bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mothers’ Working Status and Infant Development
Authors: Kim Jihyoung , Wickrama K. A. S.
Published: July 2013

This study investigated how mothers’ working status directly and indirectly influences their infants’ development. The participants were 1,818 mothers with children aged 11 months to 18 months from the Panel Study on Korean Children. We categorized mothers into four groups according to their working status: consistent working, transition to working, transition to nonworking, and consistent nonworking. We found two competing mediating mechanisms through which mothers’ working status influences infant development. First, mothers’ consistent working and transition to working status had a positive influence on their mental health in terms of low depressive symptoms and high self-esteem, which in turn positively contributed to positive parenting style. Second, mothers’ consistent working and transition to working status had direct adverse effects on their parenting style. Positive parenting style contributed to infant development. We also found that mothers’ transition to working directly enhanced infant development.
Managing the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit integrity and safety utilizing the perfusionist as the “ECMO Specialist”
Authors: Mongero LB , Beck JR , Charette KA
Published: July 2013

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an extracorporeal technique of providing both cardiac and respiratory support to patients whose heart and lungs are so severely diseased or damaged that they can no longer serve their function. Neonatal and pediatric ECMO was accepted as practice in the early 1990s and according to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization, ELSO; of the >50,000 patients registered, 73% have survived extracorporeal life support (ECLS). It is not uncommon to find initial cannulation of a patient receiving ECMO performed by a surgeon and then the maintenance of the patient being left in the hands of various others deemed as the “ECMO Specialists”. The specialist has a broad base of professionals, including: nurses, respiratory therapists, perfusionists and physicians. Each institution, having its own unique training for these individuals, has provided a milieu for education, but does not share an established standard of care. From 2009, after the surge of the H1N1 epidemic, adult ECMO has been increasing; n=53 in 2010 to n=110 in 2012 at our institution. The perfusionist has been the “specialist” for ECMO at our institution since the early 1990s and remained at bedside during ECMO. We have now developed a safe circuit and fiscally responsible staffing model that utilizes a perfusionist and a telemetry-based electronic record keeper, permitting the perfusionist to leave the bedside and interact with the circuit when necessary. This has permitted an expansive growth of ECMO in our intensive care units at our facility incorporating a multidisciplinary collaboration system wide.
Interviewing women bereaved by homicide
Authors: Gekoski Anna , Adler Joanna R , Gray Jacqueline M
Published: July 2013

Secondary victimization occurs when victims of crime feel they have been subjected to inadequate, insensitive or inappropriate treatment, attitudes, behaviour, responses and/or practices by criminal justice and social agencies, which compound their original trauma. In order to investigate how an under-researched group of victims of crime may be subjected to secondary victimization by the criminal justice system (CJS), which in this research refers to the police, the Coroner’s Service and the legal (or court) system, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women who had been bereaved by homicide. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) identified instances of multiple secondary victimization from all systems considered. Recommendations for how to reduce the secondary victimization of ‘co-victims’ of homicide are made, including: improving communication and promoting understanding between co-victims and the CJS; statutory rights for co-victims; and participatory rights in the legal process, such as access to victims’ lawyers or auxiliary prosecutors.
Imaging in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): an update with particular emphasis on MRI
Authors: Damasio Maria Beatrice , Horatio L Tantum de , Boavida P , Lambot-Juhan K , Rosendahl K , Tomà P , Muller LS Ording
Published: July 2013

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous condition encompassing all forms of chronic arthritis of unknown origin and with onset before 16 years of age. During the last decade new, potent therapeutic agents have become available, underscoring the need for accurate monitoring of therapeutic response on both disease activity and structural damage to the joint. However, so far, treatment efficacy is based on clinical ground only, although clinical parameters are poor markers for disease activity and progression of structural damage. Not so for rheumatoid arthritis patients where the inclusion of radiographic assessment has been required by FDA to test the disease-modifying potential of new anti-rheumatic drugs.

In imaging of children with JIA there has been a shift from traditional radiography towards newer techniques such as ultrasound and MRI, however without proper evaluation of their accuracy and validity. We here summarize present knowledge and discuss future challenges in imaging children with JIA.
Developing and Evaluating a Website to Guide Older Adults in Their Health Information Searches
Authors: Fink Arlene , Beck John C.
Published: July 2013

This mixed-methods study developed and evaluated an online program to improve older adults’ skills in identifying high-quality web-based health information. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews to collect data on older adults’ preferences for online instruction and information. We used the findings to develop, pilot test, and evaluate an interactive website which was grounded in health behavior change models, adult education, and website construction. Sixty four participants were randomly assigned to Your Health Online: Guiding eSearches or to an analogous slide-based-tutorial and compared in their knowledge, self-efficacy, and program assessment. Experimental participants assigned significantly higher ratings of usability and learning to the new site than controls did to their tutorial although no differences were found in self-efficacy or knowledge. Experimental participants reported that participation was likely to improve future searches. Information is now needed to examine if such programs actually improve health searches, ehealth literacy, and health outcomes.
Why and How Do Nursing Homes Implement Culture Change Practices? Insights From Qualitative Interviews in a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Shield Renée R. , Looze Jessica , Tyler Denise , Lepore Michael , Miller Susan C.
Published: July 2013

