bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding and Overcoming Implicit Gender Bias in Plastic Surgery
Authors: Phillips Nicole A. , Tannan Shruti C. , Kalliainen Loree K.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Although explicit sex-based discrimination has largely been deemed unacceptable in professional settings, implicit gender bias persists and results in a significant lack of parity in plastic surgery and beyond. Implicit gender bias is the result of a complex interplay of cultural and societal expectations, learned behaviors, and standardized associations. As such, both male and female surgeons are subject to its influence.

Methods:

A review of the literature was conducted, examining theories of gender bias, current manifestations of gender bias in plastic surgery and other fields, and interventions designed to address gender bias.

Results:

Multiple studies demonstrate persistent gender bias that impacts female physicians at all levels of training. Several institutions have enacted successful interventions to identify and address gender bias.

Conclusions:

Explicit gender bias has largely disappeared, yet unconscious or implicit gender bias persists. A wide-scale commitment to addressing implicit gender bias in plastic surgery is necessary and overdue. Recommendations include immediate actions that can be undertaken on an individual basis, and changes that should be implemented at a national and international level by leaders in the field.
Extrinsic repair of injured dendrites as a paradigm for regeneration by fusion
Authors: Oren-Suissa Meital , Gattegno Tamar , Kravtsov Veronika , Podbilewicz Benjamin
Published: July 2016

Injury triggers regeneration of axons and dendrites. Research identified factors required for axonal regeneration outside the CNS, but little is known about regeneration triggered by dendrotomy. Here we study neuronal plasticity triggered by dendrotomy and determine the fate of complex PVD arbors following laser surgery of dendrites. We find that severed primary dendrites grow towards each other and reconnect via branch fusion. Simultaneously, terminal branches lose self-avoidance and grow towards each other, meeting and fusing at the tips via an AFF-1-mediated process. Ectopic branch growth is identified as a step in the regeneration process required for bypassing the lesion site. Failure of reconnection to the severed dendrites results in degeneration of the distal end of the neuron. We discover pruning of excess branches via EFF-1 that acts to recover the original wild-type arborization pattern in a cell-autonomous process. In contrast, AFF-1 activity during dendritic auto-fusion is derived from the lateral seam cells and not autonomously from the PVD neuron. We propose a model in which AFF-1-vesicles derived from the epidermal seam cells fuse neuronal dendrites from without. Thus, EFF-1 and AFF-1 fusion proteins emerge as new players in neuronal arborization and maintenance of arbor connectivity following injury inC. elegans. Our results demonstrate that there is a genetically determined multi-step pathway to repair broken dendrites in which EFF-1 and AFF-1 act on different steps of the pathway. Intrinsic EFF-1 is essential for dendritic pruning after injury and extrinsic AFF-1 mediates dendrite fusion to bypass injuries.

Author summary

Neurons in the central nervous system have very limited regenerative ability, they fail to remodel following amputation and only in some invertebrates, axons can repair themselves by fusion. Some genetic pathways have been identified for axonal regeneration but few studies exist on dendrite regeneration following injury. To determine how neurons regenerate dendrites following injury we study theC. elegansPVD polymodal neurons that display an arborized pattern of repetitive menorah-like structures. We injure dendrites by laser microsurgery, follow their fate and show that broken primary dendrites often regenerate via fusion. We describe how PVD dendrites regenerate and present roles for EFF-1 and AFF-1 proteins in fusion and remodeling of menorahs. Menorahs lose self-avoidance and AFF-1 fuses them, bypassing the injury site. Branch sprouting, EFF-1-mediated pruning, and arbor simplification completes regeneration. When auto-fusion fails the distal arbor degenerates. Surprisingly, AFF-1 acts non-cell autonomously to mediate dendrite fusion. We propose that extracellular vesicles derived from the lateral epidermis fuse severed dendrites in a process reminiscent of enveloped virus-mediated cell fusion without infection.
In Planta Single-Molecule Pull-Down Reveals Tetrameric Stoichiometry of HD-ZIPIII:LITTLE ZIPPER Complexes
Authors: Husbands Aman Y. , Aggarwal Vasudha , Ha Taekjip , Timmermans Marja C.P.
Published: July 2016

