bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value‐Based Analysis of Septoplasty and Turbinate Specimens
Authors: Chu Jaemi , Daniero James J. , Pribitkin Edmund A.
Published: February 2015

Objective

1) Determine the frequency and clinical relevance of unanticipated histopathologic results in routine sinonasal surgery. 2) Evaluate the necessity for histopathologic processing of septal cartilage, bone, and inferior turbinate specimens during routine sinonasal surgery.

Method

A retrospective review of histopathologic reports on all adult patients undergoing sinonasal surgery at a tertiary care hospital during a 5‐year period from 2005 to 2010 was performed. All cases with the preoperative diagnosis of sinonasal neoplasia, autoimmune disease, or directed septal biopsies were excluded from review.

Results

A total of 1198 pathology reports were reviewed from 1175 individual patients. This included histopathologic evaluation of 1194 septal cartilage and bone specimens and 715 inferior turbinate specimens. None of the patients had an unanticipated histopathology finding other than squamous metaplasia and inflammation.

Conclusion

Many surgeons obtain histopathologic diagnoses on all tissue removed from a patient. Based on our extensive review, histopathology of the septum and inferior turbinates in routine sinonasal cases may not be necessary. In the current era of cost‐containment in medicine, using a value‐based approach to processing routine tissue by waiving histopathologic evaluation could provide significant cost savings.
Head and Neck Cancer Stem Cells: The Effect of HPV
Authors: Tang Alice L. , Owen John H. , Hauff Samantha , Park Jung J. , Bradford Carol R. , Carey Thomas E. , Prince Mark E.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To determine the relative sensitivity to cisplatin of cancer stem cells (CSC) and if behavior and proportion of CSC in cell lines is affected by HPV. We determined the effect of HPV oncogenes on the tumorigenicity of naturally infected, HPV‐negative, and viral oncogene transduced human HNSCC cells in mice.

Method

Using naturally infected HPV+ and HPV– cell lines, we isolated CSC by flow cytometry with ALDH. Chemoresistence was determined using colony formation assays. Two HPV– cell lines underwent lentiviral transduction of E6/E7. Native and E6/E7 transduced cells were compared for lung colonization after tail vein injection in NOD/SCID mice.

Results

HPV+ CSCs were more resistant to cisplatin than non‐CSCs. There were no differences in chemoresistance between HPV+ and HPV– cells. HPV– cells yielded low colony formation after cell sorting across all groups. However, after transduction with E6/E7, increased colony formation was observed in both CSC and non‐CSC for these same cells. Results from tail vein injections yielded no differences in development of lung lesions between E6/E7 transduced cells vs non‐E6/E7 cells.

Conclusion

CSC are more resistant to cisplatin than non‐CSC. Chemotherapy may shrink tumor bulk by eliminating non‐CSC, but CSC have inherent mechanisms that allow evasion. HPV does not affect CSC in the face of therapy, suggesting that other factors, possibly immune regulated, explain the observed better outcomes in HPV+ cancer patients.
Imaging Cutaneous Head and Neck Cancer with Panitumumab‐IRDye
Authors: Deep Nicholas L. , Heath Cara H. , Sweeny Larissa , Zinn Kurt R. , Rosenthal Eben L.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To determine if intraoperative, real‐time fluorescence imaging hardware (SPY System, Novadaq, Toronto, Canada) and lab‐based fluorescence optical imaging of histological sections (Odyssey scanner, LiCor) are capable of detecting micrometastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in preclinical models.

Method

An NIR fluorescent probe (IRDye800) was covalently linked to a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR (panitumumab) or non‐specific IgG and injected into mice bearing flank xenografts derived from a cutaneous SCC cell line (SCC‐13). The primary tumor and regional lymph nodes were imaged and dissected using fluorescence guidance with the SPY system and verified with a charge‐coupled NIR system (Pearl). An NIR charged‐coupled device (Odyssey) was used to measure fluorescence intensity of cut sections of tumor and were confirmed with immunohistochemical staining (cytokeratin, CD147).

Results

Tumors were clearly delineated from normal tissue with tumor‐to‐background ratios of 4.5 (Pearl) and 3.4 (SPY). Disease detection was significantly improved with panitumumab‐IRDye compared to IgG‐IRDye800 (P <. 05). Tissue biopsies positive for fluorescence were confirmed for pathologic disease by histology and immunohistochemistry (n = 10/10); while biopsies of non‐fluorescent tissue were proven to be negative for malignancy (n = 12/12). The SPY system was able to detect regional lymph node metastasis (<1.0 mm) and microscopic areas of disease as small as 200 micrometers in diameter. Additionally, the Odyssey successfully detected residual microscopic disease in both frozen and paraffin‐embedded histologic specimens.

Conclusion

These data suggest that panitumumab‐IRDye800 may have clinical utility in detection and removal of cutaneous SCC using existing optical imaging hardware. This technique may prove useful in the detection of microscopic disease grossly and in histological sections.
Neck Dissection for T1 Oral Tongue SCCA: The UCLA Experience
Authors: Chu Alan C. , Peng Kevin A. , Kim Brandon , Lai Chi , Elashoff David , Abemayor Elliot , St. John Maie
Published: February 2015

Objective

The study was carried out in order to 1) evaluate features that could identify patients having increased risks of regional recurrences, and 2) examine the prognostic and therapeutic implications of elective neck dissection among patients who presented with early‐stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma with clinically negative neck (T1cN0).

