bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Age in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Oyer Samuel L. , Smith Valerie A. , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: February 2015

Objective

1) Determine the impact of age on disease‐specific survival in differentiated thyroid cancer. 2) Compare the impact of age on survival between follicular and papillary thyroid cancer subtypes.

Method

The SEER Database was searched for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer between 1988‐2003. Patient age, gender, tumor type, size, extension, and metastases were collected. Kaplan‐Meier analyses were used to estimate disease specific survival based on age ranges. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine hazard ratios of death for various age cutoffs.

Results

A total of 42,209 patients were identified. Patients 45 years and older had significantly worse survival than younger patients (P <. 001). A significant decrease in disease specific survival was first seen in patients aged 35 years and older, and survival continued to steadily decrease with each additional decade of age (P <. 001). Patients aged 35 years and older were 14 times more likely to die from differentiated thyroid cancer than patients younger than 35. Age played a stronger prognotic role in death among patients with papillary carcinoma compared to follicular carcinoma.

Conclusion

Increasing age is associated with poorer survival in differentiated thyroid cancer. This relationship represents a continuum with an initial decrease in survival starting at age 35 that continues to decline with advancing age.
Robotic Parathyroidectomy: A Prospective Case Control Study
Authors: Arora Asit , Garas George , Awad Zaid , Budge James , Cox Jeremy , Palazzo Fausto , Tolley Neil S.
Published: February 2015

Objective

1) To assess the clinical efficacy and cost‐effectiveness of the robotic approach compared with conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 2) To evaluate whether the absence of a neck scar associated with the robotic approach offers any advantage(s) over conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. 3) To compare patient satisfaction between the 2 techniques.

Method

Prospective case control study of 30 patients that underwent targeted parathyroidectomy over 4 years (May 2009‐February 2012) in a tertiary referral endocrine center. Fifteen patients had a robotic and 15 an endoscopic approach. Outcomes assessed included operative time, blood loss, biochemistry, pain, scar cosmesis, voice, quality of life, and complications.

Results

In all cases the parathyroid adenoma was successfully removed. There was 1 robotic conversion. Mean robotic operative time was approximately double that of the conventional approach. There were no significant differences in mean blood loss. Initial normalization of PTH and adjusted serum calcium levels occurred in 29 cases. The mean visual analogue score (VAS) for scar cosmesis was superior in the robotic cohort from 2 weeks (84% vs 65%, P <. 01) to 1 year (94% vs 62%, P <. 01). Postoperative VAS pain scores were similar in both groups (P <. 05). All EQ5 HD quality of life parameters significantly improved in both cohorts (P <. 05).

Conclusion

The robotic approach is a feasible “scar‐less in the neck” alternative to conventional targeted minimally invasive parathyroidectomy with a superior cosmetic outcome. However, this novel approach is not suitable for all patients and appropriate patient selection is vital. Finally, the high cost of robotic parathyroidectomy currently hinders its more widespread use.
Salivary Morbidity following Radioactive Iodine
Authors: Dingle Isaac F. , Mishoe Ashley , Nguyen Shaun A. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: February 2015

Objective

1) Determine the prevalence of sialoadenitis in patients treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) for well‐differentiated thyroid cancer. 2) Determine if a reduction in swallowing‐related or global head and neck quality of life exists in patients treated with RAI. 3) Assess any dose dependence of the primary objectives.

Method

Surviving patients seen at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center for well‐differentiated thyroid cancer were identified by review of the Hollings Cancer Center Registry. Patients were mailed a baseline questionnaire, the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Xerostomia Quality of Life Survey.

Results

Surveys were mailed to 379 patients and 145 were returned (38%). The study included 121 women and 24 men, with a mean age of 52. RAI exposure was correlated with an increase in sialoadenitis and was dose dependent (R2 = 0.336, P <. 001). Of the 41 patients who received 100 or less millicuries (mCi), none reported sialoadenitis, compared to 17 (25%) of 69 patients who received 101 to 200 mCi, and 12 (39%) of 30 patients who received greater than 200 mCi (P =. 001). RAI exposure was not correlated with a reduction in swallowing‐related or global head and neck quality of life.

Conclusion

Patients treated with RAI exhibited an increased risk for sialoadenitis but no reduction in swallowing‐related or global head and neck quality of life. Our findings suggest these patients should be screened for salivary morbidity and may benefit from prophylactic treatments aimed at protecting the salivary glands prior to RAI exposure.
Salvage Laryngectomy Outcomes in Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Li Mingsi , Lorenz Robert R. , Khan Mumtaz J. , Burkey Brian B. , Adelstein David J. , Scharpf Joseph
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of salvage partial laryngectomy (PL) and total laryngectomy (TL) in the treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer in terms of disease control, postoperative course, survival, and functional outcomes, and to identify additional factors influencing the long‐term survival and disease recurrence in patients receiving salvage laryngectomy.

Method

Retrospective chart review of patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx receiving salvage laryngectomy at Cleveland Clinic from 1997 to 2011. Disease‐specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), functional outcomes, recurrence rate, and postoperative course were evaluated against the methods of primary site and neck treatment.