Deciphering complex biological processes markedly benefits from approaches that directly assess the underlying biomolecular interactions. Most commonly used approaches to monitor protein-protein interactions typically provide nonquantitative readouts that lack statistical power and do not yield information on the heterogeneity or stoichiometry of protein complexes. Single-molecule pull-down (SiMPull) uses single-molecule fluorescence detection to mitigate these disadvantages and can quantitatively interrogate interactions between proteins and other compounds, such as nucleic acids, small molecule ligands, and lipids. Here, we establish SiMPull in plants using the HOMEODOMAIN LEUCINE ZIPPER III (HD-ZIPIII) and LITTLE ZIPPER (ZPR) interaction as proof-of-principle. Colocalization analysis of fluorophore-tagged HD-ZIPIII and ZPR proteins provides strong statistical evidence of complex formation. In addition, we use SiMPull to directly quantify YFP and mCherry maturation probabilities, showing these differ substantially from values obtained in mammalian systems. Leveraging these probabilities, in conjunction with fluorophore photobleaching assays on over 2000 individual complexes, we determined HD-ZIPIII:ZPR stoichiometry. Intriguingly, these complexes appear as heterotetramers, comprising two HD-ZIPIII and two ZPR molecules, rather than heterodimers as described in the current model. This surprising result raises new questions about the regulation of these key developmental factors and is illustrative of the unique contribution SiMPull is poised to make to in planta protein interaction studies.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill and factors associated with depressive symptoms among residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Authors: Lee Joohee , Rehner Tim , Choi Hwanseok , Bougere Alan , Osowski Tom
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to extend prior research on the psychological effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster by developing and testing a conceptual model in which exposure to the oil spill through clean-up activity, physical symptoms, worry about the impact of the oil spill on health, and the disruption of the gulf/ocean-related lifestyle were hypothesized as predictors of depressive symptoms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis included a randomly selected sample of 354 subjects from the three most Southern Mississippi counties. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms.

Findings

– Results indicated that physical symptoms since the oil spill were related to depressive symptoms directly and indirectly through worry about the impact of the oil spill on health and the disruption of the gulf/ocean-related lifestyle. Worry about the impact of the oil spill on health was related to depressive symptoms directly and indirectly through the disruption of the gulf/ocean-related lifestyle.

Originality/value

– Study results highlight that uncertainty and worry about the impact of the disaster played a critical role in understanding the psychological effects of the oil spill disaster, especially among coastal residents whose lifestyles were bound up with the gulf/ocean.
Information processing of audiences exposed to public service advertising messages for Special Olympics
Authors: Park Meungguk , Turner Brian A. , Pastore Donna L. , Chitiyo Morgan , Yoh Taeho
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the cognitive processes that the study subjects experienced when exposed to different types of public service advertisements about Special Olympics.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 529 cognitive responses from 141 college students were analyzed using the content analysis method.

Findings

– The results of the frequency count of cognitive responses indicated that low-empathy (LE) subjects engaged in extensive cognitive efforts to process the information as much as high-empathy (HE) subjects. Additionally, the content analysis of the qualitative data showed that the two most frequently cited categories of positive thoughts for HE subjects were good cause/importance of Special Olympics and positive feeling related to volunteering for Special Olympics. For LE subjects, the most frequently identified category in positive thoughts was altruist/moral responsibility, followed by volunteer intention and positive feeling related to volunteering for Special Olympics.

Originality/value

– The paper provides valuable information on cognitive responses to public service advertising messages.
Consumer devotion to a different height
Authors: Hassan Mahmud , Casaló Ariño Luis V.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Effective handling of negative word of mouth in the social media has dramatic impact on customer retention, deflects potential damage and improves profitability. Although marketers enact various defensive strategies to combat such negative publicity, consumers are increasingly acting on behalf of marketers and new value creating behaviors are noticed within virtual brand communities. The purpose of this paper is to explore the kind of consumers’ defensive behaviors present within Facebook brand communities (FBCs).

Design/methodology/approach

– A netnographic approach guided the data collection. Data were gathered by downloading messages; only the threads related to member’s defensive behaviors were downloaded and archived. This resulted to 34 pages of data with 418 individual comments and 6,257 words in total.

Findings

– Data reveals that defensive behavior is practiced within Facebook, noticing that more diverse types of defensive behaviors are practiced in high involved products. Also, defensive behaviors are more prevalent within utilitarian rather than hedonic brands.

Research limitations/implications

– This study suggests that marketers should be open to engage and empower consumers to fulfill the role of defending the brand within brand communities first.

Originality/value

– This work adds to previous literature on handling complaints in social media by analyzing how devoted consumers may defend the brand against negative remarks done by other consumers in FBCs. This study not only confirms that defensive behaviors are apparent within the eight FBCs considered, but also investigates possible differences between high and low involved brands and also utilitarian and hedonic brands.
Is a most helpful eWOM review really helpful? The impact of conflicting aggregate valence and consumer’s goals on product attitude
Authors: López-López Inés , Parra José Francisco
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of signaling a review as the most helpful review according to other users’ votes on product attitude. Thus, the first study focuses on the influence of signaling a review as the most helpful on consumer attitude and analyzes whether the interaction between that signaled review and incongruent aggregate information in valence clarify the main effect. Additionally, the authors further investigate whether the level of fit between the consumer’s goals and the content of the signaled review moderates the initial effect.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conducted two experiments: a 3 (presence of most helpful review) × 2 (overall valence) between-subjects design and a 2 (presence of a most helpful review) × 3 (level of fit between the consumers’ goals and the most helpful review content) × 2 (overall valence) design.

