bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Electrodiagnostic Testing in Birdshot Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Tzekov Radouil , Madow Brian
Published: July 2015

Birdshot chorioretinopathy (BSCR) is a rare form of autoimmune posterior uveitis that can affect the visual function and, if left untreated, can lead to sight-threatening complications and loss of central vision. We performed a systematic search of the literature focused on visual electrophysiology studies, including electroretinography (ERG), electrooculography (EOG), and visual evoked potentials (VEP), used to monitor the progression of BSCR and estimate treatment efficacy. Many reports were identified, including using a variety of methodologies and patient populations, which makes a direct comparison of the results difficult, especially with some of the earlier studies using nonstandardized methodology. Several different electrophysiological parameters, like EOG Arden’s ratio and the multifocal ERG response densities, are reported to be widely affected. However, informal consensus emerged in the past decade that the full-field ERG light-adapted 30 Hz flicker peak time is one of the most sensitive electrophysiological parameters. As such, it has been used widely in clinical trials to evaluate drug safety and efficacy and to guide therapeutic decisions in clinical practice. Despite its wide use, a well-designed longitudinal multicenter study to systematically evaluate and compare different electrophysiological methods or parameters in BSCR is still lacking but would benefit both diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Fetal Rhabdomyoma of the Right Tonsil with Polyp-Like Appearance
Authors: Wang Ching-Ping , Chang Yi-Hao , Chang Ya-Ting
Published: July 2015

Skeletal muscle neoplasms, in contrast to other groups of tumors, are almost malignant. The benign variant, rhabdomyoma, is distinctly rare. Rhabdomyomas can be classified generally into two types: cardiac and extracardiac. Extracardiac rhabdomyoma can be further divided into three subtypes: adult, fetal, and genital type. Adult rhabdomyoma is the most common subtype of rhabdomyoma even though it remains relatively rare. Fetal rhabdomyomas are less common than the adult type. In this paper we report a rare case of a fetal rhabdomyoma with polyp-like appearance originating from right tonsil. Punch biopsy and then right tonsillectomy were performed for complete excision. There was no obvious recurrence.
Soft‐Contact Printing of Nanoparticle‐Based Nanoink for Functional Nanopatterns
Authors: Thakur Ujwal Kumar , Kim Bong-Gi , Park Sang Jin , Baac Hyoung Won , Lee Daeho , Park Hui Joon
Published: July 2015

A simple solution‐based soft‐contact printing process that could easily generate sub‐100 nm nanopatterns having negligible thickness of residual layer was developed. In this process, the thickness of residual layer could be significantly decreased by controlling the concentration of nanoink or by utilizing nanoink having high curing point. Furthermore, the additional sonication process, introduced to the soft‐printing process, could facilitate further decreasing the thickness of residual layer. Consequently, ZnO nanostructures having negligible residual layer were successfully fabricated, and Ag nanostructures having 63.1% average transmittance were demonstrated. We expect that our printing process can be utilized to fabricate semitransparent conductor for various optoelectronic devices by optimizing the dimensional parameters of nanopatterns.
Bone Indices in Thyroidectomized Patients on Long-Term Substitution Therapy with Levothyroxine Assessed by DXA and HR-pQCT
Authors: Moser Emil , Sikjaer Tanja , Mosekilde Leif , Rejnmark Lars
Published: July 2015

Background. Studies on bone effects of long-term substitution therapy with levothyroxine (LT4) have shown discrepant results. Previous studies have, however, not evaluated volumetric bone mineral densities (vBMD), bone structure, and strength using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and finite element analysis (FEA). Using a cross-sectional design, we aimed to determine whether BMD, structure, and strength are affected in hypothyroid patients on LT4substitution therapy.Methods. We compared 49 patients with well-substituted hypothyroidism with 49 age- and gender-matched population based controls. Areal BMD was assessed by DXA, vBMD and bone geometry by HR-pQCT, and bone strength by FEA.Results. Patients had been thyroidectomized due to thyroid cancer (10%) and nontoxic (33%) or toxic goiter (57%). 82% were women. TSH levels did not differ between groups, but patients had significantly higher levels of T4 (p<0.001) and lower levels of T3 (p<0.01). Compared to controls, patients had higher levels of magnesium (p<0.05), whereas ionized calcium and PTH were lower (p<0.05). Bone scans did not reveal any differences in BMD, bone geometry, or strength.Conclusion. If patients with hypothyroidism are well-substituted with LT4, the disease does not affect bone indices to any major degree.
Adult Patient with Synchronous Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Xp11 Translocation-Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Unique Case Presentation with Discussion and Review of Literature
Authors: Torous Vanda Farahmand , Su Albert , Lu David Y. , Dry Sarah M.
Published: July 2015

