IMITATION SWITCH (AtISWI) genes, CHROMATIN REMODELING11 (CHR11) and CHR17, and the plant‐specific DDT‐domain containing genes, RINGLET1 (RLT1) and RLT2, resulted in plants with similar developmental defects, including the dramatically accelerated vegetative‐to‐reproductive transition. We demonstrated that AtISWI physically interacts with RLTs in preventing plants from activating the vegetative‐to‐reproductive transition early by regulating several key genes that contribute to flower timing. In particular, AtISWI and RLTs repress FT, SEP1, SEP3, FUL, and SOC1, but promote FLC in the leaf. Furthermore, AtISWI and RLTs may directly repress FT and SEP3 through associating with the FT and SEP3 loci. Our study reveals that AtISWI and RLTs represent a previously unrecognized genetic pathway that is required for the maintenance of the plant vegetative phase.
Effects of informed consent for individual genome sequencing on relevant knowledge
Authors: Kaphingst KA , Facio FM , Cheng M‐R , Brooks S , Eidem H , Linn A , Biesecker BB , Biesecker LG
Published: June 2012

Kaphingst KA, Facio FM, Cheng M‐R, Brooks S, Eidem H, Linn A, Biesecker BB, Biesecker LG. Effects of informed consent for individual genome sequencing on relevant knowledge.

Increasing availability of individual genomic information suggests that patients will need knowledge about genome sequencing to make informed decisions, but prior research is limited. In this study, we examined genome sequencing knowledge before and after informed consent among 311 participants enrolled in the ClinSeq™ sequencing study. An exploratory factor analysis of knowledge items yielded two factors (sequencing limitations knowledge; sequencing benefits knowledge). In multivariable analysis, high pre‐consent sequencing limitations knowledge scores were significantly related to education [odds ratio (OR): 8.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45–31.10 for post‐graduate education, and OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.05, 14.61 for college degree compared with less than college degree] and race/ethnicity (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.09, 5.38 for non‐Hispanic Whites compared with other racial/ethnic groups). Mean values increased significantly between pre‐ and post‐consent for the sequencing limitations knowledge subscale (6.9–7.7, p < 0.0001) and sequencing benefits knowledge subscale (7.0–7.5, p < 0.0001); increase in knowledge did not differ by sociodemographic characteristics. This study highlights gaps in genome sequencing knowledge and underscores the need to target educational efforts toward participants with less education or from minority racial/ethnic groups. The informed consent process improved genome sequencing knowledge. Future studies could examine how genome sequencing knowledge influences informed decision making.
Prospective study of the participation patterns of Grade 6 and Year 8 students in Victoria, Australia in activities outside of school
Authors: McMullan Sarah , Chin Rachel , Froude Elspeth , Imms Christine
Published: June 2012

Background

Positive participation outcomes are deemed the ultimate goal of health care and specifically of occupational therapy. Knowledge of the typical participation patterns of children in Australia will provide essential information to support our understanding of participation and the goal of maximising children's engagement.

Aims

This study investigated the participation of Grade 6 and Year 8 Victorian students in activities outside school and explored differences between genders and between students in different year levels. Secondarily, we began to establish Australian normative data on the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities of Children.

Methods

This cross sectional survey methods study recruited students from a random selection of public schools. Participation was measured using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities of Children questionnaires.

Results

Participants included 84 (37 female, 47 male) students in Grade 6 (n = 43) and Year 8 (n = 41). Differences between year levels were only evident for participation in Recreational and Active Physical activities. Grade 6 students did more activities, more intensely than Year 8 students, but with no difference in enjoyment. The mean number of Recreational activities done by Grade 6 students was 8.5 (95%CI: 7.9–9.1) compared to Year 8 students 6.9 (95%CI: 6.1–7.7; P = 0.001). Gender differences were evident in the participation patterns within Social, Skill‐Based and Self‐Improvement activities.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that gender was a more important influence on participation patterns than a 2‐year age gap, with participation patterns being relatively stable between Grade 6 and Year 8.
Digestive cancer management in Asia: Position statements: A report on GI Oncology Summit in 2011
Authors: Sung Joseph J Y , Ng Enders K W , Lin Jaw‐Town , Ho K Y , Ji Jia‐fu , Sugano Kentaro , Poon Ronnie T P , Chan Anthony T C , Goh Khean‐Lee , Han Kwang‐hyub , Chen Leo L T , Wu Kai‐Chun , Ng Simon S M , Bresalier Robert S , Chan Francis K L ,   the Asia Pacific GI Oncology Summit Group
Published: June 2012

