bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time course of the development of depressive mood and oppositional defiant behavior among boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Differences between subtypes
Authors: Ushijima Hirokage , Usami Masahide , Saito Kazuhiko , Kodaira Masaki , Ikeda Manabu
Published: May 2012

Aim:  The aim of this research was to clarify the development of depression among boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by examining the correlation between depressive mood, oppositional defiant behavior, and age for each ADHD subtype.

Methods:  The Birleson Depression Self‐Rating Scale (DSRS) was used to evaluate depressive mood while the Oppositional Defiant Behavior Inventory (ODBI) was used to evaluate oppositional defiant behavior. The 90 subjects were divided into three groups: 22 boys (mean age, 12.4 ± 1.9 years) were placed in the ADHD predominantly inattentive type (ADHD‐I) group; 45 boys (mean age, 10.4 ± 2.0 years) were placed in the ADHD combined type (ADHD‐C) group; and 23 boys (mean age, 12.7 ± 2.4 years) were placed in the depressive disorder (DD) group. The DD group was included to highlight characteristics of depressive mood among boys with ADHD.

Results:  The DSRS score was significantly higher in the DD group compared to the ADHD‐I and ADHD‐C groups. The ODBI score was significantly higher in the ADHD‐C group compared to the ADHD‐I (P = 0.043) and DD (P = 0.013) groups. In the DD group, ODBI was seen to decrease with increasing age. A certain degree of oppositional defiant behavior was seen in each ADHD subtype. The DSRS score correlated with the ODBI score in the ADHD‐C group, while the DSRS score correlated with age in the ADHD‐I group.

Conclusion:  The characteristics of developing depressive mood in childhood ADHD appeared to differ between subtypes and also differed from depression without ADHD.
State and trait markers of emotionally charged visual event‐related potentials (P300) in drug‐naïve schizophrenia
Authors: Mori Keiichiro , Morita Kiichiro , Shoji Yoshihisa , Matsuoka Toshimasa , Fujiki Ryo , Uchimura Naohisa
Published: May 2012

Aim:  In the present study, we investigated the changes in P3 component in the emotionally charged visual event‐related potentials (ERP) in 30 drug‐naïve schizophrenic patients for up to 1 year.

Methods:  Visual oddball event‐related potential was recorded from six recording sites for crying baby or smiling baby photographs. ERP were recorded before the treatment (session 1 [S1]), after 3 months (session 2 [S2]), and after 12 months (session 3 [S3]), as well as in 30 healthy subjects.

Results:  Before taking medicine, there were no significant differences in the P300 amplitude between viewing photographs of a crying and a smiling baby. The P300 amplitude was significantly larger at S2 and S3 than at S1 for a crying baby, while there was no significant difference among sessions for a smiling baby after medication. A significant difference of the P300 amplitude was only observed between S3 and healthy subjects for a smiling baby. The P300 latency only when viewing a smiling face became significantly longer at S3 than those at S1 and S2. A significant negative correlation was obtained between the P300 amplitude changes upon viewing crying faces and negative syndrome score changes at the Pz site.

Conclusion:  The P300 amplitude induced by crying‐face stimuli may be a state marker and the P300 amplitude caused by smiling‐face stimuli may be a trait marker during recovery in schizophrenic patients. Atypical antipsychotic medications may be useful and may recover cognitive function reflected by the emotionally charged visual P300 components in schizophrenic patients.
Differential relationships between personality and brain function in monetary and goal‐oriented subjective motivation: Multichannel near‐infrared spectroscopy of healthy subjects
Authors: Sato Toshimasa , Fukuda Masato , Kameyama Masaki , Suda Masashi , Uehara Toru , Mikuni Masahiko
Published: May 2012

Aim:  To examine relationships between personality traits and cerebral cortex reactivity under different motivating conditions.

Methods:  Relationships between personality traits assessed using the NEO Personality Inventory–Revised (NEO‐PI‐R) and cerebral cortex reactivity during a verbal fluency task monitored using multichannel near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were examined under three different motivational conditions: control, monetary reward, and goal‐oriented, in healthy young male volunteers.

Results:  Significant correlations between cerebral cortex reactivity and personality traits were found in the frontopolar region: a positive correlation with agreeableness and a negative correlation with the neuroticism and conscientiousness scores of the NEO‐PI‐R under the three motivational conditions. Higher scores for agreeableness were more strongly associated with a greater increase in total hemoglobin concentration ([total‐Hb]) under the goal‐oriented and control conditions than under the monetary reward condition. In addition, higher scores for neuroticism were more strongly associated with a greater increase in deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration ([deoxy‐Hb]) under the monetary reward condition than the goal‐oriented condition, and higher scores for conscientiousness were more strongly associated with a greater increase in [deoxy‐Hb] under control conditions than under the goal‐oriented condition.

Conclusion:  Using multichannel NIRS, certain personality traits of the big‐five model are related to frontopolar reactivity. These relationships vary depending on the motivational condition when brain functions are monitored: agreeableness, neuroticism, and conscientiousness are all related to frontopolar reactivity depending on the motivational condition.
Object relations in adolescence: A comparison of normal and inpatient adolescents
Authors: Sekiya Hideko , Sato Atsushi , Sakai Yoshie , Naka Yasushi , Suzuki Keiko , Kashima Haruo , Mimura Masaru
Published: May 2012

Aims:  We aimed to study the development of object relations in adolescents and their correlation with their mothers' defense styles in inpatient and normal adolescents.

