bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in Brazil: report of 11 cases in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients
Authors: Marques Sílvio A. , Bastazini Ivander , Martins Ana L. G. P. , Barreto Jaison A. , Barbieri D’Elia Maria P. , Lastória Joel C. , Marques Mariangela E. A.
Published: June 2012

Background  Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis is an uncommon infectious disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii affecting immunosuppressed as well as immunocompetent patients. It is often misdiagnosed as it may mimic other cutaneous diseases.

Materials and methods  We report a series of cases diagnosed from 2005 to 2010 in two general hospitals. The diagnosis in all patients was made on the basis of histopathology and culture. Phenoloxidase and canavanine‐glycine‐bromothymol blue tests were used in order to identify the Cryptococcus species. Systematic investigation ruled out the systemic involvement in every case.

Results  Eleven patients, 81.8% male, were diagnosed during this study. The immunosuppression status was identified in 54.5% of patients, and all of them were under corticosteroid therapy due to a variable set of diseases. All patients presented with circumscribed lesions on their upper limbs. Most lesions showed an infiltrative or tumoral aspect with up to 40 cm diameter. Fluconazole, up to 400 mg/daily, was the main therapeutic regimen and proved to be efficient.

Conclusions  Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis has been diagnosed in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. Its peculiar clinical aspect could facilitate early diagnosis. Culture and biochemical tests should be performed in order to define the species involved.
Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap in a patient receiving cetuximab and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Urosevic‐Maiwald Mirjana , Harr Thomas , French Lars E. , Dummer Reinhard
Published: June 2012

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe and life‐threatening adverse drug reactions. Herein we report about a patient with head and neck cancer, who developed SJS‐TEN overlap after having received cetuximab and radiotherapy. To date, there are only two reports of TEN associated with cetuximab therapy in patients with cancer. Every skin condition in a patient with cancer leading to extensive exfoliation of the skin should alert the oncologist of a possibility of drug‐induced SJS or TEN.
Using cold air for reducing needle‐injection pain
Authors: Al‐Qarqaz Firas , Al‐Aboosi Mustafa , Al‐shiyab Diala , Al Dabbagh Ziad
Published: June 2012

Background  Pain is associated with skin injections. Reducing injection‐associated pain is important especially when multiple injections are needed in difficult areas, such as the palms. We present a new safe application for cold air used in laser therapy.

Objective  The main objectives of this study are to see whether cold air can reduce needle‐injection pain and to evaluate the safety of this new application.

Materials and methods  Patients undergoing skin injection (n = 40) were included. Assessment of pain level using visual analog scale (VAS) was done using cold air and again without cold air in the same patient. Comparison of pain scores was performed.

Results  Thirty‐three patients had lower VAS scores using cold air. Five patients had worse VAS scores, and two patients did not have any change in their pain score. In the group of patients where injections were made to the palms (n = 5), there was even more reduction in VAS scores. There were no significant immediate or delayed side effects.

Conclusions  Cold air seems to be useful in reducing needle‐injection pain in the majority of patients, especially in the palms. This procedure is safe, apart from immediate tolerable discomfort when used around the nose.
International guidelines for clinical trials with pediculicides
Authors: Barker Stephen C. , Burgess Ian , Meinking Terri L. , Mumcuoglu Kostas Y.
Published: June 2012

Pediculosis capitis, infestation with head lice, is common in all human societies. Chemical pediculicides are often used to control head louse infestations, particularly in wealthy communities. A significant number of different protocols have been used to test the efficacy and safety of pediculicides in clinical trials; this constrains scientific comparison of the evidence for efficacy of the different pediculicides. Here we recommend protocols for clinical trials of the efficacy and safety of single‐, two‐, and three‐treatment interventions.
A novel HLA‐A*11 allele, A*11:97, was identified by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Feng Z.‐H. , Hu B. , Chi X.‐Y. , Zhao L. , Jiao S.‐X.
Published: June 2012

A novel allele A*11:97 was identified in a Chinese individual by sequence‐based typing method.
Centrilobular necrosis as a manifestation of venous outflow block in pediatric malnourished liver transplant recipients – case reports
Authors: Gibelli Nelson E. M. , Tannuri Ana Cristina A. , Andrade Wagner C. , Ricardi Luiz Roberto S. , Tannuri Uenis
Published: June 2012

Gibelli NEM, Tannuri ACA, Andrade WC, Ricardi LRS, Tannuri U. Centrilobular necrosis as a manifestation of venous outflow block in pediatric malnourished liver transplant recipients – case reports.

