bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between DRESS and the diminished numbers of peripheral B lymphocytes and natural killer cells
Authors: Yazicioglu Mehtap , Elmas Reyhan , Turgut Burhan , Genchallac Tugba
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Yazicioglu M, Elmas R, Turgut B, Genchallac T. The association between DRESS and the diminished numbers of peripheral B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 289–296.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a drug‐induced, severe multiorgan system reaction whose exact pathogenesis remains unknown. This study aimed at evaluating specific changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes associated with DRESS during antibiotic treatment. We analyzed six patients with DRESS. A complete blood count and peripheral blood lymphocytes immunophenotyping were carried out at symptom onset and at follow‐up visits. Acute‐phase reactants and liver enzymes were measured in all patients. Other tests – viral serology, serum immunoglobulin levels, and skin tests were performed when possible. B‐cell counts were low in all patients at the onset of DRESS, and natural killer (NK) cells were low in all cases except one. During recovery, B‐cell numbers were within a normal range in five patients. In one, there was even a 10‐fold increase in B‐cell counts, although the level was mildly low after 3 months. NK‐cell numbers were within a normal range in three patients. The mean numbers of B cells and NK cells were significantly higher in the second samples compared to the values on admission. Serum IgA and IgM levels were low in one patient. The drug provocation test was positive with cefotaxime in one patient. Viral serology, performed on five patients, was negative. A decrease in B‐cell and NK‐cell counts was the most consistent finding associated with the onset of antibiotic‐induced DRESS in our patients. This immunologic alteration might be a useful predictor of DRESS development.
Effect of clarithromycin on acute asthma exacerbations in children: an open randomized study
Authors: Koutsoubari Ioanna , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Konstantinou George N. , Makrinioti Heidi , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Kafetzis Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Koutsoubari I, Papaevangelou V, Konstantinou GN, Makrinioti H, Xepapadaki P, Kafetzis D, Papadopoulos NG. Effect of clarithromycin οn acute asthma exacerbations in children: an open pilot randomized study. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 385–390.

Background:  Asthma exacerbations are major contributors to asthma morbidity and rather difficult to treat. There is inconclusive evidence that macrolide antibiotics may have an effect on asthma exacerbations through their antibacterial and/or anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of clarithromycin on medium‐term asthma activity when given as an add‐on therapy in children with acute asthma.

Methods:  This pilot, open‐labeled, randomized, prospective study included 40 school‐aged children, with intermittent or mild persistent asthma, presenting with an acute exacerbation. Children were randomized to receive 15 mg/kg of clarithromycin for 3 wk, in addition to their regular (GINA‐guided) exacerbation treatment. The microbial trigger of exacerbations was assessed by serology and PCR. Children were followed up with diary cards for 12 wk; lung function was assessed at entry, 3, and 12 wk after the exacerbation.

Results:  Children in the clarithromycin group had significantly more symptom‐free days (78 ± 2 vs. 69 ± 6 days, p < 0.00001) and less total number of periods with loss of control (9 vs. 19, respectively, p = 0.013) during the follow‐up period, compared to controls. Moreover, treated children presented reduced duration of the index episode (5.0 ± 1 vs. 7.5 ± 1 days, p < 0.00001). Lung function did not differ between groups.

Conclusions:  When added to regular treatment, a 3‐wk course of clarithromycin was associated with an increase in the number of symptom‐free days, reductions in the number and severity of days with loss of control following index episode, and a decrease in the duration of the initial asthma exacerbation.
Clinical features and outcome of X‐linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 (SAP deficiency) in Japan identified by the combination of flow cytometric assay and genetic analysis
Authors: Kanegane Hirokazu , Yang Xi , Zhao Meina , Yamato Kazumi , Inoue Masami , Hamamoto Kazuko , Kobayashi Chie , Hosono Ako , Ito Yoshikiyo , Nakazawa Yozo , Terui Kiminori , Kogawa Kazuhiro , Ishii Eiichi , Sumazaki Ryo , Miyawaki Toshio
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Kanegane H, Yang Xi, Zhao M, Yamato K, Inoue M, Hamamoto K, Kobayashi C, Hosono A, Ito Y, Nakazawa Y, Terui K, Kogawa K, Ishii E, Sumazaki R, Miyawaki T. Clinical features and outcome of X‐linked lymphoproliferative syndrome type 1 (SAP deficiency) in Japan identified by the combination of flow cytometric assay and genetic analysis. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2012: 23: 488–493.

Objective:  X‐linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) type 1 is a rare immunodeficiency, which is caused by mutations in SH2D1A gene. The prognosis of XLP is very poor, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative therapy. We characterized the clinical features and outcome of Japanese patients with XLP‐1.

Methods:  We used a combination of flow cytometric analysis and genetic analysis to identify XLP‐1 and reviewed the patient characteristics and survival with HSCT.

