bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amyloid-β Increases Metallo- and Cysteine Protease Activities in Human Macrophages
Authors: Castellano José , Badimon Lina , Llorente-Cortés Vicenta
Published: December 2013

Background/Aims: Amyloid-β (Aβ) plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Macrophages are a source of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cysteine proteases and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in the vascular wall. The aims of this study were to analyze the capacity of Aβ peptide (1-40) (Aβ40), Aβ peptide (1-42) (Aβ42) and fibrillar Aβ42 (fAβ42) to modulate the expression and activity of MMP-9, MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) in human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDM). Additionally, we analyzed whether Aβ internalization alters the secretion of cathepsin S (CatS) and TGF-β1 by macrophages. Methods: HMDM were exposed to native and fibrillar Aβ. MMPs and TIMP-1 expression was analyzed by real-time PCR, and MMP abundance by zymography. Protein levels of precursor and active forms of CatS were analyzed by Western blot and TGF-β1 levels by ELISA. Results: Aβ40, Aβ42 and especially fAβ42 strongly induced MMP-9/MMP-2 levels. Moreover, we showed enhanced active CatS and reduced TGF-β1 protein levels in the secretome of Aβ42 and fAβ42-exposed macrophages. Conclusions: Aβ can regulate the proinflammatory state of human macrophages by inducing metallo- and cysteine protease levels and by reducing TGF-β1 secretion. These effects may be crucial in atherosclerosis progression.
Impact of TNF Haplotypes in the Physical Course of Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Grech Ioanna , Giatrakos Sophia , Damoraki Georgia , Kaldrimidis Philippos , Rigopoulos Dimitrios , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: December 2013

Background: The role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TNF gene in acne vulgaris remains controversial. Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from 185 patients with acne vulgaris and 165 healthy controls. SNPs at positions -376, -308 and -238 of the promoter region of TNF were defined. Results: The frequency of the GAG haplotype was greater among patients (16.8%) than among controls with borderline significance (9.7%, p = 0.059). Male carriers of haplotypes other than GGG presented acne vulgaris at a later age than carriers of the GGG haplotype. No effect of the GAG haplotype on the frequency of acne conglobata was found among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusions: Carriage of the GAG haplotype of TNF is linked with borderline susceptibility to acne vulgaris. The GGG haplotype is related with earlier disease onset in male patients.
Minimalinvasive Chirurgie bei Malignomen des Gastrointestinaltrakts: Kolon - Pro-Position
Authors: Späth Christoph , Müller Tara , Nitsche Ulrich , Maak Matthias , Käser Samuel A. , Kleeff Jörg , Bader Franz G.
Published: December 2013

Hintergrund: Laparoskopische Resektionen von Kolonkarzinomen werden in Deutschland immer häufiger durchgeführt. Dabei müssen sich die minimalinvasiven Verfahren an den onkologischen Ergebnissen der offenen Chirurgie messen, die bisher den Goldstandard darstellen. Die vorliegende Arbeit soll anhand der evidenzbasierten Literatur einen kritischen Überblick über die Kurz- und Langzeitergebnisse der laparoskopischen Kolonchirurgie geben und sie in Bezug zu den Ergebnissen der offenen Chirurgie setzen. Methoden: Die Grundlage dieser Übersichtsarbeit bilden die fünf größten prospektiv randomisierten Studien zum Vergleich laparoskopischer und offener Chirurgie beim Kolonkarzinom (ALCCaS, Barcelona Trial, CLASICC Trial, COLOR Study und COST Study) sowie die bisher größte und aktuellste Metaanalyse. Im Folgenden sollen die erwähnten Studien hinsichtlich der Kurzzeit- und Langzeitergebnisse kritisch zusammengefasst sowie die wichtigsten Endpunkte beleuchtet werden. Ergebnisse: Die laparoskopische Chirurgie des Kolonkarzinoms ist hinsichtlich der onkologischen Langzeitergebnisse der offenen Resektion zumindest gleichwertig. Vorteile bestehen in der frühen postoperativen Phase sowie im perioperativen Outcome. Die höheren direkten Kosten werden durch kürzere Liegezeiten, niedrigere Morbidität und weniger Re-Interventionen bezüglich Adhäsionen und Narbenhernien ausgeglichen. Schlussfolgerungen: Eine kritische und individuelle Indikationsstellung vorausgesetzt, sollte bei entsprechender Expertise und Erfahrung den laparoskopischen Verfahren zur Therapie des Kolonkarzinoms der Vorzug gegeben werden, um den Patienten bei gleichwertigen onkologischen Langzeitergebnissen die Vorteile der minimalinvasiven Chirurgie nicht vorzuenthalten.
Prevalence and Correlates of Fatigue in Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease: Are Sleep Disorders a Key to Understanding Fatigue?
Authors: Jhamb Manisha , Liang Kelly , Yabes Jonathan , Steel Jennifer L. , Dew Mary Amanda , Shah Nirav , Unruh Mark
Published: December 2013