Method

A retrospective chart review of oral tongue cancer at a single tertiary institution identified 123 patients with T1cN0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma who underwent surgical tumor extirpation with/without adjuvant radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy from 1990 through 2009. This database was used to identify characteristics that are associated with occult lymph node metastases and measurement of patient outcomes.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients underwent elective neck dissection, of which 20 patient specimens (22%) were found to harbor occult metastatic disease. However, no significant differences were noted in the frequency of regional recurrence according to gender, age, tumor size, the presence of perineural invasion, or occult metastatic disease (P =. 70,. 29,. 54,. 30, and. 47, respectively). In addition, patients who underwent elective neck dissection experienced lower rate of regional recurrence, although this did not achieve a statistically significant level (P =. 52).

Conclusion

Clinical observation of the clinically negative neck is justifiable for early stage T1 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Elective cervical lymphadenectomy offers no benefit in preventing regional recurrence when compared to clinical observation. Furthermore, neither patient factors nor intrinsic tumor features demonstrated any prognostic significance in the setting of early stage T1 oral tongue carcinoma.
Perineural Invasion in the pN0 Neck in OCSCC
Authors: Chinn Steven B. , Spector Matthew E. , Belliel Emily L. , Prince Mark E. , Eisbruch Avraham , Chepeha Douglas B.
Published: February 2015

Objective

Perineural invasion (PNI) has been defined as an intermediate risk factor in OCSCC; however, its effect in the pathologically N0 (pN0) neck remains unclear. The objective of this study is to understand 1) the effect of PNI in pN0 OCSCC patients on outcomes, and 2) the role of adjuvant radiation (XRT).

Method

Retrospective analysis of 90 OCSCC patients treated surgically with pN0 necks after neck dissection at a tertiary care center from 1999‐2008. Overall 22% (20/90) were PNI‐positive and 40% (36/90) underwent adjuvant XRT. Of those with PNI, 70% (14/20) underwent adjuvant XRT. Primary outcomes were OS, DSS, DFI, and LRC.

Results

There were no differences between the PNI‐positive and PNI‐negative groups for age, gender, smoking or alcohol status, T‐class, margin control, or median follow‐up. PNI‐positive patients had significantly worse DSS, DFI, and LRC than PNI‐negative patients (P =. 049, P =. 046, and P =. 026, respectively), but there was no difference in OS between the 2 groups (P =. 15). Multivariate analysis verified PNI to be associated with worse DFI and LRC (P =. 02 and P =. 006, respectively). Amongst PNI‐positive patients, those who received adjuvant XRT demonstrated significantly improved DFI and LRC (mean 6.5 years vs 1.7 years; P =. 012 and mean 6.7 years vs 1.9 years; P =. 047, respectively). There was no improvement in OS or DSS in those receiving adjuvant XRT.

Conclusion

Perineural invasion portends a worse DSS, DFI, and LRC in this cohort of patients with pN0 OCSCC. Adjuvant radiation significantly lengthens the DFI and improves LRC. Thus, it should be strongly considered for patients with PNI‐positive pN0 OCSCC.
Revision Thyroid Surgery: Are There More Complications?
Authors: Phelan Eimear , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To analyze the revision thyroid database of a single thyroid, parathyroid, head and neck surgery institution. To assess whether reoperative thyroid bed surgery is associated with higher postoperative complications.

Method

A retrospective single institutional review over a 5‐year period (2004‐2009) was performed by the department of thyroid, parathyroid, head and neck surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, Boston, MA. IRB approval was obtained. All patients who had revision neck or thyroid bed surgery were included.

Results

A total of 117 cases were included in the study with an average age of 46.2 years. The average follow‐up time was 2.5 years. The majority of the patients had papillary thyroid cancer (89.8%). The average number of revision surgeries was 1.5 (range 1‐7). The average time between primary surgery and the last revision surgery was 7.3 years (0.1‐44.1 years). Approximately 14% of patients had preoperative vocal cord palsy and 18% had preoperative permanent hypocalcemia. No patient developed a new temporary or permanent vocal cord palsy. Five patients developed a temporary and 3 a permanent hypocalcemia.

Conclusion

These data indicate that a percentage of patients with papillary thyroid cancer who develop recurrent disease will require further revision thyroid surgery. This has generally been accepted to be a more difficult surgery. These data demonstrate that revision thyroid surgery can be a relatively safe procedure with low complications rates.
Signaling Networks in Methylated HPV Genomes
Authors: Worsham Maria J. , Chen Kang Mei , Ghanem Tamer A. , Divine George
Published: February 2015

Objective

HPV‐positive (+) and HPV‐negative (–) HNSCC are biologically distinct with a prognostic advantage for HPV+ patients compared to HPV– cases. The goal of this study was to identify differentially methylated genes in HPV+ vs HPV– primary HNSCC genomes with clues to signaling networks that impact key biological functions.