Results

The series is composed of 109 patients. The 5‐year DSS and 5‐year OS rates were 70.2% and 62.9%, respectively. Laryngeal preservation rate after PL was 80%, with 34% overall complication rate for all patients. No significant differences were noted in 5‐year OS (P =. 3241), postsalvage recurrence rate (P =. 3374), postoperative course, or functional outcomes between salvage TL and PL. Five‐year DSS was higher in the PL group (P =. 0309). Primary tumor location, presalvage treatment, initial/recurrent T‐staging, and neck dissection were not significant predictors of survival or recurrence (P = NS), but positive nodal disease (P =. 0320), rN‐staging (P =. 0474), and postsalvage recurrence (P <. 0001) were predictors of worse prognosis.

Conclusion

Salvage PL and TL are both effective procedures in treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer after treatment failure, with similar efficacy in disease control, survival, functional outcomes, and complication rate in highly selected patients.
Family business succession in dialogue: The case of differing backgrounds and views
Authors: Helin Jenny , Jabri Muayyad
Published: February 2015

This article develops a greater understanding of family business succession as a process taking place within emergent conversations. Based on a real-time qualitative study of an owner family’s conversations during succession and Bakhtin’s notion of the ‘utterance’, three dimensions of dialogic transformation are elaborated: the role of differences during conversations, the role of multi-voiced conversations and the role of listening during conversations. When these dimensions are viewed together, they contribute to current family business research by emphasizing the need to better understand the present moment during succession conversations. We are conceptualizing the present moment as a ‘living moment’, as a reminder of the once-occurring, unique and momentary transformation that can take place between family members in such encounters. Implications for research as well as practice are elaborated upon.
Cultural geography III
Authors: Kirsch Scott
Published: February 2015

Unless they are to suddenly evaporate, material objects, endowed with varying capacities to move through the ages, are matters of time as well as of space. Long-term perspectives – from the historical to the geological – have been engaged by cultural geographers as a means of shedding light on linked discursive and material transformations, offering useful vantage points on the temporalities of human (and inhuman) existence through the existence of ‘things’. In this third and final report, I identify confluences of research taking shape around two distinct kinds of ‘scenes’ which embody a range of approaches to problems of culture and materialism: the naming of the Anthropocene; and the persistence of landscape as a spatial model for ‘holding things together’. Calling attention to the intermingled quality of materiality with immaterial ‘things’ and temporal dynamics, the review highlights the persistent need for cultural analysis of complex and contested social worlds, and emphasizes the value of cultural geographic research in addressing problems of human subjectivity at a moment when the distinctly human can no longer be taken for granted.
Severe and irreversible myelopathy after concurrent systemic and intrathecal nucleoside analogue treatment for refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Alsdorf Winfried H , Schmitz Michael , Schieferdecker Aneta , Dierlamm Judith , Bokemeyer Carsten , Binder Mascha
Published: February 2015

We report a patient with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who developed irreversible, severe spinal neurotoxicity after concurrent treatment with intrathecal and systemic cytarabine. Shortly after concomitant administration of intrathecal triple therapy (MTX, dexamethasone and cytarabine) and high-dose systemic cytarabin (R-DHAP protocol) the patient lost control of bowel and bladder function and developed an ascending, irreversible paraplegia. Infectious or neoplastic diseases of the spinal cord were ruled out. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the spine resulted in a diagnosis of toxic myelitis. Previously observed cases of spinal neurotoxicity after cytarabine treatment are reviewed as well as current guidelines for the use of intrathecal chemotherapy in high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In summary, severe spinal neurotoxicity of intrathecal chemotherapy is a rare side-effect, however several studies suggest that the neurotoxicity of cytarabine is significantly enhanced by concurrent intrathecal and high-dose systemic administration. Simultaneous high-dose systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy with cytarabine should therefore be avoided.
The Adam Walsh Act
Authors: Zgoba Kristen M. , Miner Michael , Levenson Jill , Knight Raymond , Letourneau Elizabeth , Thornton David
Published: February 2015

This study was designed to compare the Adam Walsh Act (AWA) classification tiers with actuarial risk assessment instruments and existing state classification schemes in their respective abilities to identify sex offenders at high risk to re-offend. Data from 1,789 adult sex offenders released from prison in four states were collected (Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida, and South Carolina). On average, the sexual recidivism rate was approximately 5% at 5 years and 10% at 10 years. AWA Tier 2 offenders had higher Static-99R scores and higher recidivism rates than Tier 3 offenders, and in Florida, these inverse correlations were statistically significant. Actuarial measures and existing state tier systems, in contrast, did a better job of identifying high-risk offenders and recidivists. As well, we examined the distribution of risk assessment scores within and across tier categories, finding that a majority of sex offenders fall into AWA Tier 3, but more than half score low or moderately low on the Static-99R. The results indicate that the AWA sex offender classification scheme is a poor indicator of relative risk and is likely to result in a system that is less effective in protecting the public than those currently implemented in the states studied.
Disclosure and silencing: A systematic review of the literature on patterns of trauma communication in refugee families
Authors: Dalgaard Nina Thorup , Montgomery Edith
Published: February 2015

