bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signalling pathways in succinate dehydrogenase B‐associated renal carcinoma
Authors: Fleming Stewart , Mayer Nick J , Vlatkovic Ljiljana J , McLean Joanne , McConachie Michelle , Baty David
Published: August 2013

Aims

Renal tumours have recently been described in association with mutations in the gene encoding the B subunit of succinate dehydrogenase, a mitochondrial Krebs cycle and electron transport chain enzyme (SDHB‐associated renal cell carcinomas). The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of different signalling pathways in the pathogenesis of these tumours.

Methods and results

We used immunohistochemistry and antibodies against phospho‐specific epitopes to examine the activity of three potential signalling pathways in tumour cells of three genetically confirmed cases of SDHB‐associated renal cell carcinomas. We found no evidence supporting a role for either the mTOR [p‐mTOR (Ser2448), p‐S6 riboprotein (Ser235/236)] or hypoxia‐inducible (carbonic anhydrase 9 and EGFR) pathways. However, there was immunohistochemical reactivity for phosphorylated AMP‐dependent kinase (p‐AMPK Thr172) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) phosphorylation (p‐GSK3 Ser12), and nuclear expression of cyclin D1.

Conclusions

We suggest that these tumours may arise through a mechanism involving ATP depletion, activation of AMPK, and induction of cyclin D1, and that this may be a unique pathway of tumour development that has the potential for therapeutic intervention in these rare tumours.
Ceramics for Electronics and Energy: Issues and Opportunities
Authors: Testino Andrea
Published: August 2013

The ceramic electronic components market is growing mainly because of portable electronics. The market drives toward device miniaturization, which is achievable by extremely tiny electronic components; but the electronic components miniaturization itself is approaching the technical limit. The R&D efforts of academic and industrial scientists are focused not only on new materials and advanced characterization tools, but also on advanced ceramic processing techniques to shift the miniaturization limit. For instance, the production of submicrometer powders prepared by conventional methods has reached the level where new strategies, such as bottom‐up methods for material synthesis might be required for further improvement. Established ceramic processing technologies are close to limitations too — for example, submicrometer tape‐casted ceramic layers — and the re‐evaluation of methods, which have not yet been used on an industrial level, might be the breakthrough. Solutions may come from disciplines outside of the traditional ceramic‐manufacturing world as well. Advanced analytical tools and deeper understanding of the solid state chemistry have revealed the importance of grain boundaries characteristics and submicrometer scale structures. Nanoscale engineering has become crucial in many fields. Many ceramic components are based on metals with a potential environmental impact (e.g., Pb, Cd, Te) or limited resources (e.g., rare earth elements). A growing scientific activity is devoted to greener formulations, less rare raw materials, and the entire life‐cycle of ceramic components. “Healthcare” and “Energy” are appealing markets. Bio‐integrated electronics based on flexible silicon integrated circuit open opportunities for social benefit — and fruitful business — beyond imagination. Energy market is in need of materials, which can operate at higher temperature and higher energy density with improved reliability. Ceramic materials open new chances.
Time Theft in Organizations: The development of the Time Banditry Questionnaire
Authors: Brock Meagan E. , Martin Laura E. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: August 2013

Time banditry has recently been introduced as a conceptually distinct construct in the counterproductive work behavior literature. An employee is engaged in time banditry if s/he pursues unsanctioned and/or unethical nonwork activities during work time. An analysis of the time banditry construct would be facilitated by the rigorous development of a measure of this construct. The purpose of this research was to develop and refine a multidimensional measure of time banditry. Items were generated through an extensive literature review and numerous workplace discussions with a diverse sample of employees. Through this process, we developed a 45‐item time banditry scale (Time Banditry Questionnaire; TBQ) and utilized it with a diverse sample. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the construct of time banditry is multidimensional, exhibiting three distinct factors (classic, technology, and social). The TBQ demonstrated an internal consistency reliability of .90. Implications for the use of the TBQ in future research and application in organizations are discussed. The most salient suggestion in this study is that time banditry is more closely related to situational variables and personality variables than it is related to demographic variables.
What Do We Know About Competency Modeling?
Authors: Stone Thomas H. , Webster Brian D. , Schoonover Stephen
Published: August 2013

While use of competency modeling (CM) has grown considerably, evaluation of it has been sparse. ‘Although today there is a significant amount and range of practice, there is sadly, little research or formal description of practice …' (Schippmann, J. S. (2010). In J. Scott & D. Reynolds (Eds.), Handbook of Workplace Assessment (p. 215). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley). CM literature is reviewed with the goal of shedding light on the prevalence, uses and effectiveness of CM. CM adoption, use, and effectiveness were examined via surveys and expert interviews. Results indicate extensive use of CM in corporate talent management systems. Our survey and review highlight the need for further examination of CM, its uses and implementation challenges.
Conceptualizing the clinical and professional development of child and adolescent mental health nurses
Authors: Rasmussen Philippa , Henderson Ann , Muir‐Cochrane Eimear
Published: August 2013

