bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disruption of TSC1/2 signaling complex reveals a checkpoint governing thymic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T‐cell development in mice
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Lianjun , Zhang Hongbing , Xiao Yi , Shao Lijuan , Li Hongran , Yin Hui , Wang Ruoyu , Liu Guangwei , Corley Douglas , Yang Zhongzhou , Zhao Yong
Published: July 2013

Thymic‐derived CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ natural regulatory T (nTreg) cells are essential for the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance. Signaling pathways that drive immature thymic progenitors to differentiate into CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTreg cells need to be elucidated. The precise role of the TSC1/2 complex, a critical negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), in thymic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTreg‐cell develop ment remains elusive. In the present study, we found that the percentage and cell number of thymic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTreg cells were significantly increased in T‐cell‐specific TSC1‐knockout (TSC1KO) mice. Nevertheless, the levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3– nTreg precursors in TSC1KO thymus were indistinguishable from those in wild‐type mice. TSC1KO CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTreg cells showed normal cell death but enhanced proliferative response to IL‐2 in a STAT5‐dependent manner. Rapamycin (Rapa) treatment failed to rescue but rather increased the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTreg cells in TSC1KO and RictorKO mice. The percentage and cell number of thymic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTreg cells were significantly increased in T‐cell‐specific RictorKO mice but not in PtenKO mice. Collectively, our studies suggest that TSC1 plays an important role in regulating thymic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ nTreg‐cell development via a Rapa‐resistant and mTORC2‐dependent signaling pathway.—Chen, H, Zhang, L., Zhang, H., Xiao, Y., Shao, L., Li, H., Yin, H., Wang, R., Liu, G., Corley, D., Yang, Z., Zhao, Y., Disruption of TSC1/2 signaling complex reveals a checkpoint governing thymic CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T‐cell development in mice. FASEB J. 27, 3979–3990 (2013). www.fasebj.org
Sexual conflict and the function of genitalic claws in guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Kwan Lucia , Cheng Yun Yun , Rodd F. Helen , Rowe Locke
Published: July 2013

Poeciliid fish, freshwater fish with internal fertilization, are known for the diversity of structures on the male intromittent organ, the gonopodium. Prominent among these, in some species, is a pair of claws at its tip. We conducted a manipulative study of these claws in the guppy,Poecilia reticulata, to determine if these aid in transferring sperm to resistant females. We compared the sperm transfer rates of clawed versus surgically declawed males attempting to mate with either receptive or unreceptive (i.e. resistant) females. Our analyses demonstrate that the gonopodial claws function to increase sperm transfer to unreceptive females during uncooperative matings but not during receptive matings. Up to threefold more sperm were transferred to unreceptive females by clawed than declawed males. These data suggest that the claw is a sexually antagonistic trait, functioning to aid in transferring sperm to resistant females, and implicate sexual conflict as a selective force in the diversification of the gonopodium in the Poeciliidae.
A hybrid approach to simulation of electron transfer in complex molecular systems
Authors: Kubař Tomáš , Elstner Marcus
Published: July 2013

Electron transfer (ET) reactions in biomolecular systems represent an important class of processes at the interface of physics, chemistry and biology. The theoretical description of these reactions constitutes a huge challenge because extensive systems require a quantum-mechanical treatment and a broad range of time scales are involved. Thus, only small model systems may be investigated with the modern density functional theory techniques combined with non-adiabatic dynamics algorithms. On the other hand, model calculations based on Marcus's seminal theory describe the ET involving several assumptions that may not always be met. We review a multi-scale method that combines a non-adiabatic propagation scheme and a linear scaling quantum-chemical method with a molecular mechanics force field in such a way that an unbiased description of the dynamics of excess electron is achieved and the number of degrees of freedom is reduced effectively at the same time. ET reactions taking nanoseconds in systems with hundreds of quantum atoms can be simulated, bridging the gap between non-adiabatic
ab initio
simulations and model approaches such as the Marcus theory. A major recent application is hole transfer in DNA, which represents an archetypal ET reaction in a polarizable medium. Ongoing work focuses on hole transfer in proteins, peptides and organic semi-conductors.
Flight loss linked to faster molecular evolution in insects
Authors: Mitterboeck T. Fatima , Adamowicz Sarah J.
Published: July 2013

The loss of flight ability has occurred thousands of times independently during insect evolution. Flight loss may be linked to higher molecular evolutionary rates because of reductions in effective population sizes (
N
e
) and relaxed selective constraints. Reduced dispersal ability increases population subdivision, may decrease geographical range size and increases (sub)population extinction risk, thus leading to an expected reduction in
N
e
. Additionally, flight loss in birds has been linked to higher molecular rates of energy-related genes, probably owing to relaxed selective constraints on energy metabolism. We tested for an association between insect flight loss and molecular rates through comparative analysis in 49 phylogenetically independent transitions spanning multiple taxa, including moths, flies, beetles, mayflies, stick insects, stoneflies, scorpionflies and caddisflies, using available nuclear and mitochondrial protein-coding DNA sequences. We estimated the rate of molecular evolution of flightless (FL) and related flight-capable lineages by ratios of non-synonymous-to-synonymous substitutions (d
N
/d
S
) and overall substitution rates (OSRs). Across multiple instances of flight loss, we show a significant pattern of higher d
N
/d
S
ratios and OSRs in FL lineages in mitochondrial but not nuclear genes. These patterns may be explained by relaxed selective constraints in FL ectotherms relating to energy metabolism, possibly in combination with reduced
N
e
.
White-beam X-ray radioscopy and tomography with simultaneous diffraction at the EDDI beamline
Authors: García-Moreno F. , Jiménez C. , Kamm P. H. , Klaus M. , Wagener G. , Banhart J. , Genzel Ch.
Published: July 2013