Methods:  We administered the Thematic Apperception Test to adolescents in the adolescent unit (junior high, n = 16; senior high, n = 22) and normal controls (junior high, n = 16; senior high, n = 16). Results were analyzed using the Complexity of Representations Scale (CRS). We administered the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ40) to the subjects' mothers (patients, n = 38; controls, n = 32) to determine whether adolescents' CRS scores correlated with mothers' DSQ scores.

Results:  There was a nearly significant interaction for group‐by‐school‐year for the children's CRS scores. In the control group, senior high school students' scores (mean [SD] = 3.52 [0.49]) were significantly higher (F [1,66] = 12.3, P = 0.001) than those of junior high school students' (mean [SD] = 3.03 [0.31]). In the patient group, no significant difference was observed between senior high and junior high. For mothers' DSQ40, mature defense scores were significantly higher in the control group than in the patient group (mean [SD] = 10.8 [1.89] vs 9.35 [1.40] in junior high, and 11.8 [1.67] vs 9.36 [1.81] in senior high, F [1,66] = 22.1, P < 0.001, two‐way anova). A significant, positive correlation (r = 0.37, P = 0.04) was observed between the mothers' mature defense and the children's CRS scores in the control group only.

Conclusions:  Whatever diagnoses are provided, the problems of adolescents with non‐psychotic pathologies are related to the arrest of object relations development. A patient's mother cannot employ mature mechanisms to alleviate signals of anxiety sent by her child.
Cytokines in schizophrenia: Possible role of anti‐inflammatory medications in clinical and preclinical stages
Authors: Mansur Rodrigo Barbachan , Zugman André , Asevedo Elson de Miranda , da Cunha Graccielle Rodrigues , Bressan Rodrigo Affonseca , Brietzke Elisa
Published: May 2012

Aims:  In this paper, we review the literature on the efficacy of anti‐inflammatory agents as neuroprotectors in clinical and preclinical stages of schizophrenia.

Method:  A synthetic and integrative approach was applied to review studies stemming from epidemiology, phenomenology, cognition, genetics and neuroimaging data. We provide conclusions and future directions of research on early‐onset schizophrenia.

Results:  Abnormal inflammatory activation has been demonstrated in schizophrenia. Increases or imbalances in cytokines before birth or during childhood may impact neurodevelopment and produce vulnerability to schizophrenia. The specificity of inflammatory abnormalities in psychiatric disorders is controversial. Similar increases in pro‐inflammatory cytokines have been described in other disorders, especially mood and anxiety disorders. One of the most important challenges at this point is the understanding of neurobiological correlates of prodromal stages of schizophrenia.

Conclusion:  Although future research should investigate the exact role of different cytokines in pathophysiology of schizophrenia, these mediators emerge as promising molecular targets to its prevention and treatment.
Do exotic pine plantations favour the spread of invasive herbivorous mammals in Patagonia?
Authors: LANTSCHNER MARÍA‐VICTORIA , RUSCH VERÓNICA , HAYES JOHN P.
Published: May 2012

Changes in land use patterns and vegetation can trigger ecological change in occupancy and community composition. Among the potential ecological consequences of land use change is altered susceptibility to occupancy by invasive species. We investigated the responses of three introduced mammals (red deer,Cervus elaphus; wild boar,Sus scrofa; and European hare,Lepus europaeus) to replacement of native vegetation by exotic pine plantations in the Patagonian forest‐steppe ecotone using camera‐trap surveys (8633 trap‐days). We used logistic regression models to relate species presence with habitat variables at stand and landscape scales. Red deer and wild boar used pine plantations significantly more frequently than native vegetation. In contrast, occurrence of European hares did not differ between pine plantations and native vegetation, although hares were recorded more frequently in firebreaks than in plantations or native vegetation. Presence of red deer and wild boar was positively associated with cover of pine plantations at the landscape scale, and negatively associated with mid‐storey cover and diversity at the stand scale. European hares preferred sites with low arboreal and mid‐storey cover. Our results suggest that pine plantations promote increased abundances of invasive species whose original distributions are associated with woodlands (red deer and wild boar), and could act as source or pathways for invasive species to new areas.
Visual perception of bodily interactions in the primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Rossetti Angela , Miniussi Carlo , Maravita Angelo , Bolognini Nadia
Published: May 2012

Brain imaging studies in humans have revealed the existence of a visuo‐tactile system, which matches observed touch with felt touch. In this system, the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) appears to play a causal role in the visual processing of tactile events. Whether this visuo‐tactile mechanism for touch in SI applies to the sight of ‘any’ touch, or whether it is restricted to the domain of body‐related tactile experiences remains unresolved. To address this issue, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was used to determine whether activity in SI is strictly related to the visual processing of human body‐part interactions, or is also involved in processing the contact between inanimate objects, or between human body‐parts and objects. The results show that rTMS over SI selectively impaired the processing of a contralateral visual stimulus depicting a human body‐part being touched by a human agent, while it did not affect the visual perception of contact between objects, or between human body‐parts and objects. Correlation analysis shows that this effect was associated with the intensity and embodiment of the observed touched. This result suggests that SI is more suited to represent social touch, contributing to our understanding of the effect of interpersonal tactile interactions between people.
Intra‐operative transanal near infrared imaging of colorectal anastomotic perfusion: a feasibility study
Authors: Sherwinter D. A. , Gallagher J. , Donkar T.
Published: May 2012

Aim  Anastomotic dehiscence is a devastating complication. Inadequate blood supply is felt to be the prevailing cause. This study describes the use of near infrared imaging to evaluate transanally anastomotic tissue perfusion following low anterior resection.