Aspects of mental health nursing and its subspecialties are not easily defined. Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) nursing is a subspecialty of mental health nursing, and some of its characteristics are tacit. This paper presents a deeper understanding of the meaning that CAMH nurses make of their role and work in the inpatient setting. The research was undertaken through a PhD candidature. The epistemological framework for the research was social constructionism. Interpretive enquiry was the methodology, as it allowed for the interpretation of multiple realities, which resulted in a rich description of the role and work of CAMH nurses. Methods of data collection were document analysis, focus group interviews, and individual interviews. Participants included nurses and multidisciplinary staff. Iterative and aggregative analyses were utilized for the documents. The focus group and individual interview data were analysed utilizing a thematic analysis process. This paper presents the findings of the combined analysis and the resultant holistic conceptual framework for the work of the CAMH nurse in the inpatient unit. The findings have contributed new knowledge to mental health nursing, specifically CAMH nursing, making the parameters of practice more explicit. Implications for practice, education, and research are identified.
Mixed type symmetric duality for multiobjective variational problems with cone constraints
Authors: Ahmad I. , Husain Z. , Al‐Homidan S.
Published: August 2013

In this study, a pair of multiobjective variational mixed symmetric dual programs involving cone constraints is presented and usual duality results are established using the notion of generalized ‐convexity. Self‐duality is discussed under additional condition of skew symmetry, and a time‐independence (static) version of the problems is also incorporated.
Exact and heuristic algorithms for solving the generalized vehicle routing problem with flexible fleet size
Authors: Afsar H. Murat , Prins Christian , Santos Andréa Cynthia
Published: August 2013

The generalized vehicle routing problem with flexible fleet size (GVRP‐flex) extends the classical capacitated vehicle routing problem (CVRP) by partitioning the set of required nodes into clusters and has interesting applications such as humanitarian logistics. The problem aims at minimizing the total cost for a set of routes, such that each cluster is visited exactly once and its total demand is delivered to one of its nodes. An exact method based on column generation (CG) and two metaheuristics derived from iterated local search are proposed for the case with flexible fleet size. On five sets of benchmarks, including a new one, the CG approach often provides good upper and lower bounds, whereas the metaheuristics find, in a few seconds, solutions with small optimality gaps.
The predictive value of trill performance in a large repertoire songbird, the nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Authors: Sprau Philipp , Roth Tobias , Amrhein Valentin , Naguib Marc
Published: August 2013

In animal communication, elaborate signals have been shown to be under sexual selection and often to reliably indicate a signaler's quality, condition, or motivation. For instance, the performance of physically challenging signals such as trills – i.e. rapidly repeated elements of broad frequency bandwidth – is considered to reflect signaler quality. Nightingales Luscinia megarhynchos are renowned for their outstanding song repertoire sizes, and most songs include a variety of complex trills. In the present study, we examined whether performance of trills can reliably reflect male quality. We show that vocal performance of trills predicts the age of a male. Older males sang trills that were closer to the performance limit than did younger males. Moreover, males with narrower beaks sang more consistent trills than did males with wider beaks. Vocal performance of trills, however, did not significantly predict other measures of biometric quality such as body size or body condition of the males. The findings suggest that receivers could benefit from the predictive value of physically demanding song traits in assessing age as an important quality component of potential mates or rivals. Particularly in species with high singing versatility, signaler assessment based on readily assessable structures may be adaptive, as this will allow receivers to quickly gather relevant information about the singer without attending to the full song repertoire.
Haemosporidian parasitism in the blackcapSylvia atricapillain relation to spring arrival and body condition
Authors: Santiago‐Alarcon Diego , Mettler Raeann , Segelbacher Gernot , Schaefer H. Martin
Published: August 2013

Parasites can exert strong selection on hosts. Throughout the year migrants are exposed to different sets of parasites, which may affect life history traits such as migratory schedules. Here, we studied the relationship between parasite infection and arrival date of blackcapsSylvia atricapillato their breeding grounds in Germany throughout a period of six years (2007–2012). We used two data sets, one that included all blackcaps and one that included only recaptured birds. We assesed whether parasites influence spring arrival to breeding grounds, and for the recaptured data set, we analysed temporal variation in parasitism (i.e. infection status and parasitaemia) throughout the breeding season. We used both microscopy and PCR (a fragment of ˜ 479 bp of the mtDNA cyt b) to determine haemosporidian infection. Blackcaps were mostly infected withHaemoproteus parabelopolskyi(lineages SYAT01 and SYAT02). Infection status, but not parasitaemia, was constant through time for individual birds; meaning that once a bird is infected, it most likely will retain the infection for life. We found that infection by haemosporidian parasites has no relationship to arrival date in this blackcap population; however, infection byH. parabelopolskyihas a marginally significant effect on arrival date of recaptured blackcaps, somewhat delaying their arrival to breeding grounds. Birds captured later in the season were more likely to be infected than those from early spring, and parasitaemia was frequently lower in birds captured earlier in the season compared to those captured later (summer).
Effects of full‐mouth scaling on the periodontal health of Indigenous Australians: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kapellas Kostas , Do Loc G. , Mark Bartold P. , Skilton Michael R. , Maple‐Brown Louise J. , O'Dea Kerin , Brown Alex , Celermajer David S. , Slade Gary D. , Jamieson Lisa M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Simplified periodontal therapy might be a pragmatic strategy for public health programmes targeting Indigenous Australian adults. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate oral health effects of single‐visit, non‐surgical periodontal therapy compared to no treatment.