Abstract:  CLN is a frequent histological finding in biopsies after pediatric: LT, and its pathogenesis has not yet been fully clarified and has different causes. Among the vascular causes, VOB is sometimes difficult to diagnose, especially when technical variants such as split‐liver, reduced‐liver, or living‐related LT are utilized. Three liver‐transplanted malnourished children (ages 12, 20, and 28 months) developed altered LFTs and post‐operative ascites with right pleural effusion (two cases) and jaundice (one case). Doppler ultrasound examinations were normal and liver biopsies showed CLN interpreted as severe ACR. There were no responses to the medical treatment. Additional investigation with CT angiography suggested obstructed hepatic vein drainage, which was confirmed by interventional radiology and angioplasty of the anastomosis between the hepatic vein and the inferior vena cava, with clinical and histological resolution. It is concluded that in malnourished children undergoing LT with technical variations, in which the occurrence of severe ACR is usually less common because of the severity of the patient condition, the finding of CLN should raise the possibility of VOB, so that excessive immunosuppression and its consequences can be avoided.
Chronic immune‐mediated axonal polyneuropathy following umbilical cord blood transplant for childhood‐onset cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Shibata Minoru , Kato Takeo , Awaya Tomonari , Adachi Souichi , Heike Toshio
Published: June 2012

Shibata M, Kato T, Awaya T, Adachi S, Heike T. Chronic immune‐mediated axonal polyneuropathy following umbilical cord blood transplant for childhood‐onset cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.

Abstract:  Peripheral polyneuropathy is an unusual complication after organ transplantation and HSCT. The present study describes the case of an eight‐yr‐old boy diagnosed with ALD who underwent HLA‐matched UCBT under a reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen and developed progressive walking difficulty and hand clumsiness 11 months after transplantation. These symptoms were associated with cGVHD, identified as immune‐mediated axonopathy by electrophysiological examination and sural nerve biopsy. Peripheral polyneuropathy should be kept in mind as a complication of GVHD.
High host‐plant nitrogen content: a prerequisite for the evolution of ant–caterpillar mutualism?
Authors: PELLISSIER L. , RASMANN S. , LITSIOS G. , FIEDLER K. , DUBUIS A. , POTTIER J. , GUISAN A.
Published: June 2012

The amount of nitrogen required to complete an insect’s life cycle may vary greatly among species that have evolved distinct life history traits. Myrmecophilous caterpillars in the Lycaenidae family produce nitrogen‐rich exudates from their dorsal glands to attract ants for protection, and this phenomenon has been postulated to shape the caterpillar’s host‐plant choice. Accordingly, it was postulated that evolution towards myrmecophily in Lycaenidae is correlated with the utilization of nitrogen‐rich host plants. Although our results were consistent with the evolutionary shifts towards high‐nutrient host plants serving as exaptation for the evolution of myrmecophily in lycaenids, the selection of nitrogen‐rich host plants was not confined to lycaenids. Butterfly species in the nonmyrmecophilous family Pieridae also preferred nitrogen‐rich host plants. Thus, we conclude that nitrogen is an overall important component in the caterpillar diet, independent of the level of myrmecophily, as nitrogen can enhance the overall insect fitness and survival. However, when nitrogen can be obtained through alternative means, as in socially parasitic lycaenid species feeding on ant brood, the selective pressure for maintaining the use of nutrient‐rich host plants is relaxed, enabling the colonization of nitrogen‐poor host plants.
Variation in adult sex ratio alters the association between courtship, mating frequency and paternity in the lek‐forming fruitfly Ceratitis capitata
Authors: Leftwich P. T. , Edward D. A. , Alphey L. , Gage M. J. G. , Chapman T.
Published: June 2012

The intensity with which males deliver courtship and the frequency with which they mate are key components of male reproductive success. However, we expect the strength of the relationship between these traits and a male’s overall paternity to be strongly context dependent, for example to be altered significantly by the extent of post‐mating competition. We tested this prediction in a lekking insect, Ceratitis capitata (medfly). We examined the effect of manipulating the sex ratio from male‐ to female‐biased (high and low male competition, respectively) on courtship behaviour, mating frequency and paternity of focal males. Under high male competition, focal males delivered significantly more courtship but gained lower paternity than under lower competition. Paternity was positively associated with mating frequency and small residual testes size. However, the association between mating frequency and paternity was significantly stronger under low competition. We conclude that manipulation of sex ratio significantly altered the predictors of mating success and paternity. The relationship between pre‐ and post‐mating success is therefore plastic and alters according to the prevailing level of competition. The results highlight the importance of post‐copulatory processes in lekking species and illuminate selection pressures placed on insects such as medflies that are mass reared for pest control.
Factors Affecting Interspecific Aggression in a Year‐Round Territorial Species, the Jewel Damselfish
Authors: Paola Valentina Di , Vullioud Philippe , Demarta Lanilà , Alwany Magdy A. , Ros Albert F. H.
Published: June 2012