Method  Twenty patients undergoing low anterior resection for benign and malignant disease were studied. After completing the anastomosis, indocyanine green (ICG) was injected via a peripheral intravenous catheter. An endoscopic near infrared imaging system (Pinpoint, Novadaq, Canada) was then used transanally to visualize mucosal perfusion of the colon, rectum and the anastomotic staple line.

Results  All patients underwent a technically successful ICG angiogram. The angiogram was abnormal in four patients. Two of these had a protective loop ileostomy and showed no sign of anastomotic breakdown. The other two patients were found on CT scan to have a peri‐anastomotic collection consistent with anastomotic leakage. Both were managed conservatively with resolution.

Conclusion  This study confirms that transanal ICG angiography is feasible and provides imaging of mucosal and anastomotic blood flow. The technique warrants further study in a larger group of patients to assess its ability to identify defects in tissue perfusion that may lead to anastomotic breakdown.
Twice as Smart? The Importance of Managers’ Formative‐Years’ International Experience for their International Orientation and Foreign Acquisition Decisions
Authors: Piaskowska Dorota , Trojanowski Grzegorz
Published: May 2012

This study examined how top management team's (TMT) international orientation influences perceptions of environmental uncertainty and how these perceptions impact international strategic decisions, in particular regarding ownership stakes taken in foreign acquisitions. We highlighted the need for the concept of TMT international orientation to encompass executives’ formative‐years’ international experiences along with their international career experiences and nationalities. Empirical tests based on a sample of 2122 international acquisitions completed by 561 UK firms over the period 1999–2008 showed that TMT international orientation positively moderated the negative impact of cultural differences and host country risk on acquisition ownership stakes. The results underscored the importance of considering decision‐makers’ attributes due to their experiences at a young age, beyond their demographic characteristics or professional experience, in the context of international strategic choices. We also discussed some implications of one of the possible consequences of executives’ formative international experience, namely biculturalism, for international business.
Adaptive functional specialisation of architectural design and fibre type characteristics in agonist shoulder flexor muscles of the llama, Lama glama
Authors: Graziotti Guillermo H. , Chamizo Verónica E. , Ríos Clara , Acevedo Luz M. , Rodríguez‐Menéndez J. M. , Victorica C. , Rivero José‐Luis L.
Published: May 2012

Like other camelids, llamas (Lama glama) have the natural ability to pace (moving ipsilateral limbs in near synchronicity). But unlike the Old World camelids (bactrian and dromedary camels), they are well adapted for pacing at slower or moderate speeds in high‐altitude habitats, having been described as good climbers and used as pack animals for centuries. In order to gain insight into skeletal muscle design and to ascertain its relationship with the llama’s characteristic locomotor behaviour, this study examined the correspondence between architecture and fibre types in two agonist muscles involved in shoulder flexion (M. teres major – TM and M. deltoideus, pars scapularis – DS and pars acromialis – DA). Architectural properties were found to be correlated with fibre‐type characteristics both in DS (long fibres, low pinnation angle, fast‐glycolytic fibre phenotype with abundant IIB fibres, small fibre size, reduced number of capillaries per fibre and low oxidative capacity) and in DA (short fibres, high pinnation angle, slow‐oxidative fibre phenotype with numerous type I fibres, very sparse IIB fibres, and larger fibre size, abundant capillaries and high oxidative capacity). This correlation suggests a clear division of labour within the M. deltoideus of the llama, DS being involved in rapid flexion of the shoulder joint during the swing phase of the gait, and DA in joint stabilisation during the stance phase. However, the architectural design of the TM muscle (longer fibres and lower fibre pinnation angle) was not strictly matched with its fibre‐type characteristics (very similar to those of the postural DA muscle). This unusual design suggests a dual function of the TM muscle both in active flexion of the shoulder and in passive support of the limb during the stance phase, pulling the forelimb to the trunk. This functional specialisation seems to be well suited to a quadruped species that needs to increase ipsilateral stability of the limb during the support phase of the pacing gait. Compared with other species, llama skeletal muscles are well suited for greater force generation combined with higher fatigue resistance during exercise. These characteristics are interpreted as being of high adaptive value, given the llama’s habitat and its use as a pack animal.
Genetic evidence of inbreeding avoidance in pronghorn
Authors: Dunn S. J. , Clancey E. , Waits L. P. , Byers J. A.
Published: May 2012

