bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraesophageal Pressure Recording Improves the Detection of Cough During Multichannel Intraluminal Impedance Testing in Children
Authors: Rosen Rachel , Amirault Janine , Giligan Emily , Khatwa Umakanth , Nurko Samuel
Published: August 2013

Background:

One of the primary reasons for referral for reflux testing is to correlate reflux events with symptoms such as cough. Adult studies have suggested that symptom recording is flawed and pediatricians feel this is an even more significant problem because there may be errors in both parental and patient reports. We hypothesize that intraesophageal pressure recording (IEPR) provides an objective method to identify coughs during reflux testing in children.

Methods:

We recruited 20 children undergoing multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH (pH‐MII) testing for the evaluation of cough. We placed simultaneous intraesophageal pressure and pH‐MII catheters. Tracings were blindly scored by 2 observers without knowledge of patient/parent symptom report. After the blinded scoring, patient/parent report of symptoms was recorded.

Results:

Ninety‐four percent of all coughs were detected by IEPR and only 48% of all coughs were reported by patients/parents. The mean time from the IEPR cough to the patient/parent cough was 11 ± 16 seconds. Using IEPR as the criterion standard for the detection of cough, the sensitivity of patient report for the detection of cough is 46%. Using varying symptom windows because of the increased precision of IEPR, the number of patients with a positive symptom index could be reduced from 30% to 0%, preventing children from being falsely categorized as having reflux‐related lung disease.

Conclusions:

Parental and patient symptom recording in children is inadequate for making the diagnosis of reflux‐related lung disease. If patients undergo pH‐MII testing for reflux‐related cough, IEPR should become the new standard by which to correlate reflux with cough.
Improved Outcomes in Liver Transplantation in Children With Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Oh Seak Hee , Kim Kyung Mo , Kim Dae Yeon , Kim Young , Song Seung Min , Lee Yeoun Joo , Park Seong‐Jong , Yoon Chong Hyun , Ko Gi‐Young , Sung Kyu‐Bo , Hwang Gyu‐Sam , Choi Kyu‐Taek , Yu Eunsil , Song Gi‐Won , Ha Tae‐Yong , Moon Deok‐Bog , Ahn Chul‐Soo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Hwang Shin , Park Kwang‐Min , Lee Young‐Joo , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: August 2013

Objective:

The aim of our study was to review the experiences of a living donor–dominant transplantation program for children with acute liver failure (ALF).

Methods:

Data were derived from the retrospective chart review of 50 children with ALF in a major liver center in the Republic of Korea.

Results:

A total of 50 children with ALF underwent 47 (94%) primary living donor liver transplantations and 3 (6%) cadaveric liver transplantations. The cumulative survival rates of the grafts at 1 and 5 years were 81.9% and 79.2%, respectively. The overall retransplantation rate was 12%. The cumulative survival rates of these patients at 1 and 5 years were all 87.9%. Most incidents of mortality followed the failure of the preceding graft. We observed no mortalities among donors. Based on multivariate analysis, children who had pretransplant thrombocytopenia or had to use the molecular adsorbent recycling system preoperatively were related to the graft loss. Age younger than 2 years and a hyperacute onset (within 7 days) of hepatic encephalopathy were associated with pretransplant thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions:

Living donor–dominant transplantation program in the present study demonstrates tolerable achievements in terms of clinical outcomes of recipients and donors; however, putative factors, such as pretransplant thrombocytopenia, seem to play unclear roles in a poor prognosis following transplantation.
Apparent effect of rabbit endogenous lentivirus type K acquisition on retrovirus restriction by lagomorph Trim5αs
Authors: Yap Melvyn W. , Stoye Jonathan P.
Published: August 2013

To test the hypothesis that rabbit endogenous lentivirus type K (RELIK) could play a role in shaping the evolution of TRIM5α, the susceptibility of viruses containing the RELIK capsid (CA) to TRIM5 restriction was evaluated. RELIK CA-containing viruses were susceptible to the TRIM5αs from Old World monkeys but were unaffected by most ape or New World monkey factors. TRIM5αs from various lagomorph species were also isolated and tested for anti-retroviral activity. The TRIM5αs from both cottontail rabbit and pika restrict a range of retroviruses, including HIV-1, HIV-2, FIV, EIAV and N-MLV. TRIM5αs from the European and cottontail rabbit, which have previously been found to contain RELIK, also restricted RELIK CA-containing viruses, whereas a weaker restriction was observed with chimeric TRIM5α containing the B30.2 domain from the pika, which lacks RELIK. Taken together, these results could suggest that the pika had not been exposed to exogenous RELIK and that endogenized RELIK might exert a selective pressure on lagomorph TRIM5α.
‘There and back again’: revisiting the pathophysiological roles of human endogenous retroviruses in the post-genomic era
Authors: Magiorkinis Gkikas , Belshaw Robert , Katzourakis Aris
Published: August 2013