To understand the process of instituting culture change (CC) practices in nursing homes (NHs). NH Directors of Nursing (DONs) and Administrators (NHAs) at 4,149 United States NHs were surveyed about CC practices. Follow-up interviews with 64 NHAs were conducted and analyzed by a multidisciplinary team which reconciled interpretations recorded in an audit trail. Results: The themes include: (a) Reasons for implementing CC practices vary; (b) NH approaches to implementing CC practices are diverse; (c) NHs consider resident mix in deciding to implement practices; (d) NHAs note benefits and few costs to implementing CC practices; (e) Implementation of changes is challenging and strategies for change are tailored to the challenges encountered; (f) Education and communication efforts are vital ways to institute change; and (g) NHA and other staff leadership is key to implementing changes. Diverse strategies and leadership skills appear to help NHs implement reform practices, including CC innovations.
Making of the Zionist Woman
Authors: Mickutė Jolanta
Published: July 2013

The majority of scholarly debates on varieties of Jewish nationalism focus on the Jewish man’s role in the rebuilding of the Jewish homeland and his body in the regeneration of the Jewish nation. This article discusses Zionism’s gender politics surrounding the Jewish woman’s body and selfhood in this rebirth process and the formation of a modern Jewish identity in interwar Poland. It explores Jewish patriarchal structures and the discursive power and reach of Zionist ideology. Jewish women engaged not only in the ideological rebirth of the Jewish nation, they also initiated the physical rebirth of the Jewish Woman who was deemed too urban and thus degenerate (the modern Jewish woman was viewed as possessing next to no ideological consciousness and physical strength). Therefore, Zionist female ideologues argued that the bodily rebirth of Jewish women would lead to the strengthening of their Jewish identities and inevitably the Jewish stock. While still in the Diaspora, women had to work on developing strong healthy bodies, inasmuch as Zionist men were expected to make themselves into strong muscular Jews to be able to immigrate to Palestine and work there productively. Besides being able to work in Palestine alongside Jewish men, nationalist Jewish women had to be strong and healthy for one more reason: they had to be able to give birth to healthy children, which in the Zionist context meant giving birth to a healthy Jewish nation.
The Association Between Mid-Life Socioeconomic Position and Health After Retirement—Exploring the Role of Working Conditions
Authors: Parker Vanessa , Andel Ross , Nilsen Charlotta , Kåreholt Ingemar
Published: July 2013

Objective: To explore the role of working conditions in the association between socioeconomic position and health after retirement age using over 20 years follow-up. Method: Two Swedish nationally representative Level of Living Surveys (total N = 1,131) were used. Ordered logistic regression was used to assess the association between socioeconomic position and health (self-rated health, psychological distress, musculoskeletal pain, circulatory problems, physical and cognitive impairment). The role of physical and psychological working conditions was also assessed. Results: Lower socioeconomic position was associated with more adverse physical, but not psychological, working conditions. Physical working conditions partially explained the differences in physical impairment and musculoskeletal pain in old age attributed to socioeconomic position, but not differences in self-rated health, circulatory problems, psychological distress, and cognitive impairment. Socioeconomic position was a stronger correlate of health than psychological working conditions alone. Discussion: Improving physical working conditions may be important for reducing the influence of socioeconomic position on health after retirement.
Biomarker evaluation of self-reported condom use among women in HIV-discordant couples
Authors: Mose F , Newman LP , Njunguna R , Tamooh H , John-Stewart G , Farquhar C , Kiarie J
Published: July 2013

Summary

Self-reported condom use is a commonly collected statistic, yet its use in research studies may be inaccurate. We evaluated this statistic among women in HIV-discordant couples enrolled in a clinical trial in Nairobi, Kenya. Vaginal swabs were acquired from 125 women and tested for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker for semen exposure, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ten (10%) of 98 women who reported 100% use of condoms in the previous month tested PSA positive. In a bivariate logistic regression analysis, among women who reported 100% condom use in the previous month, those with ≤8 years of school had significantly higher odds of testing PSA-positive (odds ratio [OR] = 8.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–69.13) than women with more schooling. Our estimate may be conservative, as the ability to detect PSA may be limited to 24–48 hours after exposure. Less educated women may be a target group for counselling regarding reporting sexual behaviour in clinical trials.
Current treatment methods for combination antiretroviral therapy-induced lipoatrophy of the face
Authors: Kadouch J A , van Rozelaar L , Karim R B , Hoekzema R
Published: July 2013