A set-up for simultaneous imaging and diffraction that yields radiograms with up to 200 frames per second and 5.6 µm effective pixel size is presented. Tomograms and diffractograms are acquired together in 10 s. Two examples illustrate the attractiveness of combining these methods at the EDDI beamline forin situstudies.
Local study of fissure caries by Fourier transform infrared microscopy and X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation
Authors: Seredin Pavel , Kashkarov Vladimir , Lukin Anatoliy , Ippolitov Yury , Julian Robert , Doyle Stephen
Published: July 2013

Investigations of intact dental enamel as well as carious-affected human dental enamel were performed using infrared spectromicroscopy and X-ray diffraction applying synchrotron radiation. Caries of enamel was shown to be characterized by an increase in the number of deformation and valence vibrations for N—C—O, N—H and C=O bonds, a decrease of the crystallinity index, and by the absence of the preferable orientation of hydroxyapatite crystals within the affected enamel. This indicates the presence of destructive processes in the organic matrix of hard tooth tissues.
Constraints, concerns and considerations about the necessity of estimating free glucocorticoid concentrations for field endocrine studies
Authors: Schoech Stephan J. , Romero L. Michael , Moore Ignacio T. , Bonier Frances
Published: July 2013

We evaluate the utility of measuring corticosteroid‐binding globulins (CBG) and estimating free glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations for field endocrine studies. We assert that for three general reasons, measurement of free GCs might not be more useful than total GCs for many studies.

First, estimates of so‐called ‘free’ GCs are likely inaccurate, in part because of the following: (i) other factors in the blood also bind GCs, (ii) CBG binds plasma steroids other than GCs and (iii) CBG binding affinity can vary with local conditions, such as enzymatic activity and tissue temperature.

Second, evidence suggests an active role for CBG‐bound GCs, CBG or both, in the vertebrate stress response, calling into question the validity and generality of the free hormone hypothesis.

Third, free and total GCs function over different time frames. Free GCs are likely important in the seconds‐to‐minutes time‐scale of interaction with tissues, but total GCs could function at minutes‐to‐hours time‐scales by serving as the reservoir to continue supplying GCs to tissues. As transcription regulators, most GC effects manifest in hours; thus, total GCs would be the most appropriate measure for estimating total biological impact.

Our understanding of the biochemistry and the biological actions of both GCs and CBG indicates that total GC concentrations are currently less prone to error and more biologically interpretable than estimates of free hormone. Although further work is necessary, total GC titres currently remain the most accurate and informative estimates of stress hormone levels to address biological questions in nature.
Modelling the spatial spread of a homing endonuclease gene in a mosquito population
Authors: North Ace , Burt Austin , Godfray H. Charles J.
Published: July 2013

Homing endonuclease genes (HEGs) exist naturally in many single‐celled organisms and can show extremely strong genetic drive allowing them to spread through populations into which they are introduced. They are being investigated as tools to manipulate the populations of important vectors of human disease, in particular the mosquitoes that transmit malaria. Before HEGs can be deployed, it is important to study their spatial spread in order to design efficient release strategies.

A spatially explicit model is developed to study the spread of a HEG through a landscape whose structure is defined by the distribution of mosquito breeding and feeding sites. The model is motivated by the biology of the major vectors of malaria in Africa. The conditions for spread, fixation and loss of two major types of HEG are explored in different landscapes.

In landscapes where mosquito resources are abundant, the conditions for spread are well approximated by a mean‐field model. Where a HEG imposes a genetic load, it can cause population extinction, though spatial models more often predict population suppression.

In certain types of landscapes where mosquito resources are rare, an introduced HEG may be prevented from moving between local mosquito populations and so a simple release strategy is unlikely to be effective, yet if the HEG succeeds in spreading population extinction is a feasible outcome. Increasing the number of release sites at the expense of releasing fewer mosquitoes per site reduces the probability that a HEG will fail.