Findings

– The results confirm that the presence of a “most helpful” review whose valence is incongruent with the overall valence of the reviews significantly impacts attitude towards the product. Specifically, the authors found that the impact of a review which has been voted as the most helpful on consumers’ attitudes depends on: the congruity between the valence of the most helpful review and the overall average valence of all the reviews received by the product; and the congruity between the consumer’s goals and the most helpful review content.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the electronic WOM literature by examining how signaling a review as the most helpful affects attitude, being that effect moderated by the congruency between that signaled review and the aggregated overall valence of the reviews and the level of fit with the consumer’s goals.
European REITs NAV discount: do investors believe in property appraisal?
Authors: Morri Giacomo , Baccarin Alessandro
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the NAV discount of European REITs listed in France, the Netherlands and the UK between 2003 and 2014, considering elements of both “rational” and “noise trader” approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis examines the hypothesis that discounts (premiums) are the result of leverage, size, liquidity, risk, performance, investment activity and sentiment. The regressions are initially run against the traditional NAV discount, subsequently using the unlevered NAV discount measure introduced by Morriet al.(2005) in order to clean out the bias generated by the level of leverage. The NAV discount is then adjusted for investor sentiment (appraisal reduction) with the aim of better identifying firm-specific factors, considering distortions induced by sentiment.

Findings

– Higher liquidity commands lower discounts for French REITs, while Dutch and British REITs, which trade in markets characterized by a higher number of average daily transactions, do not seem to feature discounts resulting from liquidity. For all three samples, operational risk and performance are significant in explaining the NAV discount, the former having a positive relationship with the discount, and the latter a negative one. When measured using the average sector discount, sentiment has a profound effect on the discount, accounting alone for 10-15 per cent of the explanatory power of the model.

Practical implications

– REITs listed in different markets behave differently. When the discount is adjusted in order to remove the bias resulting from the level of debt, the relationship between leverage and the unlevered discount becomes less pronounced in all cases.

Originality/value

– The paper considers a new approach to NAV discount puzzle that takes into account market sentiment and appraisals.
Consistent alleviation of abiotic stress with silicon addition: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Cooke Julia , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: July 2016

Hundreds of single species studies have demonstrated the facility of silicon (Si) to alleviate diverse abiotic stresses in plants. Understanding of the mechanisms of Si‐mediated stress alleviation is progressing, and several reviews have brought information together. A quantitative assessment of the alleviative capacity of Si, however, which could elucidate plant Si function more broadly, was lacking.

We combined the results of 145 experiments, predominantly on agricultural species, in a meta‐analysis to statistically assess the responses of stressed plants to Si supply across multiple plant families and abiotic stresses. We interrogated our database to determine whether stressed plants increased in dry mass and net assimilation rate, oxidative stress markers were reduced, antioxidant responses were increased and whether element uptake showed consistent changes when supplied with Si.

We demonstrated that across plant families and stress types, Si increases dry weight, assimilation rate and chlorophyll biosynthesis and alleviates oxidative damage in stressed plants. In general, results indicated that plant family (as a proxy for accumulator type) and stress type had significant explanatory power for variation in responses. The consistent reduction in oxidative damage was not mirrored by consistent increases in antioxidant production, indicative of the several different stress alleviation mechanisms in which Si is involved. Silicon addition increased K in shoots, decreased As and Cd in roots and Na and Cd in shoots. Silicon addition did not affect Al, Ca or Mn concentration in shoots and roots of stressed plants. Plants had significantly lower concentrations of Si accumulated in shoots but not in roots when stressed.

Meta‐analyses showed consistent alleviation by Si of oxidative damage caused by a range of abiotic stresses across diverse species. Our findings indicate that Si is likely to be a useful fertilizer for many crops facing a spectrum of abiotic stresses. Similarities in responses across families provide strong support for a role of Si in the alleviation of abiotic stress in natural systems, where it has barely been explored. We suggest this role may become more important under a changing climate and more experiments using non‐agricultural species are now needed.
Modeling the Growth of Epiphytic Bacteria on Kale Treated by Thermosonication Combined with Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water and Stored under Dynamic Temperature Conditions
Authors: Mansur Ahmad Rois , Oh Deog‐Hwan
Published: July 2016

The growth of epiphytic bacteria (aerobic mesophilic bacteria or Pseudomonas spp.) on kale was modeled isothermally and validated under dynamic storage temperatures. Each bacterial count on kale stored at isothermal conditions (4 to 25 °C) was recorded. The results show that maximum growth rate (μmax) of both epiphytic bacteria increased and lag time (λ) decreased with increasing temperature (P < 0.05). The maximum population density (Nmax) of Pseudomonas spp. was significantly greater than that of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, particularly in treated samples and/or at 4 and 10 °C (P < 0.05). The relationship between μmax of both epiphytic bacteria and temperature was linear (R2 > 0.97), whereas lower R2 > 0.86 and R2 > 0.87 was observed for the λ and Nmax, respectively. The overall predictions of both epiphytic bacterial growths under nonisothermal conditions with temperature abuse of 15 °C agreed with the observed data, whereas those with temperature abuse of 25 °C were greatly overestimated. The appropriate parameter q0 (physiological state of cells), therefore, was adjusted by a trial and error to fit the model. This study demonstrates that the developed model was able to predict accurately epiphytic bacterial growth on kale stored under nonisothermal conditions particularly those with low temperature abuse of 15 °C.
The Physician‐as‐Stakeholder: An Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of Physicians’ Motivations for Using Shared Decision Making in the Emergency Department
Authors: Schoenfeld Elizabeth M. , Goff Sarah L. , Elia Tala R. , Khordipour Errel R. , Poronsky Kye E. , Nault Kelly A. , Lindenauer Peter K. , Mazor Kathleen M.
Published: July 2016