Summary

Combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) reduces the mortality and morbidity in HIV-infected patients. However, facial lipoatrophy (FLA) is one of the well-known side-effects of this treatment and subsequently imposes major problems for HIV-infected patients. In the last decade, ample experience has been obtained with both local therapeutic options as well as possible systemic treatment options. Soft tissue fillers are a relatively simple and efficient treatment option for FLA. Especially, the biodegradable semi-permanent fillers combine a good effect with durability and an acceptable safety profile. The best way to prevent or restrict the development of FLA remains the exclusion of thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors from the CART schedule.
Sharply rising prevalence of HIV infection in Bali: a critical assessment of the surveillance data
Authors: Januraga P P , Wulandari L P L , Muliawan P , Sawitri S , Causer L , Wirawan D N , Kaldor J M
Published: July 2013

Summary

This study critically examines serological survey data for HIV infection in selected populations in Bali, Indonesia. Sero-survey data reported by the Bali Health Office between 2000 and 2010 were collated, and provincial health staff were interviewed to gain a detailed understanding of survey methods. Analysis of time series restricted to districts that have used the same sampling methods and sites each year indicates that there has been a steady decline in HIV prevalence among prisoners, from 18.7% in 2000 to 4.3% in 2010. In contrast, HIV prevalence among women engaged in sex work increased sharply: from 0.62% in 2000 to 20.2% in 2010 (brothel based), and from 0% in 2000 to 7.2% in 2010 (non-brothel based). The highest prevalence was recorded among people who injected drugs. Recent surveys of gay men and transvestites also found high prevalences, at 18.7% and 40.9%, respectively. Review of the methodology used in the surveys identified inconsistencies in the sampling technique, sample numbers and sites over time, and incomplete recording of individual information about survey participants. Attention to methodological aspects and incorporation of additional information on behavioural factors will ensure that the surveillance system is in the best position to support prevention activities.
Prevalence and factors associated with erectile dysfunction in a cohort of HIV-infected patients
Authors: Pérez I , Moreno T , Navarro F , Santos J , Palacios R
Published: July 2013

To determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its associated factors we conducted an observational study on a consecutive cohort of asymptomatic HIV-positive men. All the patients completed a questionnaire to evaluate erectile dysfunction based on the International Index of Erectile Function, a validated survey for the diagnosis of anxiety and depression (self-administered HAD), and a questionnaire about cardiovascular risk factors. Epidemiological, clinical, and analytical data were collected. In all, 158 men, participated: mean age 46.0 years, 96.2% on antiretroviral therapy (91.3% undetectable viral load), and the mean CD4 count was 534 cells/mL. Erectile dysfunction was present in 106 (67.1%) patients, and associated factors were age (OR 4.5 for each 5 years; 95% CI 4.3−4.7; p = 0.0001) and anxiety (OR 8.2, 95% CI 2.2−30.4; p = 0.002). The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is high in men living with HIV, even in those with good immunovirological control. It is related to increasing age and anxiety, both of which are important factors within our HIV cohort.
Daily dose of clindamycin versus standard divided doses in obstetrical and gynecological infections: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Giugno Cláudia S , Silva Alice L , Fuhrich Daniele G , Rabaioli Paola S , Gonçalves Katia G , Sartor Nicole C , Savaris Ricardo F
Published: July 2013

To compare the rates of cure of septic abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease using a daily dose of clindamycin with gentamicin versus divided doses, we conducted a retrospective cohort study, where the electronic records of 661 patients who used clindamycin 1 × , 3 × or 4 ×/day (groups 1, 3 and 4, respectively) between September 2002 and August 2010 were analysed. Major outcomes included rates of cure and failure according to the clinical records. Secondary endpoints were percentage of adverse effects related to medication regimen and the prevalence of positive VDRL and HIV. Similar conditions were observed in all groups − septic abortion: 167/116/123; pelvic inflammatory disease: 73/95/87 (groups 1, 3 and 4, respectively). No significant difference was found among groups for age or for rate of cure. Rates of cure (cure/total [rate (95%CI)]) in groups 1, 3 and 4 were 236/240 [0.983 (0.957−0.993)], 205/211 [0.971 (0.939−0.986)], 203/210 [0.966 (0.932−0.983)], respectively. Days of use of clindamycin was significantly reduced in group 1, compared to groups 3 and 4 (2.6 ± 1.3 vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 vs. 3.3 ± 1.9−mean ± SD; p < 0.0001 – ANOVA), but this may be due to differences in how length of therapy was measured and not the effect on clinical cure.
Kidney transplantation in HIV-positive adults: the UK experience
Authors: Gathogo Esther N , Hamzah Lisa , Hilton Rachel , Marshall Neal , Ashley Caroline , Harber Mark , Levy Jeremy B , Jones Rachael , Boffito Marta , Khoo Saye H , Drage Martin , Bhagani Sanjay , Post Frank A ,   for the UK HIV/Kidney Transplantation Study Group (see appendix)
Published: July 2013