Synthesis and applications. The model presented asks for the first time how the spatial structure of mosquito populations will influence the effectiveness of a technology that is being rapidly developed for vector control. If homing endonuclease genes (HEGs) are to be used in this way, we have qualified the importance of accounting for landscape characteristics in both the execution and the expectation of their application. The next stage is to use the model to study the spread of HEGs through real landscapes where releases may take place, something that will be facilitated by the results of the present study.
Dynamics of Ninhydrin‐Reactive Nitrogen and pH in Gravesoil During the Extended Postmortem Interval
Authors: Anderson Brianna , Meyer Jessica , Carter David O.
Published: July 2013

Estimating the postmortem interval of skeletal remains is difficult, as few tools exist to do so. To address this problem, we conducted a field experiment to measure the chemistry of swine (Sus scrofa domesticus Linnaeus) gravesoil after 1 year and 3 years postmortem. Carcasses were placed on the soil surface of a pasture during June in a cold (Dfa) climate. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in ninhydrin‐reactive nitrogen, pH, total nitrogen, and nitrate in gravesoil were detected 1 year postmortem. Significant differences in gravesoil chemistry were not detected 3 years postmortem. These observations coincided with gaps in plant growth 1 year postmortem and the development of lush vegetation 3 years postmortem. We conclude that these phenomena can be used to assist the decision‐making process regarding the allocation of resources during the early stages of a death investigation.
Tattoos and Human Identification: Investigation into the Use of X‐Ray and Infrared Radiation in the Visualization of Tattoos
Authors: Clarkson Helen , Birch Wendy
Published: July 2013

Any person with a tattoo known to their family or friends could potentially be identified from the presence of such personal identifying markers. Problems in identification utilizing tattoos may arise when these markers are removed or defaced in some way. This paper uses infrared wavelengths at 760, 850, and 950 nm to improve the visualization of laser‐removed or covered up tattoos and also to establish whether the ink pigments used can be observed on radiographs from any metal that may be present. The results obtained indicate that some older inks have a high enough metallic content to allow them to be viewed on a radiograph, while infrared light can demonstrate latent ink still present in the skin after laser removal and can also be utilized to distinguish an original tattoo through a secondary “cover‐up” tattoo. Infrared photography and radiography have been shown to improve tattoo visualization in a forensic context.
What knowledge, skills and attitudes should strategic HRM students acquire? A Delphi study
Authors: Coetzer Alan , Sitlington Helen
Published: July 2013

Much work has been done to identify competencies that HR practitioners need for a strategic HR role. However, little attention has been paid to the knowledge, skills and attitudes (KSAs) required of graduates entering the strategic HRM (SHRM) field. This study focuses on this area of neglect by employing the Delphi method to address the question: What core KSAs should SHRM students acquire? Three sequential questionnaires were administered to elicit opinions of leading academics and senior HR practitioners on KSAs that are important and to build consensus on the core KSAs. These provide a framework to inform the design of curricula for undergraduate and postgraduate SHRM units that, with further workplace learning, will assist aspiring practitioners develop the KSAs to enact strategic HR roles.
Giant solitary fibrous tumor of the lung: A case report
Authors: Xiao Ping , Sun Linlin , Zhong Diansheng , Lian Linjuan , Xu Dongbo
Published: July 2013

A solitary fibrous tumor arising from the lung parenchyma is rarely described. Here, we present the clinical, imaging, and histological features of a case of a 54‐year‐old woman with an incidental lung mass of the right lower lobe on a chest radiograph.
Predicting the outcomes of a tri‐trophic interaction between an indigenous parasitoid and an exotic herbivorous pest and its host plants
Authors: Wang X.G. , Hogg B.N. , Levy K. , Daane K. M.
Published: July 2013

Understanding the novel ecological interactions that result from biological invasions is a critical issue in modern ecology and evolution as well as pest management. Introduced herbivorous insects may interact with native plants and indigenous natural enemies, creating novel tri‐trophic interactions. To help predict the potential outcomes of novel interactions, we investigated the behavioural and physiological responses of an indigenous generalist parasitoid (Habrobracon gelechiae) to an introduced generalist herbivore (the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana) and its new host plants in California. We first examined the parasitoid's host location and acceptance on a range of nine common host plants of the moth representing distinctly different geographic origins and morphologies (to examine the effect of a known toxic plant on the parasitoid's performance, an additional toxic plant species was also tested that the moth consumes in the laboratory but does not naturally attack). The parasitoid was able to locate the host larvae on all plants equally well, although clutch size was affected by host plant. We then determined fitness of the moth and the parasitoid on four representative plants. The moth larvae suffered higher mortality and a slower developmental rate on the known toxic plant than on the other three plants, but the parasitoid's fitness correlates did not differ between the host food plants. These results show a high level of plasticity in the indigenous generalist parasitoid in its ability to exploit the exotic host on a wide range of host plants, generating an invasion‐driven novel tri‐trophic interaction.
Heat shock factor 1 mediates the longevity conferred by inhibition of TOR and insulin/IGF‐1 signaling pathways in C. elegans
Authors: Seo Keunhee , Choi Eunseok , Lee Dongyeop , Jeong Dae‐Eun , Jang Sung Key , Lee Seung‐Jae
Published: July 2013