Almost 8% of the human genome comprises endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). While they have been shown to cause specific pathologies in animals, such as cancer, their association with disease in humans remains controversial. The limited evidence is partly due to the physical and bioethical restrictions surrounding the study of transposons in humans, coupled with the major experimental and bioinformatics challenges surrounding the association of ERVs with disease in general. Two biotechnological landmarks of the past decade provide us with unprecedented research artillery: (i) the ultra-fine sequencing of the human genome and (ii) the emergence of high-throughput sequencing technologies. Here, we critically assemble research about potential pathologies of ERVs in humans. We argue that the time is right to revisit the long-standing questions of human ERV pathogenesis within a robust and carefully structured framework that makes full use of genomic sequence data. We also pose two thought-provoking research questions on potential pathophysiological roles of ERVs with respect to immune escape and regulation.
Exploring the effects of immunity and life history on the dynamics of an endogenous retrovirus
Authors: Kanda R. K. , Tristem M. , Coulson T.
Published: August 2013

Mammalian DNA is littered with the signatures of past retroviral infections. For example, at least 8% of the human genome can be attributed to endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). We take a single-locus approach to develop a simple susceptible–infected–recovered model to investigate the circumstances under which a disease-causing retrovirus can become incorporated into the host genome and spread through the host population if it were to confer an immunological advantage. In the absence of any fitness benefit provided by the long terminal repeat (LTR), we conclude that signatures of ERVs are likely to go to fixation within a population when the probability of evolving cellular/humoral immunity to a related exogenous version of the virus is extremely small. We extend this model to examine whether changing the speed of the host life history influences the likelihood that an exogenous retrovirus will incorporate and spread to fixation. Our results reveal the parameter space under which incorporation of exogenous retroviruses into a host genome may be beneficial to the host. In our final model, we find that the likelihood of an LTR reaching fixation in a host population is not strongly affected by host life history.
Description of Ambrosiozyma oregonensis sp. nov., and reassignment of Candida species of the Ambrosiozyma clade to Ambrosiozyma kashinagacola f.a., comb. nov., Ambrosiozyma llanquihuensis f.a., comb. nov., Ambrosiozyma maleeae f.a., comb. nov., Ambrosiozyma pseudovanderkliftii f.a., comb. nov., and Ambrosiozyma vanderkliftii f.a., comb. nov.
Authors: Kurtzman Cletus P. , Robnett Christie J.
Published: August 2013

Ambrosiozyma oregonensis sp. nov. is described from two strains, one isolated from a mountain stream in Oregon, USA (NRRL Y-6106T = CBS 5560T), and a second (NRRL YB-4169) from an unknown substrate from Marion, Illinois, USA. The species forms four hat-shaped ascospores in each deliquescent ascus and appears to be homothallic. Abundant true hyphae are produced with some having apparent dolipore-like septa. Analyses of nuclear gene sequences for the D1/D2 domains of large-subunit rRNA, small-subunit rRNA, translation elongation factor-1α, and subunits B1 and B2 of RNA polymerase II show the proposed novel species to be distinct from other species of the Ambrosiozyma clade. Because of their placement in the Ambrosiozyma clade, Candida kashinagacola, Candida llanquihuensis, Candida maleeae, Candida pseudovanderkliftii and Candida vanderkliftii are reassigned to the genus Ambrosiozyma as new combinations, and the description of the genus Ambrosiozyma is emended to reflect the resulting changes in phenotypic characters.
A Novel Proteinase, SNOWY COTYLEDON4, Is Required for Photosynthetic Acclimation to Higher Light Intensities in Arabidopsis
Authors: Albrecht-Borth Verónica , Kauss Dominika , Fan Dayong , Hu Yuanyuan , Collinge Derek , Marri Shashikanth , Liebers Monique , Apel Klaus , Pfannschmidt Thomas , Chow Wah S. , Pogson Barry J.
Published: August 2013

Excess light can have a negative impact on photosynthesis; thus, plants have evolved many different ways to adapt to different light conditions to both optimize energy use and avoid damage caused by excess light. Analysis of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant snowy cotyledon4 (sco4) revealed a mutation in a chloroplast-targeted protein that shares limited homology with CaaX-type endopeptidases. The SCO4 protein possesses an important function in photosynthesis and development, with point mutations rendering the seedlings and adult plants susceptible to photooxidative stress. The sco4 mutation impairs the acclimation of chloroplasts and their photosystems to excess light, evidenced in a reduction in photosystem I function, decreased linear electron transfer, yet increased nonphotochemical quenching. SCO4 is localized to the chloroplasts, which suggests the existence of an unreported type of protein modification within this organelle. Phylogenetic and yeast complementation analyses of SCO4-like proteins reveal that SCO4 is a member of an unknown group of higher plant-specific proteinases quite distinct from the well-described CaaX-type endopeptidases RAS Converting Enzyme1 (RCE1) and zinc metallopeptidase STE24 and lacks canonical CaaX activity. Therefore, we hypothesize that SCO4 is a novel endopeptidase required for critical protein modifications within chloroplasts, influencing the function of proteins involved in photosynthesis required for tolerance to excess light.
The tetragermanatesA2Ge4O9(A= Na, K and Rb)
Authors: Redhammer Günther J. , Tippelt Gerold
Published: August 2013