Background and Aim:  With the rising incidence of digestive cancers in the Asia Pacific region and the advancement in diagnosis, management and palliation in these conditions, the clinical burden on oncologists is ever increasing. This Summit meeting was called to discuss the optimal management of digestive cancers and the role of Gastroenterologists

Method:  Experts from Asia Pacific countries in the fields of medical, oncologic, surgical and endoscopic management of cancers in the esophagus, stomach, colon/rectum and the liver reviewed the literature and their practice. 18 position statements were drafted, debated and voted.

Results:  It was agreed that the burden on GI cancer is increasing. More research will be warranted on chemotherapy, chemoprevention, cost‐effectiveness of treatment and nutrition. Cancer management guidelines should be developed in this region when more clinical data are available. In order to improve care to patients, a multi‐disciplinary team coordinated by a “cancer therapist” is proposed. This cancer therapist can be a gastroenterologist, a surgeon or any related discipline who have acquired core competence training. This training should include an attachment in a center‐of‐excellence in cancer management for no less than 12 months.

Conclusion:  The management of GI cancer should be an integrated multi‐disciplinary approach and training for GI cancer therapists should be provided for.
Analysing the extent (size and shape) of Lake Basaka expansion (Main Ethiopian Rift Valley) using remote sensing and GIS
Authors: Dinka M. O.
Published: June 2012

This study attempted to estimate the extent of the expansion of the area of Lake Basaka over the past 50 years (1960 to 2010), using LANDSAT images, field observations, local information and topographic maps. The analysis revealed that the lake has exhibited a dramatic expansion over the past five decades. An increase in the lake water level by 7.6 m over this period resulted in flooding about 45.8 km2 of surrounding areas and an incremental lake volume of about 280 Mm3. About 70% of the lake expansion was observed in the period between the 1970s and 1990s. This phenomenon coincides with the periods of remarkable land use/cover changes in the region. Furthermore, the beginning of the lake expansion coincided with the introduction of irrigated agriculture in the region, and construction of Koka Dam in the mid‐1960s in the upper Awash River Basin. This study suggests that the observed expansion trend, if it continues unabated, could result in certain socio‐economic and environmental consequences in the region in particular, and to Ethiopia in general. Groundwater inundation or salty water intrusion, for example, might occur in the area in the near future, thereby affecting the sustainability of regional irrigated agriculture. The lake has the potential to inundate the surrounding region (Matahara Sugar Estate; towns of Fantalle and Matahara) and might connect with the Awash River during the next 10–15 years. This would affect downstream irrigation developments in the Awash Basin and the livelihoods of people that depend on the basin’s water resources. The overall findings of this study emphasize the need to adopt mitigation measures before the lake expansion results in irreversible damage to the region or the basin.
Assessment of heavy metal contamination in coastal lake sediments associated with urbanization: Southern Kerala, India
Authors: Sheela A. M. , Letha J. , Joseph S. , Thomas J.
Published: June 2012