Method

DNA from 4 HPV(+) and 4 HPV(–) freshly frozen primary HNSCC were subject to comprehensive genome‐wide methylation profiling using the HumanMethylation27 Bead Array, which measures methylation as a β value ranging from 0 to 1. Genomatix Pathway System software was applied to build a network from differentially methylated genes.

Results

Two‐fold methylation differences were observed between HPV+ and HPV– cases for 1168 genes. Pathway analysis applied to investigate the biological role of the 1168 differentially methylated genes revealed 8 signals transduction pathways forming a network of 66 genes, of which 62% are hypermethylated (41 of the 66). Of the 8 signal transduction pathways, the Beta catenin degradation, E‐cadherin, ErbB receptor, and Integrin signaling networks have immediate association with HNSCC. The other 4 pathways are c‐kit, ion channels, ppara elements, and RXR and RAR heterodimerization signaling events.

Conclusion

Signaling events in the cell play a critical role in the execution of key biological functions. Our results demonstrate that in signal transduction pathways, HPV genomes harbor a larger proportion of hypermethylated genes than HPV‐negative tumors with potential for these genes as differential targets in HPV related HNSCC.
Skin and Mucosal Malignancy with Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Darr Owen A. F. , Abuzeid Waleed M. , Light Emily , Englesbe Michael J. , Moyer Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2015

Objective

1) Measure the prevalence of cutaneous malignancies as well as mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using a large database of solid organ transplant recipients. 2) Assess the risk of malignancies among each organ type and age at transplant.

Method

Using the University of Michigan transplant database, electronic records from 3496 patients transplanted from 1996‐2006 were queried using EMERSE (Electronic Medical Record Search Engine), with search terms screening for target malignancies. Once cases were identified, differences in prevalence based on independent variables were examined using a generalized linear model.

Results

Of patients queried, 13% (n = 440) developed a cutaneous malignancy (66% involving the head and neck) and 0.6% (n = 19) developed mucosal HNSCC. Of the cutaneous malignancies, 7.3% were a squamous cell carcinoma, and 7.1% were a basal cell carcinoma. Lung transplants were associated with a higher risk of cutaneous malignancy (P =. 0006) with the predominant histology favoring the development of SCC (P =. 05). Age was associated with skin cancer of the head and neck (P =. 0001), with increased risk among patients transplanted in the third, fourth, or fifth decade. In this cohort, mucosal HNSCC was not associated with one transplant site over another.

Conclusion

Transplant recipients carry an elevated risk of acquiring cutaneous and mucosal malignancies, with most lesions affecting the head and neck. The risk of SCC is similar to BCC. Patients transplanted before the age of 50 have an increased risk of malignancy of the head and neck, and those receiving lung transplants have the highest incidence of skin cancer.
A national survey exploring views and experience of health professionals about transferring patients from critical care home to die
Authors: Darlington Anne-Sophie E. , Long-Sutehall Tracy , Richardson Alison , Coombs Maureen A.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Transferring critically ill patients home to die is poorly explored in the literature to date. This practice is rare, and there is a need to understand health care professionals’ (HCP) experience and views.

Objectives:

To examine (1) HCPs’ experience of transferring patients home to die from critical care, (2) HCPs’ views about transfer and (3) characteristics of patients, HCPs would hypothetically consider transferring home to die.

Design:

A national study developing a web-based survey, which was sent to the lead doctors and nurses in critical care units.

Setting/participants:

Lead doctors and senior nurses (756 individuals) working in 409 critical care units across the United Kingdom were invited to participate in the survey.

Results:

In total, 180 (23.8%) completed surveys were received. A total of 65 (36.1%) respondents had been actively involved in transferring patients home to die and 28 (15.5%) had been involved in discussions that did not lead to transfer. Respondents were supportive of the idea of transfer home to die (88.8%). Patients identified by respondents as unsuitable for transfer included unstable patients (61.8%), intubated and ventilated patients (68.5%) and patients receiving inotropes (65.7%). There were statistically significant differences in views between those with and without experience and between doctors and nurses. Nurses and those with experience tended to have more positive views.

Conclusion:

While transferring patients home to die is supported in critical care, its frequency in practice remains low. Patient stability and level of intervention are important factors in decision-making in this area. Views held about this practice are influenced by previous experience and the professional role held.
Image quality evaluation of iterative model reconstruction on low tube voltage (80 kVp) coronary CT angiography in an animal study
Authors: Hu Mao-Qing , Li Meng , Liu Zai-Yi , Huang Mei-Ping , Liu Hui , Liang Chang-Hong
Published: February 2015

Background

Iterative model reconstruction (IMR) is a newer generation iterative reconstruction method, but its value on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography requires investigation.

Purpose

To evaluate coronary image quality using IMR at a low-tube voltage of 80 kVp on coronary CT angiography in miniature pigs.