The crystal structures of three alkali tetragermanatesA2Ge4O9(A= Na, K and Rb) [namely disodium tetragermanate, Na2Ge4O9, dipotassium tetragermanate, K2Ge4O9, and dirubidium tetragermanate, Rb2Ge4O9] are trigonal (space groupP\overline{3}c1). The main building units are a three-membered ring of tetrahedra, oriented within the (001) plane and forming tetrahedral sheets. These sheets are connected to each other by two different regular isolated GeO6octahedraviacorner-sharing to build up a tetrahedral–octahedral framework. The alkali cations are located in cavities within this framework and are sevenfold coordinated. The increasing size of theA-site cation is accommodated by twist deformations of the tetrahedral rings and alterations in the Ge—O—Ge angles. With increasing size of theA-site cation, both the tetrahedral and octahedral sites become more regular, with slightly decreasing 〈Ge—O〉 distances from Na2Ge4O9to Rb2Ge4O9. This goes hand-in-hand with a more uniform distribution of bonds around theA-site cation. All these observations make Rb2Ge4O9the most regular member of thisA2Ge4O9octahedral–tetrahedral framework structure series.
A three-dimensional Cu–Na heteronuclear coordination polymer based on iminodiacetic acid
Authors: Wang Yu-Hong , Song Rui-Feng , Jiang Fan
Published: August 2013

A novel Cu–Na heteronuclear three-dimensional coordination polymer, poly[diaquadi-μ5-iminodiacetato-di-μ4-iminodiacetato-tricopper(II)disodium(I)], [Cu3Na2(C4H5NO4)4(H2O)2]n, has been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The asymmetric unit contains one and a half copper(II) cations, a sodium cation, two iminodiacetate (ida) ligands and a coordinated water ligand. One of the two independent CuIIcentres is in a general position and is five-coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. A [Cu(ida)] unit is formedviaa bis-chelating ida ligand and the coordination sphere of the CuIIatom is completed by two O atoms of two different neighbouring [Cu(ida)2] units. These [Cu(ida)2] units are associated with the second CuIIcation, which is located on a crystallographic inversion centre and is coordinated in a distorted square-planar geometry by two chelating ida ligands. The carboxylate groups of the ida ligands act as bridges and connect the [Cu(ida)] and [Cu(ida)2] building blocks in a 2:1 ratio, forming two-dimensional arrays. These layers are interconnected into a three-dimensional structure by the sodium ions. Each NaIcation is coordinated by six O atoms from five ida ligands and a water molecule. When [Cu(ida)], the NaIcations and [Cu(ida)2] are viewed as 5-, 5- and 8-connected nodes, respectively, the three-dimensional network exhibits a (32.43.52.63)2(32.43.52.63)2(34.616.78) topology.
The MLQ factor structure in a UK context
Authors: Edwards Gareth , Schyns Birgit , Gill Roger , Higgs Malcolm
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factor structure of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) in a UK context. For a number of years studies have failed to reproduce the original MLQ factor structure. A paper published in Leadership & Organization Development Journal by Alban‐Metcalfe and Alimo‐Metcalfe in 2000 suggested that, in the UK context, contextually different views on leadership could be prevalent. This paper therefore reports a UK‐specific factor structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a dataset from a recent piece of research on leadership by the first and third authors. The sample consisted of 367 managers from 38 UK‐based manufacturing organisations. The research used multiple ratings that consisted of 366 self‐ratings, 315 superior‐ratings, 238 peer‐ratings and 325 subordinate‐ratings and these ratings covered all levels across participating organisations – CEO, MD, directors, senior, middle and lower level management.

Findings

The findings uncovered a variant of the MLQ model that comprises active constructive leadership, active management‐by‐exception, and passive avoidant leadership. The findings also lend support to those who suggest that passive management‐by‐exception and laissez‐faire leadership are the same, or a similar, concept and support contingent reward as highly positively correlated with transformational leadership. Particularly interesting is the stand‐alone nature of active management‐by‐exception and which supports claims that there is a different view of leadership in the UK from that held in the USA.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is based around the understanding of the MLQ in the UK and has produced a model of the full range leadership model that relates to the UK manufacturing context.
Pollen–pistil interactions in reproductive interference: comparisons of heterospecific pollen tube growth from alien species between two native Taraxacum species
Authors: Nishida Sachiko , Kanaoka Masahiro M. , Hashimoto Keisuke , Takakura Koh‐Ichi , Nishida Takayoshi
Published: August 2013

Reproductive interference (RI), any negative interspecific interaction during the reproductive process, has been gaining increasing attention due to its potential explanatory power for the mutually exclusive distribution of closely related species. RI in plants may occur during any of three stages: pollen transfer, pollen–pistil interactions or hybridization. Pollen–pistil interactions may be especially important as most studies of RI have suggested the involvement at this stage. Details of these interactions are required to fully explore RI and are especially relevant in considering the impact of RI in the field.

We present a plausible explanation of how RI functions in the pollen–pistil interaction stage using two Japanese native dandelions, Taraxacum japonicum and Taraxacum longeappendiculatum, of which only the former is vulnerable to RI from an alien congener, Taraxacum officinale. We conducted a series of hand pollinations in these native dandelions and compared pollen tube behaviour to examine differences associated with vulnerability and imperviousness to RI from the alien.

The two native dandelions differed in terms of the absence/presence of pollen tube elongation after heterospecific pollination (pollination with only T. officinale): pollen tubes grew through the ovaries of the vulnerable T. japonicum, but not through those of the impervious T. longeappendiculatum. In vitro hand pollination verified that the alien pollen tubes could extend into the ovaries of T. japonicum.

