bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children: Experience in a Single Centre in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Hannan Md. Jafrul
Published: March 2014

Background. Since the latter half of 1980s laparoscopy has become a well accepted modality in children in many surgical procedures including appendectomy. We present here the experience of laparoscopic appendectomy in children in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh.  Subjects & Methods. From October 7, 2005 to July 31, 2012, 1809 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed. Laparoscopy was performed in all the cases using 3 ports. For difficult and adherent cases submucosal appendectomy was performed. Feeding was allowed 6 h after surgery and the majority was discharged on the first postoperative day. The age, sex, operative techniques, operative findings, operative time, hospital stay, outcome, and complications were evaluated in this retrospective study.Results. Mean age was 8.17 ± 3.28 years and 69% were males. Fifteen percent were complicated appendicitis, 8 cases needed conversion, and 27 cases were done by submucosal technique. Mean operating time was 39.8 ± 14.2 minutes and mean postoperative hospital stay was 1.91 days. About 5% cases had postoperative complications including 4 intra-abdominal abscesses.Conclusions. Laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe procedure in children even in complicated cases.
Transient Stability Improvement of a Power System with Parametric Uncertainties Using a Robust Optimal H2 State Feedback Controller
Authors: Mirabadi Mehdi Mohseni , Abjadi Navid Reza , Hoghoughi-Isfahani Said , Shojaeian Shahrokh
Published: March 2014

In recent years, improvement of dynamic behavior of power systems has interested many researchers and to achieve it, various control methods are proposed. In this paper, in order to improve transient stability of power system, a robust optimal H2 state feedback is employed. In order to appropriate formulation of the problem, linear matrix inequality (LMI) theory is used. To achieve the best answer, controller parameters are tuned using particle swarm algorithm. The obtained results of the proposed method are compared to conventional power system stabilizer.
Molteno3 Implantation as Primary Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Välimäki Juha O. , Ylilehto Ari-Pekka A.
Published: March 2014

Purpose. To determine the outcome of Molteno3 implantation as primary glaucoma surgery and to analyze the factors influencing the surgical outcome.Methods. This is a retrospective clinical study of 106 consecutive eyes (97 patients) with no previous glaucoma surgery. Surgical failure was defined as an IOP > 21 mmHg or less than a 20% reduction below baseline, or IOP ≤ 5 mmHg, on two consecutive visits after 3 months follow-up, or reoperation for glaucoma or loss of light perception.Results. At the end of the follow-up (mean, 35 months; range, 12–71 months), the mean postoperative IOP (14.2 ± 4.4 mmHg) was statistically significantly lower than the preoperative IOP (35.2 ± 9.7 mmHg) (P<0.001). Life-table success rates were 97%, 94%, and 91% after follow-up of 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Success rate for an IOP ≤ 18 mmHg was 77% at the last visit. Success was not influenced by previous cataract surgery, sex, age, laser trabeculoplasty (LTP), preoperative IOP, or number of antiglaucoma medications. Forty-seven eyes had 66 postoperative complications.Conclusions. The primary Molteno3 implant provided significant IOP lowering with minimal and manageable complications in uncontrolled glaucoma. Neither previous cataract surgery nor LTP had any detrimental effect on surgical success.
Testosterone- and Cortisol-Secreting Adrenocortical Oncocytoma: An Unusual Cause of Hirsutism
Authors: Sahin Serap Baydur , Yucel Ahmet Fikret , Bedir Recep , Ogullar Sabri , Ayaz Teslime , Algun Ekrem
Published: March 2014

Objective.Oncocytomas of the adrenal cortex are usually benign and nonfunctional. They are rarely seen as the cause of hirsutism. Therefore, we aimed to report a case of adrenocortical oncocytoma presenting with hirsutism.Methods.We report a testosterone- and cortisol-secreting adrenal oncocytoma in a 23-year-old female patient presenting with hirsutism.Results.The patient had the complaint of hirsutism for the last year. Laboratory tests revealed total testosterone level of 4.2 ng/mL, free testosterone of >100 pg/mL, and DHEAS level of 574 µg/dL. There was no suppression in cortisol levels with 2 mg dexamethasone suppression test (5.4 µg/dL). Adrenal MRI revealed a27×25 mm isointense solid mass lesion in the left adrenal gland and the patient underwent laparoscopic left adrenalectomy. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of benign adrenocortical oncoyctoma.Conclusion.This well-characterized case describes a testosterone- and cortisol-secreting adrenocortical oncocytoma as a possible cause of hirsutism. To our knowledge, this is the second report in the literature. Adrenal oncocytomas should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of hirsutism.
Appetite Sensations, Appetite Signaling Proteins, and Glucose in Obese Adolescents with Subclinical Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Adamo Kristi B. , Wilson Shanna L. , Ferraro Zachary M. , Hadjiyannakis Stasia , Doucet Éric , Goldfield Gary S.
Published: March 2014