Background

Shared decision making (SDM) is increasingly recognized as an important facet of patient‐centered care. Despite growing interest in SDM in the emergency department (ED), little is known about emergency physicians’ (EPs’) motivations for using SDM. Understanding current patterns of SDM use and EP's rationale for using SDM is essential for the development of interventions to increase use.

Objectives

Recognizing the EP as an important stakeholder in SDM research, we sought to identify and explore factors that may motivate EPs’ engagement in SDM.

Methods

In this qualitative study, informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Cognitive Theory, we conducted semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of EPs. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Using a directed qualitative content analysis approach, three members of the research team performed open coding of the transcripts in an iterative process, building a provisional code book as coding progressed. Respondent validation was employed to ensure methodologic rigor.

Results

Fifteen EPs, ages 31–65, from both academic and community practice settings, were interviewed. Several had not heard of the specific phrase “shared decision making,” but all understood the concept and felt that they used SDM techniques to some degree. Most noted they had often had an agenda when they used SDM, which often motivated them to have the conversation. Agendas described included counteracting an algorithmic or defensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, avoiding harmful tests, or sharing uncertainty. All participants believed that patients benefited from SDM in terms of satisfaction, engagement, or education. Nearly all participants identified research outcomes that they felt would encourage their use of SDM (e.g., improvements in patient engagement, mitigation of risk) and many prioritized patient‐centered outcomes over systems outcomes such as improved resource utilization. Little consensus was seen, however, regarding the importance of individual outcomes: of eight potential research outcomes participants endorsed, no single outcome was endorsed by even half of the physicians interviewed.

Conclusion

Emergency physicians identified many factors that motivated them to use SDM. This study informs current research on SDM in the ED, particularly regarding the motivations of the physician‐as‐stakeholder.
Review of the clinical significance of respiratory virus infections in newborn infants
Authors: Luoto Raakel , Jartti Tuomas , Ruuskanen Olli , Waris Matti , Lehtonen Liisa , Heikkinen Terho
Published: July 2016

Respiratory viruses have been recognised as causative agents for a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and severe respiratory compromise in neonates during birth hospitalisation. Early‐life respiratory virus infections have also been shown to be associated with adverse long‐term consequences.

Conclusion

Preventing virus infections by intensifying hygiene measures and cohorting infected infants should be a major goal for neonatal intensive care units, as well as more common use of virus diagnostics. Active virus surveillance and long‐term follow‐up are needed to ascertain the causality and exact underlying mechanisms for adverse long‐term consequences.
Abnormal spermatogenesis and male infertility in testicular zinc finger protein Zfp318‐knockout mice
Authors: Ishizuka Masamichi , Ohtsuka Eri , Inoue Atsuto , Odaka Mirei , Ohshima Hirotaka , Tamura Norihisa , Yoshida Kaoru , Sako Norihisa , Baba Tadashi , Kashiwabara Shin‐ichi , Okabe Masaru , Noguchi Junko , Hagiwara Hiromi
Published: July 2016

Zfp318, a mouse gene with a Cys2/His2 zinc finger motif, is mainly expressed in germ cells in the testis. It encodes two alternative transcripts, which regulate androgen receptor‐mediated transcriptional activation or repression by overexpression of them. However, the role of Zfp318 is still obscure in vivo, especially in spermatogenesis. To elucidate the role of Zfp318 during gamete production, we established a knockout mouse line. Zfp318‐null male mice exhibited infertility, whereas Zfp318‐null female mice displayed normal fertility. ZFP318 was expressed during multiple stages of spermatogenesis, from spermatocytes to round spermatids. The nuclei of secondary spermatocytes showed high levels of expression. Histological analysis and quantitative analysis of DNA content showed decreased numbers of both spermatids in the seminiferous tubules and mature spermatozoa in the epididymides of Zfp318‐null mice. These results suggest that Zfp318 is expressed as a functional protein in testicular germ cells and plays an important role in meiosis during spermatogenesis.
Gender Integration in the Military: A Rawlsian Approach
Authors: Jensen Mark N.
Published: July 2016