Material and Methods

Five healthy miniature pigs underwent prospective electrocardiogram-gated coronary 256-slice CT angiography at 120 kVp and 80 kVp tube voltages, respectively. Filtered back projection (FBP) was used to reconstruct the 120 kVp standard-dose (SD) image sets (SD-FBP group), while iDose4 and IMR were used to reconstruct the 80 kVp low-dose (LD) image sets (LD-iDose4 and LD-IMR groups). Objective and subjective image qualities were compared among three groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in mean CT values of the ascending aorta, left main coronary artery, and right coronary artery between the LD-IMR and LD-iDose4 groups ( P > 0.05), but the values were significantly lower in the SD-FBP group than in those two groups ( P < 0.05). The image noise in the LD-IMR group (21.5 ± 3.9 HU) was significantly lower than in the LD-iDose4 (63.7 ± 9.8 HU) and SD-FBP (50.6 ± 4.6 HU) groups ( P < 0.05). The signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher in the LD-IMR group than in the LD-iDose4 and SD-FBP groups, respectively ( P < 0.05). Subjective scoring of image noise, streak artifacts, and overall image quality indicated that the LD-IMR group was consistently superior to the LD-iDose4 and SD-FBP groups ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

IMR can significantly improve image quality at a low-tube voltage (80 kVp) with a 66% radiation dose reduction on coronary 256-slice CT angiography in miniature pigs.
A Genealogy of Serial Monogamy
Authors: Andersson Catrine
Published: February 2015

This article traces a genealogy of serial monogamy in Swedish policy documents (SOU) during the twentieth century. Analyses of renegotiations of marital morality, introduction of more liberal divorce laws, and the introduction of regulations of unmarried cohabitation show that societal norms as well as legal reforms have normalized serial monogamy as state regulation and social practice. The role of marriage as a societal stabilizer has increasingly been taken over by the idea of family, but interestingly durability and stability are concepts invoked during the process of decline of the ideal of lifelong marriage.
Daptomycin-Induced Eosinophilic Pneumonia Treated With Intravenous Corticosteroids
Authors: Chiu Shao-Yu , Faust Andrew C. , Dand Hemant M.
Published: February 2015

Objective:

To describe 2 cases of drug-induced eosinophilic pneumonia in patients with variable exposure to daptomycin.

Report:

In our first case, a 77-year-old male was transferred to our facility for hypoxic respiratory failure, which occurred 1 day after completing a course of daptomycin. There was high clinical suspicion for daptomycin-induced eosinophilic pneumonia, thus the patient was started on intravenous methylprednisolone 40 mg every 6 hours. Within 72 hours, he was liberated from mechanical ventilation, as he experienced dramatic clinical improvement in regard to his oxygenation and radiographs. Approximately 6 weeks after case 1, a second case of eosinophilic pneumonia related to daptomycin was diagnosed. This case occurred in a 74-year-old female who developed respiratory failure requiring noninvasive positive pressure ventilation 72 hours after initiation of a second course of daptomycin. She was treated with methylprednisolone 60 mg every 6 hours and avoided the need for endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion:

Since this potentially life-threatening adverse effect of daptomycin appears more common than previously reported, clinicians should have a high level of suspicion in any patient with recent daptomycin exposure who presents with pulmonary symptoms. In many cases, this process is highly responsive to prompt initiation of corticosteroid therapy.
Social Structure, Infectious Diseases, Disasters, Secularism, and Cultural Change in America
Authors: Grossmann Igor , Varnum Michael E. W.
Published: February 2015

Why do cultures change? The present work examined cultural change in eight cultural-level markers, or correlates, of individualism in the United States, all of which increased over the course of the 20th century: frequency of individualist themes in books, preference for uniqueness in baby naming, frequency of single-child relative to multichild families, frequency of single-generation relative to multigeneration households, percentage of adults and percentage of older adults living alone, small family size, and divorce rates (relative to marriage rates). We tested five key hypotheses regarding cultural change in individualism-collectivism. As predicted by previous theories, changes in socioeconomic structure, pathogen prevalence, and secularism accompanied changes in individualism averaged across all measures. The relationship with changes in individualism was less robust for urbanization. Contrary to previous theories, changes in individualism were positively (as opposed to negatively) related to the frequency of disasters. Time-lagged analyses suggested that only socioeconomic structure had a robust effect on individualism; changes in socioeconomic structure preceded changes in individualism. Implications for anthropology, psychology, and sociology are discussed.
Optimal and maximin sample sizes for multicentre cost-effectiveness trials
Authors: Manju Md. Abu , Candel Math JJM , Berger Martijn PF
Published: February 2015