Vertebrates live in complex species networks in which interspecific interactions are common. In some contexts, the aggressive behaviours shown in these interspecific interactions are very similar to those shown in intraspecific interactions. It is still an open question whether intra‐ and interspecific aggression share common causality. We studied a year‐round territorial species the jewel damselfish, (Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus), which cultivate algae they feed on. Territory holders aggressively defend these algae that are an attractive resource for many other species. In this study, we recorded territorial aggression in free‐living individuals and recorded aggressive responses to a standardized territorial intrusion test in captive individuals. Field observations indicated that territorial aggression was selectively targeted towards food competitors. Independent of the size of the species, aggression was more frequent towards common species around their territories. This relationship was confirmed experimentally by confronting the jewel damselfish with novel objects to which the subjects were exposed either frequently or rarely. We suggest that jewel damselfish have to learn which species are competitors and therefore should be chased. In a standardized intrusion test with captive individuals, no significant differences were found in territorial responses towards intra‐ or interspecific intruders. Neither territorial aggression nor the intrusion showed any relationship with plasma androgen levels. Together, these data suggest that experience might be more important in non‐seasonal territorial aggression than circulating hormonal factors.
Comparative Effects of Salt and Water Stress on Seed Germination and Early Embryo Growth in Two Cultivars of Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Patanè C. , Saita A. , Sortino O.
Published: June 2012

In semiarid regions of the Mediterranean basin, water and salinity stresses restrict crop establishment. The effects of salt and water stress on seed germination and early embryo growth (radicle and shoot growth) were investigated in laboratory in two cultivars of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] – cv. ‘90‐5‐2′ and cv. ‘Keller’ – to verify how these stresses may limit crop growth during the very early stages of growing season. Six water potentials (ψ) of the imbibition solution (from 0 to −1.0 MPa) in NaCl or polyethylene glycol (PEG) for salt and water stress tests, respectively, were studied. Daily germination was recorded, and radicle and shoot lengths and dry weights (DWs) were measured 2 days after initial germination. Seed germination was reduced (8–30% lower than control) by water stress at ψ <−0.6 MPa and was delayed (approx. +10 h) already at −0.4 MPa. Salt stress only prolonged germination time. Shoot and root growth was adversely affected by water stress (PEG), whereas the effect of salt stress was less relevant. Cv. ‘90‐5‐2’ was less sensitive than cv. ‘Keller’ to both stresses. These cultivars exhibited a greater sensitivity to abiotic stresses in terms of root and shoot growth; therefore, other parameters beside germination, such as early embryo growth rate, may help in evaluating sorghum lines for adaptation to semi‐arid areas.
Analysis of weaning‐induced stress in Saanen goat kids
Authors: Magistrelli D. , Aufy A. A. , Pinotti L. , Rosi F.
Published: June 2012

In young ruminants’ life, weaning often coincides with a period of growth stasis and poor welfare. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of coping with the new diet on behavioural and haematological stress indicators in goat kids subjected to a commonly adopted weaning practice. Immediately after birth, male Saanen goat kids were divided into two groups: MILK and WMIX. All were fed colostrum for the first 3 days and then goat milk to the age of 29 days. After that, MILK kids continued to receive milk, while the WMIX kids underwent weaning and were completely weaned by day 48. Animal behaviour was recorded daily. From day 23–50, blood samples were taken weekly and analysed for indicators of stress and immune function. No abnormal behaviour, such as injurious behaviours or stereotypies, was observed in either of the experimental groups throughout the experimental period. During the last week, fasting plasma cortisol level was significantly lower, whereas plasma activity of both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly higher in WMIX kids, in relation to the MILK ones. Anyway, data were within the normal physiological range and no difference was observed neither in plasma haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin and antithrombin III, nor in plasma immunoglobulin A and G, at any time, signalling no stressful condition. Therefore, differences observed in cortisol, ALT and AST could be the consequence of the metabolic changes that occur during the transition from pre‐ruminant to ruminant state. The gradual weaning at 48 days of age did not result in any stressful condition and had no negative effect on weight gain. Results suggest that parameters commonly adopted to provide information on animal stress, such as cortisol and aminotransferase activity, can vary in relation to the physiological status of the animals and may bias stress assessment.
Pulmonary hypoplasia on preterm infant associated with diffuse chorioamniotic hemosiderosis caused by intrauterine hemorrhage due to massive subchorial hematoma: Report of a neonatal autopsy case
Authors: Yamada Sohsuke , Marutani Takamitsu , Hisaoka Masanori , Tasaki Takashi , Nabeshima Atsunori , Shiraishi Mika , Sasaguri Yasuyuki
Published: June 2012