Following the recent decisions by Western militaries to pursue greater integration of women into combat roles, this paper examines the principles that motivate integration and organizes them into a theoretically coherent scheme that could serve as a roadmap for policymakers as they rebuild military institutions and their combat units in an integrated fashion. The strategy of the paper is Rawlsian: the right relationship between the principles that motivate integration can be derived through an application of Rawls's methodology as described inA Theory of Justice. The result is a lexically ordered set of principles that begin with gender‐blind equal opportunity but permit adjustments that take gender into account when these adjustments serve the interests of military institutions. The paper concludes with a discussion of two concerns, one practical and one theoretical, that one might have about the account.
Exile, Choice, and Loyalism: Taking and Restoring Dignity in the American Revolution
Authors: Hulsebosch Daniel J.
Published: July 2016

Taking a cue from Bernadette Atuahene's concept of “dignity takings” and her insight that government expropriation inflicts more than economic injury, this essay analyzes how American revolutionaries defined political membership, penalized and expropriated British loyalists, and then allowed some to join the American polity in the decade after the Revolution. Many recovered their property, professions, and legal privileges. However, because most loyalists could choose to remain loyal or join the Revolution, they did not lose human dignity as Atuahene defines it. Case studies of two reintegrating lawyers, Richard Harison and William Rawle, explore loyalism, the loss of dignities that loyalists suffered, and some paths toward reintegration. Their appointment as federal attorneys helped make the government conversant in the common law, British statutes, and the law of nations, which in turn supported the Federalist goal of reintegrating the United States into the Atlantic World: achieving, in other words, national dignity.
Diagnosis and management of benign fibro‐osseous lesions of the jaws: a current review for the dental clinician
Authors: Mainville GN , Turgeon DP , Kauzman A
Published: July 2016

Benign fibro‐osseous lesions of the maxillofacial skeleton constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders that includes developmental, reactive (dysplastic) and neoplastic lesions. Although their classification has been reviewed multiple times in the past, the most common benign fibro‐osseous lesions are fibrous dysplasia, osseous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma. For the dental clinician, the challenges involve diagnosis and treatment (or lack thereof). A careful correlation of all clinical, radiologic and microscopic features is essential to establish a proper diagnosis and a clear treatment plan. This article aimed to review the clinical, radiologic and histopathologic characteristics of benign fibro‐osseous lesions of the jaws, with emphasis on their differential diagnoses. With a deeper understanding of benign fibro‐osseous lesions, clinicians will be better prepared to manage these lesions in their practice.
Transnasal Endoscopic Biopsy Approach to Atlas Tumor with X‐ray Assisted and Related Radiographic Measure
Authors: Li Zhen‐feng , Shao Xian‐hao , Zhang Li‐qiang , Yang Zhi‐ping , Li Xin , Yang Qiang , Li Jian‐min
Published: July 2016

Objective

To develop an endoscopic transnasal approach to atlas tumors and study its practicability.

Methods

This article comprises two components: an illustrative case report and observational data on 50 volunteers. As to the case report, a 34 year old man presented with occipital pain for more than 3 months and underwent systematic investigation in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. CT and MRI scans showed bony destruction in the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) suggestive of tumor. Via an endoscopic transnasal approach to the suspected atlas tumor through the inferior nasal meatus, a Gallini biopsy needle was used to obtain tissue for examination. The procedure was performed endoscopically with double orientation X‐ray guidance and coaxial technology after establishing the shortest distance for the biopsy track and range of target tissue and was assisted by manual palpation. As to the observational data, 50 volunteers underwent atlas‐related morphometric image measurement using gemstone CT equipment. Biopsy track angles, range for biopsy of the atlas and biopsy track distances were measured by a blinded operator on CT images.

Results

Case report: pathological examination of the biopsy resulted in diagnosis of a chordoma. There were no complications such as bleeding, infection or spinal cord injury. One month later, the patient underwent tumor resection and reconstruction in other hospital and the diagnosis of chordoma was confirmed by pathological examination of the resected specimen. Observational data: measurements obtained from CT scans of the 50 volunteers were as follows. Biopsy track angles: mean leaning inside angle 3.53° ± 0.39° and mean posterior slope angle 13.05° ± 1.39°. Range for atlas biopsy: transverse diameter 11.84 ± 1.24 mm and longitudinal diameter 9.67 ± 0.90 mm. Biopsy track distances: from atlas to nostril, and to anterior and posterior edges of the inferior turbinate mucosa were 94.52 ± 5.03 mm, 78.21 ± 4.63 mm, and 33.51 ± 3.13 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

An endoscopic transnasal approach enables biopsy and diagnosis of tumors in the anterior arch of the atlas. Relevant measurements were obtained by assessing CT scans of 50 volunteers to assist operators to determine the effective and safe range for transnasal atlas biopsy.
Inhibition of Growth and Metastasis of Tumor in Nude Mice after Intraperitoneal Injection of Bevacizumab
Authors: Zhao Ze‐xue , Li Xiang , Liu Wei‐dong , Liu Xiao‐zhou , Wu Su‐jia , Hu Xiao‐hui
Published: July 2016

Objective

To explore the inhibitory effect of bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, on angiogenesis in human osteosarcoma of nude mice.