Objective. This study aimed to investigate potential differences in appetite sensations, ghrelin, peptide YY, and glucose and their relationship with energy and macronutrient intake in obese adolescents with subclinical binge eating disorder. Methods. Fifteen obese adolescents (six and nine individuals with and without subclinical binge eating disorder, resp.) qualified for this study. Visual analog scales and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaires were used to assess eating behaviours. Circulating ghrelin, peptide YY, and glucose were measured after fasting and at multiple time points postprandially following a standardized breakfast meal. Energy and macronutrient intake were measured with an ad libitum lunch buffet. Results. Emotional eating scores were significantly higher in obese adolescents with subclinical binge eating disorder. Hunger levels rose and satiety levels fell significantly over the course of the monitoring period but there was no difference between the two groups. Obese adolescents with subclinical binge eating disorder did not have significantly different levels of appetite signaling proteins or glucose. Obese adolescents with subclinical binge eating disorder had a nonsignificantly higher energy and macronutrient intake. Conclusions. A significant difference between the two groups in terms of their emotional eating scores highlights the important role that psychological factors play in relation to eating behaviours.
Mobile Tracking Based on Support Vector Regressors Ensemble and Game Theory
Authors: Zeng Fanzi , Liu Shaoyuan , Li Renfa , Zeng Qingguang
Published: March 2014

A two-step tracking strategy is proposed to mitigate the adverse effect of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation to the mobile node tracking. This strategy firstly uses support vector regressors ensemble (SVRM) to establish the mapping of node position to radio parameters by supervising learning. Then by modelling the noise as the adversary of position estimator, a game between position estimator and noise is constructed. After that the position estimation from SVRM is smoothed by game theory. Simulations show that the proposed strategy results in the more accurate performance, especially in the harsh environment.
Serine Proteases of Malaria ParasitePlasmodium falciparum: Potential as Antimalarial Drug Targets
Authors: Alam Asrar
Published: March 2014

Malaria is a major global parasitic disease and a cause of enormous mortality and morbidity. Widespread drug resistance against currently available antimalarials warrants the identification of novel drug targets and development of new drugs. Malarial proteases are a group of molecules that serve as potential drug targets because of their essentiality for parasite life cycle stages and feasibility of designing specific inhibitors against them. Proteases belonging to various mechanistic classes are found inP. falciparum, of which serine proteases are of particular interest due to their involvement in parasite-specific processes of egress and invasion. InP. falciparum, a number of serine proteases belonging to chymotrypsin, subtilisin, and rhomboid clans are found. This review focuses on the potential ofP. falciparumserine proteases as antimalarial drug targets.
Asymmetric Organocatalysis at the Service of Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Ricci Alfredo
Published: March 2014

The application of the most representative and up-to-date examples of homogeneous asymmetric organocatalysis to the synthesis of molecules of interest in medicinal chemistry is reported. The use of different types of organocatalysts operative via noncovalent and covalent interactions is critically reviewed and the possibility of running some of these reactions on large or industrial scale is described. A comparison between the organo- and metal-catalysed methodologies is offered in several cases, thus highlighting the merits and drawbacks of these two complementary approaches to the obtainment of very popular on market drugs or of related key scaffolds.
Orthogonal Regression Based Multihop Localization Algorithm for Large-Scale Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ren Yongji , Zhong Jianlin , Huang Jun , Song Yanbo , Xin Xuguang , Yu Ning , Feng Renjian
Published: March 2014

For large-scale underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) with a minority of anchor nodes, multihop localization is a popular scheme for determining the geographical positions of normal nodes. However, existing multihop localization studies have considered the anchor positions to be free of errors, which is not a valid assumption in practice. In this paper, the problems existing in nonlinear least square-based node self-localization schemes are analyzed, and the biased distribution characteristic of multihop distance estimation errors is pointed out. Then, the orthogonal regression method is employed for the localization of normal nodes in the presence of anchor position errors. In particular, the influences of errors in independent variables and biases in dependent variables on node coordinate estimation are taken into account simultaneously. Extensive simulation results illustrate the robustness and effectiveness of our method.
Multimodality Imaging Evaluation of an Uncommon Entity: Esophageal Heterotopic Pancreas
Authors: Mack Takman , Lowry Debra , Carbone Peter , Barbick Brian , Kindelan Joshua , Marks Robert
Published: March 2014

A 25-year-old male was referred to the Radiology Department with new onset of right upper quadrant and epigastric abdominal pain. He had no past medical or surgical history. Physical exam was unremarkable. The patient underwent computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopic upper gastrointestinal (GI) evaluation, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and positron emission tomography (PET) evaluation, revealing the presence of a heterogeneous esophageal mass. In light of imaging findings and clinical workup, the patient was ultimately referred for thorascopic surgery. Surgical findings and histology confirmed the diagnosis of esophageal heterotopic pancreas.
Smart Power Management and Delay Reduction for Target Tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Feng Juan , Lian Baowang , Zhao Hongwei
Published: March 2014

Energy efficiency and data transmission delay are critical issues for mobile target tracking wireless sensor networks, in which abundant sensor nodes are deployed to collect the target information from the sensing field. At present, many existing works have been concentrated on extending network lifetime, while less emphasis was placed on both transmission delay reduction and the adaptive sleep of sensor nodes considering the application constraints. In this paper, we propose a smart power management and delay reduction approach for target tracking based on a grid network structure, where sensor nodes adjust their sleep intervals according to the distance between the node and the moving target. Sensor nodes can distributedly decide their sleeping time using the information from their neighbors. Furthermore, we propose a real-time chain to relay the sensed data for transmission delay reduction. The proposed approach allows sensor nodes that are far away from the target to sleep more and make the target information forward to the sink in time. Experimental results verify that, in contrast to adaptive coordinate and local power management protocols, the proposed approach achieves a significant energy saving while maintaining a short transmission delay.
Fundamental Solutions to Time‐Fractional Advection Diffusion Equation in a Case of Two Space Variables
Authors: Povstenko Y. Z.
Published: March 2014