Background: Fatigue is an important symptom to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence and severity of fatigue among non-dialysis-dependent CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, to examine the association of fatigue with subjective and objective sleep quality, and to identify other modifiable factors associated with fatigue. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 87 non-dialysis-dependent CKD (eGFR ≤45 ml/min/1.73 m2) and 86 ESRD patients was done using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F) and 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) vitality scale. Higher FACIT-F score denoted less fatigue. Objective sleep was assessed using in-home polysomnography. Predictors of fatigue were determined using a linear regression model. Results: The mean FACIT-F score among all participants was 34.5 ± 11.0. Mean scores were similar among CKD and ESRD groups (34.25 ± 11.28 vs. 34.73 ± 10.86; p = 0.73). On univariate analyses, patients with higher levels of fatigue were more likely to have cardiovascular disease, benzodiazepine use, depressive symptoms, and slightly lower hemoglobin and serum albumin levels. There was no significant association between severity of sleep apnea and level of fatigue (Apnea Hypopnea Index 20.1 ± 27.6 vs. 20.3 ± 22.0; p = 0.69). Presence of cardiovascular disease, low serum albumin, depressive symptoms, poor subjective sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and restless legs syndrome were independently associated with greater fatigue in multivariable regression models. The FACIT-F score correlated closely with the SF-36 vitality score (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Patients with advanced CKD and ESRD experience profound fatigue. Depressive symptoms, restless legs syndrome, excessive daytime sleepiness, and low albumin levels may provide targets for interventions to improve fatigue in patients with advanced CKD.
Minimalinvasive Chirurgie bei Malignomen des Gastrointestinaltrakts: Pankreas - Kontra-Position
Authors: Hartmann Daniel , Michalski Christoph W. , Kleeff Jörg
Published: December 2013

Hintergrund: Für eine Vielzahl von Erkrankungen der Bauchspeicheldrüse gilt die chirurgische Resektion als die Therapie der Wahl. In den vergangenen Jahren wurden die offenen Operationsmethoden für Pankreaserkrankungen zunehmend standardisiert und können mittlerweile mit hoher Sicherheit durchgeführt werden. Unabhängig davon wird zunehmend über laparoskopische Pankreasresektionen berichtet. Methode: In diesem Artikel stellen wir die aktuelle Literatur zur minimalinvasiven Chirurgie der Bauchspeicheldrüse vor, um sie mit offenen Operationsverfahren zu vergleichen. Besondere Berücksichtigung finden laparoskopische und roboterassistierte Duodenopankreatektomien sowie laparoskopische Pankreasschwanzresektionen bei Patienten mit chronischer Pankreatitis sowie mit gutartigen und bösartigen Tumoren. Ergebnisse: Laparoskopische und roboterassistierte Pankreaskopfresektionen sollten nur in ausgewählten Fällen angewandt werden und gelten als technisch äußerst anspruchsvoll - mit einer erhöhten Inzidenz von Pankreasfisteln. Laparoskopische Pankreasschwanzresektionen sind sichere Verfahren mit einem Trend zu einer kürzeren Krankenhausaufenthaltsdauer, sollten jedoch nur für gutartige Tumoren in Betracht gezogen werden. Im Rahmen der onkologischen Chirurgie sollte die offene Pankreasresektion bevorzugt werden. Werden onkologische Eingriffe laparoskopisch durchgeführt, ist eine ausgezeichnete präoperative Diagnostik und gegebenenfalls der Einsatz eines intraoperativen laparoskopischen Ultraschalls notwendig. Schlussfolgerungen: Obwohl laparoskopische Pankreasresektionen in ausgewählten Fällen von Nutzen sein können, werden sie zukünftig wohl eher die Ausnahme darstellen. Eine allgemeine Umstellung auf laparoskopische Pankreasschwanzresektionen wird aufgrund des Mangels an eindeutigen Vorteilen gegenüber dem offenen Verfahren höchstwahrscheinlich nicht stattfinden.
Minimalinvasive Chirurgie bei Malignomen des Gastrointestinaltrakts: Pankreas - Pro-Position
Authors: Bork Ulrich , Reissfelder Christoph , Weitz Jürgen , Koch Moritz
Published: December 2013

Hintergrund: Die laparoskopische Pankreaschirurgie hat in den letzten Jahren zunehmend Einzug in die Klinik gehalten. Bisher ist jedoch ungeklärt, ob die Laparoskopie auch bei malignen Pankreaserkrankungen einen Stellenwert besitzt. Methoden: Evidenzbasierter Übersichtsartikel zur minimalinvasiven Chirurgie bei malignen Pankreaserkrankungen. Mittels ausführlicher Literaturrecherche in medizinischen Datenbanken (PubMed, Medline) und manueller Recherche wurden relevante Publikationen bis Juni 2013 eingeschlossen. Ergebnisse: Die laparoskopische Pankreaschirurgie bei malignen Pankreaserkrankungen bietet in erfahrenen Händen die typischen Vorteile der minimalinvasiven Chirurgie (weniger postoperative Wundinfekte, kürzere Krankenhausverweildauer, geringerer intraoperativer Blutverlust) mit niedrigerer perioperativer Morbidität für die laparoskopische Pankreaslinksresektion und vergleichbarer Morbidität und Mortalität der anderen laparoskopischen Pankreasresektionen im Vergleich zur offenen Chirurgie. Bezüglich der onkologischen Gleichwertigkeit liegen bisher nur wenige Daten vor. Schlussfolgerungen: Die laparoskopische Pankreaschirurgie ist heute in spezialisierten High-Volume-Zentren mit mindestens vergleichbarer perioperativer Morbidität und Mortalität zur konventionellen Chirurgie gut durchführbar, weitere Studien bezüglich der Langzeitprognose sind jedoch notwendig.
Effect on Caries of Restricting Sugars Intake
Authors: Moynihan P.J. , Kelly S.A.M.
Published: December 2013