Methods

Twenty‐one nude mice were inoculated with red fluorescent protein (RFP)‐labeled human osteosarcoma cell line 143B‐RFP, that is, clones that expressed RFP in the cytoplasm, and randomly assigned to one of three groups: G1 (Control group, injected with saline solution); G2 (intraperitoneal bevacizumab 2 mg/kg twice per week) and G3 (intraperitoneal bevacizumab 5 mg/kg, twice per week). The tumor‐bearing mice were examined in a fluorescence light box that was illuminated periodically. The primary tumors were measured by fluorescence imaging weekly and their volumes calculated.

Results

The mean tumor volumes were significantly smaller in the G3 (186.4 ± 100.8 mm3) than the control group (587.0 ± 406.8 mm3) (P < 0.05) on Day 31, and again significantly smaller in the G3 (677.3 ± 461.9 mm3) than the control group (3162.6 ± 1529.2 mm3) on Day 38 (P < 0.01). The average tumor volume in the G2 group was 493.5 ± 425.4 mm3 on Day 31 and 1870.1 ± 1524.8 mm3 on Day 38. The effect on tumor volume was greater in the G3 than the G2 group. Three mice in the G2 group, four in the G3 group and four in the control group developed lung metastases that were confirmed by pathological examination; these differences were not statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Bevacizumab exhibits strong antiangiogenesis activity in experimental osteosarcoma in a nude mouse model but does not influence the incidence of lung metastasis. Our findings may have considerable potential for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Malignant Pelvic Tumors Involving the Sacrum: Surgical Approaches and Procedures Based on a New Classification
Authors: Zhang Yi‐dan , Guo Wei , Yang Rong‐li , Tang Xiao‐dong , Yan Tai‐qiang , Ji Tao
Published: July 2016

Objective

To introduce a new classification of Enneking type IV pelvic tumors involving the sacrum and a corresponding system of standardized surgical approaches and procedures for resection of such tumors, and to investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of the new system.

Methods

Data on 59 patients treated between February 2003 and February 2013 by standardized surgical approaches and procedures were retrospectively reviewed. The study subjects comprised 28 male and 31 female patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 36 years (range, 2–72 years). There are four subtypes in the new classification: (i) subtype IVa, neoplasms invading the ipsilateral sacral wing; (ii) subtype IVb, neoplasms invading the ipsilateral sacral foramina; (iii) subtype IVc, neoplasms invading the contralateral sacral foramina; and (iv) subtype IVd, neoplasms invading the whole of the sacrum. Standardized surgical approaches and procedures were devised for en‐bloc resection for each subtype with adequate margins.

Results

Adequate margins were achieved in 43/59 patients (72.9%). The mean operation time was 5.0 h and the mean intraoperative blood loss 2157 mL. At the final follow‐up, 27/53 patients (50.9%) who had been followed up were alive and in complete remission. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 score was 17.4 (58%) of a possible 30 points. The mean functional score for patients who had undergone a pelvic zone II resection was 15.2, compared with 19.0 for those with an intact pelvic zone II.

Conclusions

The proposed standardized protocols should help orthopaedic surgeons to achieve adequate margins, manage risk, achieve better oncologic and functional outcomes, and minimize perioperative complications when treating massive pelvic tumors involving the sacrum.
Functional Results and Emotional Acceptance after Scapulectomy for Malignant Shoulder Tumors
Authors: Xu Song‐feng , Yu Xiu‐chun , Xu Ming , Hu Yong‐cheng , Liu Xiao‐ping
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To demonstrate the functional results and emotional acceptance after scapulectomy for various malignant shoulder tumors.

Methods

Eight patients with malignant shoulder tumors who had undergone scapulectomy between April 2004 and March 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. They comprised seven men and one woman their mean age was 54 years (range, 24–69 years). All patients were diagnosed by pathological examination of biopsy specimens. The tumors were metastatic in four cases, having originated from a primary carcinoma of the liver in one patient, the lung in one patient and the kidney in two patients. The other four patients had primary malignant tumors in their scapulae, specifically, two scapular malignant fibrous histiocytomas, one scapular Ewing sarcoma and one soft tissue synovial sarcoma. The four patients with metastases were staged as III, and other four were staged as IIB. Six patients underwent total and two subtotal scapulectomy. The remaining soft tissues were sutured together directly in seven of the patients. The remaining patient, who had soft tissue synovial sarcoma, required transfer of a pedicle latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The functional results and emotional acceptance were evaluated by clinician using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system.

Results

The average duration of follow‐up was 22.8 months. Four patients were continuously disease‐free, three patients developed metastases and died of disease within 12 months of surgery and one patient with a scapular metastasis from the kidney survived with pulmonary nodules. No major complications, including infection or dislocation, occurred during or after surgery. The mean MSTS score was 16.3 (54%), which is similar to that previously reported in other studies of scapulectomy. There were no local tumor recurrences and only one patient developed pulmonary metastases. These outcomes are similar to those reported for scapular prostheses and there were fewer complications than in patients treated with allografts. The mean emotional acceptance score was 3.6 (72.5%).