The fundamental solutions to time‐fractional advection diffusion equation in a plane and a half‐plane are obtained using the Laplace integral transform with respect to time t and the Fourier transforms with respect to the space coordinates x and y. The Cauchy, source, and Dirichlet problems are investigated. The solutions are expressed in terms of integrals of Bessel functions combined with Mittag‐Leffler functions. Numerical results are illustrated graphically.
A Rare Case of Paratesticular Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Haran Shankar , Balakrishan Vikram , Neerhut Greg
Published: March 2014

Paratesticular leiomyosarcomas are rare and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, if inadequately diagnosed or treated. We present a case of paratesticular leiomyosarcoma in an 88-year-old man presenting with a left scrotal mass with ultrasound revealing that the mass is extratesticular. Left radical orchidectomy was performed and pathological examination of the resected specimen confirmed the diagnoses of high grade leiomyosarcoma with surgical margins clear of tumour. The patient was free of metastatic disease on further imaging and has been disease-free for 18 months. A review of the literature regarding paratesticular leiomyosarcoma presentation, diagnosis, and treatment is also discussed.
Effects of Consumption of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and a Rooibos-Derived Commercial Supplement on Hepatic Tissue Injury bytert-Butyl Hydroperoxide in Wistar Rats
Authors: Canda B. D. , Oguntibeju O. O. , Marnewick J. L.
Published: March 2014

This study investigated the antioxidative effect of rooibos herbal tea and a rooibos-derived commercial supplement ontert-butyl hydroperoxide- (t-BHP-) induced oxidative stress in the liver. Forty male Wistar rats consumed fermented rooibos, unfermented rooibos, a rooibos-derived commercial supplement, or water for 10 weeks, while oxidative stress was induced during the last 2 weeks via intraperitoneal injection of 30 µmole oft-BHP per 100 g body weight. None of the beverages impaired the body weight gain of the respective animals. Rats consuming the rooibos-derived commercial supplement had the highest (P<0.05) daily total polyphenol intake (169 mg/day) followed by rats consuming the unfermented rooibos (93.4 mg/day) and fermented rooibos (73.1 mg/day). Intake of both the derived supplement and unfermented rooibos restored thet-BHP-induced reduction and increased (P<0.05) the antioxidant capacity status of the liver, while not impacting on lipid peroxidation. The rooibos herbal tea did not affect the hepatic antioxidant enzymes, except fermented rooibos that caused a decrease (P<0.05) in superoxide dismutase activity. This study confirms rooibos herbal tea as good dietary antioxidant sources and, in conjunction with its many other components, offers a significantly enhanced antioxidant status of the liver in an induced oxidative stress situation.
On the(p,q)th Relative Order Oriented Growth Properties of Entire Functions
Authors: Sánchez Ruiz Luis Manuel , Datta Sanjib Kumar , Biswas Tanmay , Mondal Golok Kumar
Published: March 2014

The relative order of growth gives a quantitative assessment of how different functions scale each other and to what extent they are self-similar in growth. In this paper for any two positive integerspandq, we wish to introduce an alternative definition of relative(p,q)th order which improves the earlier definition of relative(p,q)th order as introduced by Lahiri and Banerjee (2005). Also in this paper we discuss some growth rates of entire functions on the basis of the improved definition of relative(p,q)th order with respect to another entire function and extend some earlier concepts as given by Lahiri and Banerjee (2005), providing some examples of entire functions whose growth rate can accordingly be studied.
Controllable Edge Feature Sharpening for Dental Applications
Authors: Fan Ran , Jin Xiaogang
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a new approach to sharpen blurred edge features in scanned tooth preparation surfaces generated by structured-light scanners. It aims to efficiently enhance the edge features so that the embedded feature lines can be easily identified in dental CAD systems, and to avoid unnatural oversharpening geometry. We first separate the feature regions using graph-cut segmentation, which does not require a user-defined threshold. Then, we filter the face normal vectors to propagate the geometry from the smooth region to the feature region. In order to control the degree of the sharpness, we propose a feature distance measure which is based on normal tensor voting. Finally, the vertex positions are updated according to the modified face normal vectors. We have applied the approach to scanned tooth preparation models. The results show that the blurred edge features are enhanced without unnatural oversharpening geometry.
New Oscillation Criteria for Third-Order Nonlinear Functional Differential Equations
Authors: Zhang Quanxin , Gao Li , Liu Shouhua , Yu Yuanhong
Published: March 2014