This systematic review aimed to explore the effects of different degrees of parental disclosure of traumatic material from the past on the psychological well-being of children in refugee families. A majority of studies emphasize the importance of the timing of disclosure and the manner in which it takes place, rather than the effects of open communication or silencing strategies per se. A pattern emerged in which the level of parental disclosure that promotes psychological adjustment in refugee children depends on whether the children themselves have been directly exposed to traumatic experiences, and whether the children are prepubescent or older. The process of trauma disclosure is highly culturally embedded. Future research needs to address the culturally shaped variations in modulated disclosure and further explore how modulated disclosure can be facilitated in family therapy with traumatized refugee families.
The Effect of Marquee Players on Sports Demand
Authors: Jewell R. Todd
Published: February 2015

In 2007, Major League Soccer (MLS) changed its salary rules to allow teams to pay over the salary cap to sign high-priced talent. The first Designated Player was David Beckham. This study presents estimates of the influence of marquee players on MLS attendance using data from 2007 to 2012. The results indicate that few of the marquee signings drove higher attendance. Furthermore, these attendance effects tend to diminish over time. Specifically, only Beckham, Blanco, and Márquez generated excess fans in the games they played, with the largest effect in their first year. The results also give evidence of a superstar externality.
An Explorative Qualitative Study of Experiences and Challenges to Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers in Rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Nduna Themba , Marais Debbi , van Wyk Brian
Published: February 2015

Breastfeeding is one of the most effective public health interventions known to reduce illness and deaths in infants and young children. While Zimbabwe has a breastfeeding culture, exclusive breastfeeding has remained low over the last decade. This study explored factors that enable and hinder exclusive breastfeeding in a rural district of Zimbabwe. Ten mothers and 5 key informants with breastfeeding experience were interviewed. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed in Ndebele, translated into English, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Notable gaps still exist regarding mothers’ understanding of exclusive breastfeeding. Hunger, myths, and traditional beliefs around breastfeeding, as well as mixed and inconsistent messages regarding HIV/AIDS and breastfeeding, remain barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in the study area. Support from significant others, good nutrition for the breastfeeding mother, and knowledge about breastfeeding emerged as factors enabling exclusive breastfeeding. Messaging on breastfeeding and HIV/AIDS need to be consistent. Breastfeeding messages ought to be context specific, targeting custodians of tradition and belief systems, including men and significant others, to create a supportive and enabling environment for mothers to exclusively breastfeed. Whether hunger and differences in breastfeeding patterns between boys and girls affect infant feeding practices warrants further research.
Ictal Asystole in Focal Epilepsy
Authors: Newey Christopher R. , Sarwal Aarti
Published: February 2015

Ictal bradyarrhythmias are rare episodes occurring in patients with or without a past cardiac history. These episodes go unnoticed unless the patient is monitored on simultaneous video-electroencephalogram and 1-lead electrocardiogram. Recognizing ictal bradyarrhythmias is important, since episodes may predispose patients to sudden, unexplained death in epilepsy. We present 2 cases of ictal asystole in patients with right temporal lobe epilepsy. The first patient had seizures refractory to medical therapy and received a pacemaker. The seizures in the second patient responded well to antiepileptic medication, and a pacemaker was deferred. These cases highlight the differing cardiovascular treatment options for ictal asystole.
Time trends in quality indicators of colonoscopy
Authors: Moritz Volker , Bretthauer Michael , Holme Øyvind , Wang Fagerland Morten , Løberg Magnus , Glomsaker Tom , de Lange Thomas , Seip Birgitte , Sandvei Per , Hoff Geir
Published: February 2015

Background

There is considerable variation in the quality of colonoscopy performance. The Norwegian quality assurance programme Gastronet registers outpatient colonoscopies performed in Norwegian endoscopy centres. The aim of Gastronet is long‐term improvement of endoscopist and centre performance by annual feedback of performance data.

Objective

The objective of this article is to perform an analysis of trends of quality indicators for colonoscopy in Gastronet.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 73,522 outpatient colonoscopies from 73 endoscopists at 25 endoscopy centres from 2003 to 2012. We used multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for relevant variables to determine annual trends of three performance indicators: caecum intubation rate, pain during the procedure, and detection rate of polyps ≥5 mm.

Results

The proportion of severely painful colonoscopies decreased from 14.8% to 9.2% (relative risk reduction of 38%; OR = 0.92 per year in Gastronet; 95% CI 0.86–1.00; p  = 0.045). Caecal intubation (OR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.94–1.04; p  = 0.6) and polyp detection (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.99–1.07; p  = 0.15) remained unchanged during the study period.

Conclusions

Pain at colonoscopy showed a significant decrease during years of Gastronet participation while caecal intubation and polyp detection remained unchanged – independent of the use of sedation and/or analgesics and level of endoscopist experience. This may be due to the Gastronet audit, but effects of improved endoscopy technology cannot be excluded.
Management of acute variceal bleeding using hemostatic powder
Authors: Ibrahim Mostafa , El-Mikkawy Ahmed , Abdalla Haitham , Mostafa Ibrahim , Devière Jacques
Published: February 2015

Background and objectives

This study aimed to test the safety and efficacy of Hemospray® for emergency control of acute variceal bleeding (AVB) due to portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients.