There is ample evidence that inbreeding, or mating between relatives, can lead to increased homozygosity and decreased fitness. However, some animals have evolved mechanisms to avoid inbreeding. In a previous study of theNationalBisonRange,Montana, pronghornAntilocapra americana, we detected moderate levels of inbreeding, as well as inbreeding depression, following a bottleneck. Here, we evaluated whether there was genetic evidence of inbreeding avoidance in pronghorn. We found that females were more related to all males in the population than they were to their mates, suggesting that pronghorn can avoid inbreeding. However, relatedness between females and the males they sampled prior to estrus did not differ from relatedness between females and all males, nor from relatedness between females and their mates. Inbreeding avoidance appears to occur during the female estrus period rather than during the female mate sampling period. Further work is needed to discover the sensory cues that female pronghorn use to avoid mating with relatives.
AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF IBERIAN IRON AGE STONE SCULPTURES AND THEIR SURFACE MARKS
Authors: FORT R. , VAZQUEZ‐CALVO C. , CHAPA T. , MARTÍNEZ‐NAVARRETE M. I. , BELÉN M.
Published: May 2012

The Archaeological Museum of Jaén's sizeable collection of Iron Age sculptures, dating from the fifth century bce, were all found at Cerrillo Blanco de Porcuna, a site in the Spanish province of Jaén. The collection comprises over 40 statues and hundreds of fragments. Incisions recently identified on some of these sculptures have been interpreted as sculptors' marks. The present archaeometric study, conducted with a 3D roughness meter, showed that the marks on several of the sculptures analysed were made with the same type of tool and the same engraving technique. While the graphological differences denote different authorship, they would appear to have been made in the same workshop. The morphological differences observed in the lines analysed on other sculptures are interpreted to indicate the use of other types of tools and engraving techniques.
Petrology and tectonic significance of metabasite slivers in the Lesser and Higher Himalayan domains of Sikkim, India
Authors: FAAK K. , CHAKRABORTY S. , DASGUPTA S.
Published: May 2012

The metamorphic history of the Himalayas has been constrained mostly through studies of the ubiquitous metapelitic rocks. Non‐eclogitic metabasite rock lenses that occur intercalated with the metapelites have received little attention and it is not clear whether they share a common metamorphic history. This study reports the results of a petrological study of the metabasite lenses (dm3–m3) from the Lesser Himalayan (LH) and the Higher Himalayan (HH) domains in Sikkim. These have similar bulk chemical compositions and chemical affinities (sub‐alkaline tholeiitic basalts), with plagioclase and amphibole as the dominant mineralogical constituents. Garnet and clinopyroxene occur in some samples depending on small variations in bulk chemistry; and orthopyroxene is developed as a retrograde phase in some rocks. Minor phases are ilmenite, chlorite, titanite and rutile. The rocks were metamorphosed at similar conditions (∼9–12 kbar, 800 °C). Minor differences in bulk chemical composition lead to different phase assemblages and mineral chemistry in adjacent metabasite lenses, a feature that is used to demonstrate that metamorphic conditions (peak P–T as well as retrograde P–T path) can be reliably retrieved through a combination of pseudosection analysis and kinetically constrained individual thermobarometry. The peak P–T conditions of the metabasites from this region are independent of the present geographic or tectonic (i.e. within the LH or HH) location of the samples and they differ from the conditions at which the regional metapelites (i.e. metapelites not immediately adjacent to the metabasite lenses) were metamorphosed. Metapelites that are immediately adjacent to the metabasite lenses differ in their appearance, phase assemblage and recorded P–T history from those of the regional metapelites, either because they were emplaced as slivers along with the metabasites, or because they were modified when they came in contact with the metabasites. The retrograde P–T paths of the LH and HH metabasites are different: the HH samples underwent steep decompression whereas the LH followed a more gentle exhumation path. The P–T conditions of peak metamorphism (9–12 kbar, 800 °C) are commensurate with a thermal perturbation at the base of a crust of average thickness and may be the signature of a widespread (samples found across different regions in the Himalaya) and long‐lasting (e.g. homogeneous garnet compositions) crustal underplating event that occurred during the early stages (?subduction) of the Himalayan orogeny, or earlier if the metamorphism was pre‐Himalayan.
Challenges and Strategies for Research in Prisons
Authors: Apa Zoltán L. , Bai RuoYu , Mukherejee Dhritiman V. , Herzig Carolyn T. A. , Koenigsmann Carl , Lowy Franklin D. , Larson Elaine L.
Published: May 2012

In this article, we discuss some of the challenges encountered while conducting research in two maximum security prisons and approaches we found helpful to facilitate the research process through the development of collaborative relationships, the establishment of prison contacts, and the implementation of rigorous research methods. As a result of our experiences, we have been successful at maintaining a high rate of inmate participation (>80%) and a well‐functioning multidisciplinary team. The approaches described may be useful to other investigators planning to conduct research in a challenging setting such as prisons.
Pediatric and Neonatal Extracorporeal Life Support Technology Component Utilization: Are US Clinicians Implementing New Technology?
Authors: Reed‐Thurston Deborah , Qiu Feng , Ündar Akif , Haidet Kim Kopenhaver , Shenberger Jeffrey
Published: May 2012