This paper discusses oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of solutions of a class of third-order nonlinear functional differential equations. By using the generalized Riccati transformation and the integral averaging technique, three new sufficient conditions which insure that the solution is oscillatory or converges to zero are established. The results obtained essentially generalize and improve the earlier ones.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial of Lovastatin for Various Endpoints of Melanoma Pathobiology
Authors: Linden Kenneth G. , Leachman Sancy A. , Zager Jonathan S. , Jakowatz James G. , Viner Jaye L. , McLaren Christine E. , Barr Ronald J. , Carpenter Philip M. , Chen Wen-Pin , Elmets Craig A. , Tangrea Joseph A. , Lim Sung-Jig , Cochran Alistair J. , Meyskens Frank L.
Published: March 2014

On the basis of large cardiovascular clinical trials of lipid-lowering agents that showed a considerable decrease in the incidence of primary melanomas in the active agent arm, we have carried out a randomized, double-blind clinical trial examining the impact of lovastatin on various biomarkers of melanoma pathogenesis. Subjects with at least two clinically atypical nevi were randomized to receive oral lovastatin or placebo for a 6-month period. Clinical, histopathologic, and molecular biomarkers were evaluated for change in the two groups. Eighty subjects were randomized, evaluable, and included in the analyses. Lovastatin showed no benefit in comparison with placebo in the primary endpoint of decreasing the level of histopathologic atypia, nor in any of the secondary endpoints of decreasing clinical atypia, impact on nevus number, nor in showing significant changes in any of the molecular biomarkers. There were no significant differences in adverse event profiles for lovastatin compared with placebo. The lovastatin arm did show a significant and considerable decrease in total serum cholesterol and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared with placebo, an expected result. This finding bolsters confidence in subject compliance. Given the results of this trial, it is concluded that if lovastatin were to lower the incidence of melanoma, it would appear not to be doing so by reversing atypia of precursor atypical nevi over the 6-month time frame studied. Further research into the pathogenesis of melanoma and in other potential chemopreventive agents is needed. Cancer Prev Res; 7(5); 496–504. ©2014 AACR.
Genistein Protects Hematopoietic Stem Cells against G-CSF–Induced DNA Damage
Authors: Souza Liliana R. , Silva Erica , Calloway Elissa , Kucuk Omer , Rossi Michael , McLemore Morgan L.
Published: March 2014

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been used to treat neutropenia in various clinical settings. Although clearly beneficial, there are concerns that the chronic use of G-CSF in certain conditions increases the risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and/or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The most striking example is in severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). Patients with SCN develop MDS/AML at a high rate that is directly correlated to the cumulative lifetime dosage of G-CSF. Myelodysplastic syndrome and AML that arise in these settings are commonly associated with chromosomal deletions. We have demonstrated in this study that chronic G-CSF treatment in mice results in expansion of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) population. In addition, primitive hematopoietic progenitors from G-CSF–treated mice show evidence of DNA damage as demonstrated by an increase in double-strand breaks and recurrent chromosomal deletions. Concurrent treatment with genistein, a natural soy isoflavone, limits DNA damage in this population. The protective effect of genistein seems to be related to its preferential inhibition of G-CSF–induced proliferation of HSCs. Importantly, genistein does not impair G-CSF–induced proliferation of committed hematopoietic progenitors, nor diminishes neutrophil production. The protective effect of genistein was accomplished with plasma levels that are attainable through dietary supplementation. Cancer Prev Res; 7(5); 534–44. ©2014 AACR.
Quantitative Levels of Hepatitis B Virus DNA and Surface Antigen and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis B Receiving Long-Term Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy
Authors: Kawanaka Miwa , Nishino Ken , Nakamura Jun , Oka Takahito , Urata Noriyo , Goto Daisuke , Suehiro Mitsuhiko , Kawamoto Hirofumi , Kudo Masatoshi , Yamada Gotaro
Published: March 2014

Background: Serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA are an important predictor of the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, little is known about whether high levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) increase the risk for HCC. Methods: We investigated 167 patients who were treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) for at least 2 years (median: 5.8 years, range: 2-13.1 years). Relationships between reduced levels of HBsAg and various factors were evaluated. In addition, we evaluated the usefulness of quantitative serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg as predictors of HCC development in patients receiving long-term NA therapy. Results: HCC developed in 9 of the 167 NA-treated patients. In the 9 patients with HCC, HBV DNA was undetectable (<2.1 log copies/mL), but HBsAg levels were ≥2000 C.O.I. in 7 patients. No maternal transmission, long NA treatment period, HBV DNA levels <3.0 log copies/mL, and reduced hepatitis B e antigen levels during the first 24 weeks of treatment were a significant factor of HBsAg levels <2000 C.O.I.. Conclusions: Hepatocarcinogenesis was observed in patients with high HBsAg levels, despite the negative conversion of HBV DNA as a result of long-term NA therapy. Therefore, to suppress hepatocarcinogenesis, it is important to control not only HBV DNA levels but also HBsAg levels.
Useful Field of View Test
Authors: Wood Joanne M. , Owsley Cynthia
Published: March 2014