Target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling is an evolutionarily well‐conserved pathway that regulates various physiologic processes, including aging and metabolism. One of the key downstream components of TOR signaling is ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) whose inhibition extends the lifespan of yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Here, we demonstrate that the activation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF‐1), a crucial longevity transcription factor known to act downstream of the insulin/IGF‐1 signaling (IIS) pathway, mediates the prolonged lifespan conferred by mutations in C. elegans S6K (rsks‐1). We found that hsf‐1 is required for the longevity caused by down‐regulation of components in TOR signaling pathways, including TOR and S6K. The induction of a small heat‐shock protein hsp‐16, a transcriptional target of HSF‐1, mediates the long lifespan of rsks‐1 mutants. Moreover, we show that synergistic activation of HSF‐1 is required for the further enhanced longevity caused by simultaneous down‐regulation of TOR and IIS pathways. Our findings suggest that HSF‐1 acts as an essential longevity factor that intersects both IIS and TOR signaling pathways.
A dual role of the Wnt signaling pathway during aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lezzerini Marco , Budovskaya Yelena
Published: July 2013

Wnt signaling is a major and highly conserved developmental pathway that guides many important events during embryonic and larval development. In adulthood, misregulation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in tumorigenesis and various age‐related diseases. These effects occur through highly complicated cell‐to‐cell interactions mediated by multiple Wnt‐secreted proteins. While they share a high degree of sequence similarity, their function is highly diversified. Although the role of Wnt ligands during development is well studied, very little is known about the possible actions of Wnt signaling in natural aging. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans serves, for the first time, as a model system to determine the role of Wnt ligands in aging. Caenorhabditis elegans has five Wnt proteins, mom‐2, egl‐20, lin‐44, cwn‐1, and cwn‐2. We show that all five Wnt ligands are expressed and active past the development stages. The ligand mom‐2/Wnt plays a major detrimental role in longevity, whereas the function of lin‐44/Wnt is beneficial for long life. Interestingly, no evidence was found for Wnt signaling being involved in cellular or oxidative stress responses during aging. Our results suggest that Wnt signaling regulates aging‐intrinsic genetic pathways, opening a new research direction on the role of Wnt signaling in aging and age‐related diseases.
Clinical results of 40 years of paediatric keratoplasty in a single university eye clinic
Authors: Hovlykke Maria , Hjortdal Jesper , Ehlers Niels , Nielsen Kim
Published: July 2013

Purpose:  To evaluate indications for paediatric keratoplasty in recipients aged ≤16 years and assess long‐term clinical outcome.

Method:  Recipients were identified from records of the Danish Cornea Bank. Data were collected from patient journals, clinical follow‐up examinations and questionnaires and stratified into pre‐, peri‐ and postoperative variables. Diagnoses were classified into acquired traumatic, acquired nontraumatic and congenital groups. Recipients were divided into groups of <8 and ≥8 years. Data were analyzed using relative percentages and Kaplan–Meier survival plots.

Results:  Thirty‐three out of sixty identified recipients (73 keratoplasties in 63 eyes) were invited. Twenty‐four accepted, seven still attended follow‐up in our clinic. Follow‐up data reached 95% of the eligible recipients (median follow‐up 11 years). Twenty‐three per cent were <8 years and 77%≤8 years. Diagnoses were mainly acquired nontraumatic (69%), acquired traumatic (12%) and congenital (7%). Indications were primarily optical (52%) or tectonic (41%). Graft survival was best in the acquired nontraumatic group (except regrafts) (median survival 15–20 years) and poorest in the regraft subgroup as well as the acquired traumatic and congenital groups (median survival 1–2 years). Graft failure was higher in the youngest with predisposing risk factors and in combined procedures. In terms of indications, visual improvement and eye preservation was achieved in 70%.

Conclusion:  Paediatric keratoplasty was successful regarding indication. Graft survival was best in the acquired nontraumatic group and poorest in the congenital group. Vascularization and/or combined risk factors, additional surgeries and young recipient age influenced negatively on graft survival.
Candida albicans colonization on an intragastric balloon
Authors: Kotzampassi Katerina , Vasilaki Olga , Stefanidou Christina , Grosomanidis Vasilis
Published: July 2013

Here we present the case of Candida albicans colonization on an intragastric balloon placed for weight loss. A 52‐year‐old obese woman achieved a BMI reduction of 10.9 kg/m2 within 7 months as a result of a BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon and a well‐balanced, low‐calorie diet. During endoscopy for balloon removal, the balloon, which was well impacted in the gastric fundus, was found to be lime green in color with clusters of cone‐shaped cultures on its surface. Microbiology assessment revealed the presence of Candida albicans, although the patient was totally asymptomatic.
Laparoscopic correction of right transverse colostomy prolapse
Authors: Gundogdu Gokhan , Topuz Ufuk , Umutoglu Tarik
Published: July 2013

Colostomy prolapse is a frequently seen complication of transverse colostomy. In one child with recurrent stoma prolapse, we performed a loop‐to‐loop fixation and peritoneal tethering laparoscopically. No prolapse had recurred at follow‐up. Laparoscopic repair of transverse colostomy prolapse seems to be a less invasive method than other techniques.
Sigmoid volvulus after laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon cancer
Authors: Sadatomo Ai , Miyakura Yasuyuki , Zuiki Toru , Koinuma Koji , Horie Hisanaga , Lefor Alan T , Yasuda Yoshikazu
Published: July 2013