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common primary mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. This entity comprises a wide spectrum of tumors that vary from benign to overtly malignant, with the majority of these tumors harboring oncogenic mutations of the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase that can aid in diagnosis as well as in targeted therapy. Although the majority of GISTs are sporadic, there are forms that are associated with a variety of syndromes including Carney-Stratakis syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1, as well as a subset of familial GIST syndromes that are caused by germline mutations in KIT or PDGFRA. Here, we describe an unusual case of a patient who was found to have a large abdominal GIST with an incidentally found Xp11 translocation-associated renal carcinoma. The karyotype of the renal carcinoma revealed an unbalanced rearrangement involving an (X;22) translocation at Xp11.2 and 22p11.2, which has not been reported in the literature. Although GISTs have shown an association with other primary malignant neoplasms, including simultaneous presence with unilateral clear cell renal cell carcinoma and bilateral papillary renal cell carcinomas, we describe the first reported case of synchronous GIST and Xp11 translocation-associated renal cell carcinoma.
Towards a Food Safety Knowledge Base Applicable in Crisis Situations and Beyond
Authors: Falenski Alexander , Weiser Armin A. , Thöns Christian , Appel Bernd , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Filter Matthias
Published: July 2015

In case of contamination in the food chain, fast action is required in order to reduce the numbers of affected people. In such situations, being able to predict the fate of agents in foods would help risk assessors and decision makers in assessing the potential effects of a specific contamination event and thus enable them to deduce the appropriate mitigation measures. One efficient strategy supporting this is using model based simulations. However, application in crisis situations requires ready-to-use and easy-to-adapt models to be available from the so-called food safety knowledge bases. Here, we illustrate this concept and its benefits by applying the modular open source software tools PMM-Lab and FoodProcess-Lab. As a fictitious sample scenario, an intentional ricin contamination at a beef salami production facility was modelled. Predictive models describing the inactivation of ricin were reviewed, relevant models were implemented with PMM-Lab, and simulations on residual toxin amounts in the final product were performed with FoodProcess-Lab. Due to the generic and modular modelling concept implemented in these tools, they can be applied to simulate virtually any food safety contamination scenario. Apart from the application in crisis situations, the food safety knowledge base concept will also be useful in food quality and safety investigations.
Noninflammatory Joint Contractures Arising from Immobility: Animal Models to Future Treatments
Authors: Wong Kayleigh , Trudel Guy , Laneuville Odette
Published: July 2015

Joint contractures, defined as the limitation in the passive range of motion of a mobile joint, can be classified as noninflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. The pathophysiology is not well understood; limited information is available on causal factors, progression, the pathophysiology involved, and prediction of response to treatment. The clinical heterogeneity of joint contractures combined with the heterogeneous contribution of joint connective tissues to joint mobility presents challenges to the study of joint contractures. Furthermore, contractures are often a symptom of a wide variety of heterogeneous disorders that are in many cases multifactorial. Extended immobility has been identified as a causal factor and evidence is provided from both experimental and epidemiology studies. Of interest is the involvement of the joint capsule in the pathophysiology of joint contractures and lack of response to remobilization. While molecular pathways involved in the development of joint contractures are being investigated, current treatments focus on physiotherapy, which is ineffective on irreversible contractures. Future treatments may include early diagnosis and prevention.
Significant Geometry Features in Tongue Image Analysis
Authors: Zhang Bob , Zhang Han
Published: July 2015

The shape of a human tongue and its relation to a patients’ state, either healthy or diseased (and if diseased which disease), is quantitatively analyzed using geometry features by means of computerized methods in this paper. Thirteen geometry features based on measurements, distances, areas, and their ratios are extracted from tongue images captured by a specially designed device with color correction. Using the features, 5 tongue shapes (rectangle, acute and obtuse triangles, square, and circle) are defined based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Classification of the shapes is subsequently carried out with a decision tree. A large dataset consisting of 672 images comprising of 130 healthy and 542 disease examples (labeled according to Western medical practices) are tested. Experimental results show that the extracted geometry features are effective at tongue shape classification (coarse level). Even if more than one disease class belongs to the same shape, the disease classes can still be discriminated via fine level classification using a combination of the geometry features, with an average accuracy of 76.24% for all shapes.
A Case of Primary Breast Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated with Chemotherapy Followed by Elective Field Radiation Therapy: A Brief Treatment Pattern Review from a Radiation Oncologist’s Point of View
Authors: Lee Kyu Chan , Lee Seung Heon , Sung KiHoon , Ahn So Hyun , Choi Jinho , Lee Seok Ho , Lee Jae Hoon , Hong Junshik , Park Sang Hui
Published: July 2015

We here report a case of primary breast lymphoma (PBL). A 44-year-old woman presented with a painless mass in the right breast. Fine needle aspiration cytology and excisional biopsy were performed. Excisional biopsy revealed low grade lymphoma, which was subsequently confirmed with histopathology and diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A chest computed tomography scan revealed a 3.5 cm sized breast mass with skin thickening and a small sized lymphadenopathy in the ipsilateral axilla. Radiation therapy including the right whole breast and ipsilateral axilla and supraclavicular lymph node was performed after the patient received four courses of R-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone plus rituximab) chemotherapy. At the follow-up period of 42 months, the patient is surviving with no evidence of disease. No morbidities occurred in this patient during the follow-up period. We also briefly review the current practice pattern in PBL patients with DLBCL.
Modeling and Analysis of DIPPM: A New Modulation Scheme for Visible Light Communications
Authors: Jan Sana Ullah , Lee Young-Doo , Koo Insoo
Published: July 2015