The useful field of view test was developed to reflect the visual difficulties that older adults experience with everyday tasks. Importantly, the useful field of view test (UFOV) is one of the most extensively researched and promising predictor tests for a range of driving outcomes measures, including driving ability and crash risk as well as other everyday tasks. Currently available commercial versions of the test can be administered using personal computers; these measure the speed of visual processing for rapid detection and localization of targets under conditions of divided visual attention and in the presence and absence of visual clutter. The test is believed to assess higher-order cognitive abilities, but performance also relies on visual sensory function because in order for targets to be attended to, they must be visible. The format of the UFOV has been modified over the years; the original version estimated the spatial extent of useful field of view, while the latest version measures visual processing speed. While deficits in the useful field of view are associated with functional impairments in everyday activities in older adults, there is also emerging evidence from several research groups that improvements in visual processing speed can be achieved through training. These improvements have been shown to reduce crash risk, and can have a positive impact on health and functional well-being, with the potential to increase the mobility and hence the independence of older adults.
Enucleation and Limited Pancreatic Resection Provide Long-Term Cure for Insulinoma in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
Authors: Bartsch Detlef K. , Albers Max , Knoop Richard , Kann Peter H. , Fendrich Volker , Waldmann Jens
Published: March 2014

Aim: To assess the characteristics and long-term outcome after surgery in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)-associated insulinoma. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of MEN1 patients with organic hyperinsulinism at a tertiary referral center. Results: Thirteen (17%) of 74 patients with MEN1 had organic hyperinsulinism. The median age at diagnosis was 27 (range 9-48) years. In 7 patients insulinoma was the first manifestation of the syndrome. All patients had at least one pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (pNEN) upon imaging, including CT, MRI or endoscopic ultrasonography. Seven patients had solitary lesions upon imaging, 4 patients had one dominant tumor with coexisting multiple small pNENs, and 2 patients had multiple lesions without dominance. Eight patients had limited resections (1 segmental resection, 7 enucleations), 4 subtotal distal pancreatectomies, and 1 patient a partial duodenopancreatectomy. There was no postoperative mortality. Six patients experienced complications, including pancreatic fistula in 5 patients. Pathological examination revealed median three (range 1-14) macro-pNENs sized between 6 and 40 mm, and a total of 14 potentially benign insulinomas were detected in the 13 patients. After median follow-up of 156 months, only 1 patient developed recurrent hyperinsulinism after initial enucleation. Twelve patients developed new pNENs in the pancreatic remnant and 4 patients underwent reoperations (3 for metastatic ZES, 1 for recurrent hyperinsulinism). One of 5 patients with an initial extended pancreatic resection developed insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Enucleation and limited resection provide long-term cure for MEN1 insulinoma in patients with solitary or dominant tumors. Subtotal distal pancreatectomy should thus be preserved for patients with multiple pNENs without dominance given the risk of exocrine and endocrine pancreas insufficiency in the mostly young patients.
Effect of Cabergoline on Metabolism in Prolactinomas
Authors: Auriemma Renata S. , Granieri Luciana , Galdiero Mariano , Simeoli Chiara , Perone Ylenia , Vitale Pasquale , Pivonello Claudia , Negri Mariarosaria , Mannarino Teresa , Giordano Carla , Gasperi Maurizio , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Hyperprolactinemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and glucose intolerance and is reportedly associated with an impaired metabolic profile. The current study aimed at investigating the effects of 12- and 60-month treatment with cabergoline (CAB) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with prolactinomas. Patients and Methods: 61 patients with prolactinomas (13 men, 48 women, 41 with microadenoma, 20 with macroadenoma), aged 34.4 ± 10.3 years, entered the study. In all patients, prolactin (PRL) and metabolic parameters were assessed at diagnosis and after 12 and 60 months of continuous CAB treatment. MetS was diagnosed according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. Results: Compared to baseline, CAB induced a significant decrease in PRL with complete normalization in 93% of patients after the 60-month treatment. At baseline, MetS prevalence was significantly higher in patients with PRL above (34.5%) than in those with PRL lower (12.5%) than the median (129 μg/l, p = 0.03). MetS prevalence significantly decreased after 12 (11.5%, p = 0.039) and 60 (5.0%, p = 0.001) months compared to baseline (28.0%). At both evaluations the lipid profile significantly improved compared to baseline. Fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance significantly decreased after 1 year of CAB (p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively) and further improved after 60 months (p = 0.000). The visceral adiposity index significantly decreased after the 60-month treatment (p = 0.000) compared to baseline. At the 5-year evaluation CAB dose was the best predictor of percent decrease in fasting insulin (t = 2.35, p = 0.022). Conclusions: CAB significantly reduces MetS prevalence and improves the adipose tissue dysfunction index. The improvement in PRL, insulin sensitivity and other metabolic parameters might reflect the direct effect of CAB.
Analysis of KRAS Mutations in Cases of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer at a Single Institution in Tochigi, Japan
Authors: Saito Natsuko , Tomita Shigeki , Ichikawa Kazuhito , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Imura Johji , Fujimori Takahiro
Published: March 2014