Results:  We identified 33 patients from 21 families with XLP‐1 in Japan. Twenty‐one of the patients (65%) who did not undergo a transplant died of the disease and complications. Twelve patients underwent HSCT, and 11 of these (92%) survived.

Conclusion:  We described the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Japanese patients with XLP‐1, and HSCT was the only curative therapy for XLP‐1. The rapid and accurate diagnosis of XLP with the combination of flow cytometric assay and genetic analysis is important.
Allergy in children: practical recommendations of the Finnish Allergy Programme 2008–2018 for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Pelkonen Anna S. , Kuitunen Mikael , Dunder Teija , Reijonen Tiina , Valovirta Erkka , Mäkelä Mika J.
Published: March 2012

To cite this article: Pelkonen AS, Kuitunen M, Dunder T, Reijonen T, Valovirta E, Mäkelä MJ. Allergy in children: practical recommendations of the Finnish Allergy Programme 2008–2018 for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 103–116.

The Finnish Allergy Programme 2008–2018 is a comprehensive plan intended to reduce the burden of allergies. One basic goal is to increase immunologic tolerance and change attitudes to encourage health instead of medicalizing common and mild allergy symptoms. The main goals can be listed as to: (i) prevent the development of allergic symptoms; (ii) increase tolerance to allergens; (iii) improve diagnostics; (iv) reduce work‐related allergies; (v) allocate resources to manage and prevent exacerbations of severe allergies, and (vi) reduce costs caused by allergic diseases. So far, the Allergy Programme has organized 135 educational meetings for healthcare professionals around Finland. These meetings are multidisciplinary meetings gathering together all healthcare professionals working with allergic diseases. Since the start of the program in spring 2008, more than 7000 participants have taken part. Educational material for patient care has been provided on special Web sites/therapeutic portals, which can be accessed by all physicians caring for allergic patients. Local Allergy Working Groups have been created in different parts of Finland. As a part of the Programme, a set of guidelines for child welfare clinics was prepared. Child welfare clinics have a key role in the screening of illnesses and providing advice to families with a symptomatic child. The guidelines aimed to facilitate pattern recognition and clinical decision making for public health nurses and doctors are described in this paper.
A field test for host fruit odour discrimination and avoidance behaviour for Rhagoletis pomonella flies in the western United States
Authors: SIM S. B. , MATTSSON M. , FEDER JASMINE L. , CHA D. H. , YEE W. L. , GOUGHNOUR R. B. , LINN JR C. E. , FEDER JEFFREY L.
Published: March 2012

Prezygotic isolation due to habitat choice is important to many models of speciation‐with‐gene‐flow. Habitat choice is usually thought to occur through positive preferences of organisms for particular environments. However, avoidance of non‐natal environments may also play a role in choice and have repercussions for post‐zygotic isolation that preference does not. The recent host shift of Rhagoletis pomonella (Diptera: Tephritidae) from downy hawthorn, Crataegus mollis, to introduced apple, Malus domestica, in the eastern United States is a model for speciation‐with‐gene‐flow. However, the fly is also present in the western United States where it was likely introduced via infested apples ≤ 60 years ago. R. pomonella now attacks two additional hawthorns in the west, the native C. douglasii (black hawthorn) and the introduced C. monogyna (English ornamental hawthorn). Flight tunnel tests have shown that western apple‐, C. douglasii‐ and C. monogyna‐origin flies all positively orient to fruit volatile blends of their respective natal hosts in flight tunnel assays. Here, we show that these laboratory differences translate to nature through field‐trapping studies of flies in the state of Washington. Moreover, western R. pomonella display both positive orientation to their respective natal fruit volatiles and avoidance behaviour (negative orientation) to non‐natal volatiles. Our results are consistent with the existence of behaviourally differentiated host races of R. pomonella in the west. In addition, the rapid evolution of avoidance behaviour appears to be a general phenomenon for R. pomonella during host shifts, as the eastern apple and downy hawthorn host races also are antagonized by non‐natal fruit volatiles.
T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia presenting as a pituitary mass lesion: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wiens Andrea L. , Hagen Matthew C. , Bonnin José M. , Rizzo Kathryn A.
Published: March 2012

We present a rare case of primary T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma of the pituitary gland. A 58‐year‐old woman presented with headaches, right‐sided ptosis and cranial nerve III palsy. She subsequently developed polyuria, polydipsia, and hyperglycemia and was found to have hypopituitarism. MRI revealed a large, heterogeneously enhancing intrasellar/suprasellar lesion displacing the optic chiasm and extending into the right cavernous sinus. Radiologically, these findings were thought to represent an invasive pituitary adenoma. Pterional craniotomy was performed with subtotal tumor resection. Histopathological examination revealed a T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (T‐LBL) admixed with pituitary corticotrophic cell hyperplasia. CT scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis showed no evidence of systemic disease. Analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow, including flow cytometry, demonstrated no involvement by T‐LBL. Follow‐up MRI of the spine revealed abnormalities in the distal thoracic spinal cord and conus medullaris, raising suspicions of leptomeningeal dissemination. Only five case reports of T‐cell primary pituitary lymphoma (PPL) have been previously described, four of which were associated with hypopituitarism and/or concurrent pituitary adenoma. We present the first report of a T‐cell PPL associated with adenohypophyseal hyperplasia and the third documented occurrence of a primary pituitary T‐LBL.
Assessment of quality of life in pregnant Japanese women: Comparison of hospitalized, outpatient, and non‐pregnant women
Authors: Nakamura Yasuka , Takeishi Yoko , Atogami Fumi , Yoshizawa Toyoko
Published: March 2012