A systematic review of studies in humans was conducted to update evidence on the association between the amount of sugars intake and dental caries and on the effect of restricting sugars intake to < 10% and < 5% energy (E) on caries to inform the updating of World Health Organization guidelines on sugars consumption. Data sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and South African Department of Health. Eligible studies reported the absolute amount of sugars and dental caries, measured as prevalence, incidence, or severity. The review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA statement, and the evidence was assessed according to GRADE Working Group guidelines. From 5,990 papers identified, 55 studies were eligible – 3 intervention, 8 cohort, 20 population, and 24 cross-sectional. Data variability limited meta-analysis. Of the studies, 42 out of 50 of those in children and 5 out of 5 in adults reported at least one positive association between sugars and caries. There is evidence of moderate quality showing that caries is lower when free-sugars intake is < 10% E. With the < 5% E cut-off, a significant relationship was observed, but the evidence was judged to be of very low quality. The findings are relevant to minimizing caries risk throughout the life course.
Co-evolution of gated communities and local public goods
Authors: Woo Yoonseuk , Webster Chris
Published: December 2013

Gated communities are often seen as steps towards the privatization of the public realm. This is too simple a characterization, however: privately and publicly governed infrastructure and services exist and adapt symbiotically. There is little empirical research focusing on the co-evolution of private and public neighbourhoods. In this paper we focus on a specific question that has not yet been answered: does the spatial pattern of privately supplied public goods co-evolve with the pattern of publicly supplied public goods? We examine this question through a case study of Seoul, where club residential communities are common enough to test co-evolution hypotheses. We identify co-evolutionary relationships between club goods supplied in condominiums and public goods supplied by municipalities and market. We also find evidence of Tieboutian intra-urban market and show how the substitution of club goods for positive urban externalities seems to weaken the influence of general accessibility on residential locational behaviour.
The Asia-Pacific Tourism Workforce of the Future
Authors: Solnet David J. , Baum Tom , Kralj Anna , Robinson Richard N. S. , Ritchie Brent W. , Olsen Mark
Published: December 2013

This article addresses the challenges of long-term planning for a tourism workforce at a regional level, a significant yet underconceptualized area in the literature. We draw on Yeoman’s future thinking techniques to generate a four-quadrant matrix designed to facilitate the development of scenarios that identify workforce challenges the tourism sector in the Asia-Pacific is likely to face through to 2030. Applying a modified Delphi technique, an expert panel aided in the formulation of dimensions on which our matrix is based. Their inputs over three rounds informed the development of four scenarios for the future of the tourism workforce in the Asia-Pacific. Utilizing these scenarios or “possibility spaces,” the article provides a framework for discussion and a platform for workforce planning and policy within this region.
Survival and treatments in patients with incompletely resected thymoma
Authors: Hamaji Masatsugu , Omasa Mitsugu , Chen Fengshi , Yamada Tetsu , Sato Masaaki , Menju Toshi , Sato Toshihiko , Aoyama Akihiro , Sonobe Makoto , Bando Toru , Date Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

Objectives

the objective of our study was to clarify survival and treatments in patients with incompletely resected thymoma.

Methods

between January 1991 and December 2012, 156 consecutive patients who underwent thymectomy with curative intent at Kyoto University Hospital, were evaluated retrospectively. Overall survival and progression-free survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, comparing the complete resection group ( n = 141) with the incomplete resection group ( n = 15). Potentially relevant factors for overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with incompletely resected thymomas were analyzed using Cox proportional-hazard models.

Results

there was a significant difference in progression-free survival ( p = 0.0012) but not in overall survival ( p = 0.638) following thymectomy in the complete and incomplete resection groups. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed in 6 (40%) patients and adjuvant radiotherapy in 6 (40%) in the incomplete resection group. In univariate analysis, younger age ( p = 0.073) showed a tendency for better overall survival, and adjuvant chemotherapy ( p = 0.071) showed a tendency for better progression-free survival.

Conclusion

our results suggest that patients with incompletely resected thymomas can achieve comparable overall survival to those with completely resected thymomas. Adjuvant chemotherapy for incompletely resected thymomas tends to improve progression-free survival.
Re-reading Fichte’s Science of Knowledge after Castoriadis
Authors: Rundell John
Published: December 2013

In many of his writings, Castoriadis argues that ‘the discovery of the imagination’ occurs in the works of Aristotle, Kant, Fichte, Freud, Heidegger and Merleau-Ponty. Although he has systematically encountered and interrogated the works of Aristotle, Kant, Freud, and Merleau-Ponty, the work of Fichte remains an enigmatic absence within the orbit of Castoriadis' work. This study is an attempt to address this enigma through a close reading of Fichte’s The Science of Knowledge.
Cosmopolitan Adult Education and Global Citizenship: Perceptions From a European Itinerant Graduate Professional Study Abroad Program
Authors: Coryell Joellen E. , Spencer B. J. , Sehin Oleksandra
Published: December 2013