A male infant born prematurely at 31 weeks of gestation weighed 789 g and had mildly brown‐colored oral/tracheal aspirates at delivery. The amniotic fluid was also discolored, and its index was below 5. The patient died of hypoxemic respiratory and cardiac failure 2 hours after birth. The maternal profiles showed placenta previa and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) at 22 weeks of gestation, and revealed recurrent episodes of antenatal and substantial vaginal bleeding and oligohydramnios, indicating chronic abruption‐oligohydramnios sequence. The thickened placenta, weighing 275 g, grossly displayed unevenness and diffuse opacity with green to brown discoloration in the chorioamniotic surface, and revealed chronic massive subchorial hematomas (Breus' mole) with old peripheral blood clot, circumvallation, and infarction. Microscopically, diffuse Berlin‐blue staining‐positive hemosiderin deposits were readily encountered in the chorioamniotic layers of the chorionic plate, consistent with diffuse chorioamniotic hemosiderosis (DCH) due to Breus' mole, accompanied by diffuse amniotic necrosis. At autopsy, an external examination showed several surface anomalies and marked pulmonary hypoplasia, 0.006 (less 0.012) of lung:body weight ratio. Since Breus' mole has a close relationship with intrauterine hemorrhage, resulting in DCH, IUGR, and/or pulmonary hypoplasia of the newborn, the present features might be typical.
Primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy: Report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Gong Qixing , Wang Zhen , Li Xiao , Fan Qinhe
Published: June 2012

Primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy is a recently recognized soft tissue tumor with only a few cases reported. Here, we reported another two cases of the lesion, a 5‐month‐old boy presenting with a soft tissue mass in the neck region that recurred 2 months later and a 3‐day‐old girl with a congenital superficial dorsal lumbar mass that extended to the spinal canal 1 month later. They shared similar histological patterns, such as unusual diffuse myxoid background, delicate vascular network, small cystic spaces, low to moderate cellularity, and primitive mesenchymal tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed positive for vimentin, CD99, CD117 and nestin, negative for myoid, lipoblastic, histiocytic, and neural markers. In conclusion, primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy is a distinctive entity with its own clinical pathological features. Expression of CD99, CD117 and nestin may be consistent with the primitive nature of the tumor and may serve as ancillary markers for differential diagnosis from the other infantile tumors.
Usefulness of insulin detemir in Japanese children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jinno Kazuhiko , Urakami Tatsuhiko , Horikawa Reiko , Kawamura Tomoyuki , Kikuchi Nobuyuki , Kikuchi Tohru , Kizu Rika , Kosaka Kitaro , Mizuno Haruo , Mochizuki Takahiro , Nishii Aki , Ohki Yukashi , Soneda Shun , Sugihara Shigetaka , Tatematsu Toshi , Amemiya Shin ,   on behalf of The Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes
Published: June 2012

Background:  This multicenter observational study was conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of insulin detemir (detemir) for diabetes management in Japanese children and adolescents.

Methods:  Data from the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes database were analyzed. Ninety children (32 boys, 58 girls; mean age, 11.9 ± 3.8 years) who transferred from a neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin or insulin glargine basal‐bolus regimen to detemir basal‐bolus therapy and who were observed for at least 12 months were identified. Clinical data obtained at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months were analyzed to determine the type of bolus insulin used, number and timing of detemir injections, detemir dose as a proportion of the total insulin dose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and frequency of severe hypoglycemia.

Results:  Twelve months after switching to detemir, the detemir dose represented 39.8% of the total insulin dose, and 37.8% of patients were being treated with twice‐daily injections. HbA1c and FBG were significantly reduced from baseline at 3 and 6 months but not at 12 months. Considering the seasonal HbA1c variation in the Japanese population, a separate analysis was performed using data for 65 children (21 boys, 44 girls; mean age, 11.6 ± 2.9 years) who switched to detemir during the winter. Subset analysis showed significant HbA1c reductions from baseline at all specified times. The incidence of severe hypoglycemia during detemir treatment was 4.4 episodes per 100 patient‐years.

Conclusions:  Detemir is an effective and safe basal insulin for diabetes management in Japanese children and adolescents.
Incidence of Kawasaki disease in northern European countries
Authors: Salo Eeva , Griffiths Elizabeth P. , Farstad Teresa , Schiller Bodil , Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Uehara Ritei , Best Brookie M. , Burns Jane C.
Published: June 2012

Background:  The aim of the present study was to compare the epidemiologic features of Kawasaki disease (KD) in three northern European countries and Japan.

Methods:  Data were obtained from discharge databases for hospitals in Finland, Norway, and Sweden for 1999–2009 and from nationwide epidemiologic surveys in Japan for 1998–2008. Annual incidence for each country was calculated using regional census data.

Results:  During the 11 year period, 1390 KD patients were recorded in the registries of the three northern European countries. Average annual incidence rates per 100 000 children aged <5 years were: Finland, 11.4; Norway, 5.4; and Sweden, 7.4. Overall, 86.4% of Japanese KD patients were aged <5 years compared to only 67.8% in the four northern European countries (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  The incidence of KD in northern Europe was constant over the study period and much lower than in Japan. There was a significant age difference between northern European and Japanese KD patients that remains unexplained.
Murine double minute 2 promoter SNP309 polymorphism and prostate cancer risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Guoyuan , Jiang Deke , Shen Suqin , Yu Long
Published: June 2012

Objective:  The murine double minute 2 gene encodes a negative regulator of the tumor protein p53. A single nucleotide polymorphism in murine double minute 2 promoter, SNP309 T>G, has been reported to alter murine double minute 2 protein expression and to accelerate tumor formation in humans. We carried out a meta‐analysis to explore the association between this polymorphism and prostate cancer risk.