The objective of this investigation is to describe recent changes made in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) technology in the US Postal survey to directors and coordinators of all 125 US ECLS centers identified by Extracorporeal Life Support Organization as of November 2010, with follow‐up of nonrespondents. Spearman coefficients were used to correlate the method of updating knowledge of ECLS technology with the likelihood of changing technology, and to correlate decision‐making hierarchy with the likelihood of changing equipment. The response rate was 75% representing 34 states, and the majority of respondents were ECLS coordinators (56.6%). Respiratory diagnosis is the predominant indication for ECLS at any age. Over 40% of centers are using a hollow‐fiber oxygenator for neonates and 80% of pediatric patients. Roller pumps are used in 70% of neonatal and pediatric ECLS. Forty‐two percent of centers changed the oxygenator type within the past 3 years, while 30% changed both the oxygenator and pump. Less than 10% of centers reported problems with either oxygenator or pump in both neonates and pediatric ECLS. Forty‐six percent of respondents that changed oxygenators cited that the primary reason for changing was “clinical preference/experience,” while the other half was split between “FDA approval” and “Research results.” In 40% of centers, a multidisciplinary group made decisions on changing technology. This survey indicates that over one‐half of ECLS centers implemented new technology within the past 3 years. Knowledge of ECLS technology and safe operation of ECLS circuit components is essential in preventing some of the mechanical complications.
Comparison Between a Novel Bovine Xenoimplant and Autogenous Cancellous Bone Graft in Tibial Tuberosity Advancement
Authors: Kuipers von Lande Richard G. , Worth Andrew J. , Guerrero Tomas G. , Owen Mark C. , Hartman Angela
Published: May 2012

Objective

To compare radiographic healing and clinical outcome of a frontal‐opening wedge osteotomy of canine tibiae when the osteotomy site is packed with either a novel bovine xenograft or standard autogenous cancellous bone graft (ACBG).

Study Design

Cohort study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 82) with partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament that had tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA).

Methods

In 48 dogs, the osteotomy was packed with a novel bovine xenograft and in 34 dogs, ACBG was used. Eight week postoperative radiographs from both groups were graded for osteotomy healing using a 0–4‐point scale. Data were analyzed using a Mann–Whitney test with significance set at P < .05.

Results

Thirty‐four dogs (39 stifles) with xenoimplants had complete records and radiographic follow‐up at 8 weeks. No significant differences between xenografting and autografting were identified in grading of osteotomy fill, osteointegration, or healing of the distal osteotomy. Significant differences were noted in grading of osteotomy healing proximally (autograft > xenoimplant) and of opacity in the osteotomy site (xenoimplant > autograft).

Conclusions

Radiographic evidence of healing of the xenoimplanted portion of the TTA osteotomy was equivalent to results with ACBG. Healing of the proximal osteotomy site (above the cage) was improved when ACBG was used as the graft.
A prospective clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the combination of rituximab and plerixafor as a mobilization regimen for patients with lymphoma
Authors: Kaufman Jonathan L. , Flowers Christopher R. , Rados Karen D. , Calandra Gary B. , Vose Julie M. , Hewes L. Becker , Lonial Sagar , Langston Amelia A. , Khoury H. Jean , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Waller Edmund K.
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND: Previous reports suggested that rituximab may impair stem cell collection and posttransplant engraftment in lymphoma patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective biologic allocation study examined the effect of adding rituximab to a mobilization regimen of plerixafor and granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) for patients with CD20+ lymphoma compared with CD20− lymphoma patients mobilized without rituximab. The primary endpoint was safety of the rituximab‐containing regimen; secondary endpoints compared the efficiency of stem cell collection, posttransplant engraftment, graft characteristics, mobilization kinetics, immune reconstitution, and engraftment durability between the cohorts of patients with CD20+ and CD20− lymphoma.

RESULTS: Fifteen subjects assigned to each treatment arm were accrued. Both mobilization regimens had similar toxicities. The median number of CD34+ cells collected (7.4 × 106/kg vs. 6.4 × 106/kg) and the median numbers of days of apheresis needed to collect stem cells were not different between the CD20+ and CD20− cohorts. No significant differences in neutrophil engraftment (median, 13.5 days vs. 13 days) or platelet engraftment (22 vs. 21 days) or in graft durability were seen comparing patients with CD20+ versus CD20− lymphoma. There were no significant differences in the kinetics of blood T‐cell or natural killer–cell reconstitution comparing the two groups. B‐cell reconstitution was delayed in the CD20+ lymphoma group, but this did not translate into a significant increase in infectious complications.

CONCLUSION: Rituximab can be safely added to the combination of plerixafor and G‐CSF as a mobilization strategy without excess toxicity or posttransplant engraftment delays for patients with chemosensitive lymphoma undergoing autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation.
Risk Factors for Drug‐resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae and Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Outpatient Community‐acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Jenkins Timothy C. , Sakai Joy , Knepper Bryan C. , Swartwood Claire J. , Haukoos Jason S. , Long Jeremy A. , Price Connie S. , Burman William J.
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:703–706 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  Due to antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae, national guidelines recommend a respiratory fluoroquinolone or combination antimicrobial therapy for outpatient treatment of community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) associated with risk factors for drug‐resistant S. pneumoniae (DRSP). The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of these risk factors and antibiotic prescribing practices in cases of outpatient CAP treated in the acute care setting.

Methods:  This was a retrospective cohort study of adult outpatients treated for CAP in the emergency department (ED) or urgent care center of an urban, academic medical center from May 1, 2009, through October 31, 2009, and comparison of antibiotic therapy in cases with and without DRSP risk factors.