Conclusions

Performing scapulectomies on patients with malignant shoulder tumors without prostheses or allograft reconstruction achieves good functional results and emotional acceptance with a low rate of complications.
The Other Six: Governors Without The Line‐Item Veto
Authors: Lauth Thomas P.
Published: July 2016

This article examines the absence of the line‐item veto in six state governments, Indiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It seeks to answer the following questions: Have there been proposals in recent years in those states to establish the line‐item veto? Why have those states not given line‐item veto authority to their governor? What is the likelihood in the foreseeable future of line‐item veto adoption in any of the states now without it? Based upon six case studies of budget institutions and processes, and legislative histories of line‐item veto proposals, answers to these questions are provided.
Analysis of monosomy‐3 in immunomagnetically isolated circulating melanoma cells in uveal melanoma patients
Authors: Tura Aysegül , Merz Hartmut , Reinsberg Mihaela , Lüke Matthias , Jager Martine J. , Grisanti Salvatore , Lüke Julia
Published: July 2016

Monosomy‐3 in primary uveal melanoma (UM) is associated with a high risk of metastasis and mortality. Although circulating melanoma cells (CMC) can be found in most UM patients, only approximately 50% of the patients develop metastases. We utilized a novel immuno‐FISH assay to detect chromosome‐3 in intact CMC isolated by dual immunomagnetic enrichment. Circulating melanoma cells were detected in 91% of the patients (n = 44) with primary non‐metastatic UM, of which 58% were positive for monosomy‐3. The monosomy‐3 status of CMC corresponded to the monosomy‐3 status of the primary tumor in 10 of the 11 patients where this could be tested. Monosomy‐3 in the CMC was associated with an advanced tumor stage (P = 0.046) and was detected in all four patients who developed metastasis within the follow‐up period of 4 yr. This non‐invasive technique may enable the identification of UM patients at risk for metastasis particularly when a primary tumor specimen is unavailable.
Buschke–Löwenstein tumor: Three pediatric cases
Authors: Aydogdu Ibrahim , Uzun Ersan , Mirapoglu Semih Lutfi , Kilincaslan Huseyin , Yildiz Pelin
Published: July 2016

Buschke–Löwenstein tumor (BLT) is a verrucous lesion that grows slowly, causing regional infiltration and deformity. It is very rare during childhood and usually has a benign course. It is related to the human papilloma virus type 6 and type 11. Poor hygiene, chronic irritation, diabetes and impaired cellular immunity are other factors thought to play a role in the etiology of the disease. The first‐choice treatment modality is total surgical excision. Herein we describe three cases to illustrate the success of total surgical excision via electrocautery in the treatment of BLT, and the excellent cosmetic outcome of the method.
Social and Environmental Influences on Physical Activity Levels in Latina Adolescents
Authors: Benes Deborah , Dowling Jacqueline , Crawford Sybil , Hayman Laura L.
Published: July 2016

Objective

To examine social and environmental factors that affect moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in mid‐adolescent Hispanic females.

Design and Sample

Secondary data analysis to examine social and environmental level factors related to MVPA levels in (n = 897) mid‐adolescent Hispanic females.

Measures

Data were retrieved from the National Survey of Children's Health (2011/12). Logistic regression was used to estimate associations for factors with MVPA.

Results

Significant mid‐adolescent predictors were English speaking, OR 1.64 (95% CI, 1.03–2.61); parental attendance of activities, OR 0.50 (95% CI, 0.31–0.81); peer support, OR 2.74 (95% CI, 1.75–4.29); supportive neighborhood, OR 1.52 (95% CI, 1.03–2.32); and safe school environment, OR 1.67 (95% CI, 1.01–2.74).

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need for the development of age and culturally appropriate interventions to aid the improvement of participation levels in MVPA among the Latina adolescent population. Additionally, findings suggest recommendations for policy and future research.
Morpho‐colorimetric characterisation of Malva alliance taxa by seed image analysis
Authors: Lo Bianco M. , Grillo O. , Escobar Garcia P. , Mascia F. , Venora G. , Bacchetta G.
Published: July 2016

Seed morphometric and ‐colorimetric features describing shape, size and textural seed traits of 28 taxa belonging to the genera Lavatera L. and Malva L., were recorded by means of computer vision techniques.

The data were statistically analysed to contribute to the taxonomical treatment of the Malva alliance and to assess some doubtful systematic positions.

A clear differentiation between taxa traditionally attributed to Lavatera or Malva was highlighted. Furthermore, the identification system proposed here was able to discriminate among the Lavatera sections, confirming the taxonomic organization of this genus.