Methods:  All eligible studies were searched in PubMed. Crude odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were assessed for the association using fixed‐ and random‐effects models.

Results:  Overall, five case–control studies (872 cases, 1005 controls) were included in the meta‐analysis. A significant association between murine double minute 2 SNP309 and prostate cancer risk was observed for homozygote genetic model GG versus TT (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.95, P < 0.05, P = 0.130 for heterogeneity), and for dominant model TG + GG versus TT (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.96, P < 0.05, P = 0.119 for heterogeneity). The stratified analysis based on ethnicity showed a significant effect of the polymorphism on prostate cancer risk in Caucasians for GG versus TT.

Conclusions:  Findings of the present meta‐analysis suggest that the murine double minute 2 309 G allele might be associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The effect of murine double minute 2 309 G allele on tumorigenesis might be influenced by sex and hormonal status.
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: A review of an uncommon entity
Authors: Vera‐Badillo Francisco Emilio , Conde Esther , Duran Ignacio
Published: June 2012

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common neoplasm of the kidney. It is a heterogeneous disease, comprised of different histological variants with a distinct clinical course, genetics and response to treatment. The various subtypes identified include clear cell, papillary and chromophobe, among others. Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a rare variant and accounts for 5% of all cases. These tumors are macroscopically larger when compared with other forms and are commonly diagnosed at an early stage. Despite significant advances in renal cell carcinoma therapeutics in the past decade, no standard treatment has been identified for advanced chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, new molecular insights have recently become available. A familial form of renal cell carcinoma, the Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, has been described and the knowledge obtained has opened research opportunities in the therapeutic arena of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. The following manuscript will endeavor to provide an overview of this uncommon entity including pathology, epidemiology, genetics, clinical aspects, and current and future treatment options.
Evaluation and surgical treatment of rectal prolapse: an international survey
Authors: Formijne Jonkers H. A. , Draaisma W. A. , Wexner S. D. , Broeders I. A. M. J. , Bemelman W. A. , Lindsey I. , Consten E. C. J.
Published: June 2012

Aim  Validated guidelines for the surgical and non‐surgical treatment of rectal prolapse (RP) do not exist. The aim of this international questionnaire survey was to provide an overview of the evaluation, follow‐up and treatment of patients with an internal or external RP.

Method  A 36‐question questionnaire in English about the evaluation, treatment and follow‐up of patients with RP was distributed amongst surgeons attending the congresses of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery and the European Society of Coloproctology in 2010. It was subsequently sent to all the members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the European Society of Coloproctology by e‐mail.

Results  In all, 391 surgeons in 50 different countries completed the questionnaire. Evaluation, surgical treatment and follow‐up of patients with RP differed considerably. For healthy patients with an external RP, laparoscopic ventral rectopexy was the most popular treatment in Europe, whereas laparoscopic resection rectopexy was favoured in North America. There was consensus only on frail and/or elderly patients with an external prolapse, with a preference for a perineal technique. After failure of conservative therapy, internal RP was mostly treated by laparoscopic resection rectopexy in North America. In Europe, laparoscopic ventral rectopexy and stapled transanal rectal resection were the most popular techniques for these patients.

Conclusion  The treatment of RP differs between surgeons, countries and regions. Guidelines are lacking. Prospective comparative studies are warranted that may result in universally accepted protocols.
Factors associated with injection omission/non‐adherence in the Global Attitudes of Patients and Physicians in Insulin Therapy study
Authors: Peyrot M. , Barnett A. H. , Meneghini L. F. , Schumm‐Draeger P.‐M.
Published: June 2012

Aim

To examine factors associated with insulin injection omission/non‐adherence on a global basis.

Methods

Telephone survey of 1530 insulin‐treated adults with self‐reported diabetes (110 type 1 and 1420 type 2) in China, France, Japan, Germany, Spain, Turkey, UK or USA. Participants had a mean age of ∼60 years, ∼15 years duration of diabetes and ∼9 years duration of insulin treatment. Regression analysis assessed the independent associations (p < 0.05) of country, participant characteristics and treatment‐related beliefs/perceptions with number of days in the past month that an insulin injection was missed or not taken as prescribed.

Results

One third (35%) of respondents reported one or more days (mean: ∼3 days) of insulin omission/non‐adherence. Insulin omission/non‐adherence differed widely across countries (range = 20–44%); differences in days of insulin omission/non‐adherence were maintained after adjustment for other risk factors. Most risk factors had similar relationships with insulin omission/non‐adherence across countries (few interactions with country). Insulin omission/non‐adherence was more frequent among respondents who were male, younger, had type 2 diabetes or more frequent hypoglycaemia, were less successful with other treatment tasks, regarded insulin adherence as less important, had more practical/logistical barriers and difficulties with insulin adherence, were concerned that insulin treatment required lifestyle changes or were dissatisfied with the flexibility of injection timing.