This cross‐sectional study explored the comfort and quality of life in hospitalized, preterm, pregnant women compared with pregnant outpatients, and identified the relationship between comfort, quality of life, and hospitalization. Two‐hundred‐and‐twenty‐one hospitalized pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from obstetric units, and 1015 outpatient pregnant women were recruited from obstetric outpatient units in Japan. The women were questioned on six domains of the Japanese Short‐Form‐36 version 2 (bodily pain, general health, vitality, role emotional, social functioning, and mental health) and on their subjective comfort. A total of 189 hospitalized pregnant women and 503 low‐risk pregnant women were analyzed. Subjective comfort and all six domains of health‐related quality of life showed significantly lower scores for hospitalized women than outpatient women (P < 0.05–0.001). The mean differences in social functioning and role–emotional domains between the two groups were particularly marked. The result of this study suggests that these patients require positive psychological support to improve their comfort and quality of life.
Risk factors related to hazardous alcohol consumption among Korean men with hypertension
Authors: Kim Oksoo , Kim Bo Hye , Jeon Hae Ok
Published: March 2012

The present study examines the alcohol consumption behaviors and risk factors related to hazardous alcohol consumption in men with hypertension in South Korea. The participants were 490 Korean hypertensive men > 20 years of age. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used to detect hazardous alcohol consumption. The majority of the participants were current drinkers, and 37.4% were hazardous drinkers. However, very few participants had received consultation about alcohol consumption. Of the participants, 37.7% were current smokers, and almost half of them smoked more than one pack of cigarettes daily. The hazardous drinkers smoked much more than the normal drinkers, and their stress levels were higher than that of normal drinkers. Participants aged 40–49 and 50–59 years (odds ratio = 7.91, 95% confidence interval = 1.50–41.70; odds ratio = 7.57, 95% confidence interval = 1.31–43.70), those without stroke (odds ratio = 4.86, 95% confidence interval = 1.33–17.77), and current smokers (odds ratio = 4.24, 95% confidence interval = 2.00–8.98) were more likely to be involved in hazardous alcohol consumption. Successful blood pressure management will necessitate the education of such hypertensive men with consideration of their risk factors.
Dietary pattern and mortality in Japanese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Does a vegetable‐ and fish‐rich diet improve mortality? An explanatory study
Authors: Iimuro Satoshi , Yoshimura Yukio , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Sakurai Takashi , Araki Atsushi , Ohashi Yasuo , Iijima Katsuya , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial Study Group
Published: March 2012

Aim:  To assess the effect of dietary patterns on all deaths and diabetes‐related deaths in the Japanese Elderly Diabetes Intervention Trial (J‐EDIT).

Methods:  We investigated relationships between that of overall mortality and dietary pattern, and diabetes‐related deaths and dietary pattern as observed among 912 registered cases of the J‐EDIT study, which is a prospective follow‐up study of elderly Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

Results:  Factor analysis with the factor number 3 led to deriving three dietary patterns (healthy type, snack type and greasy type). The relationship between these patterns and overall mortality or diabetes‐related death was investigated. Although not statistically significant, there was a lower tendency of overall mortality and diabetes‐related deaths for the healthy type dietary pattern. When the tendencies of overall mortality were analyzed for “young‐old,” who are younger than 75 years‐of age, and “old‐old” of over 75 years‐of‐age, the mortality rate for the greasy type and healthy type dietary patterns were nearly the same and higher than the snack type dietary pattern in young‐old. In contrast, in old‐old, a higher mortality rate was reported for the greasy type dietary pattern and a lower mortality rate was reported for the healthy type dietary pattern. The hazard ratio by Cox regression analysis for greasy type to healthy type in old‐old was 3.03 (P = 0.04, CI 1.07–8.57). Furthermore, in old‐old, as vegetable consumption increased, the lower the tendency foroverall mortality, and the more fish that was consumed, the overall mortality significantly decreased (P = 0.020) in the tertile.