Results:  Of 175 patients, 90 (51%) had at least one DRSP risk factor, most commonly asthma (n = 28, 16%), alcohol abuse (n = 24, 14%), diabetes mellitus (n = 18, 10%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 16, 9%), age > 65 years (n = 16, 9%), and use of antibiotics within 3 months (15, 9%). Antibiotic prescriptions were similar among cases with and without DRSP risk factors: a macrolide (62% vs. 59%, respectively, p = 0.65), doxycycline (27% vs. 28%, p = 0.82), or a respiratory fluoroquinolone (9% vs. 9%, p = 0.90). Concordance with national guideline treatment recommendations was significantly lower in cases with DRSP risk factors (9% vs. 87%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  DRSP risk factors were present in approximately half of outpatient CAP cases treated in the acute care setting; however, guideline‐concordant antibiotic therapy was infrequent. Strict adherence to current guidelines would substantially increase use of fluoroquinolones or combination therapy. Whether the potential risks associated with these broad‐spectrum regimens are justified by improved clinical outcomes requires further study.
Emergency Department Patients With Diabetes Have Better Glycemic Control When They Have Identifiable Primary Care Providers
Authors: Horwitz David A. , Schwarz Evan S. , Scott Mitchell G. , Lewis Lawrence M.
Published: May 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:00–00 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  The objective was to determine if emergency department (ED) patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who have primary care providers (PCPs) have better control of their DM than patients with no PCPs.

Methods:  This was a prospective, cross‐sectional, observation study at a large, adult, urban, academic ED with 85,000 annual visits. ED patients with a history of DM were eligible. Patients with severe systemic disease, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), sepsis, active steroid use, pregnancy, or cognitive impairment were excluded. Consenting patients had hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) analysis and completed a questionnaire regarding demographics, lifestyle, medication usage, educational level attained, and health care access, including whether or not they had PCPs. HgbA1c levels were compared between subjects with and without PCPs using medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs). A continuous plot was developed to demonstrate the proportion of patients without PCPs (PCP−) compared to those with PCPs (PCP+) at every level of %HgbA1c across the entire measured range. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine which clinical and demographic factors obtained from the questionnaire were associated with improved glycemic control (increased relative risk [RR] of having a %HgbA1c < 8%).

Results:  A total of 284 patients were screened; 227 were enrolled, had HgbA1c analysis performed, and had complete PCP, race, and sex information. Complete demographic data (insurance status, employment status, etc.) were available on 209 subjects. Sixty‐four of the 227 patients (28.2%) denied having PCPs. Median HgbA1c was 7.7% (IQR = 6.5% to 9.68%) in PCP+ versus 8.9% (IQR = 6.8% to 11.3%) in PCP− patients (p = 0.01). Ninety‐one of 163 (55.8%) PCP+ subjects had a median HgbA1c < 8% versus 25 of 64 (39.1%) in the PCP− group (p = 0.02). After adjusting for multiple clinical and demographic variables, having a PCP remained significantly associated with a median HgbA1c value less than 8% (RR = 1.43; p = 0.04).

Conclusions:  Diabetes control was significantly better in patients with PCPs, even after adjusting for a number of potentially confounding social and demographic factors.
PTH [1‐34] enhances bone response around titanium implants in a rabbit model of osteoporosis
Authors: Almagro M. Isabel , Roman‐Blas Jorge A. , Bellido Miriam , Castañeda Santos , Cortez Raul , Herrero‐Beaumont Gabriel
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Dental implant osseointegration can be impaired in medical conditions with low bone mass, such as glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis. Intermittent human parathyroid hormone (PTH) [1‐34] administration has shown relevant anabolic bone activity in various animal models of osteoporosis. Therefore, we studied the effects of intermittent PTH [1‐34] on bone response around titanium implants in experimental osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy and glucocorticoid administration.

Methods

Titanium dental implants were placed in the proximal tibia metaphysis in 38 animals. Twenty‐eight rabbits had undergone bilateral ovariectomy and further methylprednisolone administration for 4 weeks to induce osteoporosis. Ten healthy rabbits were used as controls. At week 8, osteoporotic rabbits started saline vehicle or intermittent PTH administration for 12 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed in peri‐implant area, lumbar spine, and global and subchondral knee bone at baseline, and weeks 6 and 20. Animal sacrifice was carried out at week 21. Afterward, tibiae were removed for μCT morphometry and undecalcified sections were evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

PTH increased bone‐to‐implant contact compared with control rabbits or vehicle administration in osteoporotic rabbits (P < 0.005). PTH‐induced new bone formation around external and internal surfaces of titanium implants led to a significant increase of BMD at peri‐implant area in osteoporotic rabbits at week 20, when compared with vehicle (P < 0.005). Likewise, PTH increased BMD in other analysed regions.

Conclusions

Intermittent administration of PTH [1‐34] enhances the bone response around titanium implants in a rabbit model of ovariectomy and glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis.
Patch testing with the textile dyes Disperse Orange 1 and Disperse Yellow 3 and some of their potential metabolites, and simultaneous reactions to para‐amino compounds
Authors: Malinauskiene Laura , Zimerson Erik , Bruze Magnus , Ryberg Kristina , Isaksson Marlene
Published: May 2012

Background. It is known that, in vitro, human skin bacteria are able to split disperse azo dyes into the corresponding aromatic amines, some of which are sensitizers in the local lymph node assay. We hypothesize that the molecules of disperse dyes migrate onto the skin while garments are worn, and are metabolized and degraded by commensal skin bacteria. These molecules penetrate the skin and induce sensitization.