This paper deals with the optimal sample sizes for a multicentre trial in which the cost-effectiveness of two treatments in terms of net monetary benefit is studied. A bivariate random-effects model, with the treatment-by-centre interaction effect being random and the main effect of centres fixed or random, is assumed to describe both costs and effects. The optimal sample sizes concern the number of centres and the number of individuals per centre in each of the treatment conditions. These numbers maximize the efficiency or power for given research costs or minimize the research costs at a desired level of efficiency or power. Information on model parameters and sampling costs are required to calculate these optimal sample sizes. In case of limited information on relevant model parameters, sample size formulas are derived for so-called maximin sample sizes which guarantee a power level at the lowest study costs. Four different maximin sample sizes are derived based on the signs of the lower bounds of two model parameters, with one case being worst compared to others. We numerically evaluate the efficiency of the worst case instead of using others. Finally, an expression is derived for calculating optimal and maximin sample sizes that yield sufficient power to test the cost-effectiveness of two treatments.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the H.A.N.D.S.SM Program
Authors: Breneman Charity B. , Heidari Khosrow , Butler Sarah , Porter Ryan R. , Wang Xuewen
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of the Helping Administer to the Needs of the Student with Diabetes in Schools (H.A.N.D.S.sm) continuing education program in improving the level of experience and competence in performing services associated with diabetes care. This program is a live course for school nurses providing clinical information about diabetes management and their professional role in the care of students with diabetes. Pre- and post-surveys were administered via e-mail to assess their level of experience and competence in diabetes care. A total of 105 nurses completed both surveys and were included in the analysis. The changes between pre- and post-survey questions were assessed. The H.A.N.D.S. participants’ levels of experience and competence for each of the four categories of diabetes care improved significantly, and a greater number of nurses reported being able to perform the services independently and having the ability to teach others.
Measuring Positive Emotion With the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire
Authors: Kendall Ashley D. , Zinbarg Richard E. , Bobova Lyuba , Mineka Susan , Revelle William , Prenoveau Jason M. , Craske Michelle G.
Published: February 2015

Low positive emotion distinguishes depression from most types of anxiety. Formative work in this area employed the Anhedonic Depression scale from the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ-AD), and the MASQ-AD has since become a popular measure of positive emotion, often used independently of the full MASQ. However, two key assumptions about the MASQ-AD—that it should be represented by a total scale score, and that it measures time-variant experiences—have not been adequately tested. The present study factor analyzed MASQ-AD data collected annually over 3 years ( n = 618, mean age = 17 years at baseline), and then decomposed its stable and unstable components. The results suggested the data were best represented by a hierarchical structure, and that less than one quarter of the variance in the general factor fluctuated over time. The implications for interpreting past findings from the MASQ-AD, and for conducting future research with the scale, are discussed.
In Vivo Anticoagulant and Thrombolytic Activities of a Fibrinolytic Serine Protease (Brevithrombolase) With the k-Carrageenan-Induced Rat Tail Thrombosis Model
Authors: Majumdar Sourav , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh , Mukherjee Ashis K.
Published: February 2015

In the present study, in vivo thrombolysis efficiency of Brevithrombolase, a nontoxic fibrinolytic enzyme purified from Brevibacillus brevis strain FF02B, was affirmed by significant inhibition of thrombus formation in the k-carrageenan-induced rat tail, in a dose-dependent manner. Brevithrombolase at a dose of 600 µg/kg showed an efficacy that was comparable to streptokinase and plasmin, in dissolving in vivo thrombus of k-carrageenan-treated rats under identical conditions. The in vivo anticoagulant property of Brevithrombolase was demonstrated by its prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time in Wistar rats. However, the Brevithrombolase-treated rats demonstrated an insignificant decrease in fibrinogen (Fg) level of plasma compared with Fg level of control group of rats corroborating in vivo as well as in vitro anticoagulant activity of Brevithrombolase is due to its hydrolytic action on thrombin. These findings unequivocally suggest that Brevithrombolase may serve a promising alternative to the commercial thrombolytic drugs.
Infinite horizon optimal repetitive control of fractional-order linear systems
Authors: Lan Yong-Hong , Liu Xiao
Published: February 2015

This paper presents a linear quadratic regulator-based repetitive control algorithm for fractional-order linear systems. First, a new repetitive control configuration for fractional-order linear system is proposed that contains a dynamic compensator and a state-feedback controller. Next, using fractional variational principle, the analytical solution for optimal repetitive controller is presented and the parameters of both the feedback controller and dynamic compensator are designed simultaneously. For the case of infinite time horizon, and under assumption of being in the middle of the control process the algorithm has the same form as for integer order case. Furthermore, new tuning parameters are introduced to modify the algorithm when the system is not exactly at the middle of the control process. Finally, a numerical example demonstrates the validity of the proposed approach.
Treatments for Adolescents With Comorbid ADHD and Substance Use Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zaso Michelle J. , Park Aesoon , Antshel Kevin M.
Published: February 2015

Objective: Comorbid ADHD and substance use disorder (SUD) presents frequently in adolescence, a developmental period that may promote the emergence of substance misuse among individuals with ADHD. Comorbid ADHD and SUD in adolescence results in significant and unique treatment challenges, necessitating examination into effective interventions. Method: This systematic review examined existing research into the treatment of comorbid adolescent ADHD and SUD. Results: Findings from a small number of pharmacological intervention studies suggest potential efficacy of extended-release stimulant and nonstimulant medications. Efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions has not been systematically examined. Conclusion: Current research on treatments for comorbid ADHD and SUD in adolescence is limited. Future placebo-controlled clinical trials using large samples are needed to examine the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions, the heightened risk of prescription stimulant misuse, and the long-term maintenance of treatment gains in this population. Clinical guidelines for the treatment of comorbid ADHD and SUD are discussed.
Negative pressure wound therapy augmented full-thickness free skin grafting in the cat: outcome in 10 grafts transferred to six cats
Authors: Nolff Mirja C , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: February 2015

Objectives

The aim of this clinical evaluation was to describe the technique and outcomes of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) augmented skin grafting in cats.