Conclusions:  The greasy type dietary pattern with an increased amount of sugar, fat and meat led to poor life prognosis for elderly Japanese type 2 diabetic patients. The healthy type dietary pattern rich in vegetable and fish, which is similar to the Mediterranean diet and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension diet, was suggested to improve life prognosis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12 (Suppl. 1): 59–67.
Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic maculopathy, and its relationship to diabetic retinopathy in elderly Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yamamoto Teiko , Iimuro Satoshi , Ohashi Yasuo , Sone Hirohito , Yamashita Hidetoshi , Ito Hideki ,   the Japanese Elderly Intervention Trial Research Group
Published: March 2012

Aims:  To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy in Japanese patients older than 65 years‐of‐age with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, to determine the relationship between the severity of retinopathy and maculopathy, and the risk factors for these conditions in Japanese patients with the same characteristics.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study carried out at the enrolment of patients who participated in a randomized controlled trial. A total of 960 eyes of 960 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who were ≥65 years‐of‐age were analyzed.

Results:  Our data showed that there was a correlation between the severity of retinopathy and the severity of maculopathy. The risk factors for the severity of retinopathy were different from the risk factors for the severity of maculopathy. The age, duration of diabetes, systemic pulse pressure, fasting insulin, insulin treatment of diabetes, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, microalbumin‐to‐creatinine ratio and history of cerebrovascular disease all contributed significantly to the severity of retinopathy. The duration of diabetes, insulin treatment and microalbumin‐to‐creatinine ratio were correlated with the severity of maculopathy.

Conclusions:  The risk factors related to diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥65 years were different from that in other countries. Our data also showed that the certain risk factors for retinopathy differ from those associated with maculopathy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12 (Suppl. 1): 134–140.
‘Candidatus Arthromitus’ revised: segmented filamentous bacteria in arthropod guts are members of Lachnospiraceae
Authors: Thompson Claire L. , Vier Rahel , Mikaelyan Aram , Wienemann Tobias , Brune Andreas
Published: March 2012

The name Arthromitus has been applied collectively to conspicuous filamentous bacteria found in the hindguts of termites and other arthropods. First observed by Joseph Leidy in 1849, the identity of these filaments has remained contentious. While Margulis and colleagues declared them to be a life stage of Bacillus cereus, others have assumed them to belong to the same lineage as the segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) from vertebrate guts, a group that has garnered much attention due to their unique ability to specifically modulate their host's immune response. Both SFB and Arthromitus filaments from arthropod guts were grouped under provisional name ‘Candidatus Arthromitus’ by Snel and colleagues as they share a striking similarity in terms of their morphology and close contact to the host gut wall. While SFB form a distinct lineage within the family Clostridiaceae, the identity of the filaments from arthropod guts remains elusive. Using whole‐genome amplification of single filaments capillary picked from termite guts and fluorescence in situ hybridization of 16S rRNA with group‐specific oligonucleotide probes, we show that they represent a monophyletic lineage within the family Lachnospiraceae distinct from that of SFB. Therefore, ‘Candidatus Arthromitus’ can no longer be used for both groups. Given the historic precedence, we propose to reserve this name for the filaments that were originally described by Leidy. For the SFB from vertebrate guts, we propose the provisional name ‘Candidatus Savagella’ in honour of the American gut microbiologist Dwayne C. Savage, who was the first to describe that important bacterial group.
Post‐discharge tobacco cessation rates among hospitalized US veterans with and without diabetes
Authors: Duffy S. A. , Munger A. , Karvonen‐Gutierrez C. A. , Piette J. D. , Kao T. A. ,   the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 11 Tobacco Tactics Team
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, e96–e101 (2012)

Aims  Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular complications among patients with diabetes. Hospitalization has been shown to enhance cessation rates. The purpose of this study was to compare 6‐month post‐hospitalization tobacco cessation rates among US veterans with and without diabetes.

Methods  This was a longitudinal study among inpatient veterans who used tobacco in the past month (n = 496). Patients were recruited and surveyed from three Midwestern Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals during an acute‐care hospitalization. They were also asked to complete a follow‐up survey 6 months post‐discharge. Bivariate‐ and multivariable‐adjusted analyses were conducted to determine differences in tobacco cessation rates between patients with and without a diagnosis of diabetes.

Results  The mean age of patients was 55.2 years and 62% were white. Twenty‐nine per cent had co‐morbid diabetes. A total of 18.8% of patients with diabetes reported tobacco cessation at 6 months compared with 10.9% of those without diabetes (P = 0.02). Cotinine‐verified cessation rates were 12.5 vs. 7.4% in the groups with and without diabetes, respectively (P = 0.07). Controlling for psychiatric co‐morbidities, depressive symptoms, age, self‐rated health and nicotine dependence, the multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression showed that patients with diabetes had three times higher odds of 6‐month cotinine‐verified tobacco cessation as compared with those without diabetes (odds ratio 3.17, P = 0.005).