The study of the spatiotemporal variation of heavy metals in lake sediments is of great importance because heavy metals can result in toxic effects on aquatic biota through bioaccumulation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the degree of heavy metal contamination in the lacustrine sediments and the corresponding environmental deterioration in a tropical, urban, coastal lake (Akkulam–Veli), located in Kerala, India. The spatiotemporal variations of the cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the lake sediments, as well as various indices of anthropogenic contamination, including Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), were used to assess the degree of contamination. This study indicated contamination of the lake sediments with Cu, Pb and Zn. Urban domestic sewage and land run‐off are the major drivers of the heavy metal loads to the lake. During the pre‐monsoon, sediment contamination occurs in the upstream portion of Akkulam Lake because of a high clay content in the sediments. During the monsoon period, Akkulam Lake and the upstream portion of Veli Lake exhibit sediment contamination owing to high silt content. Domestic sewage is the main source of copper and zinc to the lake. Sewage bypass into the drains in the lake basin is largely responsible for the copper and zinc sediment contamination. High traffic levels and wastewater discharges from service stations/workshops are the main cause of the Pb loads entering the lake. Rubber particles of vehicle tires contain zinc and copper pigments that can accumulate on the surface of busy streets, entering the drains during rainfall events. Based on these study results, the accumulation of copper, zinc and lead in lake sediment can be controlled to a great extent by restricting the above‐noted activities. As the sediment content of lead, zinc and copper is confined to the clay fraction during the non‐rainy season and to the silt fraction during other seasons, lake restoration work should largely incorporate treating the clay and silt fractions, respectively, during both the non‐rainy season and rainy season.
Sharps injuries and job burnout: A cross‐sectional study among nurses in China
Authors: Wang Shuhui , Yao Lin , Li Shixue , Liu Yan , Wang Haiyan , Sun Yu
Published: June 2012

The present study investigated the relationship between sharps injuries and job burnout in nurses. Sharps injury questionnaires and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaires were used to investigate and analyze job burnout among 468 nurses, of which 458 effective questionnaires were collected, for a response rate of 97.86%. A total of 292 nurses had at least one sharps injury (63.76% of the 458 nurses). The dimension scores were higher for injured nurses compared with non‐injured nurses. The difference between the dimensions of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization for nurses with sharps injuries was statistically significant (P < 0.05). A rank correlation analysis showed that these two dimensions had a positive correlation with sharps injuries (r = 0.69–0.78). The prevalence of sharps injuries in nursing is associated with depersonalization, as measured by the MBI. Nursing administrators should pay more attention to clinically burned‐out nurses, and provide more opportunity to nurses for training and education to reduce the prevalence of sharps injuries.
Ruptured bicornuate uterus mimicking ectopic pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Singh Nisha , Singh Uma , Verma Manju Lata
Published: June 2012

Ruptured uterus presenting in first trimester of pregnancy is extremely uncommon and should raise the suspicion of uterine malformations. We report a case of a 24‐year‐old primigravida with 10 weeks of gestation presenting with acute abdomen and hemoperitoneum. Laparotomy revealed bicornuate uterus with ruptured rudimentary horn. The incidence, diagnosis and management of such cases is discussed.
Retreatment with nedaplatin in patients with recurrent gynecological cancer after the development of hypersensitivity reaction to carboplatin
Authors: Arimoto Takahide , Oda Katsutoshi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Kawana Kei , Tsukazaki Takehiro , Adachi Katsuyuki , Matsumoto Yoko , Yano Tetsu , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Platinum is a milestone drug against gynecologic malignancies. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the feasibility of replacing carboplatin with nedaplatin in patients who had developed a hypersensitivity reaction to carboplatin.

Material and Methods:  Fifteen patients with recurrent gynecologic cancer (12 ovarian, 1 fallopian tube, 1 endometrial and 1 cervical cancer) who had experienced a hypersensitivity reaction to carboplatin and a possible clinical indication for continuing treatment with platinum were treated with nedaplatin (80 mg/m2)‐containing regimen.

Results:  The total number of nedaplatin cycles given was 137 (range 1–29). Four (27%) patients developed hypersensitivity reactions on the second, second, fourth, and ninth administration, respectively. The severities of all the hypersensitivity reactions were grade 3 or less. The other 11 patients (73%) had no nedaplatin‐associated hypersensitivity reactions. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions in the paclitaxel and nedaplatin group (three of four, 75%) was more frequent than the docetaxel and nedaplatin group (none of seven, P = 0.024). The objective response rate in eleven patients with measurable disease was 36% (complete response at 9% and partial response at 27%), and the disease control rate was 73% (stable disease at 36%).