Methods

This parallel‐group, randomized, open label clinical trial enrolled 273 Indigenous Australians aged ≥18 years with periodontitis. Intervention participants received full‐mouth periodontal scaling and root planing during a single visit while the control group received no treatment. Endpoints were summary variables derived from clinical assessments of probing depth, clinical attachment loss, plaque, calculus and gingival bleeding before treatment and 3 months later.

Results

Endpoints could be calculated for 169 participants with follow‐up data. Compared to the control group, there were statistically significant reductions in extent of shallow pockets: PD ≥4 mm (mean difference −2.86, [95% CI −5.01 to −0.71], p = 0.009) and gingival bleeding (mean difference −0.25, [95% CI −0.43 to −0.08], p = 0.005) but not deeper pockets PD ≥5 mm (mean difference −0.48, [95% CI −1.78 to 0.82], p = 0.468) or plaque scores.

Conclusions

Periodontal therapy produced improvements in shallow periodontal pockets and measures of gingival bleeding in these Indigenous Australians.
Establishment, characterization and viral susceptibility of two cell lines derived from leopard wrasse Macropharyngodon geoffroy
Authors: Ma J. , Sun S. , Zeng L. , Lu Y.
Published: August 2013

Two new fish cell lines were established from skin (LWSK) and fin (LWFN) of leopard wrasse Macropharyngodon geoffroy. These cells grew optimally at 25° C in Leibovitz‐15 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum. Proliferation of M. geoffroy cells remained serum dependent up to cell passage 16, and cell‐plating efficiency ranged from 12 to 16%. Karyotypic analysis of these new cell lines at cell passage 8 indicated that both cell lines remained diploid with a peak chromosomal count of 144. PCR amplification of 16S mitochondrial DNA and the subsequent analysis confirmed that these cell lines were indeed derived from M. geoffroy. Results of viral challenge assays revealed that both LWSK and LWFN shared patterns of viral susceptibility similar to that of six fish viruses tested: LWSK and LWFN cells were highly permissive to channel catfish virus, spring viremia carp virus and snakehead rhabdovirus with high‐yield virus production ranging from 107·18±0·17 to 108·37±0·16 TCID50 ml−1 (mean ± s.d.). These newly established cell lines would be useful in attempts to isolate and study aquatic viruses, particularly the viral aetiology of green turtle fibropapilloma as M. geoffroy is known to be one of the common cleaner fish of green sea turtles.
Mouthparts and their setae of the intertidal isopod Cirolana harfordi
Authors: THOMSON M.
Published: August 2013

The cirolanid isopod Cirolana harfordi is described as a scavenger and a predator that lives in the intertidal region. In order to understand the microanatomy of the mouthparts and the setae that allow this animal to handle and eat its food, a scanning electron microscopy study was conducted. C. harfordi displays a variety in the types of setae distributed on its mouthparts in a site‐specific fashion, including complex setae placed on the medial edge of the maxilliped and maxilla. Terminal pores in some setae were found to contain a cupule, which is a hemispherical structure, housed in the concave recess of the pore, which demonstrates that the pore is more than merely a thinning of the cuticle as has been proposed. Future studies on setal morphology are needed for comparative microanatomy of cirolanid isopods.
Economic Nationalism in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: SERDAR DINC I. , EREL ISIL
Published: August 2013

This paper studies government reactions to large corporate merger attempts in the European Union during 1997 to 2006 using hand‐collected data. We document widespread economic nationalism in which the government prefers that target companies remain domestically owned rather than foreign‐owned. This preference is stronger in times and countries with strong far‐right parties and weak governments. Nationalist government reactions have both direct and indirect economic impacts on mergers. In particular, these reactions not only affect the outcome of the mergers that they target but also deter foreign companies from bidding for other companies in that country in the future.
International Asset Pricing with Recursive Preferences
Authors: COLACITO RICCARDO , CROCE MARIANO M.
Published: August 2013

Focusing on data from the United States and the United Kingdom, we document that both the anomaly identified by Backus and Smith, which concerns the low correlation between consumption differentials and exchange rates, and the forward premium anomaly, which concerns the tendency of high interest rate currencies to appreciate, have become more severe over time. Taking into account different capital mobility regimes, we show that these anomalies turn into general equilibrium regularities in a two‐country and two‐good economy with Epstein and Zin preferences, frictionless markets, and correlated long‐run growth prospects.
The Real Impact of Improved Access to Finance: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: BRUHN MIRIAM , LOVE INESSA
Published: August 2013