Today’s sociopolitical and economic conditions require adults to engage in informed, culturally sensitive coexistence. Correspondingly, adult educators need to design experiences that help prepare learners for cross-cultural collaboration and socially responsible careers in a global age. Framed through cosmopolitanism and situated learning theories, the purpose of this study was to investigate adult learners’ sense and development of global citizenship through engagement in an innovative itinerant master’s degree program. The investigation of the experiences and contexts of this program’s community of practice provides important insight into adult global citizenship development and cosmopolitan instruction.
Sequential ionic and thermogelation of chitosan spherical hydrogels prepared using superhydrophobic surfaces to immobilize cells and drugs
Authors: Lima Ana C , Correia Clara R , Oliveira Mariana B , Mano João F
Published: December 2013

Chitosan is soluble in acidic media, which makes it incompatible for the encapsulation of cells and pH-sensitive molecules. In this work, a mild chitosan-based system with two sequential gelation steps is proposed, where the model drug dexamethasone and L929 cells are immobilized inside hydrogel beads. Superhydrophobic surfaces were used to produce the spherical hydrogel particles that provided favorable conditions to encapsulate cells or bioactive agents. First, the chitosan acidic solution was neutralized with β-glycerophosphate at room temperature to pH 6.2. Suspended cells (or dexamethasone) in the formulation were dispensed in controlled volumes onto biomimetic polystyrene superhydrophobic surfaces, to form spherical shapes. The addition of sodium tripolyphosphate on the top of each sphere induced an ionic gelation process of the chitosan through electrostatic interactions. At 37°C, the hydrophobicity of the chitosan-based formulations increased and a second gelation step occurred, which increased the elastic modulus. In addition, the pH-responsive behavior characteristic of chitosan was maintained. The softness and flexibility of the system can potentially be utilized to implant cells and therapeutic molecules using less invasive procedures.
Child Abuse in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women
Authors: Boeckel Mariana G. , Blasco-Ros Concepción , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo , Martínez Manuela
Published: December 2013

Intimate male partner violence against women has been recognized as an important public health problem, with a high impact on women’s mental health, including depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, fathers who have been involved in intimate partner violence (IPV) have an increased probability of being violent toward their children. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between the mental health status of abused women, their partner’s violence toward the children, and their maternal behavior.
“The Survey of the Ghetto” in the Time of Anti-Semitism
Authors: Kubica Grażyna
Published: December 2013

This paper aims to recall one of the first pieces of anthropological fieldwork carried out in Europe. It was supervised by Bronisław Malinowski and carried out by Feliks Gross (1906–2006). He had been a young Cracovian lawyer of Jewish descent and socialist activist interested in sociology and anthropology, who was preparing for an academic career. This turned out to be impossible because of the growing wave of anti-Semitism in Europe. Gross became a student and collaborator of his Cracovian compatriot, then a London professor, Bronisław Malinowski, who advised him to make a “survey of the ghetto” in their hometown. The research progressed promisingly, but was halted by the outbreak of the Second World War. Gross managed to escape to Vilna, where he tried to continue his research. He finally landed safely in the United States, where he met his mentor and encouraged him to engage in political activity. The Cracovian project is described using the correspondence between Malinowski and Gross, as well as other archival material. It is shown against the political and academic background, together with the important theoretical and methodological frameworks of the time. Thus, the unsuccessful project becomes a very informative case of the working of the academic “field,” to use Pierre Bourdieu’s term. There are also other examples of European research supervised by Malinowski, who, therefore, deserves the title of a predecessor of the “anthropology at home.”
The Mediating Role of Attributions in the Association Between Intimate Relationship Distress and Depressive Symptoms in a Dating Sample of Undergraduate Students
Authors: Shnaider Philippe , Belus Jennifer M. , Vorstenbosch Valerie , Monson Candice M. , Langhinrichsen-Rohling Jennifer
Published: December 2013

The current study investigated the mediating role of depressogenic and intimate relationship distress-maintaining attributions in the association between depressive symptoms and relationship distress in an undergraduate dating sample. Results indicated that taken together, depressogenic and distress-maintaining attributions significantly mediated the association between depressive symptoms predicting relationship distress for women, but not men. Examination of the specific indirect effects revealed that distress-maintaining blame attributions had a significant indirect effect in this association for both men and women. Possible clinical implications for the treatment of depressive symptoms and relationship distress are discussed.
Congenital Factor VII Deficiency in Children at Tertiary Health Care Facility in Pakistan
Authors: Alam Muhammad Matloob , Moiz Bushra , Rehman Karim Abdur , Jethwani Priyanka , Fadoo Zehra
Published: December 2013