Conclusion:  Nedaplatin‐associated hypersensitivity reactions are not rare in patients who developed allergic reactions to carboplatin. Retreatment of carboplatin‐allergic patients with nedaplatin cannot be recommended without careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits.
Heterotopic simultaneous splenic and intrauterine pregnancy after spontaneous conception and review of literature
Authors: Julania Shital , Tai Richard
Published: June 2012

A 31‐year‐old woman presented to the emergency department with sudden onset left upper quadrant pain radiating to the left shoulder. Urine β‐hCG test was positive. Transvaginal sonography was suggestive of ruptured ectopic pregnancy with a large amount of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas. The patient was then taken for emergency laparoscopy. On laparoscopy, hemoperitoneum was noted but both the fallopian tubes and ovaries were normal. On further exploration, bleeding was noted from the spleen so laparotomy was performed and emergency splenectomy was carried out by a surgeon. The histopathology report of the spleen confirmed a splenic ectopic pregnancy. On postoperative follow‐up, the patient's quantitative serum β‐hCG started rising again, which raised suspicion of another pregnancy. After serial β‐hCG and ultrasound, a failed intrauterine pregnancy was diagnosed. Suction evacuation was performed, with histopathology confirming products of conception.
Usefulness of transverse fundal incision method of cesarean section for women with placentas widely covering the entire anterior uterine wall
Authors: Nishida Ryutaro , Yamada Takahiro , Akaishi Rina , Kojima Takashi , Ishikawa Satoshi , Takeda Masamitsu , Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Takashi , Minakami Hisanori
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To assess the usefulness of a new method for cesarean section (CS) that is comprised of a transverse incision into the uterine fundus, developed for women with placentas covering the entire anterior uterine wall, and introduced in September 2006.

Material and Methods:  Review of medical records of 12 and 29 women who underwent CS by the new and conventional methods, respectively, for placenta previa, placenta accreta (accreta, increta and percreta) or placenta widely covering the entire anterior uterine wall in which placenta accreta cannot be excluded, between June 2003 and March 2011.

Results:  Placenta accreta (67% [8/12] vs 10% [3/29], P = 0.0006) and cesarean hysterectomy (67% vs 10%) were significantly more frequent in the group with the new compared with the conventional method. There were no significant differences between groups with the new and conventional methods in amount of blood loss (1732 ± 1067 vs 1847 ± 1279 g, respectively), prevalence of blood loss >3000 g (8.3% vs 17%, respectively) or blood transfusion (92% vs 72%, respectively), time required for cesarean hysterectomy (210 ± 58 vs 195 ± 41 min), or neonatal conditions at birth. The amount of blood loss for cesarean hysterectomy was significantly less for the new than conventional method (1959 ± 1025 g vs 4450 ± 1145 g, P = 0.041).

Conclusion:  The new method was superior to the conventional method with respect to reduction of blood loss during cesarean hysterectomy. However, careful observations are mandatory in women with preserved uterus with respect to a possible increased risk of uterine rupture in future pregnancies.
Preoperative differentiation between tumor‐related ovarian torsion and rupture of ovarian cyst preoperatively diagnosed as benign: A retrospective study
Authors: Shiota Mitsuru , Kotani Yasushi , Umemoto Masahiko , Tobiume Takako , Hoshiai Hiroshi
Published: June 2012

Introduction:  Patients with ovarian cyst sometimes present with acute abdomen caused by ovarian torsion or rupture, which are difficult to differentiate preoperatively. The purpose of this study was to determine preoperative features of patients with ovarian cyst that could be used in differentiation.

Material and Methods:  Among 1723 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of benign ovarian cyst who underwent surgery between 1995 and 2010, 77 patients with ovarian torsion and 21 patients with ruptured ovarian cyst were retrospectively evaluated. The mean preoperative age, serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) level, white blood cell count, body temperature, cyst size, and rate of acute abdomen were compared between the two groups, and postoperative pathological data were also collected.

Results:  There were significant differences between the torsion and rupture groups in the mean preoperative CRP levels (0.9 mg/dL vs 6.6 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.01) and in the mean ovarian cyst sizes (9.7 cm vs 6.7 cm, respectively; P = 0.04).