This paper provides new evidence on the impact of access to finance on poverty. It highlights an important channel through which access affects poverty—the labor market. The paper exploits the opening of Banco Azteca in Mexico, a unique “natural experiment” in which over 800 bank branches opened almost simultaneously in preexisting Elektra stores. Importantly, the bank has focused on previously underserved low‐income clients. Our key finding is a sizeable effect of access to finance on labor market activity and income levels, especially among low‐income individuals and those located in areas with lower preexisting bank penetration.
Assessment of beta‐cell function in young patients with type 2 diabetes: arginine‐stimulated insulin secretion may reflect beta‐cell reserve
Authors: Sjöstrand M. , Carlson K. , Arnqvist H. J. , Gudbjörnsdottir S. , Landin‐Olsson M. , Lindmark S. , Nyström L. , Svensson M. K. , Eriksson J. W. , Bolinder J.
Published: August 2013

Objective

Simple methods for the evaluation of dynamic β‐cell function in epidemiological and clinical studies of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic beta‐cell function in young patients with T2D with different disease durations and treatments.

Methods

Overall, 54 subjects with T2D from the Diabetes Incidence Study in Sweden (DISS) and 23 healthy control participants were included in this cross‐sectional study. Beta‐cell function was assessed by intravenous (i.v.) administration of arginine followed by i.v. glucose. The acute insulin and C‐peptide responses to arginine (AIRarg and Ac‐pepRarg, respectively) and to glucose (AIRglu and Ac‐pepRglu, respectively) were estimated. Homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) and C‐peptide assessments were also used for comparisons between patients with T2D and control participants.

Results

AIRarg and Ac‐pepRarg, but not AIRglu and Ac‐pepRglu, could differentiate between patients with different disease durations. AIRglu values were 89% (P < 0.001) lower and AIRarg values were 29% (P < 0.01) lower in patients with T2D compared with control participants. HOMA‐β and fasting plasma C‐peptide levels did not differ between the T2D and control groups.

Conclusion

In young patients with T2D, the insulin secretory response to i.v. glucose is markedly attenuated, whereas i.v. arginine‐stimulated insulin release is better preserved and can distinguish between patients with different disease duration and antidiabetic therapies. This suggests that the i.v. arginine stimulation test may provide an estimate of functional beta‐cell reserve.
The mediating role of affect in the relationship between need satisfaction and autonomous motivation
Authors: Vandercammen Leen , Hofmans Joeri , Theuns Peter
Published: August 2013

The relationship between need satisfaction and motivation is well established within self‐determination theory (SDT). However, less is known about the affective mechanism that underlies this relationship. In this study, we extend SDT by focusing on the exact role of affect in the need satisfaction–motivation relationship. To this end, we conducted a daily diary study (N = 72) and an experience sampling study (N = 37) in which we tested the mediating role of positive and negative affect in the relationship between satisfaction of the autonomy, competence, and relatedness need on the one hand and autonomous motivation on the other hand. Moreover, alternative models were tested. The results of both studies demonstrated that affect did mediate the need satisfaction–intrinsic motivation relationship. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Practitioner points

Organizations can influence the intrinsic motivation of employees by changing working conditions to fulfil employees' needs.

Organizations can influence intrinsic motivation by changing the appraisals of working conditions.
Increasing Cervical Cancer Screening in the United States‐Mexico Border Region
Authors: Thompson Beti , Vilchis Hugo , Moran Crystal , Copeland Wade , Holte Sarah , Duggan Catherine
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Hispanic women living on the United States‐México border experience health disparities, are less likely to access cervical cancer screening services, and have a higher rate of cervical cancer incidence compared to women living in nonborder areas. Here we investigate the effects of an intervention delivered by community health workers (CHWs, known as lay health educators or Promotores de Salud in Spanish) on rates of cervical cancer screening in Hispanic women who were out of compliance with recommended screening guidelines.

Methods

Hispanic women out of compliance with screening guidelines, attending clinics in southern New Mexico, were identified using medical record review. All eligible women were offered the intervention. The study was conducted between 2009 and 2011, and data were analyzed in 2012. Setting/participants—162 Hispanic women, resident in New Mexico border counties, aged 29–80 years, who had not had a Pap test within the past 3 years. Intervention—A CHW‐led, culturally appropriate, computerized education intervention. Main outcome measures—The percentage of women who underwent cervical cancer screening within 12 months of receiving the intervention. Change in knowledge of, and attitudes toward cervical cancer and screening as assessed by a baseline and follow‐up questionnaire.

Results

76.5% of women had a Pap test after the intervention. Women displayed increased knowledge about cervical cancer screening and about HPV.

Conclusions

A culturally appropriate promotora‐led intervention is successful in increasing cervical cancer screening in at‐risk Hispanic women on the United States‐México border.
Safety and Efficacy of Epelsiban in the Treatment of Men with Premature Ejaculation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Study
Authors: Shinghal Rajesh , Barnes Allison , Mahar Kelly M. , Stier Brendt , Giancaterino Lisa , Condreay Lynn D. , Black Libby , McCallum Stewart W.
Published: August 2013

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of the selective oxytocin receptor antagonist epelsiban in the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).