Visible Light Communication (VLC) uses an Intensity-Modulation and Direct-Detection (IM/DD) scheme to transmit data. However, the light source used in VLC systems is continuously switched on and off quickly, resulting in flickering. In addition, recent illumination systems include dimming support to allow users to dim the light sources to the desired level. Therefore, the modulation scheme for data transmission in VLC system must include flicker mitigation and dimming control capabilities. In this paper, the authors propose a Double Inverse Pulse Position Modulation (DIPPM) scheme that minimizes flickering and supports a high level of dimming for the illumination sources in VLC systems. To form DIPPM, some changes are made in the symbol structure of the IPPM scheme, and a detailed explanation and mathematical model of DIPPM are given in this paper. Furthermore, both analytical and simulation results for the error performance of 2-DIPPM are compared with the performance of VPPM. Also, the communication performance of DIPPM is analyzed in terms of the normalized required power.
Development of Olaparib for BRCA-Deficient Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tewari Krishnansu S. , Eskander Ramez N. , Monk Bradley J.
Published: July 2015

The FDA approval of the PARP inhibitor olaparib for fourth-line therapy of germline BRCA1/2-mutated ovarian cancer represents the first registered indication for this class of drugs in any disease. PARP is a family of proteins involved in the repair of single-strand DNA breaks. High-grade serous ovarian carcinomas with BRCA deficiencies may be particularly vulnerable to both direct and indirect effects of PARP inhibition. This phenotype frequently arises as a consequence of defects in the repair of damaged DNA, rendering cancer cells susceptible to DNA-damaging platinum compounds and targeted therapies affecting homologous recombination repair (HRR). When cells already deficient in HRR are exposed to PARP inhibitors, apoptosis occurs by way of synthetic lethality. In this review, we trace the clinical development of olaparib for women with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma harboring germline BRCA mutations, a biomarker for HRR deficiency present in 15% to 20% of cases. Clinical trials highlighted include not only those pivotal studies that have led to regulatory approval in the United States and in Europe, but also those in which olaparib was studied in novel combinations, including chemotherapy and antiangiogenesis agents. Clin Cancer Res; 21(17); 3829–35. ©2015 AACR.
Visual Specializations in Five Sympatric Species of Stingrays from the Family Dasyatidae
Authors: Garza-Gisholt Eduardo , Kempster Ryan M. , Hart Nathan S. , Collin Shaun P.
Published: July 2015

The eyes of five ray species (Taeniura lymma, Neotrygon kuhlii, Pastinachus atrus, Himantura uarnak and Urogymnus asperrimus) from the same taxonomic family (Dasyatidae) and the same geographic region (Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia) were studied to identify differences in retinal specializations that may reflect niche specialization. The topographic distributions of photoreceptors (rods and all cones) and ganglion cells were assessed and used to identify localized peaks in cell densities that indicate specializations for acute vision. These data were also used to calculate summation ratios of photoreceptors to ganglion cells in each species and estimate the anatomical spatial resolving power of the eye. Subtle differences in the distribution of retinal neurons appear to be related to the ecology of these closely related species of stingrays. The main specialization in the retinal cell density distribution is the dorsal streak that allows these animals to scan the substrate for potential prey. The blue-spotted fantail ray, T. lymma, showed the highest peak density of rods (86,700 rods mm-2) suggesting a specialization for scotopic vision. The highest peak density of cones (9,970 cones mm-2) was found in H. uarnak, and the highest peak density of ganglion cells (4,500 cells mm-2) was found in P. atrus. The proportion of rods to cones in the dorsal streak was higher in the two smaller species (12.5-14:1 in T. lymma and N. kuhlii) than the larger stingrays (6-8:1 in P. atrus, H. uarnak and U. asperrimus). Visual specializations in different sympatric species are subtle but may reflect specializations to specific ecological niches.
Fibronectin Overexpression Modulates Formation of Macrophage Foam Cells by Activating SREBP2 Involved in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Du Hansong , Wang Yu , Zhang Zhengfeng , Yang Jing , Zhang Jie , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2015

Aims: To explore the explicit role of fibronectin (FN) isforms in atherosclerotic lesions and the underlying mechanisms. Methods and Results: Inducible stable expression was performed, and similar results were observed between EDA+FN (FN containing EDA domain) and EDA-FN (FN devoid of EDA domain). FN isforms could trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, thereby leading to lipid accumulation in cultured Raw264.7 cells. FN isforms-induced gene expression and lipid accumulation were inhibited by a chemical chaperone 4-phenyl butyric acid (PBA) or by overexpression of the ER chaperone, GRP78/BiP, demonstrating a direct role of ER stress in activation of cholesterol/triglyceride biosynthesis. Moreover, activation of the sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP2) was found to be downstream of ER stress, and this activation was affirmed to account for the intracellular accumulation of cholesterol using RNAi technique. Conclusion: our study suggests that enhanced FN in lesions facilitates foam cell formation due to dysregulation of the endogenous sterol response pathway by activation of ER stress, and confirms that EDA+FN has no more pro-atherogenic role than EDA-FN in triggering ER stress.
Endovascular Treatment of Two High-Flow Brain Arteriovenous Fistulas with a Combination of Detachable Coils and Onyx in an Infant: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wang Qihong , Quan Zhe , Li ZhiQiang
Published: July 2015