Methods

Cats with soft tissue and skin defects (n = 6) underwent open wound management. Wounds were initially covered using a NPWT system that was changed to polyurethane foam dressing once infection was controlled and granulation started. Final closure was achieved after establishment of a healthy, fully granulated wound bed by grafting of free full-thickness skin from the lateral abdominal wall. The freshly grafted skin was then treated with an NPWT dressing at a pressure of –125 mmHg for 3 days, with dressing changes performed daily. Percentage graft take, complications, wound bioburden and cosmetic outcome were recorded.

Results

The mean duration of open wound management was 21.4 days (range 3.0–45.0 days), with a mean duration of NPWT of 8.0 days (range 3.0–14.0 days). Five cats received a single graft, while one cat had five grafts transferred to the right hindlimb. In 7/10 grafts, graft take was 100%, in two grafts take was 95% and in one graft take was 80% (mean take rate 97%). Therapy was well tolerated in all patients. The grafted site displayed normal hair regrowth in four cats, sparse hair regrowth in one and no hair growth at all in one patient. Skin sensation was normal in all grafted patients.

Conclusions and relevance

Skin graft augmentation using NPWT in cats is a feasible option that allows graft fixation, even in anatomically demanding areas. Graft take rate reported here is slightly higher than documented in previous reports.
Program Evaluation of a Sanitation Marketing Campaign Among the Bai in China
Authors: Dickey Mary Kathryn , John Robert , Carabin Helene , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: February 2015

This social marketing campaign among the Bai ethnic minority group in Eryuan County, Yunnan, China, documents a community-based intervention to increase household toilet building and use in an effort to reduce cysticercosis. The formative research for the development of the social marketing campaign included the use of door-to-door surveys, a rural participatory assessment tool called the “ten-seed technique,” a baseline human neurocysticercosis study, and focus group discussions. Based on the formative research, a toilet-building campaign was implemented in two intervention villages. The results of this social marketing intervention are contrasted with the results of a traditional “outside-expert” approach conducted by a government agency in the two comparison villages. Although marginally fewer toilets were built in the intervention villages, a post-campaign consumer satisfaction survey revealed that satisfaction with and use of the toilets built using the social marketing approach were much greater. This study is the first to report the use of the social marketing of toilets in China and the first to report the use of the social marketing of household toilets as an intervention to reduce cysticercosis.
Preschool PTSD Treatment (PPT) for a Young Child Exposed to Trauma in the Middle East
Authors: Puff Jayme , Renk Kimberly
Published: February 2015

This case study follows a 5-year-old biracial boy who presented with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), separation anxiety, and oppositionality. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been used widely with children to treat a number of anxiety disorders, including PTSD, with success. In the current study, Preschool PTSD Treatment (PPT) was used to treat the symptoms of PTSD in this young boy. After PPT treatment was implemented, he demonstrated significant decreases in his post-traumatic stress symptoms and in his symptoms of separation anxiety and oppositional behavior. In addition, he demonstrated an understanding of and the ability to apply coping and problem-solving skills. Finally, this young boy showed qualitative improvements in academic performance, social interactions, and general emotional and behavioral functioning. This case study added to the growing literature highlighting the utility of using CBT to successfully treat symptoms of PTSD in young children.
A Fast Method for Measuring Psychophysical Thresholds Across the Cochlear Implant Array
Authors: Bierer Julie A. , Bierer Steven M. , Kreft Heather A. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: February 2015