Methods

Double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, stopwatch-monitored, phase 2, multicenter study (GSK557296; NCT01021553) conducted in men (N = 77) 18–55 years of age, with PE defined as per International Society for Sexual Medicine consensus definition. Patients provided informed consent prior to a 4-week un-medicated run-in to determine baseline intravaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELT) recorded in an electronic diary. Patients needed to make a minimum of four intercourse attempts and have a mean IELT <65 seconds to be considered for randomization. Men with moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction were excluded from the study. Eligible patients were randomized to placebo, epelsiban 50 mg, or 150 mg, taken 1 hour before sexual activity. Active treatment IELT times were recorded in an electronic diary, along with subjective measures of intercourse satisfaction, over an 8-week treatment period. The Modified Index of Premature Ejaculation and International Index of Erectile Function were completed at study visits.

Main Outcome Measures

Stopwatch timed IELT recordings and a modified version of the patient-reported outcome questionnaire the IPE were used in this study to determine the effect of epelsiban when taken orally prior to intercourse in subjects diagnosed with PE.

Results

The baseline (mean) IELT for patients pretreatment was (0.52, 0.63, and 0.59 minutes) for placebo, epelsiban 50 mg and 150 mg, respectively. On-treatment, average geometric least squares means of the median IELT values (mean) were slightly higher in the 50 mg and 150 mg groups (0.72 and 0.69 minutes), respectively, vs. the placebo group (0.62 minutes). Headache was the most common adverse event, and rates were similar across all groups.

Conclusions

Epelsiban 50 mg and 150 mg were well tolerated, but did not result in a clinically or statistically significant change in IELT in men with PE, compared with placebo.
Pilot Echographic Study of the Differences in Clitoral Involvement following Clitoral or Vaginal Sexual Stimulation
Authors: Buisson Odile , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Women describe at least two types of orgasms: clitoral and vaginal. However, the differences, if any, are a matter of controversy. In order to clarify the functional anatomy of this sexual pleasure, most frequently achieved through clitoral stimulation, we used sonography with the aim of visualizing the movements of the clitorourethrovaginal (CUV) complex both during external, direct stimulation of the clitoris and during vaginal stimulation.

Method

The ultrasounds were performed in three healthy volunteers with the General Electric® Voluson® sonography system (General Electric Healthcare, Vélizy, France), using a 12-MHz flat probe and a vaginal probe. We used functional sonography of the stimulated clitoris either during manual self-stimulation of the external clitoris or during vaginal penetration with a wet tampon.

Main Outcome Measures

Functional and anatomic description, based on bidimensional ultrasounds, of the clitoris and CUV complex, as well as color Doppler signal indicating speed of venous blood flow, during arousal obtained by external or internal stimulation.

Results

The sagittal scans obtained during external stimulation and vaginal penetration demonstrated that the root of the clitoris is not involved with external clitoral stimulation. In contrast, during vaginal stimulation, because of the movements and displacements, the whole CUV complex and the clitoral roots in particular are involved, showing functional differences depending on the type of stimulation. The color signal indicating flow speed in the veins mirrored the anatomical changes.

Conclusions

Despite a common assumption that there is only one type of female orgasm, we may infer, on the basis of our findings, that the different reported perceptions from these two types of stimulation can be explained by the different parts of the clitoris (external and internal) and CUV complex that are involved.
Eradicating hepatitis C virus ameliorates insulin resistance without change in adipose depots
Authors: Milner K‐L. , Jenkins A. B. , Trenell M. , Tid‐Ang J. , Samocha‐Bonet D. , Weltman M. , Xu A. , George J. , Chisholm D. J.
Published: August 2013

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with lipid‐related changes and insulin resistance; the latter predicts response to antiviral therapy, liver disease progression and the risk of diabetes. We sought to determine whether insulin sensitivity improves following CHC viral eradication after antiviral therapy and whether this is accompanied by changes in fat depots or adipokine levels. We compared 8 normoglycaemic men with CHC (genotype 1 or 3) before and at least 6 months post viral eradication and 15 hepatitis C antibody negative controls using an intravenous glucose tolerance test and two‐step hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp with [6,6‐2H2] glucose to assess peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity. Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy quantified abdominal fat compartments, liver and intramyocellular lipid. Peripheral insulin sensitivity improved (glucose infusion rate during high‐dose insulin increased from 10.1 ± 1.6 to 12 ± 2.1 mg/kg/min/, P = 0.025), with no change in hepatic insulin response following successful viral eradication, without any accompanying change in muscle, liver or abdominal fat depots. There was corresponding improvement in incremental glycaemic response to intravenous glucose (pretreatment: 62.1 ± 8.3 vs post‐treatment: 56.1 ± 8.5 mm, P = 0.008). Insulin sensitivity after viral clearance was comparable to matched controls without CHC. Post therapy, liver enzyme levels decreased but, interestingly, levels of glucagon, fatty acid–binding protein and lipocalin‐2 remained elevated. Eradication of the hepatitis C virus improves insulin sensitivity without alteration in fat depots, adipokine or glucagon levels, consistent with a direct link of the virus with insulin resistance.
How good is controlled attenuation parameter and fatty liver index for assessing liver steatosis in general population: correlation with ultrasound
Authors: Carvalhana Sofia , Leitão Jorge , Alves Ana C. , Bourbon Mafalda , Cortez‐Pinto Helena
Published: August 2013

Background & Aims

Liver steatosis measurement by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) is a non‐invasive method for diagnosing steatosis, based on transient elastography. Its usefulness as screening procedure for hepatic steatosis in general population has not been previously evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CAP and fatty liver index (FLI) for detection and quantification of steatosis in general population.