Patients and methods

This single‐arm, prospective trial, conducted at two hospitals in Belgium and Egypt, included patients admitted to the emergency room with hematemesis and/or melena and known or suspected liver cirrhosis. All patients received urgent hemodynamic stabilization, octreotide (50 mcg bolus then 25 mcg/hour for 24 hours) and intravenous ceftriaxone (1 g/hour). Endoscopy to confirm AVB and Hemospray® application (if indicated) was performed within six hours of admission. Patients were kept under observation for 24 hours and underwent second endoscopy and definitive therapy (band ligation and/or cyanoacrylate injection in cases of gastric varices) the next day.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients were admitted for suspected AVB, and 30 of these had confirmed AVB (70% male; mean age 59.5 years (range, 32.0–73 years)). Child‐Pugh class C liver disease was present in 53.4%. Esophageal varices were observed in 83.4% of patients, gastric varices in 10%, and duodenal varices in 6.6%. Spurting bleeding at the time of endoscopy was observed in 43.4%. One patient developed hematemesis six hours after Hemospray® application and underwent emergency endoscopic band ligation. No major adverse events or mortalities were observed during 15‐day follow‐up.

Conclusion

Hemospray® application was safe and effective at short‐term follow‐up for emergency treatment of AVB in cirrhotic patients.
An Institutional Logics Approach to the Analysis of Social Movement Fields
Authors: Larson Jeff A. , Lizardo Omar
Published: February 2015

How do institutions generate stability within and limited diversity across social movements? To answer this question, we draw on select strands of Institutional Analysis and introduce the concept of institutional movement logics (IMLs), cultural templates made up of combinations of issues, tactics, and targets that provide social movement organizations with a focus of attention, a source of meaning and identity, and a vision of how to “do” contention. Movement organizations can be observed in clusters based on their IMLs that define the dominant set of logics within that field. In this way, IMLs account for patterns of stability and diversity within social movement fields. We provide evidence of the empirical utility of the IML approach with an analysis of Seattle’s social movement field between 1999 and 2005. Using scaling methods to elicit clusters of movement organizations by their combinations of issues, tactics, and targets, along with archival and interview data, we find that this field was structured by robust and stable partitions between three distinct IMLs. With this analysis, we advance an institutional logics approach for understanding social movements, showing how Social Movement Theory can concretely benefit from a tighter integration with Institutional Analysis.
Value of innovation in hematologic malignancies: a systematic review of published cost-effectiveness analyses
Authors: Saret Cayla J. , Winn Aaron N. , Shah Gunjan , Parsons Susan K. , Lin Pei-Jung , Cohen Joshua T. , Neumann Peter J.
Published: February 2015

We analyzed cost-effectiveness studies related to hematologic malignancies from the Tufts Medical Center Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry (www.cearegistry.org), focusing on studies of innovative therapies. Studies that met inclusion criteria were categorized by 4 cancer types (chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma) and 9 treatment agents (interferon-α, alemtuzumab, bendamustine, bortezomib, dasatinib, imatinib, lenalidomide, rituximab alone or in combination, and thalidomide). We examined study characteristics and stratified cost-effectiveness ratios by type of cancer, treatment, funder, and year of study publication. Twenty-nine studies published in the years 1996-2012 (including 44 cost-effectiveness ratios) met inclusion criteria, 22 (76%) of which were industry funded. Most ratios fell below $50 000 per quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) (73%) and $100 000/QALY (86%). Industry-funded studies (n = 22) reported a lower median ratio ($26 000/QALY) than others (n = 7; $33 000/QALY), although the difference was not statistically significant. Published data suggest that innovative treatments for hematologic malignancies may provide reasonable value for money.
The significance of macrophage polarization subtypes for animal models of tissue fibrosis and human fibrotic diseases
Authors: Wermuth Peter J , Jimenez Sergio A
Published: February 2015

The systemic and organ‐specific human fibrotic disorders collectively represent one of the most serious health problems world‐wide causing a large proportion of the total world population mortality. The molecular pathways involved in their pathogenesis are complex and despite intensive investigations have not been fully elucidated. Whereas chronic inflammatory cell infiltration is universally present in fibrotic lesions, the central role of monocytes and macrophages as regulators of inflammation and fibrosis has only recently become apparent. However, the precise mechanisms involved in the contribution of monocytes/macrophages to the initiation, establishment, or progression of the fibrotic process remain largely unknown. Several monocyte and macrophage subpopulations have been identified, with certain phenotypes promoting inflammation whereas others display profibrotic effects. Given the unmet need for effective treatments for fibroproliferative diseases and the crucial regulatory role of monocyte/macrophage subpopulations in fibrogenesis, the development of therapeutic strategies that target specific monocyte/macrophage subpopulations has become increasingly attractive. We will provide here an overview of the current understanding of the role of monocyte/macrophage phenotype subpopulations in animal models of tissue fibrosis and in various systemic and organ‐specific human fibrotic diseases. Furthermore, we will discuss recent approaches to the design of effective anti‐fibrotic therapeutic interventions by targeting the phenotypic differences identified between the various monocyte and macrophage subpopulations.
Immune modulation as a therapeutic strategy in bone regeneration
Authors: Schlundt Claudia , Schell Hanna , Goodman Stuart B , Vunjak-Novakovic Gordana , Duda Georg N , Schmidt-Bleek Katharina
Published: February 2015