Objective: Colorectal cancer patients bearing wild-type KRAS benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody treatment. Since clinical studies showed the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibody treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), we analyzed KRAS mutations in mCRC to gain insight into the association between these mutations and clinicopathological characteristics. Methods:KRAS mutations were analyzed in 109 tissue samples of mCRC using amplification refractory mutation system-Scorpion (ARMS/S) assay (68 samples) and direct sequencing (41 samples). Results: In the ARMS/S assay, 36.5 and 7.4% of mCRCs harbored mutations at codons 12 and 13, respectively. In direct sequencing, corresponding values were 24.4 and 19.5%. Overall, 37.6% (codon 12/13, 25.7/11.9%) of mCRCs harbored KRAS mutations. No significant differences were found between KRAS mutations and clinicopathological variables. Among mCRC patients <65 years of age, the incidence of KRAS mutations at codon 13 was significantly higher in female than male patients (p = 0.035). Conclusion: The incidence of KRAS mutations in mCRC was similar to that of non-mCRC as previously reported. KRAS codon 13 mutations might be associated with younger female patients with mCRC, but further investigation is necessary to clarify the association between this type of mutation and metastatic potential in female CRC patients.
Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Measurements Do Not Improve Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in Individuals With Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Bots Michiel L. , Groenewegen Karlijn A. , Anderson Todd J. , Britton Annie R. , Dekker Jacqueline M. , Engström Gunnar , Evans Greg W. , de Graaf Jacqueline , Grobbee Diederick E. , Hedblad Bo , Hofman Albert , Holewijn Suzanne , Ikeda Ai , Kavousi Maryam , Kitagawa Kazuo , Kitamura Akihiko , Ikram M. Arfan , Lonn Eva M. , Lorenz Matthias W. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Nijpels Giel , Okazaki Shuhei , O’Leary Daniel H. , Polak Joseph F. , Price Jacqueline F. , Robertson Christine , Rembold Christopher M. , Rosvall Maria , Rundek Tatjana , Salonen Jukka T. , Sitzer Matthias , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Franco Oscar H. , Peters Sanne A.E. , den Ruijter Hester M.
Published: March 2014

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a marker of cardiovascular risk. It is unclear whether measurement of mean common CIMT improves 10-year risk prediction of first-time myocardial infarction or stroke in individuals with elevated blood pressure. We performed an analysis among individuals with elevated blood pressure (ie, a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg) in USE-IMT, a large ongoing individual participant data meta-analysis. We refitted the risk factors of the Framingham Risk Score on asymptomatic individuals (baseline model) and expanded this model with mean common CIMT (CIMT model) measurements. From both models, 10-year risks to develop a myocardial infarction or stroke were estimated. In individuals with elevated blood pressure, we compared discrimination and calibration of the 2 models and calculated the net reclassification improvement (NRI). We included 17 254 individuals with elevated blood pressure from 16 studies. During a median follow-up of 9.9 years, 2014 first-time myocardial infarctions or strokes occurred. The C-statistics of the baseline and CIMT models were similar (0.73). NRI with the addition of mean common CIMT was small and not significant (1.4%; 95% confidence intervals, −1.1 to 3.7). In those at intermediate risk (n=5008, 10-year absolute risk of 10% to 20%), the NRI was 5.6% (95% confidence intervals, 1.6–10.4). There is no added value of measurement of mean common CIMT in individuals with elevated blood pressure for improving cardiovascular risk prediction. For those at intermediate risk, the addition of mean common CIMT to an existing cardiovascular risk score is small but statistically significant.
Bursaphelenchus niphades n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) amensally associated with Niphades variegatus (Roelofs) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Tanaka Suguru E. , Tanaka Suguru E. , Tanaka Ryusei , Tanaka Suguru E. , Tanaka Ryusei , Akiba Mitsuteru , Tanaka Suguru E. , Tanaka Ryusei , Akiba Mitsuteru , Aikawa Takuya , Tanaka Suguru E. , Tanaka Ryusei , Akiba Mitsuteru , Aikawa Takuya , Maehara Noritoshi , Tanaka Suguru E. , Tanaka Ryusei , Akiba Mitsuteru , Aikawa Takuya , Maehara Noritoshi , Takeuchi Yuko , Tanaka Suguru E. , Tanaka Ryusei , Akiba Mitsuteru , Aikawa Takuya , Maehara Noritoshi , Takeuchi Yuko , Kanzaki Natsumi
Published: March 2014

ABursaphelenchusspecies was isolated from a Japanese native wood-boring weevil,Niphades variegatus, and dead Pinaceae trees. The nematode is associated with the weevils as dauer (dispersal third stage) juveniles and the dauers enter the weevil tracheal system forming an abnormal expansion on the weevil trachea (atrium). Thus, the nematode is hypothesised to be an amensal/phoretic associate of the weevil because the abnormal expansion appeared to inhibit weevil respiration. The propagative stages of the nematode are associated with dead trees (wood and bark materials) and are thought to feed there on naturally propagated fungi. Morphologically, the new species is considered an undescribed species close toB. antoniae,B. chengiandB. hylobianum. Within these four species, the new species, which is described herein asB. niphadesn. sp., is closest toB. chengi,i.e., the typological character of these two species are almost identical to each other and is distinguished by some minor characters (structure of the male P4 genital papillae and spicule length). The molecular phylogenetic analysis supported the morphological observations.Bursaphelenchus niphadesn. sp. formed a well supported subclade with the four species and is intermediate betweenB. hylobianumandB. chengi; however, it is distinguished by the molecular sequences of some ribosomal RNA genes. Because three of these four species are associated with weevil species, the subclade is considered a ‘weevil-associated’ species group.
One new and two known species of Aporcelinus Andrássy, 2009 and a new species of Coomansinema Ahmad & Jairajpuri, 1989 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida)
Authors: Vinciguerra Maria Teresa , Vinciguerra Maria Teresa , Orselli Lara , Vinciguerra Maria Teresa , Orselli Lara , Clausi Mirella
Published: March 2014