Conclusions  Post‐hospitalization rates of smoking cessation are high among those with diabetes. Intensive tobacco cessation programmes may increase these cessation rates further.
Self monitoring of glucose in Type 2 diabetes: guidelines fail to reflect evidence
Authors: Lehman R.
Published: March 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1225 (2012)
Increased striatal dopamine transporter density in moderately severe old restless legs syndrome patients
Authors: Kim K. W. , Jhoo J. H. , Lee S. B. , Lee S. D. , Kim T. H. , Kim S. E. , Kim Y. K. , Yoon I.‐Y.
Published: March 2012

Background and purpose:  Dopamine dysregulation in restless legs syndrome (RLS) may be varied by the severity of RLS, which could contribute to the conflicting results from previous functional neuroimaging studies on the central dopaminergic neurotransmission of RLS. The aim of this study was to observe whether reduced striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission is associated with moderate to moderately severe RLS.

Methods:  Thirteen elderly patients with RLS and 12 normal elderly controls were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were dopaminergic‐drug naïve and twelve patients with RLS had the severity of moderate to moderately severe degree based on the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) Severity Scale. We compared dopamine transporter density (DAT) availability and D2 receptor density in the striatum between patients with RLS and controls using [123I]2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)tropane single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and [123I]iodobenzamide SPECT.

Results:  Dopamine transporter density of patients with RLS was increased in the caudate (P = 0.037), posterior putamen (P = 0.041), and entire striatum (P = 0.046) compared with that of normal controls. DAT density was higher in the anterior putamen of patients with RLS than controls, although statistically not significant (P = 0.079). There was no difference in the D2 receptor density between patients with RLS and normal controls in the whole striatum or any of subregions.

Conclusions:  Dysregulation rather than simple upregulation or downregulation of central dopaminergic neurotransmission may underlie the pathogenesis of RLS, and decreased dopaminergic neurotransmission may cause moderate to moderately severe RLS in the elderly.
Land use drivers of species re‐expansion: inferring colonization dynamics in Eurasian otters
Authors: Marcelli Manlio , Poledník Lukáš , Poledníková Kateřina , Fusillo Romina
Published: March 2012

Aim  Land use intensity has been recognized as one of the major determinants of native species declines. The re‐expansion of species previously constrained by habitat degradation has been rarely investigated. Here, we use site occupancy models incorporating imperfect detection to identify the land use drivers of the re‐expansion of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra).

Location  Czech Republic.

Methods  We applied multi‐season occupancy models to otter presence–non‐detection data collected in three national surveys (1992, 2000, 2006) at 552 sites (11.2 × 12 km grid cells). Model parameters included site occupancy, colonization and extinction probabilities, and detection probability at a sub‐site level. We modelled changes in occupancy over time as a function of agricultural, urban and industrial land use and change in the extent of agricultural land use.

Results  Under the best fitting model, occupancy was estimated to be 34.6% in 1992, 51.3% in 2000 and 83.7% in 2006. Detection probability was neither perfect nor constant. Occupancy probability in 1992 was negatively related to land use gradients. Colonization was more likely to occur where a reduction in agricultural land was larger. Variation in extinction and colonization rates along land use gradients resulted in increased occupancy in industrial and especially urban landscapes. Conversely, occupancy remained almost unchanged along agricultural gradients.

Main conclusions  Dynamics of otter expansion were strongly associated with the two main patterns of the rapid environmental transition that has taken place in the Czech Republic since the early 1990s. Results show that a reduction in intensive agricultural land use led to an increase in otter distribution, providing evidence of the impact of agricultural land use on stream ecosystems. Moreover, otters recolonized urban and industrial landscapes, probably as a result of extensive reduction in water pollution from point sources. Our results suggest that active conservation of otter populations should focus on restoration of freshwater habitat at large scales, especially in agricultural landscapes.
Researching the riots
Authors: Phillips Richard , Frost Diane , Singleton Alex
Published: March 2012

This commentary sets out an agenda for researching the riots that swept through English cities in 2011, and for exploring the broader issues raised by these events. Drawing inspiration from groundbreaking social and cultural geographies of the 1981 riots, and also from mappings and quantitative studies of the more recent disturbances, this paper sets out a framework for researching the riots, and underlines the importance of doing so. It concludes that while riots are traumatic experiences for many, they can also be opportunities, which effective research can help to realise, recasting these events as catalysts for change.
Actions, Factions, and Interactions: Newsworthy Influences onSupremeCourt Coverage*
Authors: Johnson Tyler , Socker Erica
Published: March 2012

Objectives

We test whetherSupremeCourt media coverage (in terms of both overall volume and specific frames) is driven byCourt actions, by factional battles on theCourt, by theCourt's interaction with other governmental actors, or by all three.

Methods

We link elements of theSpaethSupremeCourtDatabase and real‐worldSupremeCourt and political events toAssociatedPress media coverage of the judicial branch over a nearly three‐decade span. Content analysis of the media coverage is performed and empirical relationships between decisions, events, and coverage are analyzed using error correction modeling.

Results

We find that overall coverage of theCourt is driven by the ideological nature of decisions rendered and by judicial retirements. Legal coverage of theCourt is driven by issues of constitutionality. Political coverage of theCourt is driven by majority size and judicial retirements.