We summarize research approaches and findings on bone healing and regeneration that were presented at a workshop at the 60th annual meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society (ORS) in New Orleans in 2014. The workshop was designed to discuss the role of inflammation in bone regeneration in the context of fundamental biology, and to develop therapeutic strategies that involve immune modulation. Delayed or non-healing of bone is a major clinical problem, with around 10% of fracture patients suffering from unsatisfying healing outcomes. Inflammation is traditionally seen as a defense mechanism, but was recently found essential in supporting and modulating regenerative cascades. In bone healing, macrophages and T- and B-cells interact with progenitor cells, bone forming osteoblasts and remodeling osteoclasts. Among the cells of the innate immunity, macrophages are promising candidates for targets in immune-modulatory interventions that would overcome complications in bone healing and bone-related diseases. Among the cells of the adaptive immune system, CD8+ T cells have been shown to have a negative impact on bone fracture healing outcome, whereas regulatory T cells could be promising candidates that have a positive, modulating effect on bone fracture healing. This workshop addressed recent advances and key challenges in this exciting interdisciplinary research field.
Autism spectrum disorder in individuals with anorexia nervosa and in their first- and second-degree relatives: Danish nationwide register-based cohort-study
Authors: Koch Susanne V. , Larsen Janne T. , Mouridsen Svend E. , Bentz Mette , Petersen Liselotte , Bulik Cynthia , Mortensen Preben B. , Plessen Kerstin J.
Published: February 2015

Background

Clinical and population-based studies report increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in individuals with anorexia nervosa and in their relatives. No nationwide study has yet been published on co-occurrence of these disorders.

Aims

To investigate comorbidity of ASD in individuals with anorexia nervosa, and aggregation of ASD and anorexia nervosa in their relatives.

Method

In Danish registers we identified all individuals born in 1981–2008, their parents, and full and half siblings, and linked them to data on hospital admissions for psychiatric disorders.

Results

Risk of comorbidity of ASD in probands with anorexia nervosa and aggregation of ASD in families of anorexia nervosa probands were increased. However, the risk of comorbid and familial ASD did not differ significantly from comorbid and familial major depression or any psychiatric disorder in anorexia nervosa probands.

Conclusions

We confirm aggregation of ASD in probands with anorexia nervosa and in their relatives; however, the relationship between anorexia nervosa and ASD appears to be non-specific.
Multivariate Fragility Models for Earthquake Engineering
Authors: Yazdi Abbas Javaherian , Haukaas Terje , Yang Tony , Gardoni Paolo
Published: February 2015

This paper employs a logistic regression technique to develop multivariate damage models. The models are intended for performance assessments that require the probability that structural components are in one of several damage states. As such, the developments represent an extension of the univariate fragility functions that are omnipresent in contemporary performance-based earthquake engineering. The multivariate logistic regression models that are put forward here eliminate several of the limitations of univariate fragility functions. Furthermore, the new models are readily substituted for existing fragility functions without any modifications to the existing performance-based analysis methodologies. To demonstrate the proposed modeling approach, a large number of tests of reinforced concrete shear walls are employed to develop multivariate damage models. It is observed that the drift ratio and aspect ratio of concrete shear walls are among the parameters that are most influential on the damage probabilities.
Vitamin B12 Conjugation of Peptide-YY3–36 Decreases Food Intake Compared to Native Peptide-YY3–36 Upon Subcutaneous Administration in Male Rats
Authors: Henry Kelly E. , Elfers Clinton T. , Burke Rachael M. , Chepurny Oleg G. , Holz George G. , Blevins James E. , Roth Christian L. , Doyle Robert P.
Published: February 2015

Challenges to peptide-based therapies include rapid clearance, ready degradation by hydrolysis/proteolysis, and poor intestinal uptake and/or a need for blood brain barrier transport. This work evaluates the efficacy of conjugation of vitamin B12 (B12) on sc administered peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY)3–36 function. In the current experiments, a B12-PYY3–36 conjugate was tested against native PYY3–36, and an inactive conjugate B12-PYYC36 (null control) in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments demonstrated similar agonism for the neuropeptide Y2 receptor by the B12-PYY3–36 conjugate (EC50 26.5 nM) compared with native PYY3–36 (EC50 16.0 nM), with the null control having an EC50 of 1.8 μM. In vivo experiments were performed in young adult male Sprague Dawley rats (9 wk). Daily treatments were delivered sc in five 1-hour pulses, each pulse delivering 5–10 nmol/kg, by implanted microinfusion pumps. Increases in hindbrain Fos expression were comparable 90 minutes after B12-PYY3–36 or PYY3–36 injection relative to saline or B12-PYYC36. Food intake was reduced during a 5-day treatment for both B12-PYY3–36- (24%, P = .001) and PYY3–36-(13%, P = .008) treated groups relative to baseline. In addition, reduction of food intake after the three dark cycle treatment pulses was more consistent with B12-PYY3–36 treatment (−26%, −29%, −27%) compared with the PYY3–36 treatment (−3%, −21%, −16%), and B12-PYY3–36 generated a significantly longer inhibition of food intake vs PYY3–36 treatment after the first two pulses (P = .041 and P = .036, respectively). These findings demonstrate a stronger, more consistent, and longer inhibition of food intake after the pulses of B12-PYY3–36 conjugate compared with the native PYY3–36.
Excess Mortality Associated With Hypopituitarism in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Pappachan Joseph M. , Raskauskiene Diana , Kutty V. Raman , Clayton Richard N.
Published: February 2015

Context:

Several previous observational studies showed an association between hypopituitarism and excess mortality. Reports on reduction of standard mortality ratio (SMR) with GH replacement have been published recently.