We report the first case of sigmoid volvulus after laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. The patient is a 75‐year‐old man who presented with the sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. He had undergone laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for cancer 2 years before presentation. CT scan showed a distended sigmoid colon with a mesenteric twist, or “whirl sign.” Colonoscopy showed a mucosal spiral and luminal stenosis with dilated sigmoid colon distally and ischemic mucosa. The diagnosis of ischemic colonic necrosis due to sigmoid volvulus was established. Resection of the necrotic sigmoid colon was performed and a descending colon stoma was created. A long remnant sigmoid colon and chronic constipation may contribute to the development of sigmoid volvulus after laparoscopic sigmoidectomy. Prompt diagnosis is essential for adequate treatment, and colonoscopy aids in the diagnosis of ischemic changes in patients without definitive findings of a gangrenous colon.
Laparoscopic mesh repair of parahiatal hernia: A case report
Authors: Lew Pei Shi , Wong Andrew Siang Yih
Published: July 2013

We report a case of a primary parahiatal hernia that was repaired laparoscopically with a composite mesh. A 51‐year‐old woman presented with vomiting and epigastric pain. CT scan showed a giant paraesophageal hernia with intrathoracic gastric volvulus. Intraoperatively, a diaphragmatic muscular defect was found lateral to an attenuated left crus of the diaphragm, distinct from the normal esophageal hiatus. The defect ring was fibrotic, making a tension‐free primary repair difficult. A laparoscopic mesh repair was performed with a composite mesh, which was covered with the hernia sac to prevent potential erosion into the esophagus or stomach. Recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 5 days postoperatively. She remained asymptomatic at subsequent follow‐up. Laparoscopic repair of parahiatal hernia can be safely performed. In circumstances where a large or fibrotic defect prevents a tension‐free primary repair, the use of a composite mesh can provide effective repair of the hernia.
Patients and health care professionals: Partners in health care in Croatia?
Authors: Milosevic Milan , Brborovic Hana , Mustajbegovic Jadranka , Montgomery Anthony
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To explore quality in hospitals from the patients’ and health care professionals’ perspective in line with Act on the Protection of Patient Rights.

Design

A qualitative study using a focus group design and semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

Three focus groups among health care professionals were conducted with 51 participants: 24 nurses and medical technicians, 15 physicians, 12 residents, followed by additional interviews (20 nurses and medical technicians, 10 physicians, and 2 residents). Twenty patients were interviewed at the time of their discharge from the hospital. Collected data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Patients identified waiting for medical treatments/procedures as the most concerning factor, followed by changes in administration procedures and admission in hospitals. From the physicians’ and nurses’ perspective, the main topics were inadequate resources to work with and inadequate working environment. Residents emphasized administration and lack of adequate equipment in contrast to other health care professionals. Both patients and health care professionals identified similar organizational and administrative issues impacting on service delivery.

Conclusions

Health care providers and patients equally recognize the factors that impact upon quality of care. This problem is beyond the health care professionals’ possibility to solve, which is the main source of stress and burnout that influence the quality of care. These factors cannot be overcome, by either health care professionals or patient organizations working alone. Greater partnership between health providers and patient associations is needed.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Healthcare providers and patients have the same goal: good quality of care and safety.

Croatia has undergone significant socio‐economic and political changes, which have affected the organization of the health care system.

The patient experience is positively associated with clinical effectiveness and patient safety.

What does this study add?

From the perspective of patients and health professionals the main concern regarding quality of care is the organization of work in hospitals.

Croatian patients and health professionals show considerable agreement with regard to the administrative problems in hospitals.

Solutions that include only efforts on the part of the health care worker will fail.
Psychoanalysis And Homosexuality: Keeping The Discussion Moving
Authors: Newbigin Juliet
Published: July 2013

This paper contributes to the debate following the British Psychoanalytic Council's 2012 conference, ‘Homosexuality and Psychoanalysis: Moving On’ and their Position Statement on Homosexuality. After two world wars psychoanalysts, concerned to establish the credentials of their discipline, sought a more settled definition of sexual ‘normality’ than that of Freud, which ‘naturalized’ a heterosexual view of gender difference. Extending one aspect of Freud's thinking, homosexuality became accepted as evidence of a developmental retreat, even as a fixation at the oral stage of relating. As an identity founded on rejection of the reproductive ‘reality’ of the body, it was seen as a borderline condition. An individual who did not regard it as a problem to be cured was understood to be maintaining a perverse denial of their pathology. Same sex object‐choice was narcissistic and led to the formation of unstable patterns of relating. In this paper I hope to show that psychoanalysis has in the past developed a theoretical bias that has distorted its view of the experience of lesbians and gay men and, in detecting and questioning this bias, we have an opportunity to make our discipline more open and responsive to the complex society we live in.
Report of the Japan Diabetes Society/Japanese Cancer Association joint committee on diabetes and cancer
Authors: Kasuga Masato , Ueki Kohjiro , Tajima Naoko , Noda Mitsuhiko , Ohashi Ken , Noto Hiroshi , Goto Atsushi , Ogawa Wataru , Sakai Ryuichi , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Nakagama Hitoshi , Tajima Kazuo , Miyazono Kohei , Imai Kohzoh
Published: July 2013