Conclusions

The findings speak to the newsworthiness ofCourt action, factional battles on theCourt, and moments where theCourt interacts with outsiders. Elements of all three shapes the types of stories journalists tell and the ways in which said stories are told.
Multicenter Experience with Transvenous Lead Extraction of Active Fixation Coronary Sinus Leads
Authors: MAYTIN MELANIE , CARRILLO ROGER G. , BALTODANO PABLO , SCHAERF RAYMOND H. M. , BONGIORNI MARIA G. , DI CORI ANDREA , CURNIS ANTONIO , COOPER JOSHUA M. , KENNERGREN CHARLES , EPSTEIN LAURENCE M.
Published: March 2012

Background/Objective:

Active fixation coronary sinus (CS) leads limit dislodgement and represent an attractive option to the implanter. Although extraction of passive fixation CS leads is a common and frequently uncomplicated procedure, data regarding extraction of chronically implanted active fixation CS leads are limited.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing active fixation CS lead extraction at six centers. Patient and procedural characteristics, indications for extraction, use of extraction sheath (ES) assistance, and outcomes are reported.

Results:

Between January 2009 and February 2011, 12 patients underwent transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of Medtronic StarFix® lead (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). The cohort was 83% male with mean age 71 ± 14 years. Average implant duration was 14.2 ± 5.7 months (2.3–23.6). All leads but one were removed for infectious indications (67% systemic infection). At the time of explant, the fixation lobes were completely retracted in only one of the 12 cases and ES assistance was required for lead removal in all cases (58% laser, 25% cutting, 25% mechanical, and 25% femoral). The majority of cases required advancement of the sheath into the CS (75.0%) and often into a branch vessel (41.7%). One lead could not be removed transvenously and required surgical lead extraction. There were no major complications. Examination of the leads after extraction frequently revealed significant tissue growth into the fixation lobes.

Conclusions:

Although TLE of active fixation CS leads can be a safe procedure in select patients and experienced hands, powered sheaths and aggressive techniques are frequently required for successful removal despite relatively short implant durations. This raises significant concern regarding future TLE of active fixation CS leads with longer implant durations. (PACE 2012; 35:641–647)
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Double Cannulation Approach to Coronary Venous Lead Placement via a Prominent Thebesian Valve
Authors: CAO MICHAEL , CHANG PHILIP , GARON BONNIE , SHINBANE JEROLD S.
Published: March 2012

We report identification of a prominent Thebesian valve by cardiovascular computed tomography (CT) angiography impeding cannulation of the coronary sinus, with subsequent successful coronary venous lead placement with cannulation of the coronary sinus ostium via a transvenous femoral vein approach and subsequent cannulation of the ostium with the coronary venous lead with a left subclavian approach. A 57‐year‐old man with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, New York Heart Association Class III heart failure, left bundle branch block, and an ejection fraction of 15%, underwent an attempted cardiac resynchronization therapy implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). As the coronary sinus ostium could not be cannulated, a dual chamber ICD was placed. The patient subsequently underwent cardiovascular CT angiography, which identified a prominent Thebesian valve at the coronary sinus ostium as the anatomic obstacle to cannulation. Reattempted transvenous cardiac resynchronization therapy was accomplished successfully with a double cannulation approach: cannulation of the coronary sinus ostium with a catheter via a transvenous femoral vein approach and subsequent cannulation with the coronary venous lead via a left subclavian approach. When a prominent Thebesian valve is identified as an obstacle to transvenous left ventricular lead placement, cannulation of the coronary sinus by an alternate venous approach may allow for a coronary venous route rather than necessitate an epicardial approach.
Calpain‐2 expression is associated with response to platinum based chemotherapy, progression‐free and overall survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Storr Sarah J. , Safuan Sabreena , Woolston Caroline M. , Abdel‐Fatah Tarek , Deen Suha , Chan Stephen Y. , Martin Stewart G.
Published: March 2012