Objective:

This meta-analysis assessed studies reporting SMR to clarify mortality risk in hypopituitary adults and also the potential benefit conferred by GH replacement.

Data Sources:

A literature search was performed in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library up to March 31, 2014.

Eligibility Criteria:

Studies with or without GH replacement reporting SMR with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were included.

Data Extraction and Analysis:

Patient characteristics, SMR data, and treatment outcomes were independently assessed by two authors, and with consensus from third author, studies were selected for analysis. Meta-analysis was performed in all studies together, and those without and with GH replacement separately, using the statistical package metafor in R.

Results:

Six studies reporting a total of 19 153 hypopituiatary adults with a follow-up duration of more than 99 000 person years were analyzed. Hypopituitarism was associated with an overall excess mortality (weighted SMR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.21–2.76) in adults. Female hypopituitary adults showed higher SMR compared with males (2.53 vs 1.71). Onset of hypopituitarism at a younger age was associated with higher SMR. GH replacement improved the mortality risk in hypopituitary adults that is comparable to the background population (SMR with GH replacement, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05–1.24 vs SMR without GH, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.46–3.34). GH replacement conferred lower mortality benefit in hypopituitary women compared with men (SMR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.38–1.77 vs 0.95; 95% CI, 0.85–1.06).

Limitations:

There was a potential selection bias of benefit of GH replacement from a post-marketing data necessitating further evidence from long-term randomized controlled trials.

Conclusions:

Hypopituitarism may increase premature mortality in adults. Mortality benefit from GH replacement in hypopituitarism is less pronounced in women than men.
Optical tomography complements light sheet microscopy forin totoimaging of zebrafish development
Authors: Bassi Andrea , Schmid Benjamin , Huisken Jan
Published: February 2015

Fluorescently labeled structures can be spectrally isolated and imaged at high resolution in living embryos by light sheet microscopy. Multimodal imaging techniques are now needed to put these distinct structures back into the context of the surrounding tissue. We found that the bright-field contrast of unstained specimens in a selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) setup can be exploited for in vivo tomographic reconstructions of the three-dimensional anatomy of zebrafish, without causing phototoxicity. We report multimodal imaging of entire zebrafish embryos over several hours of development, as well as segmentation, tracking and automatic registration of individual organs.
Geometric control of ciliated band regulatory states in the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Barsi Julius C. , Li Enhu , Davidson Eric H.
Published: February 2015

The trapezoidal ciliated band (CB) of the postgastrular sea urchin embryo surrounds the oral ectoderm, separating it from adjacent embryonic territories. Once differentiated, the CB is composed of densely arranged cells bearing long cilia that endow the larva with locomotion and feeding capability. The spatial pattern from which the CB will arise is first evidenced during pregastrular stages by expression of the pioneer gene onecut. Immediately after gastrulation, the CB consists of four separate regulatory state domains, each of which expresses a unique set of transcription factors: (1) the oral apical CB, located within the apical neurogenic field; (2) the animal lateral CB, which bilaterally separates the oral from aboral ectoderm; (3) the vegetal lateral CB, which bilaterally serves as signaling centers; and (4) the vegetal oral CB, which delineates the boundary with the underlying endoderm. Remarkably, almost all of the regulatory genes specifically expressed within these domains are downregulated by interference with SoxB1 expression, implying their common activation by this factor. Here, we show how the boundaries of the CB subdomains are established, and thus ascertain the design principle by which the geometry of this unique and complex regulatory state pattern is genomically controlled. Each of these boundaries, on either side of the CB, is defined by spatially confined transcriptional repressors, the products of regulatory genes operating across the border of each subdomain. In total this requires deployment of about ten different repressors, which we identify in this work, thus exemplifying the complexity of information required for spatial regulatory organization during embryogenesis.
The cytoplasmic domain of the gamete membrane fusion protein HAP2 targets the protein to the fusion site in Chlamydomonas and regulates the fusion reaction
Authors: Liu Yanjie , Pei Jimin , Grishin Nick , Snell William J.
Published: February 2015