Conclusions

The results of this large‐scale study suggest that insulin omission/non‐adherence is common and associated with several modifiable risk factors (including practical barriers, injection difficulties, lifestyle burden and regimen inflexibility). Additional efforts to address these risk factors might reduce the frequency of insulin omission/non‐adherence and lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Ultra‐long‐acting insulin degludec has a flat and stable glucose‐lowering effect in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Heise T. , Nosek L. , Bøttcher S. G. , Hastrup H. , Haahr H.
Published: June 2012

Aims

Insulin degludec (IDeg) is a new‐generation, ultra‐long‐acting basal insulin that forms soluble multihexamers upon subcutaneous injection, resulting in a depot from which IDeg is absorbed slowly and continuously into circulation. This double‐blind, two‐period, incomplete block cross‐over trial investigated the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of IDeg at steady state (SS) in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Forty‐nine subjects treated with insulin without concomitant oral anti‐diabetic drugs were given IDeg (0.4, 0.6 and/or 0.8 U/kg) once daily for two 6‐day periods, separated by an interval of 13–21 days. Following dosing on Day 6, subjects underwent a 26‐h euglycaemic glucose clamp (Biostator®; clamp blood glucose level: 90 mg/dl; 5.0 mmol/l). Pharmacokinetic samples were taken until 120 h after last dosing.

Results

For all dose levels, the mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) profiles were flat and stable. The glucose‐lowering effect of IDeg was evenly distributed over the dosing interval τ, with area under the curve (AUC) for each of the four 6‐h intervals being approximately 25% of the total AUC (AUCGIR,τ,SS). Total glucose‐lowering effect increased linearly with increasing dose. The blood glucose levels of all subjects stayed very close to the clamp target until end of clamp. The terminal half‐life of IDeg was approximately 25 h at steady state. IDeg was well tolerated and no safety concerns were identified. No injection site reactions were reported.

Conclusions

IDeg has a flat and consistent glucose‐lowering effect in people with type 2 diabetes.
Can a trained non‐physician provider perform transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsies as effectively as an experienced urologist?
Authors: Hori Satoshi , Fuge Oliver , Trabucchi Kay , Donaldson Peter , McLoughlin John
Published: June 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

PSA testing has resulted in a large number of patients being referred to urologists for investigation of potential prostate cancer. Despite limited evidence, non‐physician providers now perform a number of routine urological procedures such as transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsies (TRUSP) in a bid to help relieve this increasing workload.

In the largest series to date, we provide evidence that an adequately trained non‐physician provider is able to perform TRUSP as effectively as an experienced urologist after an initial learning curve.

Objective

To evaluate differences in cancer detection rates between a trained non‐physician provider (NPP) and an experienced urologist performing transrectal ultrasound‐guided prostatic biopsies (TRUSP) at a single UK institution.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analysed a prospectively accrued database of patients (n = 440) referred for investigation of an abnormal digital rectal examination and/or a raised age‐specific prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value undergoing first‐time outpatient prostatic biopsies who were sequentially allocated to either an NPP or a physician‐led TRUSP clinic.

Differences in overall and risk‐stratified prostate cancer detection rates were evaluated according to TRUSP operator.

Continuous variables were analysed using Mann–Whitney U test whereas categorical variables were analysed using Pearson's chi‐squared test. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was fitted for predictors of a positive biopsy.

Results

In all, 57.3% (126/220) of patients who underwent physician‐led TRUSP were diagnosed with prostate cancer compared with 52.7% (116/220) in the NPP‐led clinic (P = 0.338).

Sub‐group analysis revealed a lower cancer detection rate in men presenting with a low PSA level (<9.9 ng/mL) during the first 50 independent TRUSP procedures performed by the NPP (P = 0.014). This initial difference was lost with increasing case volume, suggesting the presence of a learning curve.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio (OR) 1.054, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.025–1.084, P ≤ 0.001), presenting PSA level (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.081, P = 0.001), prostatic volume (OR 0.969, 95% CI 0.958–0.981, P ≤ 0.001) and clinical stage (OR 1.538, 95% CI 1.046–2.261, P = 0.029) to be predictors of a positive prostatic biopsy outcome.

The choice of TRUSP operator was not predictive of a positive prostatic biopsy (OR 0.729, 95% CI 0.464–1.146, P = 0.171).

Conclusion

An adequately trained NPP is able to perform TRUSP as effectively as an experienced urologist after an initial learning curve of 50 cases.
Australia's double standard on Thailand's alcohol warning labels
Authors: O'Brien Paula
Published: June 2012

Introduction and Aims

Since 2010, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including Australia, have opposed Thailand's proposal for graphic warnings on alcohol containers. This paper aims to provide an account of the arguments for/against Thailand and to examine the arguments' legal and political validity.