Ovarian cancer is routinely treated with surgery and platinum‐based chemotherapy. Resistance is a major obstacle in the efficacy of this chemotherapy regimen and the ability to identify those patients at risk of developing resistance is of considerable clinical importance. The expression of calpain‐1, calpain‐2 and calpastatin were determined using standard immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray of 154 primary ovarian carcinomas from patients subsequently treated with platinum‐based adjuvant chemotherapy. High levels of calpain‐2 expression was significantly associated with platinum resistant tumours (P = 0.031). Furthermore, high expression of calpain‐2 was significantly associated with progression‐free (P = 0.049) and overall survival (P = 0.006) in this cohort. The association between calpain‐2 expression and overall survival remained significant in multivariate analysis accounting for tumour grade, stage, optimal debulking and platinum sensitivity (hazard ratio = 2.174; 95% confidence interval = 1.144–4.130; P = 0.018). The results suggest that determining calpain‐2 expression in ovarian carcinomas may allow prognostic stratification of patients treated with surgery and platinum‐based chemotherapy. The findings of this study warrant validation in a larger clinical cohort.
Osteological correlates and phylogenetic analysis of deep diving in living and extinct pinnipeds: What good are big eyes?
Authors: Debey Lauren B. , Pyenson Nicholas D.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Marine tetrapods have evolved different sensory solutions to meet the ecological challenges of foraging at depth. It has been proposed that pinipeds, like ichthyosaurs, evolved large eyeballs for such demands. Here, we test this hypothesis using morphological and diving data from a comprehensive data set (n= 54 species; 435 individual specimens), including living and extinct pinnipeds and other select carnivorans as outgroup taxa. We used bony orbit size as a proxy for eyeball size, and recorded associated skull measurements to control for relative changes in orbit size; for diving depth, we used the deepest dive depth reported in the literature. Our analyses included both standard regressions and those corrected for phylogeny (i.e., independent contrasts). Standard regression statistics showed orbit size was a significantly good predictor of diving depth for phocids and for pinnipeds overall, although there was no correlation for otariids. In contrast, independent contrasts showed little support for a relationship between orbit size and diving depth for any group broader than family level, although this approach did demonstrate deep diving has evolved multiple times in crown Pinnipedia. Lastly, using select fossil taxa, we highlight the need to test adaptive hypotheses using comparative data in an evolutionary context.
Antioxidant Activities and Major Anthocyanins of Myrobalan Plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.)
Authors: Wang Yan , Chen Xiaoliu , Zhang Yanmin , Chen Xuesen
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity of Myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.) and anthocyanin content in peel were analyzed in this article. In addition, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry were used to determine anthocyanin composition of this fruit. The range of total phenolic content of the tested samples was 1.34 to 6.11 g/kg fresh weight (FW), and anthocyanin content in fruit peel of Myrobalan plum was from 1.93 to 19.86 g/kg peel. Ferric reducing antioxidant power values varied from 11.20 to 44.83 μmol Trolox equivalent/g FW. Four main kinds of anthocyanins in purple Myrobalan plum were detected while 6 kinds in red ones.

Practical Application:  The article showed the anthocyanin composition, phenolic content, and antioxidant activities of wild Myrobalan plum. The purple Myrobalan plum could be developed as a resource of fruit drinks because of its high antioxidant activity and the peel could be used as the resource to extract natural pigments.
Prosocial Development Among Mexican American Youth
Authors: Knight George P. , Carlo Gustavo
Published: March 2012

Scholars have documented the need for understanding the positive developmental pathways of ethnic minority youth. Research on prosocial behaviors—actions intended to benefit others—is one area of developmental psychology that has begun to address this gap. This article presents a brief review of theories and research on the prosocial development of Mexican American youth. In addition, it describes some of the most significant limitations of the existing empirical research and provides suggestions for the direction of future research.
Canadian public service employee satisfaction and its main drivers
Authors: Hickey Alexandra , Bennett Scott Edward
Published: March 2012

Using the results of the 2005 Public Service Employee Survey (PSES), this paper identifies which factors have the greatest effect on employee satisfaction in the Canadian public service. Several hypotheses are tested against the backdrop of existing literature. In general, public servant satisfaction is affected by belief in opportunities for promotion, fair classification, adherence to client service standards, life balance, recognition by immediate supervisors, team relationships with colleagues, how well information is shared and, finally, belief in the abilities of senior management. Some interesting elaborations of these basic findings emerge when other variables are controlled. The discussion considers how the public service can be seen as a more desirable career choice.
Longitudinal Instability of the Forearm: Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Treatment Considerations
Authors: Sabo Marlis T. , Watts Adam C.
Published: March 2012

Longitudinal instability of the forearm (the Essex-Lopresti injury, radioulnar dissociation) is uncommon and is often missed in the initial assessment of a patient with a radial head fracture. The present review outlines the anatomy and biomechanics of the forearm unit, as well as the current means of diagnosis and the range of treatment options avaailable for this challenging problem.
Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Gender: Patterns of Prevalence, Methods, and Locations among Adolescents
Authors: Sornberger Michael J. , Heath Nancy L. , Toste Jessica R. , McLouth Rusty
Published: March 2012

Nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) among adolescents is a growing concern. However, little is known about gender and features of this behavior. Gender differences in NSSI among a sample of 7,126 adolescents were investigated, 1,774 of whom reported having engaged in NSSI. Gender differences in prevalence, method, and location of NSSI were examined. Findings revealed that females reported higher rates of NSSI, more cutting and scratching, and more injuries to arms and legs than their male counterparts. Males reported more burning and hitting‐type behavior, as well as injuries to the chest, face, or genitals. This highlights an interesting pattern of NSSI, which future research should consider to accurately examine NSSI in females and males.
Ingestion of a moderate high‐sucrose diet results in glucose intolerance with reduced liver glucokinase activity and impaired glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion
Authors: Sakamoto Eriko , Seino Yusuke , Fukami Ayako , Mizutani Naohiro , Tsunekawa Shin , Ishikawa Kota , Ogata Hidetada , Uenishi Eita , Kamiya Hideki , Hamada Yoji , Sato Hiroyuki , Harada Norio , Toyoda Yukiyasu , Miwa Ichitomo , Nakamura Jiro , Inagaki Nobuya , Oiso Yutaka , Ozaki Nobuaki
Published: March 2012