Coomansinema istvani sp. n. is described from Ecuador, and is characterised by its relatively small size (L = 0.95-1.51 mm), lip region almost continuous with body profile with partly amalgamated lips, odontostyle slightly sinuate, with wide lumen, 20-27 μm long, female reproductive apparatus didelphic, vulva transverse, pre-rectum very short, mainly in female, 8-9 weakly developed, spaced, ventral pre-cloacal supplements, tail short (c′ = 0.6-1.0), tail convex-conoid in male and cupola-shaped, with a short finger-like process dorsally oriented in female. An updated list of the species of Coomansinema and a key to their identification is also provided. In addition, one new and two known species of Aporcelinus are reported. Aporcelinus altitudinalis and A. seychellensis are described on the basis of more numerous specimens and the male of A. seychellensis is described for the first time; it is similar to the female in general morphology and is characterised by a series of 7-9 spaced ventromedian supplements in addition to the cloacal pair with two supplements in the range of the spicules. Aporcelinus reyesi sp. n. is characterised by a 1.69-1.92 mm long body, lip region truncate, set off by a constriction, lips distinct with prominent papillae, odontostyle straight, with wide lumen, 29-36 μm long, female genital system didelphic-amphidelphic, uterus tripartite, containing up to five small eggs, vulva transverse, 13 male supplements, the last three in the range of the spicules. Tail 1.0-1.5 anal body diam. long, conical with acute tip, ventrally slightly convex, dorsally first convex and then concave, often appearing bent dorsad.
Description of Xiphinema castilloi sp. n. (Dorylaimida: Longidoridae) from Iran and its phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Roshan-Bakhsh Ali , Roshan-Bakhsh Ali , Pourjam Ebrahim , Roshan-Bakhsh Ali , Pourjam Ebrahim , Pedram Majid , Roshan-Bakhsh Ali , Pourjam Ebrahim , Pedram Majid , Robbins Robert T. , Roshan-Bakhsh Ali , Pourjam Ebrahim , Pedram Majid , Robbins Robert T. , Decraemer Wilfrida
Published: March 2014

Xiphinema castilloi sp. n., a new species of morphogroup 5 sensu Loof & Luc, 1990, is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species is characterised by a 4.2-5.0 mm body assuming an open C to J shape after heat fixation, lip region separated from the body by a shallow depression, a 101-126 μm odontostyle, two equally developed genital tracts with pseudo-Z-organ in uterus (8-11 globular structures) and devoid of spines, tail dorsally convex conoid with a mucro, presence of functional males, and four juvenile developmental stages. By having two equally developed genital tracts, presence of pseudo-Z-organ, and similarities in tail shape of females and juveniles, the new species comes more close to X. artemisiae, X. diversicaudatum, X. erriae, X. jomercium, X. lapidosum, X. lusitanicum and X. ripogranum. The Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) analyses using 707 bp partial sequences of D2-D3 segment of 28S rDNA placed the new species in a monophyletic group with X. dentatum, another member of morphospecies group 5 with 1.00 Bayesian posterior probability (BPP).
Redeeming Art. 13 of the European Insolvency Regulation
Authors: Couwenberg Oscar , de Jong Grietje T.
Published: March 2014

This contribution focuses on the interaction between three phenomena: corporate restructuring, choice of law, and transaction avoidance. In this context, scholars have criticised Art. 13 of the European Insolvency Regulation for providing a possibility for forum shopping. This article enables firms to declare the law of the eu Member State where the provisions on transaction avoidance allow for the most freedom to take restructuring measures applicable to contracts. Literature on company restructuring shows that a combination of restructuring measures – usually additional credit for additional conditions and/or collateral - helps companies overcome financial distress. We argue that rules on transaction avoidance should take this balance into account when voidance is demanded. Using the example of Dutch and German rules on transaction avoidance, we argue that the German rules are more accommodative than the Dutch rules. Therefore, firms may benefit using the German rules on transaction avoidance rather than the Dutch rules.
Mixed and Mixing Systems Worldwide
Authors: Patrick Donlan Seán
Published: March 2014

This article introduces an online collection of pieces on mixed legal systems in the European Journal of Comparative Law and Governance. The articles are derived from the Third International Congress of the World Society of Mixed Jurisdiction Jurists held at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the summer of 2011.
Two new species of Amemboa Esaki (Heteroptera: Gerridae) from West Bengal, India
Authors: BASU SRIMOYEE , SUBRAMANIAN K. A. , POLHEMUS DAN. A.
Published: March 2014

Amemboa mahananda sp. nov. and Amemboa bifurcata sp. nov. are described from Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Darjeeling district and from Kalikhola, in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, and compared with all allied species. A species checklist of the genus Amemboa Esaki, 1925  and Amemboides Polhemus & Andersen, 1984 from India and their distribution in India and elsewhere is provided. Amemboa kumari (Distant, 1910) is reported for the first time from West Bengal and Amemboa dentata Polhemus & Andersen, 1984 is newly recorded from Himachal Pradesh.
The Contribution of Segmental and Tonal Information in Mandarin Spoken Word Processing
Authors: Sereno Joan A , Lee Hyunjung
Published: March 2014