Methods

Recruitment was done from a prospective epidemiological study of the general adult population. Steatosis was evaluated using CAP, FLI and ultrasound (US). Steatosis scored according to Hamaguchi's US scoring, from 0 (S0) to 6 (S6) points. Hepatic steatosis defined by score ≥2 (S≥2) and moderate/severe steatosis by score ≥4 (S≥4). Performance of CAP and FLI for diagnosing steatosis compared with US was assessed using areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC).

Results

From 219 consecutive individuals studied, 13 (5.9%) excluded because of failure/unreliable liver stiffness measurements. Steatosis prevalence: S≥2 38.4% and S≥4 12.1%. CAP significantly correlated with steatosis (ρ = 0.73, P < 0.0001), steatosis score (ρ = 0.76; P < 0.0001), FLI (ρ = 0.69), waist circumference (ρ = 0.62), body mass index (ρ = 0.55), triglyceride (ρ = 0.49), HOMA‐IR (ρ = 0.26), alcohol consumption (ρ = 0.24) and cholesterol (ρ = 0.19), not with liver stiffness measurements. Using CAP and FLI, AUROC's were 0.94 (95% CI 0.91–0.97, P < 0.001) and 0.91 for S≥2; 0.95 (95% CI 0.90–0.99, P < 0.001) and 0.93 for S≥4 respectively. Optimal cut‐off value of CAP and FLI were 243 dB/m and 48 for S≥2; 303.5 dB/m and 62 for S≥4 respectively.

Conclusion

Controlled attenuation parameter and FLI seem promising tools for screening and steatosis quantification in the general population. Larger studies are needed for validation.
Rationality and effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization as an initial treatment for BCLC B stage HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Heng‐jun Gao , Yao‐jun Zhang , Min‐shan Chen , Mei‐xian Chen , Jun‐ting Huang , Li Xu , Lau Wan Y.
Published: August 2013

Background & Aims

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recommended as standard care for intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We analyse the rationality and effectiveness of TACE with BCLC B stage HBV‐related HCC in a large cohort.

Methods

A total of 1516 patients with BCLC B stage from 7724 HBV‐related HCCs who received TACE as initial treatment were retrospectively studied. The treatment response was assessed by the mRECIST criteria. The overall survival was calculated with life‐table method and compared with the Mantel‐Cox test. The prognostic factors were assessed using Cox proportional hazards.

Results

The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival rates were 84%, 29% and 19% respectively for all patients. Alpha‐foetoprotein, Child‐Pugh classification, tumour size and number were independent prognostic factors. The 5‐year survival for patients with CR, PR, SD and PD were 39%, 19%, 2% and 0%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Child‐Pugh A liver function (P = 0.002) and smaller tumour (P < 0.0001) were associated with CR/PR response. After TACE, the 5‐year survival rates for patients who received surgical resection, local ablation, repeated TACE and other therapies were 52%, 29%, 12%, 10% respectively (P < 0.0001). In 328 CR patients, the prognosis of 151 patients received surgical resection is better than 177 patients not undergo liver resection (5‐year survival: 52% & 27%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Transarterial chemoembolization is a safe and efficacious treatment for BCLC B stage HBV‐related HCC. A low AFP level, small tumour, low tumour number and good liver function predicted good survival. Tumour response after initial TACE, an independent prognostic factor of overall survival, was associated with tumour extent and influenced subsequent treatment.
Preliminary Experience with Low‐dose Desmopressin Treatment and Urinary Arginine Vasopressin Concentration as a Response Predictor for Patients with Nocturia with Nocturnal Polyuria
Authors: NATSUME Osamu , HASHIMURA Masaya , MATSUSHITA Chie , TORIMOTO Kazumasa , HIRAYAMA Akihide , FUJIMOTO Kiyohide
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To assess whether urinary arginine vasopressin (AVP) concentrations adjusted for urinary creatinine (Cr) can predict responsiveness to low‐dose desmopressin for nocturia with nocturnal polyuria (NP).

Methods

Nine NP patients aged 64–84 years with ≥ 2 nocturnal voids received 2.5 µg of intranasal desmopressin for 4 weeks and were evaluated for its effectiveness. Prior to treatment, urinary AVP/Cr concentrations at first morning void and serum sodium and plasma natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations were measured, and all patients underwent 5% hypertonic saline infusion.

Results

Six responders to 2.5 µg desmopressin had average decreases in nocturnal frequency from 3.2 to 1.8 voids nightly and in nocturnal diuresis by 40%, without clinically significant adverse events. Non‐responders remained unaffected even with dose escalation to 5.0 µg desmopressin. For responders, urinary AVP/Cr concentrations were less than 14 pg/mg · Cr, which is lower than in non‐responders. Within a physiological range of plasma osmolality, plasma AVP release in response to 5% hypertonic saline infusion was less in responders than in non‐responders. Blood pressure measurements and BNP concentrations were unchanged.