In recent years, diabetes has been shown to be associated with cancer risk, and this has led to a joint committee being formed, enlisting experts from the Japan Diabetes Society and the Japanese Cancer Association to address this issue. Epidemiological data in Japan provides evidence to demonstrate that diabetes is associated with increased risk for cancers, especially colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. The mechanisms through which diabetes is assumed to promote oncogenesis include insulin resistance and associated hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and inflammation. Common risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cancer include aging, male sex, obesity, physical inactivity, inappropriate diet (excessive red/processed meat intake, inadequate vegetable/fruit/dietary fiber intake), excessive alcohol drinking, and smoking. Given that inappropriate diet/exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol drinking are common risk factors for diabetes and cancer, diet/exercise therapy, smoking cessation and alcohol moderation may be associated with decreased risk for cancer in diabetic patients. There is as yet limited evidence as to whether any particular antidiabetic agents may influence cancer risk.
A Novel Dental Implant Guided Surgery Based on Integration of Surgical Template and Augmented Reality
Authors: Lin Yen‐Kun , Yau Hong‐Tzong , Wang I‐Chung , Zheng Cheng , Chung Kwok‐Hung
Published: July 2013

Background

Stereoscopic visualization concept combined with head‐mounted displays may increase the accuracy of computer‐aided implant surgery.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop an augmented reality‐based dental implant placement system and evaluate the accuracy of the virtually planned versus the actual prepared implant site created in vitro.

Materials and Methods

Four fully edentulous mandibular and four partially edentulous maxillary duplicated casts were used. Six implants were planned in the mandibular and four in the maxillary casts. A total of 40 osteotomy sites were prepared in the casts using stereolithographic template integrated with augmented reality‐based surgical simulation. During the surgery, the dentist could be guided accurately through a head‐mounted display by superimposing the virtual auxiliary line and the drill stop. The deviation between planned and prepared positions of the implants was measured via postoperative computer tomography generated scan images.

Results

Mean and standard deviation of the discrepancy between planned and prepared sites at the entry point, apex, angle, depth, and lateral locations were 0.50 ± 0.33 mm, 0.96 ± 0.36 mm, 2.70 ± 1.55°, 0.33 ± 0.27 mm, and 0.86 ± 0.34 mm, respectively, for the fully edentulous mandible, and 0.46 ± 0.20 mm, 1.23 ± 0.42 mm, 3.33 ± 1.42°, 0.48 ± 0.37 mm, and 1.1 ± 0.39 mm, respectively, for the partially edentulous maxilla. There was a statistically significant difference in the apical deviation between maxilla and mandible in this surgical simulation (p < .05).

Conclusions

Deviation of implant placement from planned position was significantly reduced by integrating surgical template and augmented reality technology.
Predicting species distribution at range margins: testing the effects of study area extent, resolution and threshold selection in the Sahara–Sahel transition zone
Authors: Vale Cândida G. , Tarroso Pedro , Brito José C.
Published: July 2013

Aim

Compare the performance of continental and regional models in predicting species distributions at range margins. Selection of study area extent, resolution and threshold affects ecological model predictions. At range margins of species distribution, local populations may be restricted to suboptimal environments distinct from the species' global range, which may be missed by continental models.

Location

Africa and West Africa.

Methods

We analysed differences in predicted distributions at range margins of three widespread African species that in West Africa occur in peripheral populations restricted to particular habitats. We made comparisons between models built with data from the complete and restricted range of species' distributions (Africa and West Africa, respectively), with coarse and fine resolutions (10 × 10 km and 1 × 1 km, respectively), and classified with three thresholds of species presence (minimum training presence, 10th percentile training presence and maximum training sensitivity plus specificity thresholds). We predicted the species' distributions and quantified environmental variable importance and profile using maximum entropy and estimated niche breadth parameters with ecological niche factor analysis.

Results

We found differences between model types in niche breadth estimates and also in response curves of the most important variables, suggesting that fine resolution models are more accurate at selecting marginal habitats in West Africa than in Africa. The predictions of species distributions differed with model extent, resolution and threshold analysed. Models built with the complete species environmental range and with coarse resolution tended to overestimate species distributions at the edge, but accuracy increased when more restrictive thresholds were used. In West Africa, independently of the resolution, the threshold value was less important for maximizing agreement between predicted probabilities and observed distribution.

Main conclusions

At range margins of species distributions, regional models with precise data and conservative thresholds should be preferred over continental models with coarser resolution to identify suitable areas for peripheral populations.
Cerebellar networks with basal ganglia: feasibility for tracking cerebello‐pallidal and subthalamo‐cerebellar projections in the human brain
Authors: Pelzer Esther Annegret , Hintzen Andreas , Goldau Mathias , von Cramon Detlev Yves , Timmermann Lars , Tittgemeyer Marc
Published: July 2013