Aims/Introduction:  Excessive intake of sucrose can cause severe health issues, such as diabetes mellitus. In animal studies, consumption of a high‐sucrose diet (SUC) has been shown to cause obesity, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. However, several in vivo experiments have been carried out using diets with much higher sucrose contents (50–70% of the total calories) than are typically ingested by humans. In the present study, we examined the effects of a moderate SUC on glucose metabolism and the underlying mechanism.

Materials and Methods:  C57BL/6J mice received a SUC (38.5% sucrose), a high‐starch diet (ST) or a control diet for 5 weeks. We assessed glucose tolerance, incretin secretion and liver glucose metabolism.

Results:  An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) showed that plasma glucose levels in the early phase were significantly higher in SUC‐fed mice than in ST‐fed or control mice, with no change in plasma insulin levels at any stage. SUC‐fed mice showed a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion 15 min after oral glucose administration was significantly lower in SUC‐fed mice than in ST‐fed or control mice. Hepatic glucokinase (GCK) activity was significantly reduced in SUC‐fed mice. During the OGTT, the accumulation of glycogen in the liver was suppressed in SUC‐fed mice in a time‐dependent manner.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that mice that consume a moderate SUC show glucose intolerance with a reduction in hepatic GCK activity and impairment in GLP‐1 secretion. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00208.x, 2012)
Early humour production
Authors: Hoicka Elena , Akhtar Nameera
Published: March 2012

The current studies explored early humour as a complex socio‐cognitive phenomenon by examining 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds’ humour production with their parents. We examined whether children produced novel humour, whether they cued their humour, and the types of humour produced. Forty‐seven parents were interviewed, and videotaped joking with their children. Other parents (N= 113) completed a survey. Parents reported children copy jokes during the first year of life, and produce novel jokes from 2 years. In play sessions, 3‐year‐olds produced mostly novel humorous acts; 2‐year‐olds produced novel and copied humorous acts equally frequently. Parents reported children smile, laugh, and look for a reaction when joking. In play sessions, 2‐ and 3‐year‐olds produced these behaviours more when producing humorous versus non‐humorous acts. In both parent reports and play sessions, they produced novel object‐based (e.g., underwear on head) and conceptual humour (e.g., ‘pig says moo’) and used wrong labels humorously (e.g., calling a cat a dog). Thus, parent report and child behaviour both confirm that young children produce novel humorous acts, and share their humour by smiling, laughing, and looking for a reaction.
Dosimetric and thermal properties of a newly developed thermobrachytherapy seed with ferromagnetic core for treatment of solid tumors
Authors: Gautam Bhoj , Parsai E. Ishmael , Shvydka Diana , Feldmeier John , Subramanian Manny
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

Studies of the curative effects of hyperthermia and radiation therapy on treatment of cancer show a strong evidence of a synergistic enhancement when both radiation and hyperthermia modalities are applied simultaneously. Varieties of tissue heating approaches developed up to date still fail to overcome such essential limitations as an inadequate temperature control, temperature nonuniformity, and prolonged time delay between hyperthermia and radiation treatments. The authors propose a new self‐regulating thermobrachytherapy seed, which serves as a source of both radiation and heat for concurrent administration of brachytherapy and hyperthermia.

Methods:

The proposed seed is based on the BEST Medical, Inc., Seed Model 2301‐I125, where tungsten marker core and the air gap are replaced with a ferromagnetic material. The ferromagnetic core produces heat when subjected to alternating electromagnetic (EM) field and effectively shuts off after reaching the Curie temperature (TC) of the ferromagnetic material thus realizing the temperature self‐regulation. The authors present a Monte Carlo study of the dose rate constant and other TG‐43 factors for the proposed seed. For the thermal characteristics, the authors studied a model consisting of 16 seeds placed in the central region of a cylindrical water phantom using a finite‐element partial differential equation solver package “COMSOL Multiphysics.”

Results:

The modification of the internal structure of the seed slightly changes dose rate and other TG‐43 factors characterizing radiation distribution. The thermal modeling results show that the temperature of the thermoseed surface rises rapidly and stays constant around TC of the ferromagnetic material. The amount of heat produced by the ferromagnetic core is sufficient to raise the temperature of the surrounding phantom to the therapeutic range. The phantom volume reaching the therapeutic temperature range increases with increase in frequency or magnetic field strength.

Conclusions:

An isothermal distribution matching with the radiation isodose distribution can be achieved within a target volume by tuning frequency and intensity of the alternating magnetic field. The proposed combination seed model has a potential for implementation of concurrent brachytherapy and hyperthermia.