Cell-cell fusion between gametes is a defining step during development of eukaryotes, yet we know little about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the gamete membrane fusion reaction. HAP2 is the sole gamete-specific protein in any system that is broadly conserved and shown by gene disruption to be essential for gamete fusion. The wide evolutionary distribution of HAP2 (also known as GCS1) indicates it was present in the last eukaryotic common ancestor and, therefore, dissecting its molecular properties should provide new insights into fundamental features of fertilization. HAP2 acts at a step after membrane adhesion, presumably directly in the merger of the lipid bilayers. Here, we use the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas to characterize contributions of key regions of HAP2 to protein location and function. We report that mutation of three strongly conserved residues in the ectodomain has no effect on targeting or fusion, although short deletions that include those residues block surface expression and fusion. Furthermore, HAP2 lacking a 237-residue segment of the cytoplasmic region is expressed at the cell surface, but fails to localize at the apical membrane patch specialized for fusion and fails to rescue fusion. Finally, we provide evidence that the ancient HAP2 contained a juxta-membrane, multi-cysteine motif in its cytoplasmic region, and that mutation of a cysteine dyad in this motif preserves protein localization, but substantially impairs HAP2 fusion activity. Thus, the ectodomain of HAP2 is essential for its surface expression, and the cytoplasmic region targets HAP2 to the site of fusion and regulates the fusion reaction.
Body saccades of Drosophila consist of stereotyped banked turns
Authors: Muijres Florian T. , Elzinga Michael J. , Iwasaki Nicole A. , Dickinson Michael H.
Published: February 2015

The flight pattern of many fly species consists of straight flight segments interspersed with rapid turns called body saccades, a strategy that is thought to minimize motion blur. We analyzed the body saccades of fruit flies (Drosophila hydei), using high-speed 3D videography to track body and wing kinematics and a dynamically scaled robot to study the production of aerodynamic forces and moments. Although the size, degree and speed of the saccades vary, the dynamics of the maneuver are remarkably stereotypic. In executing a body saccade, flies perform a quick roll and counter-roll, combined with a slower unidirectional rotation around their yaw axis. Flies regulate the size of the turn by adjusting the magnitude of torque that they produce about these control axes, while maintaining the orientation of the rotational axes in the body frame constant. In this way, body saccades are different from escape responses in the same species, in which the roll and pitch component of banking is varied to adjust turn angle. Our analysis of the wing kinematics and aerodynamics showed that flies control aerodynamic torques during the saccade primarily by adjusting the timing and amount of span-wise wing rotation.
Efficient and Environmentally Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Based on ZnO Electron Collection Layer
Authors: Song Jiaxing , Bian Ji , Zheng Enqiang , Wang Xiao-Feng , Tian Wenjing , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: February 2015

ZnO thin films prepared by spin-coating of nanoparticles at low temperature were utilized as the electron collection layer in CH3NH3PbI3-based perovskite solar cells having a planar heterojunction structure. The thickness of ZnO layer as a key parameter to determine the photovoltaic performance was optimized. The highest power conversion efficiency of up to 13.9% with small hysteretic behavior of current–voltage curves was achieved under AM 1.5 illumination (100 mW cm−2). The ZnO-based devices exhibited significantly improved durability as compared to the control device with exposure to the ambient air environment.
Typification of the sacred lotus Nelumbo nucifera (Nelumbonaceae)
Authors: Ferrer-Gallego P. Pablo , Boisset Fernando , Jarvis Charles E.
Published: February 2015

The typification of the sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner (≡ Nymphaea nelumbo L.; Nelumbonaceae), is discussed. The designation of the nomenclatural type is based on an assessment of Linnaeus’s original material and the literature cited in the protologue. The name is lectotypified using a specimen from Paul Hermann’s herbarium at BM.
Engelbert Kaempfer, Genemon Imamura and the origin of the name Ginkgo
Authors: Nagata Toshiyuki , DuVal Ashley , Crane Peter R.
Published: February 2015

The unusual spelling of the genus Ginkgo has long attracted scholarly interest. It is well known that Linnaeus took the name from the Amoenitatum exoticarum of Kaempfer, and that Kaempfer relied on the 17th century Japanese illustrated encyclopedia Kinmo Zui for some of the names he took for Japanese plants. But why Kaempfer transliterated the name as “Ginkgo”, a pronunciation that does not exist in contemporary Japanese, has been debated. The recognition that Kaempfer’s young assistant was Genemon Imamura, a native of Nagasaki, provides a new perspective. Analysis of the plant names in the Amoenitatum exoticarum and comparison with the names in the Kinmo Zui shows that Kaempfer sought to faithfully transcribe the pronunciations of Genemon’s late medieval Nagasaki dialect into his transliterations. Ginkgo is one of several examples for which transliteration of the Nagasaki dialect accounts for Kaempfer’s unusual spelling of a word or name.
Phylogeny of Hedysarum and tribe Hedysareae (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae) inferred from sequence data of ITS, matK, trnL‐F and psbA‐trnH
Authors: Duan Lei , Wen Jun , Yang Xue , Liu Pei-Liang , Arslan Emine , Ertuğrul Kuddisi , Chang Zhao-Yang
Published: February 2015