Conclusions

Urinary AVP/Cr at first morning void may have potential clinical value as a predictor for responsiveness to low‐dose desmopressin in nocturia with NP.
Effects of ocean acidification on sponge communities
Authors: Goodwin Claire , Rodolfo‐Metalpa Riccardo , Picton Bernard , Hall‐Spencer Jason M.
Published: August 2013

The effects of ocean acidification on lower invertebrates such as sponges may be pronounced because of their low capacity for acid–base regulation. However, so far, most studies have focused on calcifiers. We present the first study of the effects of ocean acidification on the Porifera. Sponge species composition and cover along pH gradients at CO2 vents off Ischia (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) was measured at sites with normal pH (8.1–8.2), lowered pH (mean 7.8–7.9, min 7.4–7.5) and extremely low pH (6.6). There was a strong correlation between pH and both sponge cover and species composition. Crambe crambe was the only species present in any abundance in the areas with mean pH 6.6, seven species were present at mean pH 7.8–7.9 and four species (Phorbas tenacior, Petrosia ficiformis, Chondrilla nucula and Hemimycale columella) were restricted to sites with normal pH. Sponge percentage cover decreased significantly from normal to acidified sites. No significant effect of increasing CO2 levels and decreasing pH was found on spicule form in Crambe crambe. This study indicates that increasing CO2 concentrations will likely affect sponge community composition as some demosponge species appear to be more vulnerable than others. Further research into the mechanisms by which acidification affects sponges would be useful in predicting likely effects on sessile marine communities.
Antioxidant profile of salivary glands in high fat diet‐induced insulin resistance rats
Authors: Zalewska A , Knaś M , Żendzian‐Piotrowska M , Waszkiewicz N , Szulimowska J , Prokopiuk S , Waszkiel D , Car H
Published: August 2013

Objective

There is no study analyzing the salivary antioxidant profile in the course of the insulin resistance.

Materials and methods

Rats were divided into two groups. One group was fed with a normal diet, another one with a high fat diet for 5 weeks. The analysis included: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activities, uric acid, and total antioxidant status concentrations.

Results

The activity of peroxidase in both kind of glands of insulin resistance rats was significantly reduced than in the control rats. The protein concentration, total amount of total antioxidant status in the parotid glands of insulin resistance rats were significantly lower than in the control glands The total amount of superoxide dismutase, CAT, and uric acid in the parotid glands of insulin resistance rats were significantly elevated in comparison with the control rats. The median values of the total amount of superoxide dismutase, CAT, peroxidase, total antioxidant status were significantly higher in the parotid than in the submandibular glands of the insulin resistance and control rats.

Conclusion

Parotid and submandibular glands of rats react differently when exposed to insulin resistance condition; however, the parotid glands seem to be more affected. The main source of antioxidants is parotid glands of rats.
Indications for Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Mobbs Ralph J , Loganathan Aji , Yeung Vivian , Rao Prashanth J
Published: August 2013

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has become a widely recognized surgical technique for degenerative pathology of the lumbar spine. Spinal fusion has evolved dramatically ever since the first successful internal fixation by Hadra in 1891 who used a posterior approach to wire adjacent cervical vertebrae in the treatment of fracture‐dislocation. Advancements were made to reduce morbidity including bone grafting substitutes, metallic hardware instrumentation and improved surgical technique. The controversy regarding which surgical approach is best for treating various pathologies of the lumbar spine still exists. Despite being an established treatment modality, current indications of ALIF are yet to be clearly defined in the literature. This article discusses the current literature on indications on ALIF surgery.
Surgical Treatment for Posterior Rim Separation of the Lumbar and Sacral Vertebrae
Authors: He Jiang‐tao , Chen Jian‐wen , Wei Peng
Published: August 2013

Objective

The posterior rim separation of the lumbar and sacral vertebrae has been ascribed to various mechanisms. The procedure of operative treatment is still controversial. The authors' objective was to study the therapeutic methods of posterior vertebral rim separation.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients, including 23 males and 11 females whose ages ranged from 24 to 65 years (mean 41.3 years), were treated for posterior vertebral rim separation by various methods. All patients had discectomy and removal of bony fragment. Wide fenestration or hemilaminectomy was performed for 24 type I‐III lesions, laminectomy for four type II and one type III lesion, and bilateral fenestration for 5 of 17 type II lesions. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) was performed in 11 patients using autogenous iliac bone or poly (ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) spacer implant.

Results

Follow‐up studies were performed for all patients ranging from 11 months to 4.6 years with an average period of 2.7 years. There were no serious intra‐operative or postoperative complications. Satisfactory results were achieved in all patients except two with type III lesions, mostly because of a long history of hypaesthesia of the leg and a drop foot. Eleven patients who had PLIF exhibited bony fusion at final follow‐up.