HIV-positive patients are at increased risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Kidney transplantation (KT) is an established treatment modality for ESKD in the general population. Recent data have confirmed the feasibility of kidney transplantation in HIV-positive patients, and kidney transplantation is increasingly offered to ESKD patients with well-controlled HIV infection. We report clinical outcomes in a national cohort study of kidney transplantation in HIV-positive patients. In all, 35 HIV-positive KT recipients who had undergone KT up to December 2010 (66% male, 74% black ethnicity) were identified; the median CD4 cell count was 366, all had undetectable HIV RNA levels at kidney transplantation, and 44% received a kidney from a live donor. Patient survival at 1 and 3 years was 91.3%, and graft survival 91.3% and 84.7%, respectively. At one-year post-kidney transplantation, the cumulative incidence of acute rejection was 48%, and the median (IQR) eGFR was 64 (46, 78) mL/min/1.73 m2. Although HIV viraemia and HIV disease progression were uncommon, renal complications were relatively frequent. Our study corroborates the feasibility of kidney transplantation in HIV-positive patients. The high rates of acute rejection suggest that the optimal immune suppression strategy in this population remains to be refined.
Vesicular syphilid in a seropositive patient
Authors: Arora Shikha , Dhali Tapan K , Haroon Mohammad A
Published: July 2013

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection with various stages of evolution and a myriad of presentations. To avoid a delay in diagnosis, it is important to recognize secondary syphilis presenting with vesicular lesions. A patient presented with maculopapular rash of recent onset with several vesicles and related the eruption to paracetamol taken one day before. The differential diagnoses considered were drug eruption, pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, pityriasis rosea and secondary syphilis. HIV, VDRL (1:256) and TPHA tests were positive and histopathology revealed lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and plasma cells. Thus, a diagnosis of secondary syphilis coexisting with HIV was confirmed. The patient was administered benzathine penicillin and anti-retroviral therapy was started. He responded very well to treatment. We report this case because of the rarity of vesicular eruption in secondary syphilis.
Challenges in implementing the new BASHH guidelines for the management of gonorrhoea
Authors: Rodgers S , Murgatroyd M , Perez K , Kingston M , Lee V
Published: July 2013

Neisseria gonorrhoeae has progressively developed reduced sensitivity to different classes of antibiotics. The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of gonorrhoea in 2011. New recommendations include an increased dose of ceftriaxone with adjuvant use of azithromycin, as well as test of cure (TOC) in all cases. We present an audit of adherence to new antibiotic prescribing guidelines as well as TOC uptake in an inner city genitourinary medicine clinic. Among the 271 (242 male, 29 female) patients included, 96% ( n = 260) received the new first-line treatment. Test of cure uptake was found to be suboptimal at 55% ( n = 149) with the majority (67%) of these taking place within 20 days of treatment. The new first-line treatment for gonorrhoea is feasible and generally accepted by patients. However the TOC uptake is low, emphasising the need for robust follow-up and recall policies. Further study is required into the optimal timing for TOC.
Survival in systemic lupus erythematosus, 1995–2010. A prospective study in a Danish community
Authors: Voss A , Laustrup H , Hjelmborg J , Junker P
Published: July 2013

Objective

The objective of this paper is to investigate survival and causes of death in a Danish lupus population.

Methods

Two hundred and fifteen SLE patients (94% Caucasians) were followed prospectively for up to 16 years. Thirty-eight patients died. Survival rate and causes of death were analysed.

Results

Overall standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 2.2. Peak values were recorded for patients aged 20–29 (SMR 21.1). Cumulated survival rates at one, five, 10 and 15 years were 98.6%, 93.6%, 86.5% and 73.0%, respectively. The most common causes of death were cardiovascular events (32%), respiratory system disease (16%) and malignancies (13%). Deaths due to infections and active SLE were rare and predominated within the first seven years after diagnosis and before age 40, while cardiovascular deaths prevailed after 20 years’ follow-up.

Conclusion

This study shows that despite progress in lupus management, including direct access to specialized hospital care and increased use of hydroxychloroquine, mortality in lupus patients is still increased. Main causes of death were active disease and infections among the young and newly diagnosed, while cardiovascular deaths prevailed in longstanding disease.
The effects of a UK review of Breast Cancer Screening on Uptake: An observational before/after study
Authors: Taylor-Phillips Sian , O'Sullivan Emma , Kearins Olive , Parsons Helen , Clarke Aileen
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To measure whether uptake of breast cancer screening was affected by the publication of the Marmot Review and associated press coverage.

Setting

Eight NHS breast screening centres in the West Midlands of the UK.

Methods

Uptake of breast cancer screening invitations was compared in the week before and after the Marmot review publication. All 12,023 women invited for screening between 23 October 2012 and 5 November 2012 were included. A mixed effects model of the predictors of screening uptake (on date invited, or within 21 days) was created. Predictors considered for inclusion were whether the allocated screening appointment was before or after publication of the review, population factors (age, index of multiple deprivation income domain by quintile, previous attendance), and interaction terms.