A rapid threshold measurement procedure, based on Bekesy tracking, is proposed and evaluated for use with cochlear implants (CIs). Fifteen postlingually deafened adult CI users participated. Absolute thresholds for 200-ms trains of biphasic pulses were measured using the new tracking procedure and were compared with thresholds obtained with a traditional forced-choice adaptive procedure under both monopolar and quadrupolar stimulation. Virtual spectral sweeps across the electrode array were implemented in the tracking procedure via current steering, which divides the current between two adjacent electrodes and varies the proportion of current directed to each electrode. Overall, no systematic differences were found between threshold estimates with the new channel sweep procedure and estimates using the adaptive forced-choice procedure. Test–retest reliability for the thresholds from the sweep procedure was somewhat poorer than for thresholds from the forced-choice procedure. However, the new method was about 4 times faster for the same number of repetitions. Overall the reliability and speed of the new tracking procedure provides it with the potential to estimate thresholds in a clinical setting. Rapid methods for estimating thresholds could be of particular clinical importance in combination with focused stimulation techniques that result in larger threshold variations between electrodes.
The cellular origin and malignant transformation of Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Paiva Bruno , Corchete Luis A. , Vidriales Maria-Belen , García-Sanz Ramón , Perez Jose J. , Aires-Mejia Irene , Sanchez Maria-Luz , Barcena Paloma , Alignani Diego , Jimenez Cristina , Sarasquete Maria-Eugenia , Mateos María-Victoria , Ocio Enrique M. , Puig Noemi , Escalante Fernando , Hernández José , Cuello Rebeca , García de Coca Alfonso , Sierra Magdalena , Montes Maria-Carmen , González-López Tomás J. , Galende Josefina , Bárez Abelardo , Alonso José , Pardal Emilia , Orfao Alberto , Gutierrez Norma C. , San Miguel Jesús F.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Benign (ie, IgM MGUS and smoldering WM) clonal B cells already harbor the phenotypic and molecular signatures of the malignant WM clone. Multistep transformation from benign (ie, IgM MGUS and smoldering WM) to malignant WM may require specific copy number abnormalities.
Tristetraprolin (TTP) coordinately regulates primary and secondary cellular responses to proinflammatory stimuli
Authors: Qiu Lian-Qun , Lai Wi S , Bradbury Alyce , Zeldin Darryl C , Blackshear Perry J
Published: February 2015

TTP is an anti-inflammatory protein that acts by binding to AREs in its target mRNAs, such as Tnf mRNA, and promoting their deadenylation and decay. TNF released from inflammatory cells can then stimulate gene expression in tissue cells, such as fibroblasts. To determine whether TTP could affect the decay of TNF-induced transcripts in fibroblasts, we exposed primary embryonic fibroblasts and stable fibroblast cell lines, derived from WT and TTP KO mice, to TNF. The decay rates of transcripts encoded by several early-response genes, including Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Ier3, Ptgs2, and Lif, were significantly slowed in TTP-deficient fibroblasts after TNF stimulation. These changes were associated with TTP-dependent increases in CXCL1, CXCL2, and IER3 protein levels. The TTP-susceptible transcripts contained multiple, conserved, closely spaced, potential TTP binding sites in their 3′-UTRs. WT TTP, but not a nonbinding TTP zinc finger mutant, bound to RNA probes that were based on the mRNA sequences of Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Ptgs2, and Lif. TTP-promoted decay of transcripts encoding chemokines and other proinflammatory mediators is thus a critical post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in the response of secondary cells, such as fibroblasts, to TNF released from primary immune cells.
Excess mortality in severe mental illness: 10-year
population-based cohort study in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Abebaw , Medhin Girmay , Kebede Derege , Alem Atalay , Cleare Anthony J. , Prince Martin , Hanlon Charlotte , Shibre Teshome
Published: February 2015

Background

Evidence on mortality in severe mental illness (SMI) comes primarily from
clinical samples in high-income countries.

Aims

To describe mortality in people with SMI among a population cohort from a
low-income country.

Method

We followed-up 919 adults (from 68 378 screened) with SMI over 10 years.
Standardised mortality ratios (SMR) and years of life lost (YLL) as a
result of premature mortality were calculated.

Results

In total 121 patients (13.2%) died. The overall SMR was twice that of the
general population; higher for men and people with schizophrenia.
Patients died about three decades prematurely, mainly from infectious
causes (49.6%). Suicide, accidents and homicide were also common causes
of death.

Conclusions

Mortality is an important adverse outcome of SMI irrespective of setting.
Addressing common natural and unnatural causes of mortality are urgent
priorities. Premature death and mortality related to self-harm should be
considered in the estimation of the global burden of disease for SMI.
Optimal duration of an early intervention programme for first-episode psychosis: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chang Wing Chung , Chan Gloria Hoi Kei , Jim Olivia Tsz Ting , Lau Emily Sin Kei , Hui Christy Lai Ming , Chan Sherry Kit Wa , Lee Edwin Ho Ming , Chen Eric Yu Hai
Published: February 2015

Background

Numerous early intervention services targeting young people with psychosis have been established, based on the premise that reducing treatment delay and providing intensive treatment in the initial phase of psychosis can improve long-term outcome.

Aims

To establish the effect of extending a specialised early intervention treatment for first-episode psychosis by 1 year.

Method

A randomised, single-blind controlled trial (NCT01202357) compared a 1-year extension of specialised early intervention with step-down care in patients who had all received a 2-year intensive early intervention programme for first-episode psychosis.

Results

Patients receiving an additional year of specialised intervention had better outcomes in functioning, negative and depressive symptoms and treatment default rate than those managed by step-down psychiatric care.