This study presents the demographics, clinical spectrum, and outcome of patients with congenital factor VII (FVII) deficiency at a tertiary care center over a period of 12 years. Of the 49 patients, 27 (55%) patients were males. Consanguinity was found in 92% of the patients. The median age of symptom onset was 2.4 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.1-6.5) years with a median age of 5.8 (IQR: 3.1-10) years at diagnosis. Life-threatening complications like intracranial bleeding (ICB) and intra-abdominal bleeding (IAB) were observed in 8 (16.4%) patients. We found that 11 (55%) of the 20 patients with FVII coagulant activity (FVIIc) <1% were either asymptomatic or showed mild phenotype. In contrast, 9 (53%) of the 17 patients with FVIIc >5% were affected by severe symptoms. Age <1 year was the only identified risk factor associated with development of life-threatening bleeding episodes ( P = .042; odds ratio 6.46). Overall, 4 (8.2%) died as a consequence of ICB (3 patients) and IAB (1 patient).
An analytic benchmark solution to the problem of a generalized plane strain hollow cylinder made of micromorphic plastic porous metal and subjected to axisymmetric loading conditions
Authors: Enakoutsa Koffi
Published: December 2013

We provide a full analytical solution for the problem of a generalized plane strain circular hollow cylinder subjected to axisymmetric loading conditions. The matrix of the cylinder obeys a micromorphic plasticity theory as proposed by Gologanu, Leblond, Perrin and Devaux. The solution gives explicit expressions for the displacement, the strain and its gradient, as well as the ordinary and generalized stress fields. The newly derived solution satisfies the equilibrium equations and is shown to be an extension of the solution of the same model problem using (von Mises) classical plasticity theory.
Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in multiple sclerosis patients with lesions showing reduced diffusion
Authors: Eisele Philipp , Szabo Kristina , Griebe Martin , Wolf Marc E , Hennerici Michael G , Gass Achim
Published: December 2013

In multiple sclerosis (MS) occasionally acute lesions show a reduced apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon is not known. We compared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings with diffusion MRI signal characteristics of acute lesions in 25 patients with MS or a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) later confirmed as MS. In nine of 25 patients investigated between days 1 and 4 after symptom onset, a reduced intralesional ADC value (–15% to −51%) was accompanied by a marked CSF pleocytosis (11–46 leukocytes/µl). Our results suggest that ADC reduction in acute MS lesions is a phenomenon that is possibly related to an aggressive inflammatory milieu as indirectly indicated by CSF pleocytosis. Furthermore, the ADC reduction and CSF pleocytosis were observed only early after symptom onset, which suggests that both are typically early and transient phenomena.
Party system change and negative campaigning in New Zealand
Authors: Ridout Travis N , Walter Annemarie S
Published: December 2013

Political campaigns are much more attack-filled in some countries than in others. What accounts for it? One answer hinges on the country’s party system. We propose that two-party systems encourage more negativity than multiparty systems because parties in a multiparty system (1) must maintain good relationships with parties with which they may want to enter into coalition and (2) run the risk of supporters of the attacked party moving to support a third party. We test the relationship between party system and attack behaviour in New Zealand, which in 1996 changed from a single-member district, first-past-the-post system to a mixed-member proportional system. The result was a more fragmented party system, resulting in coalition and minority governments. Analysing over 250 adverts and party election broadcasts aired from 1969 to 2011, we find that advertising has become more positive since 1996, suggesting that party systems affect the tone of election campaigns.
The combination of 9p21.3 genotype and biomarker profile improves a peripheral artery disease risk prediction model
Authors: Downing Kelly P , Nead Kevin T , Kojima Yoko , Assimes Themistocles , Maegdefessel Lars , Quertermous Thomas , Cooke John P , Leeper Nicholas J
Published: December 2013

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a highly morbid condition affecting more than 8 million Americans. Frequently, PAD patients are unrecognized and therefore do not receive appropriate therapies. Therefore, new methods to identify PAD have been pursued, but have thus far had only modest success. Here we describe a new approach combining genomic and metabolic information to enhance the diagnosis of PAD. We measured the genotype of the chromosome 9p21 cardiovascular-risk polymorphism rs10757269 as well as the biomarkers C-reactive protein, cystatin C, β2-microglobulin, and plasma glucose in a study population of 393 patients undergoing coronary angiography. The rs10757269 allele was associated with PAD status (ankle–brachial index < 0.9) independent of biomarkers and traditional cardiovascular risk factors (odds ratio=1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–2.85). Importantly, compared to a previously validated risk factor-based PAD prediction model, the addition of biomarkers and rs10757269 significantly and incrementally improved PAD risk prediction as assessed by the net reclassification index (NRI=33.5%; p=0.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI=0.016; p=0.017). In conclusion, a model including a panel of biomarkers, which includes both genomic information (which is reflective of heritable risk) and metabolic information (which integrates environmental exposures), predicts the presence or absence of PAD better than established risk models, suggesting clinical utility for the diagnosis of PAD.
Fifty Shades and the law: Regulating sex and sex media in the UK
Authors: Attwood Feona , Walters Caroline
Published: December 2013

This article considers the success and widespread discussion of kinky sex practices in EL James’s book Fifty Shades of Grey in the broader context of legal developments in the UK around ‘obscene’ and ‘extreme’ sexual representations and practices. It examines how the legislation of sexual media is changing and in particular the relations between legislation and an apparent mainstreaming of both pornography and BDSM/kink. The article outlines the main legal provisions used to regulate sex media in English criminal law, and situates Fifty Shades in relation to these and to four key cases in which ‘obscene’ and ‘extreme’ materials came under scrutiny. What do these, taken together, suggest about the way that sex and sex media are regulated in the UK, and what are the key issues that emerge in public discussions about them?
Ordering, Searching, Finding
Authors: Vestberg Nina Lager
Published: December 2013