Results

Uptake decreased after publication of the review from 65% to 62% (OR = 0.87 95%CI = 0.80–0.94), but a similar decrease was seen for the same dates on the previous year (OR = 0.85 95%CI = 0.78–0.93). Odds of attending screening were lower for women in the most deprived (uptake = 49%, OR = 0.54, 95%CI = 0.46–0.62) in comparison with the least deprived quintile (uptake = 71%). Odds of attendance also increased if the woman had ever previously attended (OR 3.9 95% CI 3.5–4.4), and decreased with each year of increasing age (OR 0.96 95% CI 0.96–0.97). There were no interactions between any of the other predictors and whether the appointment was before or after publication of the Marmot review.

Conclusion

No change in uptake of breast cancer screening above normal seasonal variation was detected after publication of the Marmot review.
Opinions of People Who Self-Identify With Autism and Asperger’s on DSM-5 Criteria
Authors: Linton Kristen Faye , Krcek Taylor E. , Sensui Leonard M. , Spillers Jessica L. H.
Published: July 2013

Purpose:

Autistic disorder (AD), Asperger’s syndrome (AS), and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) have been removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fifth Edition ( DSM-5). It now contains the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This study assessed how people with AD and AS felt about the DSM-5 ASD criteria.

Method:

Phenomenological analysis of discussion forum dialogue among participants ( N = 76) with AD and AS was conducted.

Results:

Discussions demonstrated agreement that the PDD-NOS diagnosis should be removed from the DSM-5. People with AD and AS were concerned about the inclusion of medical or neurobiological research, functioning, reciprocity, and gender bias in the ASD diagnosis.

Discussion:

Social workers should acknowledge the feelings of people with AD and AS when they use the DSM-5.
Comparison of On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity Between Triple Antiplatelet Therapy With Cilostazol and Standard Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Interventions
Authors: Panchal Hemang B. , Shah Tejaskumar , Patel Parthavkumar , Albalbissi Kais , Molnar Janos , Coffey Brandon , Khosla Sandeep , Ramu Vijay
Published: July 2013

Background:

The recent literature has shown that triple antiplatelet therapy with cilostazol in addition to the standard dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel may reduce platelet reactivity and improve clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy of triple antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy in regard to on-treatment platelet reactivity.

Methods:

Nine studies (n = 2179) comparing on-treatment platelet reactivity between dual antiplatelet therapy (n = 1193) and triple antiplatelet therapy (n = 986) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention were included. Primary end points were P2Y12 reaction unit (PRU) and platelet reactivity index (PRI). Secondary end points were platelet aggregation with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 5 and 20 µmol/L and P2Y12% inhibition. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed and 2-sided α error <.05 was considered as a level of significance.

Results:

Compared to dual antiplatelet therapy, triple antiplatelet therapy had significantly lower maximum platelet aggregation with ADP 5 µmol/L (MD: −14.4, CI: −21.6 to −7.2, P < .001) and 20 µmol/L (MD: −14.9, CI: −22.9 to −6.8, P < .001), significantly lower PRUs (MD: −45, CI: −59.4 to −30.6, P < .001) and PRI (MD: −26, CI: −36.8 to −15.2, P < .001), and significantly higher P2Y12% inhibition (MD: 18.5, CI: 2.3 to 34.6, P = .025).

Conclusion:

Addition of cilostazol to conventional dual antiplatelet therapy significantly lowers platelet reactivity and may explain a decrease in thromboembolic events following coronary intervention; however, additional studies evaluating clinical outcomes will be helpful to determine the benefit of triple antiplatelet therapy.
Effectiveness of deslorelin acetate subcutaneous implantation in a domestic queen with after-spaying urinary incontinence
Authors: Pisu Maria Carmela , Veronesi Maria Cristina
Published: July 2013

A 2-year-old female ovariectomised Norwegian Forest cat with a history of post-spaying urinary incontinence was diagnosed with acquired urinary sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) after complete clinical and laboratory examination. Although there is no literature regarding the treatment of post-spaying USMI in cats, deslorelin acetate is successful in the treatment of post-spaying USMI in dogs. Deslorelin acetate implants have been shown previously to be effective for contraception and oestrus suppression in queens, and suppression of reproductive function in tomcats. Therefore, deslorelin acetate implant treatment was chosen for treatment of post-spaying USMI in this queen. Follow-up examinations were performed on days 8, 15 and 30 after deslorelin implant insertion. Urinary continence was restored about 25 days after implantation and maintained for at least 15 months, without treatment-related negative effects. In the present case report, the post-spaying urinary incontinence related to the acquired USMI was successfully treated with a deslorelin acetate implant. In addition, safe implantation was easy in cats and the single injection resulted in long-lasting efficacy. Further studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of deslorelin acetate treatment for post-spaying USMI in queens and to better delineate the duration of efficacy.
Framing risk: Communication messages in the Australian and Swedish print media surrounding the 2009 H1N1 pandemic
Authors: Sandell Tiffany , Sebar Bernadette , Harris Neil
Published: July 2013