Our results show that RI from the alien dandelion consumed ovules by heterospecific pollen deposition. The pistils of the impervious native species could prevent growth of the alien pollen tubes, thereby sparing the ovules for fertilization by conspecific pollen. The pistils of the vulnerable species lacked interspecific incompatibility against the alien, and thus, the alien pollen tube entered the ovary, eliminating an opportunity for conspecific pollen fertilization. This consumption of ovules by heterospecific pollen tubes would cause a seed set failure, leading to reduced abundance and a further exertion of RI in the next generation, which explains displacement of the vulnerable species by the alien in the field.
Defensive mutualisms: do microbial interactions within hosts drive the evolution of defensive traits?
Authors: May Georgiana , Nelson Paul
Published: August 2013

We examine theoretical and empirical results to determine the importance of microbe–microbe interactions in the evolution of defensive traits.

Theoretical models show that the evolution of parasitism and the maintenance of mutualisms in multispecies interactions will depend on interactions with the host as well as with the defensive symbionts.

At the community level, selection for defensive traits will vary greatly with ecological context and such spatial or temporal variation itself may stabilize defensive mutualisms.

Studies of fungal endophytes within plant hosts demonstrate that endophytes acting as defensive mutualists may derive fitness benefits from the parasite as well as the host and suggest that interactions between co‐occurring symbionts within hosts may lead to the evolution of virulence.
Growth receptor binding protein 10 inhibits glucose‐stimulated insulin release from pancreatic β‐cells associated with suppression of the insulin/insulin‐like growth factor‐1 signalling pathway
Authors: Li Ling , Li Xiaowen , Zhu Yunxia , Zhang Mingliang , Yin Dechao , Lu Junxi , Liu Feng , Wang Chen , Jia Weiping
Published: August 2013

Growth receptor binding protein 10 (Grb10) is an adaptor protein that interacts with the insulin receptor and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 receptor. Overexpression of Grb10 in muscle cells and adipocytes inhibits insulin signalling, and transgenic mice overexpressing Grb10 exhibit impaired glucose tolerance. However, the roles of Grb10 in β‐cells remain unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of Grb10 on β‐cell function.

The effects of Grb10 on glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and the insulin/IGF‐1 signalling pathway were investigated in rat islets and/or dispersed islet cells with Grb10 overexpresion by adenovirus transfection. Protein expression was detected by western blot analysis.

We found that Grb10 was expressed in both human and rat pancreas. Expression of Grb10 was increased in islets isolated from rats fed a high‐fat plus high‐sugar diet compared with islets isolated from rats fed normal chow diet, as well as in INS 832/13 cells exposed to high levels of glucose (20 mmol/L), palmitate (1 mmol/L) and interleukin‐1β (50 U/mL). Overexpression of Grb10 in INS 832/13 cells or rat islets impaired GSIS compared with the respective control (all P < 0.05). Moreover, inhibition of GSIS by Grb10 overexpression was associated with a decrease in insulin‐ and IGF‐1‐induced Akt and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation.

The results of the present study demonstrate that Grb10 is an important negative regulator of insulin/IGF‐1 signalling in pancreatic β‐cells and a potential target to improve β‐cell function.
The epidemiology of life‐threatening complications associated with reproductive process in public hospitals in Argentina
Authors: Karolinski A , Mercer R , Micone P , Ocampo C , Mazzoni A , Fontana O , Messina A , Winograd R , Frers MC , Nassif JC , Elordi HC , Lapidus A , Taddeo C , Damiano M , Lambruschini R , Muzzio C , Pecker B , Natale S , Nowacki D , Betular Á , Breccia G , Di Biase L , Montes Varela D , Dunaiewsky A , Minsk E , Fernández D , Martire L , Huespe M , Laterra C , Spagnuolo R , Gregoris C ,   AMBA Perinatal Network's Research Team
Published: August 2013

Objective

To analyse life‐threatening obstetric complications that occurred in public hospitals in Argentina.

Design

Multicentre collaborative cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Twenty‐five hospitals included in the Perinatal Network of Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area.

Population

Women giving birth in participating hospitals during a 1‐year period.

Methods

All cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and maternal mortality (MM) during pregnancy (including miscarriage and induced abortion), labour and puerperium were included. Data were collected prospectively.

Main outcome measures

Identification criteria, main causes and incidence of SMM; case‐fatality rates, morbidity–mortality index and effective intervention's use rate.

Results

A total of 552 women with life‐threatening conditions were identified: 518 with SMM, 34 with MM. Identification criteria for SMM were case‐management (48.9%), organ dysfunction (15.2%) and mixed criteria (35.9%). Incidence of SMM was 0.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.73–0.87%) and hospital maternal death ratio was 52.3 per 100 000 live births (95% CI 35.5–69.1). Main causes of MM were abortion complications and puerperal sepsis; main causes of SMM were postpartum haemorrhage and hypertension. Overall case‐fatality rate was 6.2% (95% CI 4.4–8.6): the highest due to sepsis (14.8%) and abortion complications (13.3%). Morbidity‐mortality index was 15:1 (95% CI 7.5–30.8). Use rate of known effective interventions to prevent or treat main causes of MM and SMM was 52.3% (95% CI 46.9–57.7).