Conclusions

Extending the period of specialised early intervention is clinically desirable but may not be feasible in lower-income countries.
The WNT-controlled transcriptional regulator LBH is required for mammary stem cell expansion and maintenance of the basal lineage
Authors: Lindley Linsey E. , Curtis Kevin M. , Sanchez-Mejias Avencia , Rieger Megan E. , Robbins David J. , Briegel Karoline J.
Published: February 2015

The identification of multipotent mammary stem cells (MaSCs) has provided an explanation for the unique regenerative capacity of the mammary gland throughout adult life. However, it remains unclear what genes maintain MaSCs and control their specification into the two epithelial lineages: luminal and basal. LBH is a novel transcription co-factor in the WNT pathway with hitherto unknown physiological function. LBH is expressed during mammary gland development and aberrantly overexpressed in aggressive ‘basal’ subtype breast cancers. Here, we have explored the in vivo role of LBH in mammopoiesis. We show that in postnatal mammary epithelia, LBH is predominantly expressed in the Lin−CD29highCD24+ basal MaSC population. Upon conditional inactivation of LBH, mice exhibit pronounced delays in mammary tissue expansion during puberty and pregnancy, accompanied by increased luminal differentiation at the expense of basal lineage specification. These defects could be traced to a severe reduction in the frequency and self-renewal/differentiation potential of basal MaSCs. Mechanistically, LBH induces expression of key epithelial stem cell transcription factor ΔNp63 to promote a basal MaSC state and repress luminal differentiation genes, mainly that encoding estrogen receptor α (Esr1/ERα). Collectively, these studies identify LBH as an essential regulator of basal MaSC expansion/maintenance, raising important implications for its potential role in breast cancer pathogenesis.
Bumblebees measure optic flow for position and speed control flexibly within the frontal visual field
Authors: Linander Nellie , Dacke Marie , Baird Emily
Published: February 2015

When flying through narrow spaces, insects control their position by balancing the magnitude of apparent image motion (optic flow) experienced in each eye and their speed by holding this value about a desired set point. Previously, it has been shown that when bumblebees encounter sudden changes in the proximity to nearby surfaces – as indicated by a change in the magnitude of optic flow on each side of the visual field – they adjust their flight speed well before the change, suggesting that they measure optic flow for speed control at low visual angles in the frontal visual field. Here, we investigated the effect that sudden changes in the magnitude of translational optic flow have on both position and speed control in bumblebees if these changes are asymmetrical; that is, if they occur only on one side of the visual field. Our results reveal that the visual region over which bumblebees respond to optic flow cues for flight control is not dictated by a set viewing angle. Instead, bumblebees appear to use the maximum magnitude of translational optic flow experienced in the frontal visual field. This strategy ensures that bumblebees use the translational optic flow generated by the nearest obstacles – that is, those with which they have the highest risk of colliding – to control flight.
Intraspecific scaling of the minimum metabolic cost of transport in leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus): links with limb kinematics, morphometrics and posture
Authors: Rose Kayleigh A. , Nudds Robert L. , Codd Jonathan R.
Published: February 2015

The minimum metabolic cost of transport (CoTmin; J kg−1 m−1) scales negatively with increasing body mass (∝Mb−1/3) across species from a wide range of taxa associated with marked differences in body plan. At the intraspecific level, or between closely related species, however, CoTmin does not always scale with Mb. Similarity in physiology, dynamics of movement, skeletal geometry and posture between closely related individuals is thought to be responsible for this phenomenon, despite the fact that energetic, kinematic and morphometric data are rarely collected together. We examined the relationship between these integrated components of locomotion in leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) selectively bred for large and bantam (miniature) varieties. Interspecific allometry predicts a CoTmin ∼16% greater in bantams compared with the larger variety. However, despite 38% and 23% differences in Mb and leg length, respectively, the two varieties shared an identical walking CoTmin, independent of speed and equal to the allometric prediction derived from interspecific data for the larger variety. Furthermore, the two varieties moved with dynamic similarity and shared geometrically similar appendicular and axial skeletons. Hip height, however, did not scale geometrically and the smaller variety had more erect limbs, contrary to interspecific scaling trends. The lower than predicted CoTmin in bantams for their Mb was associated with both the more erect posture and a lower cost per stride (J kg−1 stride−1). Therefore, our findings are consistent with the notion that a more erect limb is associated with a lower CoTmin and with the previous assumption that similarity in skeletal shape, inherently linked to walking dynamics, is associated with similarity in CoTmin.
Effects of signal features and background noise on distance cue discrimination by a songbird
Authors: Pohl Nina U. , Klump Georg M. , Langemann Ulrike
Published: February 2015

During the transmission of acoustic signals, the spectral and temporal properties of the original signal are degraded, and with increasing distance more and more echo patterns are imposed. It is well known that these physical alterations provide useful cues to assess the distance of a sound source. Previous studies in birds have shown that birds employ the degree of degradation of a signal to estimate the distance of another singing male (referred to as ranging). Little is known about how acoustic masking by background noise interferes with ranging, and if the number of song elements and stimulus familiarity affect the ability to discriminate between degraded and undegraded signals. In this study we trained great tits (Parus major L.) to discriminate between signal variants in two background types, a silent condition and a condition consisting of a natural dawn chorus. We manipulated great tit song types to simulate patterns of reverberation and degradation equivalent to transmission distances of between 5 and 160 m. The birds' responses were significantly affected by the differences between the signal variants and by background type. In contrast, stimulus familiarity or their element number had no significant effect on signal discrimination. Although background type was a significant main effect with respect to the response latencies, the great tits' overall performance in the noisy dawn chorus was similar to the performance in silence.