Neuroanatomical studies using transneuronal virus tracers in macaque monkeys recently demonstrated that substantial interactions exist between basal ganglia and the cerebellum. To what extent these interactions are present in the human brain remains unclear; however, these connections are thought to provide an important framework for understanding cerebellar contributions to the manifestation of basal ganglia disorders, especially with respect to tremor genesis in movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Here, we tested the feasibility of assessing these connections in vivo and non‐invasively in the human brain with diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and tractography. After developing a standardized protocol for manual segmentation of basal ganglia and cerebellar structures, masks for diffusion tractography were defined based on structural magnetic resonance images. We tested intra‐ and inter‐observer stability and carried out tractography for dentato‐pallidal and subthalamo‐cerebellar projections. After robustly achieving connection probabilities per tract, the connectivity values and connectional fingerprints were calculated in a group of healthy volunteers. Probabilistic diffusion tractography was applicable to probe the inter‐connection of the cerebellum and basal ganglia. Our data confirmed that dentato‐thalamo‐striato‐pallidal and subthalamo‐cerebellar connections also exist in the human brain at a level similar to those that were recently suggested by transneuronal tracing studies in non‐human primates. Standardized segmentation protocols made these findings reproducible with high stability. We have demonstrated that diffusion tractography in humans in vivo is capable of revealing the structural bases of cerebellar networks with the basal ganglia. These findings support the role of the cerebellum as a satellite system of established cortico‐basal ganglia networks in humans.
Myoclonic epilepsy in infancy: An electroclinical study and long‐term follow‐up of 38 patients
Authors: Caraballo Roberto H. , Flesler Santiago , Pasteris María Constanza , Lopez Avaria María Francisca , Fortini Sebastian , Vilte Carolina
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (MEI) is characterized by brief generalized myoclonic seizures associated with generalized spike‐wave paroxysms without other seizure types occurring in the first 3 years of life in developmentally normal children. In this study we analyze the electroclinical features, treatment, and outcome of 38 patients withMEI.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted in 38 patients followed at the Neurology Department of the Pediatric Hospital Juan P. Garrahan in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 1990 and 2012.

Key Findings

A total of 24 boys and 14 girls were identified. The mean and median ages at seizure onset were 16 and 18 months, respectively (range 3–40 months). Ten patients (28.9%) had a family history of epilepsy, and six (15.8%) had a family history of febrile seizures. All patients had several daily brief and isolated myoclonic seizures during wakefulness and predominantly in the first two stages of sleep. Twelve children (31.5%) had reflex myoclonus, triggered by a tactile stimulus in 10 and additionally by noise and light in 2. The remaining two had photosensitive myoclonic jerks. The interictal electroencephalography (EEG) recordings evidenced generalized spike waves, polyspikes, and polyspike‐wave paroxysms. The interictalEEGwas normal in 12 patients. The abnormalities on the ictalEEGwere similar to those on the interictalEEG. Most of the patients responded well to valproic acid. After a mean follow‐up of 13.5 years, 24 patients (63%) were without treatment. At the last examination, 32 patients had normal neurologic and neuropsychological evaluations. Two patients (5.2%) had significant cognitive impairment (anIQof 60 and 63, respectively) despite good seizure control. Four patients (10.4%) had significant learning impairment, two of whom also had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Significance

MEIis a well‐defined epileptic syndrome of unknown etiology, but likely of a genetic cause. It is self‐limited and pharmacosensitive mainly to valproic acid.
Hip fracture risk factors and the discriminability of hip fracture risk vary by age: A case–control study
Authors: Anpalahan Mahesan , Morrison Stewart G , Gibson Stephen J
Published: July 2013

Aims

To determine the important risk factors for hip fracture and the discriminability of hip fracture risk in different age cohorts (≤80 years, >80 years).

Methods

Consecutive admissions of hip fracture over 24 months in those aged >60 years, and an age‐ and sex‐matched control derived from admissions under a medical unit were prospectively assessed. The risk factors and the discriminabilty of hip fracture risk by age were investigated for each sex in univariate and multivariate models. The area under the curve (AUC) statistics from the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to estimate the ability of the independent risk factors to discriminate hip fracture risk.

Results

The important risk factors in women aged ≤80 years were lower bodyweight, previous osteoporotic fracture, hip fracture in first‐degree relatives and lower plasma 25OHD, and their discriminative effect was (AUC) 0.69. Previous osteoporotic fracture and lower plasma 25OHD were the important risk factors in men aged ≤80 years, with a discriminative effect of 0.83. In the >80‐year age cohorts, only falls was independently associated with hip fracture in both sexes, with discriminative effects of 0.60 and 0.62 in females and males, respectively.

Conclusions

The overall discrimination of hip fracture risk appears less adequate in those aged >80 years when compared with those aged ≤80 years. Although skeletal factors have a greater risk association with hip fracture in patients aged ≤80 years, it is falls that is important in those aged >80 years. The relative importance of risk factors also appears to vary between the sexes in those aged ≤80 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 413–419.
Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and histological changes in non‐neoplastic pancreas associated with neoadjuvant therapy in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chatterjee Deyali , Katz Matthew H , Rashid Asif , Estrella Jeannelyn S , Wang Hua , Varadhachary Gauri R , Wolff Robert A , Lee Jeffrey E , Pisters Peter W , Abbruzzese James L , Fleming Jason B , Wang Huamin
Published: July 2013

Aims

To study the histological changes in non‐neoplastic pancreas and the effects on pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods and results

We reviewed the archival H&E slides from 218 patients with PDAC who completed NCRT and pancreaticoduodenectomy. Sixty‐five patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for PDAC without NCRT were used as controls. Various histological features were reviewed and correlated with NCRT and survival. The NCRT group had lower densities of PanIN2 (P = 0.004) and PanIN3 (P = 0.02) than the control group. The extent of fibrosis, the frequency of neuroma‐like nerve proliferation and the frequency of islet cell aggregation were significantly higher in the NCRT group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The intensity of inflammation was less in the NCRT group than in the control group (P = 0.02). In the NCRT group, patents with moderate to severe fibrosis or grade 2 inflammation had poorer survival than those with mild fibrosis (P = 0.04) or those with grade 0 or grade 1 inflammation (P = 0.003), respectively.