Design and Methods

This paper reviews primary WTO records in relation to Thailand's proposal to reveal the arguments for/against Thailand's proposal. The paper analyses these arguments in light of WTO cases to identify the legal strengths and weaknesses of Thailand's position. The paper then considers whether the attacks on Thailand by Australia are justified in light of the Australian Government's position on (i) alcohol warning labels in Australia and (ii) tobacco plain packaging.

Results

The legal arguments against Thailand are: only harmful alcohol consumption should be prevented; there is no evidence that graphic warning labels can reduce alcohol‐related harm; the labels unnecessarily restrict international trade. There are some legal weaknesses in Thailand's proposal. Yet, Australia's opposition to Thailand cannot be justified whilst Australia is (i) mandating pregnancy‐related alcohol warnings in Australia and (ii) defending its plain packaging law against similar WTO attacks.

Discussion

No WTO member is obliged to challenge another member for being non‐compliant. The case tests the willingness of WTO members like Australia to respect the autonomy of other countries to pursue their public health goals and trial novel interventions.

Conclusions

Australia's actions suggest it is willing to protect its alcohol industry at the expense of public health in Thailand.
A Stupidity‐Based Theory of Organizations
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Spicer André
Published: June 2012

abstract

In this paper we question the one‐sided thesis that contemporary organizations rely on the mobilization of cognitive capacities. We suggest that severe restrictions on these capacities in the form of what we call functional stupidity are an equally important if under‐recognized part of organizational life. Functional stupidity refers to an absence of reflexivity, a refusal to use intellectual capacities in other than myopic ways, and avoidance of justifications.We argue that functional stupidity is prevalent in contexts dominated by economy in persuasion which emphasizes image and symbolic manipulation. This gives rise to forms of stupidity management that repress or marginalize doubt and block communicative action. In turn, this structures individuals' internal conversations in ways that emphasize positive and coherent narratives and marginalize more negative or ambiguous ones. This can have productive outcomes such as providing a degree of certainty for individuals and organizations. But it can have corrosive consequences such as creating a sense of dissonance among individuals and the organization as a whole. The positive consequences can give rise to self‐reinforcing stupidity. The negative consequences can spark dialogue, which may undermine functional stupidity.
Integrating spatial dependence into Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Areal Francisco José , Balcombe Kelvin , Tiffin Richard
Published: June 2012

An approach to incorporate spatial dependence into stochastic frontier analysis is developed and applied to a sample of 215 dairy farms in England and Wales. A number of alternative specifications for the spatial weight matrix are used to analyse the effect of these on the estimation of spatial dependence. Estimation is conducted using a Bayesian approach and results indicate that spatial dependence is present when explaining technical inefficiency.
Variable Selection with Error Control: Another Look at Stability Selection
Authors: Shah Rajen D. , Samworth Richard J.
Published: June 2012

Stability selection was recently introduced by Meinshausen and Bühlmann as a very general technique designed to improve the performance of a variable selection algorithm. It is based on aggregating the results of applying a selection procedure to subsamples of the data. We introduce a variant, called complementary pairs stability selection, and derive bounds both on the expected number of variables included by complementary pairs stability selection that have low selection probability under the original procedure, and on the expected number of high selection probability variables that are excluded. These results require no (e.g. exchangeability) assumptions on the underlying model or on the quality of the original selection procedure. Under reasonable shape restrictions, the bounds can be further tightened, yielding improved error control, and therefore increasing the applicability of the methodology.
Estimation of the Mean of Functional Time Series and a Two-Sample Problem
Authors: Horváth Lajos , Kokoszka Piotr , Reeder Ron
Published: June 2012

The paper is concerned with inference based on the mean function of a functional time series. We develop a normal approximation for the functional sample mean and then focus on the estimation of the asymptotic variance kernel. Using these results, we develop and asymptotically justify testing procedures for the equality of means in two functional samples exhibiting temporal dependence. Evaluated by means of a simulation study and application to a real data set, these two-sample procedures enjoy good size and power in finite samples.
Empirical Bayes False Coverage Rate Controlling Confidence Intervals
Authors: Zhao Zhigen , Gene Hwang J. T.
Published: June 2012

Benjamini and Yekutieli suggested that it is important to account for multiplicity correction for confidence intervals when only some of the selected intervals are reported. They introduced the concept of the false coverage rate (FCR) for confidence intervals which is parallel to the concept of the false discovery rate in the multiple-hypothesis testing problem and they developed confidence intervals for selected parameters which control the FCR. Their approach requires the FCR to be controlled in the frequentist’s sense, i.e. controlled for all the possible unknown parameters. In modern applications, the number of parameters could be large, as large as tens of thousands or even more, as in microarray experiments. We propose a less conservative criterion, the Bayes FCR, and study confidence intervals controlling it for a class of distributions. The Bayes FCR refers to the average FCR with respect to a distribution of parameters. Under such a criterion, we propose some confidence intervals, which, by some analytic and numerical calculations, are demonstrated to have the Bayes FCR controlled at level q for a class of prior distributions, including mixtures of normal distributions and zero, where the mixing probability is unknown. The confidence intervals are shrinkage-type procedures which are more efficient for the θis that have a sparsity structure, which is a common feature of microarray data. More importantly, the centre of the proposed shrinkage intervals reduces much of the bias due to selection. Consequently, the proposed empirical Bayes intervals are always shorter in average length than the intervals of Benjamini and Yekutieli and can be only 50% or 60% as long in some cases. We apply these procedures to the data of Choe and colleagues and obtain similar results.
Joint Composite Estimating Functions in Spatiotemporal Models
Authors: Bai Yun , Song Peter X.-K. , Raghunathan T. E.
Published: June 2012