Background: Australia and Sweden have similar immunisation rates. However, during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic the uptake of immunisation was 60% in Sweden and 18% in Australia. During pandemics, perceptions of risk are largely formed by media communication which may influence the public’s response. Aim: The study aimed to compare the differences in how the media framed the 2009 H1N1 pandemic message and the associated public perceptions of risk as expressed through the uptake of vaccinations in Australia and Sweden. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted on 81 articles from the Australian and Swedish print media: 45 and 36, respectively. Results: The risk of H1N1 was communicated similarly in Australia and Sweden. However, major differences were found in how the Australian and Swedish media framed the pandemic in terms of responsibility, self-efficacy, and uncertainty. In Australia, responsibility was predominantly reported negatively, blaming various organisations for a lack of information, compared to Sweden where responsibility was placed on the community to help protect public health. Furthermore, there was limited self-efficacy measures reported in the Australian media compared to Sweden and Sweden’s media was more transparent about the uncertainties of the pandemic. Conclusions: This study affirms the association between the framing of health messages in the media and the public’s perception of risk and related behaviour. Governments need to actively incorporate the media into pandemic communication planning.
Experimental Research Methods After Critique
Authors: Gambs Deborah
Published: July 2013

In a temporal and spatial configuration dominated by the hyper-fast transmission of visual information by way of new technologies, methodologies must compete to hold our and the public’s attention. The traditional role of critique continues to be important, but acknowledging new and faster approaches that bypass critique, and which have in fact been in practice already is necessary. This article explores three new ways of thinking about methods: the use of “the example” and its distinction from the case study, the importance of affirmative methods as a counter to “critical” methods, and the fruitfulness of engaging the indeterminacies that come with making connections in research. It argues that these approaches are in keeping with an “ethico-politics” suitable for societies characterized by technological intensification.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy With Adjunctive Hypnosis for Anxiety Management and Smoking Cessation
Authors: Watkins Christopher D. , Macfie Jenny
Published: July 2013

The present study examines the therapy of an individual diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, two situation type specific phobias, and nicotine dependence. Treatment consisted of psychodynamic psychotherapy with adjunctive hypnosis. Client’s symptoms were tracked using daily, self-report measures over the 6-month treatment period. The simulation modeling approach for time-series was used to assess the phase change from baseline to treatment. Tracked symptoms included generalized anxiety, worry associated with specific phobias, phobic avoidance, number of cigarettes smoked daily, and nicotine craving intensity. All symptoms decreased significantly over the course of treatment. Utility of an ideographic and also quantified research methodology for treatment outcome studies are discussed.
Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Common Femoral Vein
Authors: Mousa Albeir Y. , Alhalbouni Saadi , Abu-Halimah Shadi , Gill Gurpreet , Sadek Betro , Nanjundappa Aravinda , Hass Stephen M. , AbuRahma Ali F.
Published: July 2013

We report on a 52-year-old female patient who presented with a 6-month history of right lower extremity swelling and tenderness. The patient was treated as an outpatient with full anticoagulation, without any improvement. Her medical history was significant for hypertension and high cholesterol, and she had a full coagulopathy profile that was negative for any hypercoagulable syndrome. On examination, the patient was moderately obese, with significant tenderness over the medial aspect of the right groin. A venous duplex examination revealed hypoechoic structure ± acute deep vein thrombosis of right common femoral vein (CFV). A computed tomography of the venous phase revealed an eccentric compression over the medial wall of the right CFV. During surgical exploration, adventitial cystic mucinous disease was enucleated from the medial wall of the right CFV, and the pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The postoperative course was uneventful, and all swelling and tenderness were completely resolved. The patient continued to do well, and she had an unremarkable venous duplex evaluation at her 6-month follow-up.
Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors among People Living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Dal-Bó Márcio José , Manoel André Luciano , Filho Arthur Onofre Beltram , Silva Bibiana Quatrin Tiellet da , Cardoso Yuri Souza , Cortez Josué , Tramujas Lucas , Silva Rosemeri Maurici da
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated variables among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in a specialized treatment center in a city located in southern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Beck Depression Inventory to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 53.5% among the surveyed population, which supports the idea that depressive symptoms are more common among PLWHA, mainly if compared with the general population. It was observed that 57.7% of the study participants were with depressive symptoms and did not take any psychiatric medication and 100% did not undergo psychotherapy, which indicates undertreatment. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean CD4 count between patients with depressive symptoms (484.1 ± 353) and patients without depressive symptoms (528.4 ± 263). Further actions should be taken to improve the care for PLWHA. The interface between psychology, psychiatry, and internal medicine is of utmost importance to provide a more humanized care, in which the psychosocial, psychological, and psychiatric aspects are not neglected.
Genetic and epigenetic analysis of putative breast cancer stem cell models
Authors: Balic Marija , Schwarzenbacher Daniela , Stanzer Stefanie , Heitzer Ellen , Auer Martina , Geigl Jochen B , Cote Richard J , Datar Ram H , Dandachi Nadia
Published: July 2013

Background

Cancer stem cell model hypothesizes existence of a small proportion of tumor cells capable of sustaining tumor formation, self-renewal and differentiation. In breast cancer, these cells were found to be associated with CD44+CD24-low and ALDH+ phenotype. Our study was performed to evaluate the suitability of current approaches for breast cancer stem cell analyses to evaluate heterogeneity of breast cancer cells through their extensive genetic and epigenetic characterization.