Congenital brain arteriovenous fistulas (BAVFs) are rare neurovascular lesions of the brain, and few cases have been reported of their treatment with a combination of detachable coils and Onyx, especially in infants. Here, we present a case of 2 high-flow BAVFs occurring in a 12-month-old boy. Standard techniques of digital subtraction angiography were used, and dimethyl sulfoxide-compatible microcatheters were delivered and entered into a distal feeding artery as closely as possible to the fistulas. Then, a combination of detachable coils and Onyx was used. After the treatment of the 2 high-flow BAVFs, a complete percutaneous embolization of the fistulas was obtained. The fistulas remained closed, as ascertained by follow-up angiograms. No new neurological deficit related to the procedure was detected, and the infant was asymptomatic and in good health 4 years after the surgery. Our case shows that the endovascular treatment of high-flow BAVFs with a combination of detachable coils and Onyx in an infant is safe and effective.
Prevalence and Determinants of Tinnitus in the Italian Adult Population
Authors: Gallus Silvano , Lugo Alessandra , Garavello Werner , Bosetti Cristina , Santoro Eugenio , Colombo Paolo , Perin Paola , La Vecchia Carlo , Langguth Berthold
Published: July 2015

Background: Limited, outdated, and poor quality data are available on the prevalence of tinnitus, particularly in Italy. Methods: A face-to-face survey was conducted in 2014 on 2,952 individuals, who represented the Italian population aged 18 or more (50.6 million). Any tinnitus was defined as the presence of ringing or buzzing in the ears lasting for at least 5 min in the previous 12 months. Results: Any tinnitus was reported by 6.2% of Italian adults, chronic tinnitus (i.e. for more than 3 months) by 4.8%, and severe tinnitus (i.e. which constitutes a big or very big problem) by 1.2%. The corresponding estimates for the population aged ≥45 years were 8.7, 7.4 and 2.0%, respectively. Multivariable analysis on population aged ≥45 years revealed that old age (odds ratio (OR) = 4.49 for ≥75 vs. 45-54 years) and obesity (OR = 2.14 compared to normal weight) were directly related to any tinnitus, and high monthly family income (OR = 0.50) and moderate alcohol consumption (OR = 0.59 for <7 drinks/week vs. non-drinking) were inversely related. Conclusions: This is the first study on tinnitus prevalence among the general Italian adult population. It indicates that in Italy tinnitus affects more than 3 million adults and is felt as a major problem by more than 600,000 Italians, mostly aged 45 years or more.
Optimizing Prelemniscal Radiations as a Target for Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease Treatment
Authors: Castro Guillermo , Carrillo-Ruiz José D. , Salcido Víctor , Soto Julián , García-Gomar Guadalupe , Velasco Ana Luisa , Velasco Francisco
Published: July 2015

Objective: To better define prelemniscal radiations (Raprl) as a target for the control of tremor and rigidity in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: A total of 36 deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes were stereotactically implanted in Raprl contralateral to the extremities to be treated. Effects on symptoms were evaluated using UPDRS-III before and after DBS, and significance was determined using the Wilcoxon test. The location of DBS contacts in cases with optimum versus suboptimum results was evaluated using Student's t test and percentage improvement correlated through a bivariable Pearson test. The power and percentage of spike components for microelectrode recordings were statistically compared between the target point and structures located above and below. Results: Raprl-DBS improved tremor and rigidity (p < 0.01). The potency of microelectrode recordings indicated that the target was formed by fibers. There was no correlation between demographic characteristics and clinical outcome, and there were no significant differences in stereotactic placement between cases with optimum and suboptimum results. Tremor and rigidity were selectively improved in cases with suboptimum results. Conclusion: Raprl-DBS is an effective treatment for the motor symptoms of PD. Selective improvement of symptoms suggests that the target has different fiber components related to either tremor or rigidity, and variations in improvement between cases may derive from individual variations of the location of these fibers.
Myofascial Closure of Intradural Inclusion Cysts following in utero Myelomeningocele Repair
Authors: Thawani Jayesh P. , Nayak Nikhil R. , Pisapia Jared M. , Tahiri Youssef , Gebbia Jennifer , Adzick N. Scott , Sutton Leslie N. , Taylor Jesse A. , Heuer Gregory G.
Published: July 2015