The functions of an archive depend on the medium in which its holdings are recorded; the material on which they are inscribed; the location in which the materials are stored, and the system of order in which all of these elements are configured. Digital technology enables archives to be organized in new and multiple ways, according to the principles of what Weinberger calls a ‘new digital disorder’ in his 2007 book, Everything Is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder. This article asks how different archival orders affect the work of research by examining experiences of searching both the analogue and digital incarnations of two important art historical collections: the Photographic Collection of the Warburg Library and the Conway Library at the Courtauld Institute of Art. It questions the idea that particular ways of ordering an archive are necessarily tied to specific media or forms of materiality.
Psychological Gender of Men With Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Makowska Agata , Rydlewska Agnieszka , Krakowiak Bartosz , Kuczyńska Alicja , Sorokowski Piotr , Danel Dariusz , Pawłowski Bogusław , Banasiak Waldemar , Ponikowski Piotr , Jankowska Ewa A.
Published: December 2013

Diminished exercise capacity is a fundamental symptom of heart failure (HF), which is particularly disadvantageous for men for whom exercise capacity contributes significantly to their gender identity, self-esteem, and quality of life. In this study, we aimed to examine whether psychological gender would be different in men with systolic HF as compared with their healthy peers. The authors examined 48 men with systolic HF (age = 64 ± 10 years; body mass index = 28.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2; NYHA I/II/III [%] = 25/65/10; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] = 32.1 ± 7.8%) and 15 age-matched healthy men. Based on the results of the Polish version of the Bem Sex Role Inventory, the examined men were divided into four types of psychological gender: “masculine” (M), “feminine” (F), “unspecified” (U), and “androgynous” (A). None of the men with HF presented M type of psychological gender, whereas this type was found in 27% of the healthy men ( p = .0002). The prevalence of both A (38% vs. 47%) and F (10% vs. 20%, both p > .05) types of psychological gender was similar between men with HF versus without HF. More men with HF fulfilled the criteria of the U type of psychological gender as compared with healthy peers (51% vs. 7%, p = .002). Men with HF and the F type of psychological gender were treated with spironolactone more frequently than those classified with the U and A types (both p < .05). The lack of “psychologically masculine” and the overrepresentation of “psychologically unspecified” gender types in the HF group suggests that psychological gender may be affected among men with HF.
Cytoplasmic genome substitution in wheat affects the nuclear-cytoplasmic cross-talk leading to transcript and metabolite alterations
Authors: Crosatti Cristina , Quansah Lydia , Maré Caterina , Giusti Lorenzo , Roncaglia Enrica , Atienza Sergio G , Cattivelli Luigi , Fait Aaron
Published: December 2013

Background

Alloplasmic lines provide a unique tool to study nuclear-cytoplasmic interactions. Three alloplasmic lines, with nuclear genomes from Triticum aestivum and harboring cytoplasm from Aegilops uniaristata, Aegilops tauschii and Hordeum chilense, were investigated by transcript and metabolite profiling to identify the effects of cytoplasmic substitution on nuclear-cytoplasmic signaling mechanisms.

Results

In combining the wheat nuclear genome with a cytoplasm of H. chilense, 540 genes were significantly altered, whereas 11 and 28 genes were significantly changed in the alloplasmic lines carrying the cytoplasm of Ae. uniaristata or Ae. tauschii, respectively. We identified the RNA maturation-related process as one of the most sensitive to a perturbation of the nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction. Several key components of the ROS chloroplast retrograde signaling, together with the up-regulation of the ROS scavenging system, showed that changes in the chloroplast genome have a direct impact on nuclear-cytoplasmic cross-talk. Remarkably, the H. chilense alloplasmic line down-regulated some genes involved in the determination of cytoplasmic male sterility without expressing the male sterility phenotype. Metabolic profiling showed a comparable response of the central metabolism of the alloplasmic and euplasmic lines to light, while exposing larger metabolite alterations in the H. chilense alloplasmic line as compared with the Aegilops lines, in agreement with the transcriptomic data. Several stress-related metabolites, remarkably raffinose, were altered in content in the H. chilense alloplasmic line when exposed to high light, while amino acids, as well as organic acids were significantly decreased. Alterations in the levels of transcript, related to raffinose, and the photorespiration-related metabolisms were associated with changes in the level of related metabolites.

Conclusion

The replacement of a wheat cytoplasm with the cytoplasm of a related species affects the nuclear-cytoplasmic cross-talk leading to transcript and metabolite alterations. The extent of these modifications was limited in the alloplasmic lines with Aegilops cytoplasm, and more evident in the alloplasmic line with H. chilense cytoplasm. We consider that, this finding might be linked to the phylogenetic distance of the genomes.
Community awareness about risk factors, presentation and prevention and obstetric fistula in Nabitovu village, Iganga district, Uganda
Authors: Kasamba Nassar , Kaye Dan K , Mbalinda Scovia N
Published: December 2013

Background

Obstetric fistula is a worldwide problem that is devastating for women in developing countries. The cardinal cause of obstetric fistula is prolonged obstructed labour and delay in seeking emergency obstetric care. Awareness about obstetric fistula is still low in developing countries. The objective was to assess the awareness about risk factors of obstetric fistulae in rural communities of Nabitovu village, Iganga district, Eastern Uganda.