Methods

Breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and SUM159 were cultured in adherent conditions and as mammospheres. Flow cytometry sorting for CD44, CD24 and ALDH was performed. Sorted and unsorted populations, mammospheres and adherent cell cultures were subjected to DNA profiling by array CGH and methylation profiling by Epitect Methyl qPCR array. Methylation status of selected genes was further evaluated by pyrosequencing. Functional impact of methylation was evaluated by mRNA analysis for selected genes.

Results

Array CGH did not reveal any genomic differences. In contrast, putative breast cancer stem cells showed altered methylation levels of several genes compared to parental tumor cells.

Conclusions

Our results underpin the hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms seem to play a major role in the regulation of CSCs. However, it is also clear that more efficient methods for CSC enrichment are needed. This work underscores requirement of additional approaches to reveal heterogeneity within breast cancer.
Strong convergence of a self-adaptive method for the split feasibility problem
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Postolache Mihai , Liou Yeong-Cheng
Published: July 2013

Self-adaptive methods which permit step-sizes being selected self-adaptively are effective methods for solving some important problems, e.g., variational inequality problems. We devote this paper to developing and improving the self-adaptive methods for solving the split feasibility problem. A new improved self-adaptive method is introduced for solving the split feasibility problem. As a special case, the minimum norm solution of the split feasibility problem can be approached iteratively.

MSC:47J25, 47J20, 49N45, 65J15.
Vulvar “proximal-type” epithelioid sarcoma: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Patrizi Lodovico , Corrado Giacomo , Saltari Maria , Perracchio Letizia , Scelzo Chiara , Piccione Emilio , Vizza Enrico
Published: July 2013

Background

The “proximal-type” epithelioid sarcoma is a very rare kind of mesenchimal tumor characterized by the difficulty in histological diagnosis and the very aggressive biological behavior.

Case

We report of a case of a 63 years old woman with a vulvar “proximal-type” epithelioid sarcoma that underwent a radical surgical staging followed by an adjuvant radiotherapy. She is on follow-up care for 14 months and there is no clinical evidence of disease.

Conclusion

Even if quite rare the proximal type epithelioid sarcoma should be regarded as a separate entity of particularly aggressive biologic behaviour. Its diagnosis attracts controversies and criticism related to the surgical approach and the choice of an adjuvant therapy.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here:http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1508554852942125
Evaluation of a combinatorial approach to prion inactivation using an oxidizing agent, SDS, and proteinase K
Authors: Smith Jodi D , Nicholson Eric M , Greenlee Justin J
Published: July 2013

Background

Prions demonstrate an unusual resistance to methods effective at inactivating conventional microorganisms. This has resulted in a very tangible and difficult infection control challenge to the medical and veterinary communities, as well as animal agriculture and related industries. Currently accepted practices of harsh chemical treatments such as prolonged exposure to sodium hydroxide or sodium hypochlorite, or autoclaving are not suitable in many situations. Less caustic and more readily applicable treatments to contaminated environments are therefore desirable. We recently demonstrated that exposure of the RML scrapie agent to a commercial product containing sodium percarbonate (SPC-P) with or without sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) rendered PrPSc sensitive to proteinase K (PK), but did not eliminate infectivity. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a combinatorial approach to inactivating prions by exposing RML-positive brain homogenate to SPC-P and SDS followed by PK. Treated samples were evaluated for PrPSc-immunoreactivity by western blot, and residual infectivity by mouse bioassay.

Results

Treatment of infected brain homogenate with SPC-P and SDS followed by PK exposure resulted in a 4–5 log10 reduction in infectivity when bioassayed in tga20 mice.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that exposure of the RML scrapie agent to SPC-P and SDS followed by PK markedly reduces, but does not eliminate infectivity. The results of this study encourage further investigation into whether consecutive or concomitant exposure to sodium percarbonate, SDS, and a protease may serve as a viable and non-caustic option for prion inactivation.
Bulk milk ELISA and the diagnosis of parasite infections in dairy herds: a review
Authors: Sekiya Mary , Zintl Annetta , Doherty Michael L
Published: July 2013

The bulk milk enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) is a rapid and inexpensive method of assessing herd exposure to pathogens that is increasingly being used for the diagnosis of parasite infections in dairy herds. In this paper, with the dairy herd health veterinarian in mind, we review the principles of the assay and the recent literature on the potential role of bulk milk ELISA for the diagnosis of ostertagiosis, fasciolosis, parasitic bronchitis due to cattle lung worm and neosporosis. It is generally accepted that assay results reflect exposure to the parasite rather than the presence of active infection. Bulk milk ELISA can be a useful tool for the veterinary practitioner as a component of a herd health monitoring programme or in the context of a herd health investigation. It can also play a role in regional or national surveillance programmes. However, the results need to be interpreted within the context of the herd-specific health management, the milk production pattern and the parasite life cycle.
Ets-1 global gene expression profile reveals associations with metabolism and oxidative stress in ovarian and breast cancers
Authors: Verschoor Meghan L , Verschoor Chris P , Singh Gurmit
Published: July 2013

Background

The Ets-1 proto-oncogene is frequently upregulated in cancer cells, with known involvement in cancer angiogenesis, metastasis, and more recently energy metabolism. In this study we have performed various bioinformatic analyses on existing microarray data to further clarify the role of Ets-1 in ovarian cancer, and validated these results with functional assays.