Myelomeningocele is one of the most common congenital malformations. A randomized controlled trial, known as the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), demonstrated that closure during the fetal period can be performed relatively safely and be of significant benefit to patients. However, postnatally, patients can develop resultant symptoms from a tethered cord and inclusion cysts; this often requires surgical treatment. Repeat surgery in this population can be challenging due to the age of the patients, the extent of surgical exposure needed and the need for resection of dermal and epidermal tissues in the midline. We describe our approach for closure of these complex defects using lateral fasciocutaneous flaps with relaxing incisions made in the posterior axillary line, in order to minimize tension and maximize soft tissue coverage of the midline.
Interneuron Dysfunction in Syndromic Autism: Recent Advances
Authors: Takano Tomoyuki
Published: July 2015

Autism is an extremely heterogeneous disorder, but its frequent cooccurrence with epilepsy leads to speculation that there may be common mechanisms associated with these disorders. Inhibitory interneurons are considered to be the main cellular elements that control hyperexcitability in the brain, and interneuron dysfunction can cause pathological hyperexcitability linked to seizure susceptibility or epilepsy. This review summarizes some of the recent advances that support the relationship between interneuron dysfunction and cognitive impairment in human syndromic autism, with particular reference to the pathophysiological findings of murine experimental models of autism. Alterations in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic circuits include a wide variety of neurobiological dysfunctions and do not simply involve the loss or gain of any given type of inhibitory mechanism. The characteristics of interneuron dysfunction in each murine model of autism differ for each syndrome, and these diversities may be due to differences in genetic backgrounds or some other currently unknown variances. Future studies should give us a greater understanding of the involvement of different classes of GABAergic interneurons and allow us to define the relationship between the precise pathophysiological mechanisms and the corresponding clinical phenotypes in autism.
Is There a Correlation between the Number of Follicular Flushings, Oocyte/Embryo Quality and Pregnancy Rate in Assisted Reproductive Technology Cycles? Results from a Prospective Study
Authors: Neyens Sara , De Neubourg Diane , Peeraer Karen , De Jaegher Nathalie , Spiessens Carl , Debrock Sophie , De Loecker Peter , D'Hooghe Thomas M.
Published: July 2015

Objective: To determine the mean number of follicular flushings needed to retrieve the maximal number of oocytes and to investigate the correlation between the number of flushings and oocyte/embryo quality as well as reproductive outcome. Methods: This prospective study included 154 oocyte retrieval cycles in 138 patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. During oocyte retrieval, aspirate and flushes were collected in four separate collections (A, F1, F2, F3) and inspected for the presence of an oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC). Outcome variables included oocyte recovery rate, percentage of mature oocytes, fertilization rate, day 2/day 3/day 5 embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rate/live birth rate. Results: Out of 1,495 OCCs collected, 91% were obtained in collections A or F1. Significantly more mature oocytes were obtained in collection A (p = 0.03). The fertilization rate was similar for oocytes obtained in the four separate collections (p = 0.50). The proportion of good-quality day 2/day 3/day 5 embryos was similar (p = 0.93, p = 0.85 and p = 0.14, respectively). Clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were not significantly affected by the first two flushes. No live birth emanated from oocytes obtained from the third flush onwards. Conclusion: More than 90% of all recovered OCCs were obtained after follicular aspiration followed by follicular flushing up to two times (collections A and F1). Follicular flushing may increase the oocyte recovery rate and does not have a negative influence on fertilization rate, day 2/day 3/day 5 embryo quality or pregnancy rate.
Variable Phenotype of Diabetes Mellitus in Siblings with a Homozygous PTF1A Enhancer Mutation
Authors: Gonc E. Nazlı , Ozon Alev , Alikasifoglu Ayfer , Haliloğlu Mithat , Ellard Sian , Shaw-Smith Charles , Kandemir Nurgun
Published: July 2015

Neonatal diabetes is a rare form of diabetes, characterized by onset in the first 6 months of life. A number of cases are due to pancreas agenesis. Recently, PTF1A enhancer mutations have been shown to cause neonatal diabetes associated with pancreatic agenesis. Herein, we report the clinical features of two siblings with PTF1A enhancer mutations, one of whom had neonatal diabetes, whereas the elder sister had a milder form of the disease with onset of diabetes at 9 years of age.
Inhibition of Poly-(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Protects the Kidney in a Canine Model of Endotoxic Shock
Authors: Liu Si-bo , Liu Jinjie , Liu Da-wei , Wang Xiao-ting , Yang Rong-li
Published: July 2015

Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), a super family of enzymes, play important roles in preserving genomic integrity, regulating transcriptions, protecting telomeres and determining cell fate. PARP overactivation leads to metabolic disorder and cell injury via depletion of energy substance. However, it is still unclear whether PARP overactivation happens during acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by endotoxic shock (ES). Here, we built a canine model of lipopolysaccharide-induced ES to explore the role of PARP during the development AKI. We also used an intravenous injection of 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) to further explore whether PARP inhibition rescues the kidney from injury. Cell fate and energy metabolism were detected to explore the underlying mechanisms. As a result, Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays showed PARP overactivation in the very early phase of ES. Through PARP inhibition by 3-AB, we observed significant improvement of systemic hemodynamics, renal hemodynamics, renal oxygen metabolism and renal tubular cell apoptosis. These findings indicated that overactivation of PARP plays an important role in septic AKI. Inhibition of PARP overactivation may protect renal function against hemodynamic disorder, renal metabolism disturbance and renal cell apoptosis during endotoxic AKI.
Orbital Paraganglioma and Succinate Dehydrogenase Staining for Genetic Testing Triage and Prognosis
Authors: Salinas-La Rosa Cesar M.
Published: July 2015