Conclusions

This study describes the importance of life‐threatening obstetric complications that took place in public hospitals with comprehensive obstetric care and the low utilisation of known effective interventions that may decrease rates of SMM and MM. It also provides arguments that justify the need to develop a surveillance system for SMM.
Oral contraceptive use and risk of vulvodynia: a population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Reed BD , Harlow SD , Legocki LJ , Helmuth ME , Haefner HK , Gillespie BW , Sen A
Published: August 2013

Objective

To assess whether the risk of vulvodynia is associated with previous use of oral contraceptives (OCs).

Design

Longitudinal population‐based study.

Setting

Four counties in south‐east Michigan, USA.

Population

A population‐based sample of women, aged 18 years and older, enrolled using random‐digit dialling.

Methods

Enrolled women completed surveys that included information on demographic characteristics, health status, current symptoms, past and present OC use, and a validated screen for vulvodynia. The temporal relationship between OC use and subsequent symptoms of vulvodynia was assessed using Cox regression, with OC exposure modelled as a time‐varying covariate.

Main outcome measure

Vulvodynia, as determined by validated screen.

Results

Women aged <50 years who provided data on OC use, completed all questions required for the vulvodynia screen, and had first sexual intercourse prior to the onset of vulvodynia symptoms were eligible (n = 906). Of these, 71.2% (n = 645) had used OCs. The vulvodynia screen was positive in 8.2% (n = 74) for current vulvodynia and in 20.8% (n = 188) for past vulvodynia. Although crude cross‐tabulation suggested that women with current or past vulvodynia were less likely to have been exposed to OCs prior to the onset of pain (60.7%), compared with those without this disorder (69.3%), the Cox regression analysis identified no association between vulvodynia and previous OC use (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.81–1.43, P = 0.60). This null finding persisted after controlling for ethnicity, marital status, educational level, duration of use, and age at first OC use.

Conclusion

For women aged <50 years of age, OC use did not increase the risk of subsequent vulvodynia.
HeFPipe: a complete analytical pipeline for heterozygosity‐fitness correlation studies
Authors: Fisher Mark A.
Published: August 2013

As the body of heterozygosity‐fitness correlation (HFC) research grows, more and increasingly complicated tests have become an integral part of a typical HFC analysis (Chapman et al. 2009). Currently, no software is available to undertake conversion between the file formats required to conduct all of these tests and to conduct the main regression analyses at the core of all HFCs. Heterozygosity‐Fitness Pipeline (HeFPipe) is a script written in Python that accomplishes both of these tasks for studies based on microsatellite data. HeFPipe is designed to be used from the command line terminal and will run on any Mac OSX computer. The script takes input in the form of allele reports from either the genotype‐calling software, GeneMapper or GeneMarker, and reconfigures the data into GENEPOP (Raymond & Rousset 1995), Rhh (Alho et al. 2010), RMES (David et al. 2007) and GEPHAST (Amos & Acevedo‐Whitehouse 2009) formats. The script is also equipped to reformat the output from GENEPOP on the Web (option 5) and Rhh into csv spreadsheets that can be incorporated into downstream analyses. HeFPipe accommodates user‐provided lists of samples and markers to be included in or excluded from analyses. HeFPipe is equipped to create generalized linear models (GLMs) from both the main data set and subsets of the data. Finally, HeFPipe allows users to explore single‐marker effects and conduct correlation analyses. The script, a comprehensive manual, a link to a series of video tutorials, and an example data set are available from GitHub (http://github.com/Atticus29/HeFPipe_rpos).
Diagnostic concordance rate between histologic and cytologic specimens of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration in lung cancer: A single institution experience
Authors: Bae Won , Kim Hyojin , Kim Yong A. , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Chang‐Hoon , Lee Sang‐Min , Yim Jae‐Joon , Yoo Chul‐Gyu , Kim Young Whan , Han Sung Koo , Park Young Sik
Published: August 2013

Background

The aspirates from endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) were examined using the tissue core and cytology. We assessed that the tissue core was a more reliable specimen and attempted to analyze how many discrepancies were found between the two specimens. We investigated diagnostic concordance rate between histology and cytology.

Methods

From January 2011 to December 2011, a total of 267 consecutive patients with lung cancer, who underwent EBUS‐TBNA, were included in this retrospective study.

Results

Of the 267 lung cancer patients, 207 (77.5%) were men. The median age was 65 years old. The most common pathologic type was adenocarcinoma (120, 44.9%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (79, 29.6%). Among the 267 patients, 579 mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes were punctured. The right lower paratracheal (204, 35.2%) and subcarinal (172, 29.7%) lymph nodes were the most common nodal stations. Among the 579 lymph nodes, malignant cells were observed in 267 (46.1%) nodes, in either the histologic, cytologic or both slides: 209 in both histology and cytology, 37 in histology only, and 21 in cytology only slides. The diagnostic concordance rate between the tissue core and cytology was 90.0% (95% confidence interval CI, 87.1–92.2) (κ = 0.79).