Two priming experiments examined the separate contribution of lexical tone and segmental information in the processing of spoken words in Mandarin Chinese. Experiment 1 contrasted four types of prime–target pairs: tone-and-segment overlap (ru4-ru4), segment-only overlap (ru3-ru4), tone-only overlap (sha4-ru4) and unrelated (qin1-ru4) in an auditory lexical decision task with 48 native Mandarin listeners. Experiment 2 further investigated the minimal segmental overlap needed to trigger priming when tonal information is present. Four prime–target conditions were contrasted: tone-and-segment overlap (ru4-ru4), only onset segment overlap (re4-ru4), only rime overlap (pu4-ru4) and unrelated (qin1-ru4) in an auditory lexical decision task with 68 native Mandarin listeners. The results showed significant priming effects when both tonal and segmental information overlapped or, although to a lesser extent, when only segmental information overlapped, with no priming found when only tones matched. Moreover, any partial segmental overlap, even with matching tonal cues, resulted in significant inhibition. These data clearly indicate that lexical tones are processed differently from segments, with syllabic structure playing a critical role. These findings are discussed in terms of the overall architecture of the processing system that emerges in Mandarin lexical access.
Femicide in Italy: National scenario and presentation of four cases
Authors: Bonanni Elisa , Maiese Aniello , Gitto Lorenzo , Falco Pietro , Maiese Adamo , Bolino Giorgio
Published: March 2014

Femicide is defined as the killing of a woman by a man because she is a woman. The incidence of femicide has increased over the past few years and accounted for 30.9% of all homicides in 2011 in Italy. Certain features are usually present including asphyxiation as the mechanism of death, an intimate partner as murderer, and a history of sentimental relationship between the victim and the offender. In this paper, we analyse the Italian experience of femicide comparing it with the international scenario. We present four cases of femicide showing peculiar mechanisms of death resulting from various methods of asphyxiation. In all the cases, there had been a relationship between the victim and the offender. We discuss the mechanism of asphyxiation used to kill the women, emphasizing the necessity of a careful evaluation of all data available to reach the correct conclusion in atypical cases of femicide.
The future for Medico-Legal disputes – a patient perspective
Authors: Walsh Peter
Published: March 2014

This article, taken from a presentation to the Medico-Legal Society, discusses the prospects for patient safety and access to justice in the wake of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust public inquiry and the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act. Particular reference is made to the arguments for and against a statutory Duty of Candour; clinical negligence litigation; patient complaints and specialist advice and support for people affected by medical accidents.
Musically Meaningful
Authors: Roesler Rebecca A.
Published: March 2014

To enhance music learning and performance, teachers can direct learners toward authentic, interpersonal goals. Teachers’ aspirations for their students’ positive musical experiences may be realized when learners seek to connect with their audiences and evoke responses in listeners. Instead of anxiety-promoting concerns over judgment, students can be concerned with communicating. Instead of learning isolated techniques with no apparent meaning, learners can acquire skills and knowledge that serve to realize expressive ends. Authentic, interpersonal goals can enhance expression and connect knowledge in meaningful ways, promoting the transfer of that knowledge to other situations.
The Influence of Social Capital on Starting Wage for People With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Phillips Brian N. , Robison Lindon J. , Kosciulek John F.
Published: March 2014

Disability is associated with low employment rates and earnings. The gap in earnings between people with and without disabilities continues among those who exit vocational rehabilitation (VR) services with an employment outcome. Hypothetical hiring scenarios were presented to undergraduate business students, and the potential influence of social capital on starting wage was examined for both persons with and without disabilities. Results suggest that both direct and indirect social capital have a positive influence on starting wage. Scenarios depicting high levels of social capital resulted in an increase in hourly wage of over US$1,500.00 more per year for a direct relationship and over US$800.00 more per year for an indirect relationship. Social capital, along with human capital, is an important factor in starting wage decisions. A comparison between human and social capital suggests important differences in (a) where the capital is located, (b) potential for indirect use, and (c) resources for investment. Implications for provision of VR services include increased use of a customized, strength-based approach for development and use of social capital for both consumers and counselors.
Measure for Measure
Authors: Jennings Jennifer , Sohn Heeju
Published: March 2014

How do proficiency-based accountability systems affect inequality in academic achievement? This article reconciles mixed findings in the literature by demonstrating that three factors jointly determine accountability’s impact. First, by analyzing student-level data from a large urban school district, we find that when educators face accountability pressure, they focus attention on students closest to proficiency. We refer to this practice as educational triage and show that the difficulty of the proficiency standard affects whether lower or higher performing students gain most on high-stakes tests used to evaluate schools. Less difficult proficiency standards decrease inequality in high-stakes achievement, while more difficult standards increase it. Second, we show that educators emphasize test-specific skills with students near proficiency, a practice we refer to as instructional triage. As a result, the effects of accountability pressure differ across high- and low-stakes tests; we find no effects on inequality in low-stakes reading and math tests of similar skills. Finally, we provide suggestive evidence that instructional triage is most pronounced in the lowest performing schools. We conclude by discussing how these findings shape our understanding of accountability’s effects on educational inequality.