Purpose of the Study: To describe the rare occurrence of a paraganglioma in the orbit and how to triage for genetic testing and assess the prognosis with succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) immunohistochemical staining. Method: Case report. Procedures: A 47-year-old ‘healthy' male presented with painless exophthalmos and diplopia secondary to an infraorbital tumour mass. Results: The orbital biopsy was diagnosed as paraganglioma with positive staining with SDHB. Conclusion: The rarity of an orbital paraganglioma was followed by the clinical search for a possible occult extraorbital primary paraganglioma. SDHB staining helped in the triage for genetic testing and gave an idea about the prognosis for this tumour.
Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in Subjects With Hypertension
Authors: Hsu Chih-Cheng , Wang Hongjian , Hsu Yueh-Han , Chuang Shao-Yuan , Huang Ya-Wen , Chang Yu-Kang , Liu Jia-Sin , Hsiung Chao A. , Tsai Hui-Ju
Published: July 2015

Limited studies have examined the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use on the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in subjects with hypertension. Using National Health Insurance claims data in Taiwan, we conducted a propensity score–matched cohort study to investigate the relationship between NSAID use and CKD in subjects with hypertension. A total of 31976 subjects were included in this study: subjects not taking any NSAIDs in 2007 (n=10782); subjects taking NSAIDs for 1 to 89 days in 2007 (n=10605); and subjects taking NSAIDs for ≥90 days in 2007 (n=10589). We performed multivariable proportional hazard models to determine the relationship between NSAID use and CKD. The results showed that NSAID use was associated with a 1.18-fold increased risk of CKD in subjects taking NSAIDs for 1 to 89 days; and a 1.32-fold increased risk of CKD in hypertension subjects taking NSAIDs for ≥90 days, compared with subjects not taking any NSAIDs, after controlling for the confounding factors. In subgroup analyses, subjects taking NSAIDs for ≥90 days, >1 defined daily dose per day or taking NSAIDs >15 cumulative defined daily doses had a greater risk of CKD than subjects not taking any NSAID, but not for congestive heart failure, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. These results provide supportive evidence that NSAID use is associated with increased risk of CKD in subjects with hypertension. It is important to closely monitor the effects of NSAID use, particularly in patients with hypertension, a susceptible population for CKD.
Velocity–Azimuth Display Analysis of Doppler Velocity for HIWRAP
Authors: Tian Lin , Heymsfield Gerald M. , Didlake Anthony C. , Guimond Stephen , Li Lihua
Published: July 2015

The velocity–azimuth display (VAD) analysis technique established for ground-based scanning radar is applied to the NASA High-Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP). The VAD technique provides a mean vertical profile of the horizontal winds for each complete conical scan of the HIWRAP radar. One advantage of this technique is that it has shown great value for data assimilation and for operational forecasts. Another advantage is that it is computationally inexpensive, which makes it suitable for real-time retrievals. The VAD analysis has been applied to the HIWRAP data collected during NASA’s Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) mission. The traditional dual-Doppler analysis for deriving wind fields in the nadir plane is also presented and is compared with the VAD analysis. The results show that the along-track winds from the VAD technique and dual-Doppler analysis agree in general. The VAD horizontal winds capture the mean vortex structure of two tropical cyclones, and they are in general agreement with winds from nearby dropsondes. Several assumptions are made for the VAD technique. These assumptions include a stationary platform for each HIWRAP scan and constant vertical velocity of the hydrometeors along each complete scan. As a result, the VAD technique can produce appreciable errors in regions of deep convection such as the eyewall, whereas in stratiform regions the retrieval errors are minimal. Despite these errors, the VAD technique can still adequately capture the larger-scale structure of the hurricane vortex given a sufficient number of flight passes over the storm.
Social Networks in East and Southeast Asia II
Authors: Chua Vincent , Wellman Barry
Published: July 2015

This second issue continues our study of social networks and social capital in East and Southeast Asia. The articles show both similarities and differences in how each country’s social contexts significantly affect the nature of their social networks. The articles consistently show an Asian version of networked individualism, based on close kinship and friendship, hierarchies, strong work ethics, frequent travel, and digital media. In Thai villages, migrants send remittances to family members back home to honor broader village networks and norms. In China, migrants who come from wealthier village families have larger friendship networks in cities. In Hong Kong, cultural differences such as language limit social interactions between Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong students. In Singapore, population characteristics substantially affect inter-ethnic contact. While social norms circumscribe behavior on Twitter in Japan, Sina Weibo in China is a more chaotic space with much fraudulent practice. In Taiwan, online and offline networks combine to affect participation in voluntary associations. In China and Singapore, authoritative contacts and weak ties increase as well as reduce personal well-being.
Tourette syndrome, co-morbidities and quality of life
Authors: Eapen Valsamma , Snedden Corina , Črnčec Rudi , Pick Anna , Sachdev Perminder
Published: July 2015