Conclusion:  In this study, the patients with ruptured ovarian cyst had elevated CRP levels. Another study has demonstrated that there was risk for necrosis in torsion patients with elevated CRP levels who presented more than 10 h after the onset of acute abdomen. Therefore, preoperative differential diagnosis between ovarian torsion and rupture may be possible by combining the findings from preoperative imaging, data on the time from onset of acute abdomen, and CRP values.
Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumor of the ovary: Analysis of a single institution database
Authors: Bhat Rani Akhil , Lim Yong Kuei , Chia Yin Nin , Yam Kwai Lam
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To evaluate the clinicopathological features, management, survival and prognostic factors of patients with Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumors of the ovary (SLCT) managed at a single institution.

Material and Methods:  The clinical records of patients with Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumors of the ovary managed at the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, between October 1998 and December 2008 were reviewed. Data of pathological features, treatment given and progress on follow‐up was studied.

Results:  Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumor of the ovary accounted for 1.3% of malignant ovarian neoplasms. The median age of the patient was 30 years. The most common mode of presentation was with hormonal‐related symptoms (80%) in the form of secondary amenorrhea, irregular menses and features of virilization. Thirteen of the 15 patients underwent surgical staging and all were found to have stage‐I disease at the time of diagnosis. Ten patients with intermediate and poorly differentiated tumors received adjuvant bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy. Recurrent disease was detected in two patients (13.3%) during a median follow‐up of 63 months, both of whom had poorly differentiated type of tumor. Both these patients underwent optimal debulking surgery followed by postoperative chemotherapy (BEP regimen). There were no disease ‐elated deaths and all patients were under complete remission at the last follow‐up.

Conclusion:  As most Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumors of the ovary are seen in young women and detected while still in the early stages, a favorable outcome can be achieved by conservative surgery. Patients with moderate and poorly differentiated types of tumors benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Recurrences tend to occur early and are commonly seen in patients with poorly differentiated tumors.
Dissipative aspects in thermographic methods
Authors: CURÀ F. , GALLINATTI A. E. , SESANA R.
Published: June 2012

Object of this paper is to emphasize some dissipative aspects of steels in high cycle fatigue from the thermographic point of view by relating anelastic and microplastic behaviours to loading levels respectively below and above the fatigue limit. To this aim, the Two Curves Thermographic Method has been modified by using both a parabola and a power curve as regression laws instead of the traditional linear ones. Two new thermal parameters have also been considered, the thermal increment and the subtended area by the thermal profile at a very low number of cycles. Experimental data referred to C45 standard and 25CrMo4 notched steel specimens have been processed using both original and modified Two Curves methodologies and both traditional and new thermographic parameters. All changes introduced in the present paper provide good results both in terms of fatigue limit values and for as concerns the rapidity of the fatigue tests.
Women and young adults suffer most from other people's drinking
Authors: Huhtanen Petri , Tigerstedt Christoffer
Published: June 2012

Introduction and Aims

Research on alcohol‐related harm has predominantly focused on harm suffered by the drinker and priority has been given to health‐related harms. In comparison, studies on alcohol's harms to others than the drinker are scarce. This study sought to examine the human sufferings from other people's drinking both in the public and in the private sphere.

Design and Methods

The data of our study come from the Finnish Drinking Habits Survey carried out by face‐to‐face interviews from two separate simple random samples among Finns aged 15–69. In 2000 the response rate was 78% (n = 1932) and in 2008 74% (n = 2725).

Results

Women experience much more negative consequences from others' drinking than men do in both public and private spaces. Regarding public places, people under the age of 30 experience harm most frequently. In the private sphere, harms experienced by women were more prevalent and more serious in character.