Conclusions

The diagnostic concordance rate between the histology and cytology of EBUS‐TBNA in lung cancer was 90.0% (95% CI, 87.1–92.2) (κ = 0.79).
Quantitative Variation in Plasma Angiotensin‐I Converting Enzyme Activity Shows Allelic Heterogeneity in the ABO Blood Group Locus
Authors: Terao Chikashi , Bayoumi Nervana , McKenzie Colin A. , Zelenika Diana , Muro Shigeo , Mishima Michiaki ,   The Nagahama Cohort Research Group, Connell John M C , Vickers Mark A. , Lathrop G. Mark , Farrall Martin , Matsuda Fumihiko , Keavney Bernard D.
Published: August 2013

Angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) occupies a pivotal role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Major loci for plasma ACE have been identified at ACE on Chromosome 17 and at ABO on Chromosome 9. We sought to characterise the genetic architecture of plasma ACE at finer resolution in two populations. We carried out a GWAS in 1810 individuals of Japanese ethnicity; this identified signals at ACE and ABO that together accounted for nearly half of the population variability of the trait. We conducted measured haplotype analysis at the ABO locus in 1425 members of 248 British families using haplotypes of three SNPs, which together tagged the alleles responsible for the principal blood group antigens A1, A2, B and O. Type O alleles were associated with intermediate plasma ACE activity compared to Type A1 alleles (in whom plasma ACE activity was ∼36% lower) and Type B alleles (in whom plasma ACE activity was ∼36% higher). We demonstrated heterogeneity among A alleles: A2 alleles were associated with plasma ACE activity that was very similar to the O alleles. Variation at ACE accounted for 35% of the trait variance, and variation at ABO accounted for 15%. A further 10% could be ascribed to polygenic effects.
A Genome‐Wide Search for Type 2 Diabetes Susceptibility Genes in an Extended Arab Family
Authors: Al Safar Habiba S. , Cordell Heather J. , Jafer Osman , Anderson Denise , Jamieson Sarra E. , Fakiola Michaela , Khazanehdari Kamal , Tay Guan K. , Blackwell Jenefer M.
Published: August 2013

Twenty percent of people aged 20 to 79 have type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genes for T2D have not been reported for Arab countries. We performed a discovery GWAS in an extended UAE family (N = 178; 66 diabetic; 112 healthy) genotyped on the Illumina Human 660 Quad Beadchip, with independent replication of top hits in 116 cases and 199 controls. Power to achieve genome‐wide significance (commonly P = 5 × 10−8) was therefore limited. Nevertheless, transmission disequilibrium testing in FBAT identified top hits at Chromosome 4p12‐p13 (KCTD8: rs4407541, P = 9.70 × 10−6; GABRB1: rs10517178/rs1372491, P = 4.19 × 10−6) and 14q13 (PRKD1: rs10144903, 3.92 × 10−6), supported by analysis using a linear mixed model approximation in GenABEL (4p12‐p13 GABRG1/GABRA2: rs7662743, Padj‐agesex = 2.06 × 10−5; KCTD8: rs4407541, Padj‐agesex = 1.42 × 10−4; GABRB1: rs10517178/rs1372491, Padj‐agesex = 0.027; 14q13 PRKD1: rs10144903, Padj‐agesex = 6.95 × 10−5). SNPs across GABRG1/GABRA2 did not replicate, whereas more proximal SNPs rs7679715 (Padj‐agesex = 0.030) and rs2055942 (Padj‐agesex = 0.022) at COX7B2/GABRA4 did, in addition to a trend distally at KCTD8 (rs4695718: Padj‐agesex = 0.096). Modelling of discovery and replication data support independent signals at GABRA4 (rs2055942: Padj‐agesex‐combined = 3 × 10−4) and at KCTD8 (rs4695718: Padj‐agesex‐combined = 2 × 10−4). Replication was observed for PRKD1 rs1953722 (proxy for rs10144903; Padj‐agesex = 0.031; Padj‐agesex‐combined = 2 × 10−4). These genes may provide important functional leads in understanding disease pathogenesis in this population.
Relative dose intensity in early stage breast cancer chemotherapy: A retrospective analysis of incidence, risk factors and outcomes at a south‐west Sydney cancer clinic
Authors: Sandy Jessica , Della‐Fiorentina Stephen
Published: August 2013

Aim

In early stage breast cancer chemotherapy relative dose intensity (RDI) of <85% leads to poorer outcomes. This study assesses what proportion of such patients at a south‐west Sydney cancer clinic received optimal RDI and the reasons and risk factors contributing to RDI reduction, as well as comparing survival outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 308 patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer at the Macarthur Cancer Centre was undertaken, with an overall RDI calculated for each patient. The study analysed reasons for reductions in RDI as well as predictive factors for reduced RDI and overall and disease‐free survival.

Results

Mean RDI was 92%. Of the participants, 17% had an RDI less than 85%, 55% received 100% RDI. Hematological toxicity, infection and patient choice were the most common reasons for RDI reduction. Body surface area capping (BSA) was the most common cause of initial dose reduction. Obesity, increasing body mass index and age ≥65 years were risk factors for RDI reduction. Disease‐free and overall survival were reduced with RDI < 50%; overall survival decreased when RDI < 65%.

Conclusion

Most patients attained the RDI benchmark; however dose intensity reducing events occurred frequently. Despite contrary recommendations in the literature, BSA capping and dose reduction due to patient choice were common. Implementation of focused patient and physician education strategies may improve these results, as could measures directed as supporting those at risk (i.e. elderly or obese).
Brain metastasis in sarcoma: Does metastasectomy or aggressive multi‐disciplinary treatment improve survival outcomes
Authors: Chua Clarinda , Raaj Jeevan , Pan Summer , Farid Mohamad , Lee Jin Fu Marcus , Ho Zhen Chong , Sairi Alisa , Sittampalam Kesavan , Tao Miriam , Tay Kevin , Lim Soon Thye , Chin Francis , Teo Melissa , Quek Richard
Published: August 2013

Aim:

Brain metastasis is rare in sarcoma. Prognostic factors, optimal management strategies and therapeutic outcomes of such patients are not well studied. We aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of parenchymal brain metastasis in sarcoma patients.