Objectives. To evaluate the elicitation capacities of the possible azo‐degradation products of the selected azo disperse dyes in patients allergic to them and to compare it with the elicitation capacities of other para‐compunds.

Methods. Ten patients allergic to Disperse Yellow 3 (DY3) and/or Disperse Orange 1 (DO1) were patch tested with a dilution series of the purified dyes 4‐nitroaniline and p‐aminodiphenylamine in concentrations equimolar to those of purified DO1 in the dilution series, as well as 4‐aminoacetanilide and 2‐amino‐p‐cresol in concentrations equimolar to those of purified DY3 in the dilution series.

Results. Three patterns of patch test reactions could be seen. The 6 patients who were positive to DO1 and DY3 also reacted to p‐aminodiphenylamine and 2‐amino‐p‐cresol. Two patients were positive to DO1 only, and both reacted to p‐aminodiphenylamine, but to neither 4‐aminoacetanilide or 2‐amino‐p‐cresol. Two patients did not react to DO1 or DY3 on this occasion.

Conclusion. We show that it is possible that the major sensitizers in contact allergy to DO1 and DY3 are their metabolites, p‐aminodiphenylamine and 2‐amino‐p‐cresol, respectively, which might be formed by the azoreductase pathway of skin bacteria.
Emerging Themes in Uterine Natural Killer Cell Heterogeneity and Function
Authors: Hatta Kota , MacLeod R. John , Gerber Scott A. , Croy B. Anne
Published: May 2012

Problem

Understanding of uterine natural killer (uNK) cell functions during normal pregnancy remains incomplete.

Method of study

Cloud tag analysis of literature was used to document themes addressed experimentally for uNK cells. Immunohistochemistry, including whole‐mount staining of early implantation sites, separation of uNK cells into molecularly distinct subsets, and physiologic measurements in normal and mutant mice, are further advancing understanding of uNK cell biology.

Results

Literature analyses revealed three key, current uNK cell research themes: angiogenesis, spiral arterial remodeling/pre‐eclampsia/hypertension and infertility. UNK cells are being defined as cells potentially regulated by Wnt signaling that are heterogeneous in progenitor source and function and make unique contributions to implantation site development prior to spiral arterial remodeling.

Conclusion

Future studies are poised to define uNK cell progenitor cells, identify the signaling pathways supporting established uNK cell functions and move current understanding of mouse uNK cells to clinical research questions.
‘Rati Viparite’: Gitagovinda and Erotic (Trans)migrations in Nineteenth Century Bengal I
Authors: Sengupta Rangeet
Published: May 2012

The paper deals with some of the translations and adaptations of Gitagovinda, a 12th century Sanskrit text, in the late 18th and 19th century Bengal. These translations and derivative adaptations were shaped by the colonial experience in Bengal and reveal important strands of colonial discourse and exchange. The English translation of the text by William Jones (in 1789), the famed philologist and the founder of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, served as one of the seminal texts of Orientalist exploration in South Asia. Also discussed in the paper are Rasamaya Dasa’s Bengali translation of Gitagovinda (published in 1817) and the several adaptations of the text published by the Battala printers. The ambivalence about eroticism in the text has been discussed, along with the subsequent histories of the text as a cultural commodity in colonial Bengal.
Virgin America for Barren England: English Colonial History and Literature, 1575–1635
Authors: Probasco Nathan
Published: May 2012

The ‘virgin land’ metaphor that anthropomorphized the Americas as a fecund female was a prominent motif for colonization promoters in Renaissance England. Scholars have pointed to the misogynistic and racist tendencies of male English colonizers like Walter Ralegh when explaining the meaning of these comparisons, but England’s societal problems shed additional light upon the prominence of the allegory in colonial history. England’s growing poor population and reduced harvests created the necessity of acquiring fertile lands outside of the English metropole, so colonization advocates began likening desired territories to virgin women. Focusing on the domestic landscape amidst an examination of this established trope clarifies the meaning of these metaphors and presents avenues of further inquiry.
Covered removable self‐expandable metal stents for the treatment of refractory benign biliary disease
Authors: MANGIAVILLANO Benedetto , LUIGIANO Carmelo , VIAGGI Paolo , FABBRI Carlo , D'IMPERIO Nicola , SANTORO Tara , MASCI Enzo
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of the study was to verify the use of covered removable self‐expandable metal stents (CRSEMS) in benign biliary disease after a failure of traditional endoscopic treatment.

METHODS:  A total of 23 patients who failed traditional endoscopic therapy were enrolled in the study and treated with CRSEMS.

RESULTS:  Among all the patients, 11 had a bile leak and 12 suffered benign biliary stenosis. Technical success and immediate clinical success were achieved in all the patients. The overall long‐term clinical success rate after stent removal was 100%. The CRSEMS were left in place for a median of 47 days (range 30–240 days). Immediate complications occurred in one patient, stent migration in two and overgrowth of inflammatory tissue in the stent in two.