Conclusions

Early operative treatment should be performed on patients after a brief trial of conservative treatment. A proper surgical operation must be based on the type and location of the separated bony fragment and clinical symptoms.
Is Pelvic Obliquity Related to Degenerative Scoliosis?
Authors: Radcliff Kristen E , Orozco Fabio , Molby Nicholas , Chen Eric , Sidhu Gursukhman S , Vaccaro Alexander R , Ong Alvin
Published: August 2013

Objective

The hypothesis of this study is that pelvic obliquity (PO) is associated with specific patterns of degenerative scoliosis.

Methods

This study was a retrospective case series of consecutive patients undergoing fusion for lumbar conditions (degenerative scoliosis or spondylolisthesis). The discrepancy in the iliac crest height, coronal L1‐S1 endplate angles, distance from L1 coronal bisector to the sacral center, number of degenerative scoliosis curves, and individual curve angulations were measured.

Results

Limb length discrepancy was present in 87% of patients with a degenerative scoliosis. There were 116 patients with a single curve > 5° and PO > 2 cm. Of the patients with a single curve, the apex of scoliosis was opposite the high iliac crest side in 79% patients. There were 338 patients with a double curve. The apex of scoliosis was opposite the high iliac crest side in 48% of patients.

Conclusion

There were distinct patterns of limb length discrepancy corresponding to degenerative scoliotic curve morphology. In patients with single degenerative scoliotic curves, PO most commonly appeared to counteract the scoliotic curve and result in an overall decrease in trunk shift. This occurred because the high iliac crest was observed most commonly on the convex side of the scoliotic curve. This effect was not observed in double lumbar degenerative scoliotic curves.
Surgical Management for Avulsion Fracture of the Calcaneal Tuberosity
Authors: Yu Guang‐rong , Pang Qing‐jiang , Yu Xiao , Chen Da‐wei , Yang Yun‐feng , Li Bing , Zhou Jia‐qian
Published: August 2013

Objective

To discuss the operative methods and curative effect of calcaneal tuberosity fracture.

Methods

A retrospective study was done to analyze 15 patients with calcaneal tuberosity fracture who received surgical management between January 2008 and June 2011. There were nine males and six females, with the age ranging from 31 to 68 years (average, 51.4 years). All the patients had unilateral acute injury, with the left foot in 7 cases and the right foot in 8 cases. According to the Beavis classification, there were three cases in type I and 12 cases in type II. All the cases in type I and 10 cases in type II were treated with open reduction and screw fixation. The other two cases in type II with larger fragment involving a portion of the subtalar joint were treated with plate and screw fixation. The effect of the treatment was assessed according to the ankle and hindfoot score system of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) after the operation.

Results

Ten patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months (average, 20 months). The healing time in these patients ranged from 8 to 25 weeks (average, 12 weeks). The postoperative score ranged from 47 to 100 points (average, 91.1 points). Seven cases were rated as excellent, two as good, and one as poor. The rate of excellent and good was 90%. Necrosis of skin and soft tissue and exposure of the plate happened in one patient, who eventually healed after 3 weeks by debridement with plate preserved and peroneal artery perforator flap transplantation. Loss of reduction happened to another patient, who was treated with revision surgery by open reduction and screw fixation again.

Conclusion

To patients with obvious fracture displacement, whose soft tissues are irritated severely, emergency open reduction and internal fixation operation should be offered to prevent the necrosis of the flaps as far as possible. To patients with small fractures, it is advisable to choose open reduction and large diameter screw fixation, while plate and screw fixation may be better for the patients with large fragments, especially for those with the fracture line extending to the subtalar joint.
Kinetics of xylem loading, membrane potential maintenance, and sensitivity of K+‐permeable channels to reactive oxygen species: physiological traits that differentiate salinity tolerance between pea and barley
Authors: BOSE JAYAKUMAR , SHABALA LANA , POTTOSIN IGOR , ZENG FANRONG , VELARDE‐BUENDÍA ANA‐MARIA , MASSART AMANDINE , POSCHENRIEDER CHARLOTTE , HARIADI YUDA , SHABALA SERGEY
Published: August 2013

Salt sensitive (pea) and salt tolerant (barley) species were used to understand the physiological basis of differential salinity tolerance in crops. Pea plants were much more efficient in restoring otherwise depolarized membrane potential thereby effectively decreasing K+ efflux through depolarization‐activated outward rectifying potassium channels. At the same time, pea root apex was 10‐fold more sensitive to physiologically relevant H2O2 concentration and accumulated larger amounts of H2O2 under saline conditions. This resulted in a rapid loss of cell viability in the pea root apex. Barley plants rapidly loaded Na+ into the xylem; this increase was only transient, and xylem and leaf Na+ concentration remained at a steady level for weeks. On the contrary, pea plants restricted xylem Na+ loading during the first few days of treatment but failed to prevent shoot Na+ elevation in the long term. It is concluded that superior salinity tolerance of barley plants compared with pea is conferred by at least three different mechanisms: (1) efficient control of xylem Na+ loading; (2) efficient control of H2O2 accumulation and reduced sensitivity of non‐selective cation channels to H2O2 in the root apex; and (3) higher energy saving efficiency, with less ATP spent to maintain membrane potential under saline conditions.