Methods

Functional pathway analyses were conducted on existing microarray data comparing 2008 and 2008-Ets1 ovarian cancer cells. Methods included over-representation analysis, functional class scoring and pathway topology, and network representations were visualized in Cytoscape. Oxidative stress regulation was examined in ovarian cancer cells by measuring protein expression and enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidases, as well as intracellular reactive oxygen species using dichlorofluorescin fluorescence. A stable Ets-1 knockdown MDA-MB-231 cell line was created using short hairpin RNA, and glycolytic dependence of these cells was measured following treatment with 2-deoxy-D-glucose and Hoechst nuclear staining to determine cell number. High-resolution respirometry was performed to measure changes in basal oxygen flux between MDA-MB-231 cells and MDA-Ets1KD variants.

Results

Enrichments in oxidoreductase activity and various metabolic pathways were observed upon integration of the different analyses, suggesting that Ets-1 is important in their regulation. As oxidative stress is closely associated with these pathways, we functionally validated our observations by showing that Ets-1 overexpression resulted in decreased reactive oxygen species with increased glutathione peroxidase expression and activity, thereby regulating cellular oxidative stress. To extend our findings to another cancer type, we developed an Ets-1 knockdown breast cancer cell model, which displayed decreased glycolytic dependence and increased oxygen consumption following Ets-1 knockdown confirming our earlier findings.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study confirms the important role of Ets-1 in the regulation of cancer energy metabolism in ovarian and breast cancers. Furthermore, Ets-1 is a key regulator of oxidative stress in ovarian cancer cells by mediating alterations in glutathione antioxidant capacity.
Depletion of myocardial glucose is observed during endotoxemic but not hemorrhagic shock in a porcine model
Authors: Chew Michelle S , Shekar Kiran , Brand Björn A , Norin Carl , Barnett Adrian G
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Metabolic dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of sepsis yet little is known about local changes in key organs such as the heart. The aim of this study was to compare myocardial metabolic changes by direct measurements of substrates, such as glucose, lactate and pyruvate, using microdialysis (MD) in in-vivo porcine endotoxemic and hemorrhagic shock. To assess whether these changes were specific to the heart, we simultaneously investigated substrate levels in skeletal muscle.

Methods

Twenty-six female pigs were randomized to three groups: control (C) n = 8, endotoxemic shock (E) n = 9 and hemorrhagic shock (H) n = 9. Interstitial myocardial pyruvate, lactate and glucose were measured using MD. Skeletal muscle MD was also performed in all three groups.

Results

Marked decreases in myocardial glucose were observed in the E group but not in the H group compared to controls (mean difference (CI) in mmol/L: C versus E -1.5(-2.2 to -0.8), P <0.001; H versus E -1.1(-1.8 to -0.4), P = 0.004; C versus H -0.4(-1.1 to 0.3), P = 0.282). Up to four-fold increases in myocardial pyruvate and three-fold increases in lactate were seen in both shock groups with no differences between the two types of shock. There was no evidence of myocardial anaerobic metabolism, with normal lactate:pyruvate (L:P) ratios seen in all animals regardless of the type of shock.

In skeletal muscle, decreases in glucose concentrations were observed in the E group only (mean difference: C versus E -0.8(-1.4 to -0.3), P = 0.007). Although skeletal muscle lactate increased in both shock groups, this was accompanied by increases in pyruvate in the E group only (mean difference: C versus E 121(46 to 195), P = 0.003; H versus E 77(7 to 147), P = 0.032; C versus H 43(-30 to 43), P = 0.229). The L:P ratio was increased in skeletal muscle in response to hemorrhagic, but not endotoxemic, shock.

Conclusions

Endotoxemia, but not hemorrhage, induces a rapid decrease of myocardial glucose levels. Despite the decrease in glucose, myocardial lactate and pyruvate concentrations were elevated and not different than in hemorrhagic shock. In skeletal muscle, substrate patterns during endotoxemic shock mimicked those seen in myocardium. During hemorrhagic shock the skeletal muscle response was characterized by a lack of increase in pyruvate and higher L:P ratios.

Hence, metabolic patterns in the myocardium during endotoxemic shock are different than those seen during hemorrhagic shock. Skeletal muscle and myocardium displayed similar substrate patterns during endotoxemic shock but differed during hemorrhagic shock.