CONCLUSION:  CRSEMS is an excellent treatment option for patients with benign biliary disease.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of articular cartilage of the knee using ultrashort echo time (uTE) sequences with spiral acquisition
Authors: Goto Hajimu , Fujii Masahiko , Iwama Yuki , Aoyama Nobukazu , Ohno Yoshiharu , Sugimura Kazuro
Published: May 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of ultrashort echo time (uTE) sequence for visualisation of calcified deep layers of articular cartilage. MRI with a uTE sequence was performed on five healthy volunteers. Signals from the calcified deep layers of the articular knee cartilage were evaluated on uTE subtraction images and computed tomography images. The calcified deep layers of the articular cartilage changed from having a low to a high signal when imaged with a uTE sequence. The reported uTE sequence was effective in imaging the deep layers of the knee cartilage.
Real Polymer‐Free Sirolimus‐ and Probucol‐Eluting Versus Biodegradable Polymer Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents for Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: DKPLUS‐Wave 1, a Multicenter, Randomized, Prospective Trial
Authors: Chen Shao‐Liang , Ye Fei , Zhang Jun‐Jie , Zou Jian‐Jun , Qian Xue‐Song , Li Feng , Yang Song , Ge Zhen , Shan Shou‐Jie , Li Xiao‐Bo , Xu Tian , Kan Jing , Lin Ling , Han Ya‐Ling
Published: May 2012

Background

Polymer‐free sirolimus‐ and probucol‐eluting stents (Real Dual drug‐eluting stents [DES]) is as effective as first‐generation DES in treating coronary artery stenosis. It is unknown whether sirolimus‐eluting stents containing biodegradable polymer (Excel) would be superior to real Dual DES. This study aimed to investigate the difference in target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 12 months in patients with coronary artery disease treated by the implantation of Dual DES or Excel stents.

Methods

Three hundred and forty‐six patients with de novo coronary artery disease were recruited from six centers in China and randomly assigned to either the Dual DES or the Excel group. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of TVR at 12 months. The secondary endpoint was angiographic in‐stent restenosis and late lumen loss at 13 months. Stent thrombosis (ST) served as the safety endpoint. Dual anti‐platelet therapy (DAPT) was prescribed for 6 months.

Results

Clinical follow‐up for 12 months and repeat angiography at 13 months were available in 100% and >90% of patients, respectively. The ISR and in‐stent late loss were significantly different between the Excel (3.1%, 0.09 ± 0.11 mm) and the Dual DES (19.5%, 0.36 ± 0.32 mm, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) groups. The TVR (3.5%) in the Excel group was significantly less than in the Dual DES group (13.9%, P = 0.001). The ST rate beyond 12 months in the Dual DES group was 0%, and this was 1.2% in the Excel group (P = 0.499).

Conclusions

The Excel stent was statistically superior to the Dual DES in terms of restenosis, late loss, and TVR for long lesions.
Validation of micro‐CT against the section method regarding the assessment of marginal leakage of sealants
Authors: Chen X , Cuijpers VMJI , Fan MW , Frencken JE
Published: May 2012

Background:  The aim of this study was to validate the micro‐CT and related software against the section method using the stereomicroscope for marginal leakage assessment along the sealant‐enamel interface.

Methods:  Pits and fissures of the occlusal surface of 10 teeth were sealed with a resin‐fissure sealant material without acid etching, thermocycled for 5000 cycles, immersed in 50% silver nitrate for three hours and scanned using micro‐CT. Teeth were embedded in epoxy resin and cut in three sections. The middle section was subjected to micro‐CT and stereomicroscopy. Images were taken from the left and right sides of the sealant‐enamel interface at both the left and the right site of the section. Two experienced evaluators assessed marginal leakage.

Results:  Both assessment instruments observed no leakage in 37 out of the 40 images evaluated. Leakage at the sealant‐enamel interface was observed in three stereomicroscopy images only. A fracture line in the sealant was seen on eight stereomicroscopy images and observed in only two micro‐CT images.

Conclusions:  The quality of the micro‐CT and related software used in the present study does not qualify it to replace the section method as the gold standard for marginal leakage assessment at the sealant‐enamel interface of permanent teeth.
Laparoscopic cauterisation of the testicular arteries to manage haemoperitoneum in a gelding
Authors: Holmes J. M. , Nath L. C. , Muurlink M. A.
Published: May 2012

A Thoroughbred gelding had chronic episodic intra‐abdominal haemorrhage following standing castration, presumed to originate from a testicular artery. No coagulopathy could be detected and resolution of haemorrhage was achieved by laparoscopic electrocoagulation of both testicular arteries 6 weeks after castration. Blood drained from the abdomen during surgery was filtered then auto‐transfused. Post operative complications included pigmenturia, incisional pain and large colon impaction.
Community pharmacists' perceptions of the skin conditions they encounter and how they view their role in dermatological care
Authors: Tucker Rod
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To explore pharmacists' perceptions of the skin conditions they encounter, sources of postgraduate dermatological training and views of their role in the management of patients with skin problems.

Method

A self-completion questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 3500 community pharmacists in England and Wales.

Key findings

Seventy-eight per cent of pharmacists felt that patients sought their advice on problems about dry skin on a weekly basis. A total of 64.8% had undertaken postgraduate training in dermatology and the majority agreed that they played an important role in managing patients with skin problems.

Conclusion

Pharmacists routinely encounter a small number of skin conditions and believe they can contribute towards the care of patients with skin diseases.