Methods

A qualitative study using focus group discussion for males and females aged 18-49 years, to explore and gain deeper understanding of their awareness of existence, causes, clinical presentation and preventive measures for obstetric fistula. Data was analyzed by thematic analysis.

Results

The majority of the women and a few men were aware about obstetric fistula, though many had misconceptions regarding its causes, clinical presentation and prevention. Some wrongly attributed fistula to misuse of family planning, having sex during the menstruation period, curses by relatives, sexually transmitted infections, rape and gender-based violence. However, others attributed the fistula to delays to access medical care, induced abortions, conception at an early age, utilization of traditional birth attendants at delivery, and some complications that could occur during surgical operations for difficult deliveries.

Conclusion

Most of the community members interviewed were aware of the risk factors of obstetric fistula. Some respondents, predominantly men, had misconceptions/myths about risk factors of obstetric fistula as being caused by having sex during menstrual periods, poor usage of family planning, being a curse.
Race by Sex Differences in Depression Symptoms and Psychosocial Service Use Among Non-Hispanic Black and White Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: Traeger Lara , Cannon Sheila , Keating Nancy L. , Pirl William F. , Lathan Christopher , Martin Michelle Y. , He Yulei , Park Elyse R.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

This study examined race by sex differences in depression symptoms and psychosocial service use (pastors, social workers, mental health workers, support groups) among patients with lung cancer.

Patients and Methods

The multiregional Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance study surveyed black and white adults with stages I to III lung cancer (n = 1,043) about depression symptoms, interest in help for mood, and psychosocial service use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate race/sex differences in depression symptoms (modified Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale ≥ 6) and psychosocial service use, independent of demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and behavioral covariates.

Results

A total of 18.2% screened positive for depression symptoms. This proportion was highest among black men (24.7%), followed by white women (20.6%), black women (15.8%), and white men (15.0%). In adjusted analyses, white women showed greater risk for depression symptoms relative to black women (P = .01) and white men (P = .002), with no other differences among groups. Black patients were less likely than white patients to receive desired help for mood from their doctors (P = .02), regardless of sex. Among all patients, black women were most likely to have contact with pastoral care and social work.

Conclusion

Race and sex interacted to predict risk of depression symptoms. Covariates accounted for elevated risk among black men. White women showed greater risk than black women and white men, independent of covariates. Black patients may experience greater barriers to receiving help for mood from their doctors. Race by sex differences in contact with psychosocial services highlight potential differences in the extent to which services are available, acceptable, and/or sought by patients.
Aprepitant Versus Dexamethasone for Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Delayed Emesis in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Randomized Double-Blind Study
Authors: Roila Fausto , Ruggeri Benedetta , Ballatori Enzo , Del Favero Albano , Tonato Maurizio
Published: December 2013

Purpose

A combination of aprepitant, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and dexamethasone is recommended for the prophylaxis of acute or delayed emesis induced by chemotherapy containing anthracyclines plus cyclophosphamide in patients with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to verify whether dexamethasone is superior to aprepitant in preventing delayed emesis in patients receiving the same prophylaxis for acute emesis.

Patients and Methods

A randomized double-blind study comparing aprepitant versus dexamethasone was completed in chemotherapy-naive patients with breast cancer treated with anthracyclines plus cyclophosphamide. Before chemotherapy, all patients were treated with intravenous palonosetron 0.25 mg, dexamethasone 8 mg, and oral aprepitant 125 mg. On days 2 and 3, patients randomly received oral dexamethasone 4 mg twice per day or aprepitant 80 mg once per day. Primary end point was rate of complete response (ie, no vomiting or rescue treatment) from days 2 to 5 after chemotherapy.

Results

Of 580 enrolled patients, 551 were evaluable: 273 received dexamethasone, and 278 received aprepitant. Day 1 complete response rates were similar: 87.6% for dexamethasone and 84.9% for aprepitant (P < .39). From days 2 to 5, complete response rates were the same with both antiemetic prophylaxes (79.5%; P < 1.00), as were results of secondary end points (ie, complete protection, total control, no vomiting, no nausea, score of Functional Living Index–Emesis; P < .24). Incidences of insomnia (2.9% v 0.4%; P < .02) and heartburn (8.1% v 3.6%; P < .03) were significantly greater with dexamethasone on days 2 to 5.

Conclusion

In patients with breast cancer treated with anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy and receiving the same antiemetic prophylaxis for acute emesis, dexamethasone was not superior to aprepitant but instead had similar efficacy and toxicity in preventing delayed emesis.
Adverse Event Reporting in Cancer Clinical Trial Publications
Authors: Sivendran Shanthi , Latif Asma , McBride Russell B. , Stensland Kristian D. , Wisnivesky Juan , Haines Lindsay , Oh William K. , Galsky Matthew D.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Reporting adverse events is a critical element of a clinical trial publication. In 2003, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) group generated recommendations regarding the appropriate reporting of adverse events. The degree to which these recommendations are followed in oncology publications has not been comprehensively evaluated.