Objective:

Tourette syndrome is often associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and other co-morbidities, the presence of which can reduce health-related quality of life. The relationship between the number and type of co-morbidities and tic severity upon health-related quality of life has been insufficiently examined in Tourette syndrome populations and not at all in the Australian context. We hypothesised that an increased number of co-morbid diagnoses would be inversely related to health-related quality of life and that the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder in particular would negatively impact health-related quality of life.

Method:

In all, 83 people with a previously established diagnosis of Tourette syndrome, who responded to a letter of invitation sent to the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia past-member database, formed the study sample. Participants completed the Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome-Quality of Life Scale and a short form of the National Hospital Interview Schedule to assess tics and related behaviours.

Results:

Participants with pure-Tourette syndrome had significantly better health-related quality of life than those with Tourette syndrome and three or more co-morbid diagnoses. Few differences were observed between the pure-Tourette syndrome and Tourette syndrome and one or two co-morbid diagnoses groups. Analysis of the impact of individual co-morbid disorders and Tourette syndrome symptoms on health-related quality of life indicated that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder exerted a significant negative effect, as did the presence of complex tics, especially coprolalia and copropraxia. When these variables were examined in multiple regression analysis, number of co-morbidities and the presence of coprophenomena emerged as significant predictors of health-related quality of life.

Conclusion:

While tics are the defining feature of Tourette syndrome, it appears to be the presence of co-morbidities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in particular, and coprophenomena that have the greater impact on health-related quality of life. This has implications for symptom-targeting in the treatment of Tourette syndrome since all available treatments are symptomatic and not disease modifying.
Choosing Ayurveda as a healthcare practice in Argentina
Authors: Freidin Betina , Ballesteros Matías Salvador
Published: July 2015

This article analyzes the process of adoption of Ayurveda as a healthcare practice in Buenos Aires, focusing on sociocultural dimensions and material aspects which either facilitate or discourage the following of this foreign medical tradition. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine whose popularity has been on the rise among the Argentinean middle and upper classes. Introduced as a ‘lifestyle’ medicine, it resonates with the new health consciousness of individual responsibility in health maintenance and improvement. Based on in-depth interviews conducted with 20 followers of Ayurveda in Buenos Aires, the article shows that it attracts New Agers, adherents to food-driven subcultures, and patients dissatisfied with the limitations of biomedicine. Followers develop new skills for self-understanding, self-healing, and wellbeing. As adherents to a foreign medical approach, however, they adopt Ayurvedic practices in flexible ways, and some even hold critical views on the elitist market niches of Ayurvedic specialists and products.
‘Nudging’ registration as an organ donor: Implications of changes in choice contexts for socio-cultural groups
Authors: Morgan Myfanwy , Deedat Sarah , Kenten Charlotte
Published: July 2015

Thaler and Sunstein’s behavioural-economics theory of ‘Nudge’ aims to achieve beneficial outcomes for individuals and the society through designing the contexts in which choices are made rather than relying on traditional policy levers of restrictions, penalties and education. This article examines Nudge strategies to increase registration as a deceased organ donor among minority ethnic groups based on 22 focus groups that were held with Black and South Asian minority ethnic groups in London, UK. The article identifies ways in which minority ethnic groups’ habitus appears to limit awareness and knowledge of the system of organ donation and shapes attitudes to registration, with the varying influence of faith/culture and trust in the system reflecting differences in prior contexts and experience. This questions a key requirement of Nudge in terms of its libertarian dimension and suggests that focusing on the immediate choice context and neglecting individuals’ prior dispositions may not achieve desired outcomes for socially heterogeneous populations.
Dependency, trust and choice? Examining agency and ‘forced options’ within secondary-healthcare contexts
Authors: Brown Patrick R , Meyer Samantha B
Published: July 2015

This article seeks to extend understandings of the ways in which trust is integral to analysing ‘choice’ within healthcare contexts, while also reappraising choice and its salience for grasping the nature of trust. Interrogating processes of ‘choosing to trust’, the authors describe various mechanisms through which ‘decisions’ are constrained while emphasising enduring agency to (dis)trust, even amid contexts where choice would appear annihilated by patients’ vulnerability. Drawing initially on Greener, Luhmann and Giddens, the article develops an analysis of how features of vulnerability, time and consciousness function in bounding choices and trust. Multiple structurations of choosing and trusting, alongside continuing agency, help further illuminate various power dimensions within clinical encounters. This theoretical analysis is illustrated using qualitative interview data from two studies across contrasting service settings in Australia and England, enabling recognition of further system and contextual influences upon patients’ vulnerability, dependency and trust, as these characterise processes of ‘choice’.
Preservice Counselors' Initial Perceptions of Client Grief Style
Authors: Beckett Catherine , Dykeman Cass
Published: July 2015