Conclusions

Non‐neoplastic pancreatic tissue from patients who received NCRT had a reduced density of high‐grade PanIN lesions, more pancreatic fibrosis, and higher frequencies of neuroma‐like nerve proliferation and islet cell aggregation, but less inflammation, compared to tissue from those who did not receive NCRT.
Determining cutting efficiency of nickel‐titanium coronal flaring instruments used in lateral action
Authors: Peters O. A. , Morgental R. D. , Schulze K. A. , Paqué F. , Kopper P. M. P. , Vier‐Pelisser F. V.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To develop a method to evaluate the cutting behaviour of nickel‐titanium (NiTi) coronal flaring instruments.

Methodology

BioRaCe BR0 (BR), HyFlex CM 1 (HY), ProFile OS No. 2 (PF) and ProTaper Sx (PT) instruments were used in simulated coronal flaring using a lateral action against bovine dentine blocks, at 250 and 500 rpm. Cutting efficiency was assessed by three methods: first, areas of notches produced by instruments were directly measured under a stereomicroscope. Second, dentine specimens were then analysed by surface profilometry to determine the maximum cutting depth and finally by microcomputed tomography to assess the volume of removed dentine. Data were compared using parametric tests with the significance level set at 0.05.

Results

For all three methods, HY and PF were the most and the least cutting‐efficient instruments, respectively (P < 0.05). Significant differences were detected between 250 and 500 rpm for HY and PT (area); for BR, HY and PT (depth); and for BR and HY (volume). There were strong positive correlations between the results obtained with those three different methods with r‐values ranging from 0.81 to 0.92.

Conclusion

Measuring the amount of material removed in a specific time under stereomicroscopy is a simple and rational way to assess the cutting behaviour of NiTi rotary instruments in lateral action. HyFlex, manufactured with thermomechanically treated NiTi wire, was the most efficient instrument, and increased rotational speed was associated with increased cutting efficiency.
Psoriasis and the Framingham risk score in a Danish hospital cohort
Authors: Gyldenløve Mette , Jensen Peter , Linneberg Allan , Thyssen Jacob P. , Zachariae Claus , Hansen Peter R. , Skov Lone
Published: July 2013

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to compare the Framingham risk score, a method to estimate coronary heart disease and prevalences of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis and the general population.

Methods

We retrospectively studied a hospital cohort and used a cross‐sectional random sample from the general population as controls.

Results

A total of 185 patients with psoriasis aged 10–86 years were referred to our department during 2009–2011. Median psoriasis area and severity index score was 5.8 (range 0.0–39.8), and 10% of the patients received systemic antipsoriatic treatment. Body mass index (26.2 vs. 25.2 kg/m2, P = 0.005), waist circumference (96.0 vs. 88.0 cm, P < 0.001), and prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (15.1 vs. 14.5, P = 0.009) were significantly higher in patients with psoriasis. We found no significant differences in Framingham risk scores between the groups.

Conclusions

Patients from the hospital cohort had a higher prevalence of certain cardiovascular risk factors compared to individuals without psoriasis from the general population. However, the Framingham risk score did not demonstrate an excess risk of coronary heart disease in patients with psoriasis compared to controls.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of hard‐to‐cook bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein concentrates and its effects on biological and functional properties
Authors: Betancur‐Ancona David , Sosa‐Espinoza Teresita , Ruiz‐Ruiz Jorge , Segura‐Campos Maira , Chel‐Guerrero Luis
Published: July 2013

Inadequate postharvest handling and storage under high temperature and relative humidity conditions produce the hard‐to‐cook (HTC) defect in beans. However, these can be raw material to produce hydrolysates with functional activities. Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory and antioxidant capacities were determined for extensively hydrolysed proteins of HTC bean produced with sequential systems Alcalase‐Flavourzyme (AF) and pepsin–pancreatin (Pep‐Pan) at 90 min ACE inhibition expressed as IC50 values were 4.5 and 6.5 mg protein per mL with AF and Pep‐Pan, respectively. Antioxidant activity as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) was 8.1 mm mg−1 sample with AF and 6.4 mm mg−1 sample with Pep‐Pan. The peptides released from the protein during hydrolysis were responsible for the observed ACE inhibition and antioxidant activities. Nitrogen solubility, emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability, foaming capacity and foam stability were measured for limited hydrolysis produced with Flavourzyme and pancreatin at 15 min. The hydrolysates exhibited better functional properties than the protein concentrate.