Methods

A review of citations from PubMed, Medline, and Embase published between Jan 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011, identified eligible randomized, controlled phase III trials in metastatic solid malignancies. Publications were assessed for 14 adverse event–reporting elements derived from the CONSORT harms extension statement; a completeness score (range, 0 to 14) was calculated by adding the number of elements reported. Linear regression analysis identified which publication characteristics associated with reporting completeness.

Results

A total of 175 publications, with data for 96,125 patients, were included in the analysis. The median completeness score was eight (range, three to 12). Most publications (96%) reported only adverse events occurring above a threshold rate or severity, 37% did not specify the criteria used to select which adverse events were reported, and 88% grouped together adverse events of varying severity. Regression analysis revealed that trials without a stated funding source and with an earlier year of publication had significantly lower completeness scores.

Conclusion

Reporting of adverse events in oncology publications of randomized trials is suboptimal and characterized by substantial selectivity and heterogeneity. The development of oncology-specific standards for adverse event reporting should be established to ensure consistency and provide critical information required for medical decision-making.
A characterisation of almost simple groups with socle 2E6(2) or M(22)
Authors: Parker Chris , Salarian M. Reza , Stroth Gernot
Published: December 2013

We show that the sporadic simple group M(22), the exceptional group of Lie type
2E6(2)
and their automorphism groups are uniquely determined by the approximate structure of the centralizer of an element of order 3 together with some
information about the fusion of this element in the group.
Dynamic structured copula models
Authors: Härdle Wolfgang Karl , Okhrin Ostap , Okhrin Yarema
Published: December 2013

There is an increasing demand for models of multivariate time-series with time-varying and non-Gaussian dependencies. The available models suffer from the curse of dimensionality or from restrictive assumptions on the parameters and distributions.
A promising class of models is that of hierarchical Archimedean copulae (HAC), which allows for non-exchangeable and non-Gaussian dependency structures with a small number of parameters. In this paper we develop a novel adaptive estimation technique of the parameters and of the structure of HAC for time-series. The approach relies on a local change-point detection procedure and a locally constant HAC approximation.
Typical applications are in the financial area but also recently in the spatial analysis of weather parameters.
We analyse the time varying dependency structure of stock indices and exchange rates. Both examples reveal periods with constant and turmoil dependencies. The economic significance of the suggested modelling is evaluated using the Value-at-Risk of a portfolio.
Incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Fraenkel M , Kim M , Faggiano A , de Herder W W , Valk G D , _ _
Published: December 2013

Based on the current medical literature, the worldwide incidence of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) seems to have increased; however, a systematic literature overview is lacking. This study aimed to collect all available data on the incidence of gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-NETs and characteristics of population to establish their epidemiology. A sensitive MEDLINE search was carried out. The papers were selected via a cascade process that restricted the initial pool of 7991 articles to 33, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Original articles evaluating the incidence of sporadic GEP-NETs in regional, institutional and national registries were considered. The majority of data originated from the US National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database and from national cancer registries in Western Europe. Generally, because of the retrospective nature of existing databases the outcomes of studies might be biased, which hinders the drawing of firm conclusions. The age-adjusted incidence of GEP-NETs has increased steadily over the past four decades (1973–2007), increasing 3.65-fold in the USA and 3.8- to 4.8-fold in the UK. Incidence has changed variably from one anatomical site to another. The greatest increase in incidence occurred for gastric and rectal NETs, while the smallest increase occurred for small intestine NETs. There were gender and racial differences, which differed site by site and, in some cases, changed over time. The incidence rates (IRs) of GEP-NETs have increased significantly in the last 40 years. Data are only available from North America, Western Europe and Japan. A site-by-site analysis revealed that the IRs of some NETs increased more than those of others.
Inducible Defenses Stay Up Late: Temporal Patterns of Immune Gene Expression inTenebrio molitor
Authors: Johnston Paul R , Makarova Olga , Rolff Jens
Published: December 2013

The course of microbial infection in insects is shaped by a two-stage process of immune defense. Constitutive defenses, such as engulfment and melanization, act immediately and are followed by inducible defenses, archetypically the production of antimicrobial peptides, which eliminate or suppress the remaining microbes. By applying RNAseq across a 7-day time course, we sought to characterize the long-lasting immune response to bacterial challenge in the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor, a model for the biochemistry of insect immunity and persistent bacterial infection. By annotating a hybrid de novo assembly of RNAseq data, we were able to identify putative orthologs for the majority of components of the conserved insect immune system. Compared with Tribolium castaneum, the most closely related species with a reference genome sequence and a manually curated immune system annotation, the T. molitor immune gene count was lower, with lineage-specific expansions of genes encoding serine proteases and their countervailing inhibitors accounting for the majority of the deficit. Quantitative mapping of RNAseq reads to the reference assembly showed that expression of genes with predicted functions in cellular immunity, wound healing, melanization, and the production of reactive oxygen species was transiently induced immediately after immune challenge. In contrast, expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides or components of the Toll signaling pathway and iron sequestration response remained elevated for at least 7 days. Numerous genes involved in metabolism and nutrient storage were repressed, indicating a possible cost of immune induction. Strikingly, the expression of almost all antibacterial peptides followed the same pattern of long-lasting induction, regardless of their spectra of activity, signaling possible interactive roles in vivo.