Discussion and Conclusions

Women carry a notably heavier burden of problems related to other peoples' drinking.
Boys’ and Girls’ Weight Status and Math Performance From Kindergarten Entry Through Fifth Grade: A Mediated Analysis
Authors: Gable Sara , Krull Jennifer L. , Chang Yiting
Published: June 2012

This study tests a mediated model of boys’ and girls’ weight status and math performance with 6,250 children from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study. Five data points spanning kindergarten entry (mean age = 68.46 months) through fifth grade (mean age = 134.60 months) were analyzed. Three weight status groups were identified: persistent obesity, later onset obesity, and never obese. Multilevel models tested relations between weight status and math performance, weight status and interpersonal skills and internalizing behaviors, and interpersonal skills and internalizing behaviors and math performance. Interpersonal skills mediated the association between weight status and math performance for girls, and internalizing behaviors mediated the association between weight status and math performance for both sexes, with effects varying by group and time.
Child‐Care Subsidies: Do They Impact the Quality of Care Children Experience?
Authors: Johnson Anna D. , Ryan Rebecca M. , Brooks‐Gunn Jeanne
Published: June 2012

The federal child‐care subsidy program represents one of the government’s largest investments in early care and education, but little is known about whether it increases low‐income children’s access to higher quality child care. This study used newly available nationally representative data on 4‐year‐old children (N = 750) to investigate whether subsidy receipt elevates child‐care quality. Results indicate that subsidy recipients use higher quality care compared to nonrecipients who use no other publicly funded care, but lower quality care compared to nonrecipients who instead use Head Start or public pre‐k. Findings suggest that subsidies may have the potential to enhance care quality but that parents who use subsidies are not accessing the highest quality care available to low‐income families.
A Novel mCAD for pediatric metabolic brain diseases incorporating DW imaging and MR spectroscopy
Authors: Zarei Mahmoodabadi Sina , Alirezaie Javad , Babyn Paul , Kassner Andrea , Widjaja Elysa
Published: June 2012

With the increase in the number of identified rare diseases and the intricacy involved in diagnosis, as exemplified by metabolic brain diseases, the need for computerized diagnostic systems is inevitable. We propose a pilot computer‐assisted medical decision support system (mCAD) which tries to identify and further categorize these diseases, utilizing the information available from magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). In this study, we have utilized wavelets, fuzzy relational classifiers and a collection of signal/image processing routines to extract and to classify disease features. The combined MRS+ DWI system achieved a sensitivity (Se) and positive predictivity (PP) of 65.00% and 72.22%, respectively, in detecting seven categories of metabolic brain diseases. The combined MRS+ DWI system exhibits a 10% and 3.47% increase in Se and PP, respectively, in comparison to the system using only DWI information. It also increases the Se and PP of the system using only the MRS information by 15% and 22.22%, respectively.
Histological differentiation between palmoplantar pustulosis and pompholyx
Authors: Yoon S.Y. , Park H.S. , Lee J.H. , Cho S.
Published: June 2012

Background  Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic and intensely inflammatory skin disease with pustules, erythema and scaling localized to the palms and soles. Pompholyx is characterized by recurrent crops of vesicles on the lateral aspects of the fingers and the palms and soles. Because both PPP and pompholyx share similar clinical and histological features, it is difficult to differentiate between these two diseases even for dermatologists.

Objective  To compare the histological features of PPP and pompholyx and to analyse their clinical characteristics.

Methods  The clinical history from 45 patients with PPP and 42 with pompholyx was evaluated. Among these patients, the punch biopsies from acute lesions of 40 PPP patients and 35 pompholyx ones were analysed, blind to the clinical diagnosis.

Results  There was no sexual predilection in either group, and 65.5% of PPP patients had smoking history. About half of the patients had concomitant palmoplantar lesions in PPP and pompholyx respectively. In histological evaluation, loss of granular layer, suprapapillary plates thinning, eosinophils in the pustules or vesicles, tortuous capillaries, capillaries touching the undersurface of epidermis and extravasated erythrocytes were statistically significant features of PPP. Confluent parakeratosis, psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, clubbing and anastomosing of the rete ridges favoured PPP. Meanwhile, multiple foci of parakeratosis, irregular epidermal hyperplasia and thinning of rete ridges were more often observed in pompholyx. However, dyskeratotic cells, papillary dermal oedema, dilated capillaries and acrosyringium were not significantly different between the two diseases.

Conclusions  Several histological features could serve as useful ‘clues’ to differentiate between PPP and pompholyx.