This analogue study examined the influence of client grief style (intuitive or instrumental) on initial preservice counselor perceptions of the client. Three hypotheses were tested: (a) that counselors would initially rate the global functioning of intuitive grievers as higher than that of instrumental grievers; (b) that counselors would rate their initial expectations about the therapeutic bond with intuitive grievers higher than instrumental grievers; and (c) that counselors would be more likely to encourage emotional catharsis with instrumental grievers, even though this technique may be contraindicated for this group. Results supported the second hypothesis but not the first and third; however, for the first and third hypotheses, significant differences were found in the opposite direction. Of particular clinical significance was the fact that 66% of participants reported being very likely to encourage emotional catharsis with instrumental grievers, suggesting a potential need for further training regarding interventions appropriate to this client group.
The Relationship Between Resiliency and Posttraumatic Growth Following the Death of Someone Close
Authors: Ogińska-Bulik Nina
Published: July 2015

The study investigates the relations of resiliency and posttraumatic growth among people who experienced a death of someone close. The results of 74 participants, mostly women (63.5%) who completed a series of questionnaires measuring resiliency and posttraumatic growth were analyzed. The age of respondents ranged from 21 to 74 years ( M = 38.4; SD = 15.5). The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun and The Resiliency Assessment Scale by Ogińska-Bulik and Juczynski were used in the study. Results revealed positive association between resiliency and posttraumatic growth, particularly with increased self-perception and appreciation of life. However, the results of the study indicate that the relationship between the variables is complex and not all dimensions of resiliency increase the level of changes aftermath trauma.
Desiring biracial whites: cultural consumption of white mixed-race celebrities in South Korean popular media
Authors: Ahn Ji-Hyun
Published: July 2015

Contextualizing the rise in white mixed-race celebrities and foreign entertainers from the perspective of the globalization of Korean popular culture, this article aims to look at how Korean media appropriates whiteness as a marker of global Koreanness. Specifically, the article utilizes Daniel Henney, a white mixed-race actor and celebrity who was born to a Korean adoptee mother and an Irish-American father, as an anchoring text. Analyzing how Henney’s image as upper-class, intelligent, and cosmopolitan constructs what whiteness means to Koreans, the study asserts that Henney’s (cosmopolitan) whiteness is not a mere marker of race, but a neoliberal articulation of a particular mode of Koreanness. This study not only participates in a dialog with the current scholarship of mixed-race studies in media/communication but also links the recent racial politics in contemporary Korean media to the larger ideological implications of racial globalization.
TV-centrism and politicisation in Italy: obstacles to new media development and pluralism
Authors: Cornia Alessio
Published: July 2015

The article analyses how specific market and political conditions restrain the technology-driven change of the news industry and affect the way the new media landscape is taking shape in Italy. The interviews and secondary data analysis show that the digital transition (the growth of online news and the move to digital terrestrial television) has only limited implications for the pluralism of information within the Italian media system. The TV sector is still dominated by a few legacy broadcasters, and the structure of the online news market substantially reflects that of the newspaper sector. Although the new media, compared to the traditional media, have lower technological barriers inhibiting entry, market and political factors still hinder the entrance of newcomers. A major role is played by the dominant positions of two broadcasters (Rai and Mediaset) in the Italian media sector, the lack of effective media policies and the Berlusconi’s conflict of interest. Finally, the digital transition is more significantly impacting the power relations between broadcasters and newspaper organisations in the online news market, which is dominated by established press publishers who, because of the crisis in their traditional sector, have strongly invested in their online activities.
Folklore in Colonial Karnataka
Authors: Boratti Vijayakumar M.
Published: July 2015

This article offers a comparative study of the multiplicity of folklore scholarship in Karnataka during the colonial period, revealing multiple layers of knowledge, experience and interculturality. It concentrates mainly on viewing three specific collections of Indian folklore by different agents, both colonialists and locals. The overarching aim is to achieve a deeper understanding of various research methodologies and their influence. This article also seeks to address some subsidiary questions regarding the prominence given to oral literature during the second half of the 19th century. It examines what relations, specifically in the eyes of the coloniser and the colonised, it shared with the classical/ancient works of literature of India and seeks to assess the nature of folklore knowledge produced in colonial Karnataka.
Using State Election Results to Predict the Fortunes of National Parties in Federal Polls in India
Authors: Webb Matthew J. , Wijeweera Albert
Published: July 2015

Using a multivariate regression analysis, this article examines linkages in major parties’ performance that contested legislative assembly and Parliamentary elections in India held within the subsequent 18 months over the period 1980–2009. The results are analysed according to a range of variables including party identity, incumbency and geographical region. The study’s finding that for a number of parties there is a strong and statistically significant linkage corroborates earlier studies and suggests that the allocation of resources by major parties to Legislative Assembly campaigns may be an effective strategy for maximising the party’s share of votes in subsequent Parliamentary elections.