Methods:

This is a single center retrospective analysis. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the time of diagnosis of brain metastasis to time of death.

Results:

Sixteen patients (2.1%) with complete electronic medical records treated at our institution from 2002 to 2010 were identified. Median age was 52 years; 88% had additional sites of metastases. Eight different subtypes of soft tissue and bone sarcoma were identified. Eighty‐one percent of the patients developed metachronous brain metastasis at a median of 14 months after initial sarcoma diagnosis. Thirty‐eight percent of patients had solitary brain metastasis and 44% underwent aggressive therapy for brain metastasis, defined as either surgical resection or multimodality treatment. The remaining 56% received conservative treatment (either whole brain radiation alone, chemotherapy alone or best supportive care). Median OS for the entire cohort was 3.5 months (95% CI 1.1–6.3 months). A trend toward improved OS was observed with an aggressive treatment approach, 3.7 months versus 1.2 months (P = 0.077) and the usage of chemotherapy (P = 0.071).

Conclusion:

Brain metastasis in sarcoma is rare, usually coexists with significant systemic disease and is associated with a grave prognosis. Use of chemotherapy and an aggressive treatment approach in well‐selected patients may be associated with improved survival. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Gum chewing promotes bowel motility after a radical retropubic prostatectomy
Authors: Choi Hoon , Kim Jae Heon , Park Jae Young , Ham Byeong Kuk , Shim Ji sung , Bae Jae Hyun
Published: August 2013

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of gum chewing in aiding the recovery of bowel motility after a radical retropubic prostatectomy

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy from January 2010 to February 2012 for localized prostate cancer were enrolled. They were divided, in an alternate pattern, into the gum‐chewing group and the control group. Patient demographics and operative outcomes were compared. The time to first postoperative passage of flatus and bowel movement, the duration of hospital stay and the side effects were recorded.

Results

The patients' demographics and operative outcomes showed no differences between the control (n = 19) and gum‐chewing (n = 18) groups. The time to flatus was significantly shorter in the gum‐chewing group than in the control group (27.1 vs 39.8 h), and the time‐to‐first bowel movement was faster in gum‐chewing patients (46.1 vs 60.7 h). Surgical hospital stay was shorter in gum‐chewing group than in the control group (5.1 vs 6.4 days).

Conclusions

Gum chewing has a positive effect on the recovery of bowel motility and reduction of surgical hospital stay after a radical prostatectomy. Although retropubic radical prostatectomy does not involve bowel manipulation, gum chewing is an effective and side‐effect‐free method for the resolution of ileus after surgery.
Computed tomography in acute abdominal pain: an overused investigation?
Authors: Systermans Brenton J. , Devitt Peter G.
Published: August 2013

Background

The use of computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute abdominal pain has increased. We set out to investigate its effectiveness.

Methods

A prospective study conducted at a tertiary referral centre between August and September 2012, utilizing a questionnaire completed by the ordering doctors. Patients with acute abdominal pain who underwent an abdominal CT scan were included in the study, excluding those with a history of recent abdominal trauma or abdominal, pelvic, groin or scrotal surgery.

Results

Of the 260 patients undergoing an abdominal CT scan for the investigation of acute abdominal pain, 60 had questionnaires completed. Fifty‐seven per cent of abdominal CT scans were ordered by an ED registrar or consultant. Sixty‐five per cent of patients were not discussed with the surgical team prior to ED staff ordering the CT scan. ‘To confirm clinical suspicion’ and ‘to rule out sinister aetiology’ were the most important reasons for ordering an abdominal CT. In 54% of cases, there was a change in primary diagnosis post CT scan and in 50% of patients, a change in disposition. Diagnostic confidence in the primary diagnosis did not change significantly post‐CT scan. There was no significant difference between which group ordered a CT scan and the probability that the scan showed nil acute pathology.

Discussion

Abdominal CT scans frequently changed the clinical diagnosis and patient disposition. Twenty‐three per cent of patients had no identifiable cause on CT scan for their acute abdominal pain.
Latchem, Colin (2012) Quality assurance toolkit for open and distance non‐formal educationCommonwealth of learning (Vancouver) isbn 978‐1‐894975‐50‐6 98 pp CDN$12 (or free download) http://www.col.org/resources/publications/Pages/detail.aspx?PID=403
Authors: Smyth Robyn
Published: August 2013

Colin Latchem's quality assurance toolkit for non‐formal education (nfe) will serve a variety of readers well. It demonstrates clearly how technology of any generation can be used to improve outcomes for peoples who are disadvantaged, remotely located or of low status. Its presentation of a pragmatic quality assurance framework moves social justice agendas forward. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you arrange to borrow a copy for a while.

Robyn Smyth
Pedler, Mike ed (2011) Action learning in practiceGower (Farnham UK, & Ashgate, Burlington VT) isbn 978‐1‐4094‐1841‐2 449 pp £85 http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&calcTitle=1&title_id=10122&edition_id=10437
Authors: Cowan John
Published: August 2013

This is a first‐class source for those interested in action learning—this being a long established self‐directed process for tackling business and work problems in learning sets with peers and colleagues. The book opens with highly readable seminal texts, and progresses from such introductory material to different approaches, examples, and questioning of theorising. A powerful resource whatever the reader's starting point. If this book's content may well be relevant to your work, I suggest you buy your own copy.