Modelling of spatiotemporal processes has received considerable attention in recent statistical research. However, owing to the high dimensionality of the data, the joint modelling of spatial and temporal processes presents a great computational challenge, in both likelihood-based and Bayesian approaches. We propose a joint composite estimating function approach to estimating spatiotemporal covariance structures. This substantially reduces the computational complexity and is more efficient than existing composite likelihood methods. The novelty of the proposed joint composite estimating function is rooted in the construction of three sets of estimating functions from spatial, temporal and spatiotemporal cross-pairs, which results in overidentified estimating functions. Thus, we form a joint inference function in a spirit that is similar to Hansen’s generalized method of moments. We show that under practical scenarios the estimator proposed is consistent and asymptotically normal. Simulation studies prove that our method performs well in finite samples. Finally, we illustrate the joint composite estimating function method by estimating the spatiotemporal dependence structure of airborne particulates (PM10) in the north-eastern USA over a 32-month period.
The Causal Effect of Education on Wages Revisited*
Authors: Dickson Matt
Published: June 2012

This study estimates the return to education in Britain using two instrumental variable (IV) estimators: one exploits variation in schooling associated with early smoking, the other uses the raising of the school leaving age; both affect a sizeable proportion of the sample. Early smoking is found to be a strong and valid IV and unlike previous IV strategies uses variations in education at numerous points across the distributions of (i) education, and (ii) ability. Thus whilst still a ‘local average treatment effect’ the estimate is closer to the average effect of additional education, akin to least squares but corrected for endogeneity.
‘Who's the Daddy?’ – Ideas about Fathers from a Young Men's Prison
Authors: Earle Rod
Published: June 2012

Drawing from an ethnographically‐informed study of men's identities and social relations in prison, this article explores the ways in which ideas about fatherhood are institutionally deployed and personally experienced. Based on interviews and observational data in a young offender institution (YOI) for 18‐ to 21‐year‐old men, the article considers young men's orientations toward being a father and their participation in parenting classes and a ‘Fathers Inside’ group. Four vignettes are constructed to present an account of some of the issues surrounding men's experience of prison, being a man and a father, researching men in prison and gender regimes in which fathers are being rediscovered and reinvented.
Promoting an Evidence‐Informed Approach to Addressing Problem Gambling in UK Prison Populations
Authors: May‐Chahal Corinne , Wilson Alison , Humphreys Leslie , Anderson Jill
Published: June 2012

International studies find that between a quarter and a third of offenders may be defined as problem gamblers. No comparable studies have been conducted in the UK during the last decade, which has seen unprecedented changes in gambling legislation and opportunities. The present study in two English prisons (one male and one female) found that levels of problem gambling were in line with global estimates. 27.8% of men and 18.1% of women were rated as medium‐risk and problem gamblers. Gambling problems were linked to current and previous offending for between 7% and 13% of all offenders.
Questioning Contingency in Social Life: Roles, Agreement and Agency
Authors: KEMP STEPHEN , HOLMWOOD JOHN
Published: June 2012

Structure/agency theories presuppose that there is a unity to structure that distinguishes it from the (potential) diversity of agents' responses. In doing so they formally divide the robust social processes shaping the social world (structure) from contingent agential variation (agency). In this article we question this division by critically evaluating its application to the concept of role in critical realism and structural functionalism. We argue that Archer, Elder‐Vass and Parsons all mistakenly understand a role to have a singular structural definition which agents may then diverge from. Drawing on the work of Gross, Mason and McEachern we argue instead that if agents diverge in their conceptions of what role incumbents should do, there is no single role definition, but rather a range of diverse role‐expectations. Acknowledging this can help us to understand variation in role behaviour, with different incumbents potentially being more exposed to some expectations than others. We argue that considering roles in this way can extend the ability of social scientists to identify robust social processes shaping role behaviour and decrease the extent to which they need to call on contingent factors in such explanations.
After Liber Novus1
Authors: Shamdasani Sonu
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  This paper reflects on the conference question concerning the clinical and theoretical significance of Jung's Liber Novus, two years after its initial publication, and looks at how Jung himself reflected upon it and how it informed his turn to alchemy, with particular attention to the theme of opposites and their reconciliation in Liber Novus, later taken up in Mysterium Coniunctionis.