Based on sequence data of the nuclear ITS and plastid matK, trnL‐F and psbA‐trnH markers of 162 species (169 accessions), the relationships and monophyly of tribe Hedysareae and its close relatives were assessed, with special reference to the infrageneric phylogeny of Hedysarum. The results showed that Hedysareae sensu Lock is not monophyletic, and its relationships with tribe Galegeae are unclear. Tribe Galegeae is polyphyletic. Hedysareae sensu Lock includes two strongly supported clades: the Caraganean clade and the Hedysaroid clade. Tribe Caraganeae Ranjbar was supported to be recognized based on the Caraganean clade, but it is herein suggested to be re‐circumscribed by excluding Chesneya and Gueldenstaedtia. Our results support treating the Hedysaroid clade as tribe Hedysareae, comprising nine genera: Alhagi, Corethrodendron, Ebenus, Eversmannia, Greuteria, Hedysarum, Onobrychis, Sulla and Taverniera. Hedysarum as delimited here consists of three main clades: the first clade (the mesic group) corresponds to H. sect. Hedysarum; the second clade (the xeric group) is the re‐defined H. sect. Multicaulia, consisting of the core group of H. sect. Multicaulia plus the former genus Sartoria; and the third clade (the psychrophilic group) includes the monospecific H. sect. Stracheya (with H. tibeticum) and two species previously placed in H. sect. Multicaulia (H. kumaonense, H. lehmannianum).
Dental needs of psychiatric patient with eating disorders
Authors: Szupiany Teresa , Pytko-Polończyk Jolanta , Rutkowski Krzysztof
Published: February 2015

Cel

Celem pracy jest określenie problemów stomatologicznych pacjentów z zaburzeniami w odżywianiu oraz podkreślenie roli współpracy interdyscyplinarnej lekarzy psychiatrów i stomatologów oraz psychologów, umożliwiającej pełną diagnostykę i leczenie pacjentów.

Metoda

Badaniu stomatologicznemu poddano 40 pacjentów objętych dziennym leczeniem psychiatrycznym w Krakowie. Do badania zostali włączeni chorzy z rozpoznaniami z zakresu zaburzeń F4.x.x, F5x.x, F6x.x ICD-10. Podczas wizyty stomatologicznej przeprowadzono szczegółowe badanie podmiotowe oraz przedmiotowe, włączając wskaźnik higieny jamy ustnej - API. Zostały pobrane wymazy na badanie mikrobiologiczne - bakteriologiczne i mikologiczne. Każdy pacjent został skierowany na badanie radiologiczne - ortopatomograficzne.

Wyniki

Wśród pacjentów stwierdzono m.in. złą higienę jamy ustnej, erozje szkliwa, obecność częstych zakażeń jamy ustnej zarówno bakteryjnych, jak i grzybiczych. Wszyscy pacjenci wymagali podjęcia leczenia stomatologicznego. W kilku przypadkach stwierdzono nasilone objawy w postaci rozległych nadżerek szkliwa, a także liczne ogniska zakażenia o charakterze objętych przewlekłym stanem zapalnym pozostawionych korzeni zębów, wymagających szybkiej interwencji specjalistycznej.

Wnioski

Potrzeby stomatologiczne pacjentów z zaburzeniami w odżywianiu są ogromne i chorzy ci wymagają często natychmiastowej interwencji stomatologicznej. Diagnostyka i leczenie interdyscyplinarne dają pełny obraz problemów pacjenta oraz możliwość ich wyleczenia.
Plaisir et amitié: Homère et Aristote en dialogue
Authors: Collobert Catherine
Published: February 2015

L’affection et la compassion ont en commun d’être des emotions sociales, mais si la première est accompagnée de plaisir, la seconde est accompagnée de peine, selon Aristote. Il est cependant possible, selon Homère à la différence d’Aristote, d’éprouver de la compassion pour l’ami. Nous interrogeons ici le lien entre compassion et affection et montrons qu’en tant qu’émotions, elles sont constituées d’un désir d’agir en vue du bien de l’autre, c’est-à-dire d’un désir altruiste chez Homère. La satisfaction de ce désir produit un plaisir double qui prend la forme du contentement et de l’apaisement. Nous illustrons notre propos en établissant un dialogue entre Homère et Aristote.
Visages de l’ami dans les Élégies de Properce: images de l’autre et miroirs de soi, plaisir de la confidence et réflexion poétique
Authors: Casanova-Robin Hélène
Published: February 2015

Plus que tout autre poète augustéen, Properce ménage une place de choix aux “amis”, dans ses élégies : ces destinataires de nombreux poèmes de la Monobiblos, notamment, apparaissent liés au poète par une relation privilégiée, participant aux débats littéraires contemporains. En outre, pris à témoins de l’introspection personnelle d’un “moi” poétique soumis aux soubresauts de la passion, ils contribuent à mettre en scène un dialogue inscrit dans une écriture de l’émotion, tendue entre le plaisir de la confidence, celui de la reconnaissance du double ou bien au contraire la revendication d’une singularité propre. La jubilation de l’écriture n’apparaît jamais si manifeste que dans ce discours adressé à l’ami, où se construit, sous le regard de l’autre, la persona du poète.
Metageschichte der Architektur
Authors: Gerber Andri
Published: February 2015

Was ist Architekturgeschichte und wie kann diese vermittelt werden? Wie lassen sich angehende Architekten für die Geschichte der Architektur interessieren, um sich selbst verorten und den eigenen Standort bestimmen zu können? In diesem Buch wird die Architekturgeschichte im Spiegel der Theorie der Kunstgeschichte besprochen sowie die Relativität der Architekturgeschichtsschreibung anhand von vier Geschichten zum Wer, Was, Wie und Wieso der Architektur verdeutlicht. Andri Gerber kann so eine zeitgemäß strukturierte Theorie der Geschichte vorstellen - eine »Metageschichte«, die ein Wissen schafft, das dem Architekten in seiner Arbeit eine Bezugnahme auf die Geschichte erlaubt.