The results obtained for Malva, both at the species level and among sections, supported this analytical tool as diagnostic for systematic purposes.
Liberalization Agreements in the GATT/WTO and the Terms‐of‐trade Externality Theory: Evidence from Three Developing Countries
Authors: Tesfayesus Asrat
Published: July 2016

The terms‐of‐trade theory suggests that governments engage in trade negotiations with their trade partners in an effort to escape from a terms‐of‐trade prisoner's dilemma by mutually internalizing externalities that they impose on each other. In this paper, I use predictions of the terms‐of‐trade relationship to provide support for the theory based on the negotiating patterns of three developing countries during the Uruguay Round of the Generalized Agreements on Tariff and Trade. I use industry level import value as well as tariff schedules from these contracting party states that were graduated from the US Generalized System of Preferences list during the Uruguay Round. I exploit the rapid change in their tariff schedules from the best response to the optimal level within a single negotiation round to empirically test the terms‐of‐trade theory. I find that my estimates are consistent with the predictions of the theory as applied to these three developing countries that were compelled to negotiate for tariff concessions during the Uruguay Round.
Shifting Taxes from Labor to Consumption: More Employment and more Inequality?
Authors: Pestel Nico , Sommer Eric
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the effect of shifting taxes from labor income to consumption on labor supply and the distribution of income in Germany. We simulate stepwise increases in the value‐added tax (VAT) rate, which are compensated by revenue‐neutral reductions in income‐related taxes. We differentiate between the personal income tax (PIT) and social security contributions (SSC). Based on a dual data base and a microsimulation model of household labor supply behavior, we find a regressive impact of such a tax shift in the short run. When accounting for labor supply adjustments, the adverse distributional impact persists for PIT reductions, while the overall effects on inequality and progressivity become lower when payroll taxes are reduced. This is partly due to increases in aggregate labor supply, resulting from higher work incentives.
AIRPORT PRIVATIZATION COMPETITION INCLUDING DOMESTIC AIRLINE MARKETS
Authors: Kawasaki Akio
Published: July 2016

This study addresses the problem of hub airport privatization in a domestic airline market, where each country has one major hub airport and multiple local airports. We find that when both countries have very small domestic airline markets, airport privatization occurs at the Nash equilibrium. However, when at least one country has a large domestic airline market, the public airport becomes an equilibrium outcome. Furthermore, depending on the number of airline markets and degree of product differentiation, an asymmetric equilibrium may appear.
Development of enhancing agglutination reaction using gold nanoparticle for pre‐transfusion testing
Authors: Choktaweesak N. , Krasathong P. , Ammaranond P.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To explore an alternative way for antibody detection testing, the examination of gold nanoparticle solution for enhancing unexpected antibodies for pre‐transfusion testing was investigated.

Background

Exposure of foreign antigens on red blood cells from transfusion can trigger the immune system to produce unexpected antibodies. This immunological response may cause the complication to future transfusion. For detection of unexpected antibodies, the antibody screening test is performed approximately 30–60 min. To reduce turnaround time, enhancing reagent, low‐ionic strength solution (LISS), is widely used. However, cost of enhancing reagent is an issue which has concerned in resource limited countries. Gold nanoparticle solution can increase red blood cells agglutination reaction. To solve this issue, study of gold nanoparticle solution was investigated.

Methods

Samples were performed comparing between LISS and gold nanoparticle solution at antiglobulin phase. After reading the agglutination reaction, supernatants were collected and measured at the optical density at 760 nm by spectrophotometer.

Results

The optical density in the tube of gold nanoparticle solution was higher than in the tube of 2–5% cell suspension and monoclonal antibody. It has been observed that gold nanoparticle solution enhanced the reaction of agglutination 98% while LISS enhanced the agglutination only 60·8%. Employing a commercially available enhancing reagent, parallel samples confirmed results providing validation of the assay. It approximately costs $1 US dollars compared to $30 for a commercially available reagent.

Conclusions

The low cost and yet effective time‐consuming test for antibody screening is a practical and viable solution alternative way for performing in antibody screening test in resource limited countries.
THORACIC RADIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CANINE INFLUENZA VIRUS IN SIX DOGS
Authors: Secrest Scott A. , Sharma Ajay
Published: July 2016

Canine influenza virus is an emerging, highly contagious, respiratory pathogen that has not previously been radiographically described. In this retrospective case series study, we describe the thoracic radiographic appearance of confirmed canine influenza virus in six dogs. Radiographic findings varied, but included abnormal unstructured interstitial (one) and unstructured interstitial and alveolar (five) pulmonary patterns, which were distributed cranioventral (four), diffuse (one), and caudodorsal (one). The right middle (five), left cranial (five), and right cranial (four) lung lobes were most commonly affected. Additionally, mild pleural effusion was present in one dog. Intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and cranial mediastinal widening/fluid accumulation were not detected in any dog. Canine influenza virus should be considered as a differential diagnosis for canine patients with respiratory signs and a cranioventral unstructured interstitial to alveolar pulmonary pattern.