John Cowan
Institutional Review Board approval and innovation in urology: current practice and safety issues
Authors: Sundaram Varun , Vemana Goutham , Bhayani Sam B.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To retrospectively review recent publications describing novel procedures/techniques, and describe the Institutional Review Board (IRB)/ethics approval process and potential ethical dilemmas in their reporting.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed for papers about innovative or novel procedures/techniques between 2011 and August 2012.

A query of titles/abstracts in the Journal of Urology, Journal of Endourology, European Urology, BJU International, and Urology identified relevant papers.

These results were reviewed for human studies that described an innovative technique, procedure, approach, initial series, and/or used new technology.

Results

In all, 91 papers met criteria for inclusion; 25 from the Journal of Endourology, 14 from the Journal of Urology, nine from European Urology, 15 from the BJU International and 28 from Urology.

IRB/ethics approval was given for an experimental procedure or database in 24% and 22%, respectively.

IRB/ethics approval was not mentioned in 52.7% of studies.

Conclusions

Published IRB/ethics approvals for innovative techniques are heterogeneous including database, retrospective, and prospective approvals.

Given the concept that innovations are likely not in the legal or ethical standard of care, strong consideration should be given to obtaining IRB/ethics approval before the actual procedure, instead of approval to merely report database outcomes.
Sketch‐Based Editing Tools for Tumour Segmentation in 3D Medical Images
Authors: Heckel Frank , Moltz Jan H. , Tietjen Christian , Hahn Horst K.
Published: August 2013

In the past years sophisticated automatic segmentation algorithms for various medical image segmentation problems have been developed. However, there are always cases where automatic algorithms fail to provide an acceptable segmentation. In these cases the user needs efficient segmentation editing tools, a problem which has not received much attention in research. We give a comprehensive overview on segmentation editing for three‐dimensional (3D) medical images. For segmentation editing in two‐dimensional (2D) images, we discuss a sketch‐based approach where the user modifies the segmentation in the contour domain. Based on this 2D interface, we present an image‐based as well as an image‐independent method for intuitive and efficient segmentation editing in 3D in the context of tumour segmentation in computed tomography (CT). Our editing tools have been evaluated on a database containing 1226 representative liver metastases, lung nodules and lymph nodes of different shape, size and image quality. In addition, we have performed a qualitative evaluation with radiologists and technical experts, proving the efficiency of our tools.
A randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate a new xenograft for alveolar socket preservation
Authors: Calasans‐Maia Monica , Resende Rodrigo , Fernandes Gustavo , Calasans‐Maia Jose , Alves Adriana Terezinha , Granjeiro José Mauro
Published: August 2013

Objective

The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the effect of Bio‐Oss® and a new bovine xenograft (Osseus®) in alveolar sockets after a 24‐week healing period.

Materials and methods

A total of 20 adult volunteers ages 30–60 were subjected to single tooth extraction. A tooth extraction was performed at the baseline. All sites were randomly allocated to two test groups (TG1: grafted using a new bovine xenograft, Osseus®, and TG2: grafted using commercially available bovine xenograft‐Bio‐Oss®). Six months later, a sample of the grafted area was obtained and implants were inserted in the same site. Histological sections were examined focusing on the presence of fibrous connective tissue (CT), and newly formed bone in direct contact with the graft. The HE‐stained sections were subjected to histomorphometrical evaluation using Image Pro‐Plus® software (Release 7.0). The definitive crown was placed 3 months later.

Results

Upon completion of the study, no patients were removed from the study and all inserted implants (10 in each group) were eventually integrated. After 6 months, in the TG1, the mean value of new bone formation was 33.7 (±7.1), for CT was 32.3 (±8.9) and for the remaining biomaterial was 10.7 (±16.2). In the TG2, the mean value of new bone formation was 19.3 (±22.6), of the CT was 49.9 (±14.1) and of the remaining biomaterial was 22.6 (±7.9).

Conclusions

No statistically significant difference was observed between TG1 and TG2 after 6 months (P > 0.05), and both biomaterials afforded a more favorable implant position.
Searching for Control: Priming Randomness Increases the Evaluation of Ritual Efficacy
Authors: Legare Cristine H. , Souza André L.
Published: August 2013

Reestablishing feelings of control after experiencing uncertainty has long been considered a fundamental motive for human behavior. We propose that rituals (i.e., socially stipulated, causally opaque practices) provide a means for coping with the aversive feelings associated with randomness due to the perception of a connection between ritual action and a desired outcome. Two experiments were conducted (one in Brazil [n = 40] and another in the United States [n = 94]) to evaluate how the perceived efficacy of rituals is affected by feelings of randomness. In a between‐subjects design, the Scramble Sentence Task was used as a priming procedure in three conditions (i.e., randomness, negativity, and neutral) and participants were then asked to rate the efficacy of rituals used for problem‐solving purposes. The results demonstrate that priming randomness increased participants' perception of ritual efficacy relative to negativity and neutral conditions. Implications for increasing our understanding of the relationship between perceived control and ritualistic behavior are discussed.