bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of unclassified high‐grade glioma with polar spongioblastoma pattern
Authors: Fukushima Shintaro , Narita Yoshitaka , Shinomiya Aya , Ohno Makoto , Miyakita Yasuji , Okita Yoshiko , Hanakawa Kazuo , Ide Takafumi , Kayama Takamasa , Shibui Soichiro , Tsuda Hitoshi
Published: March 2012

Primitive polar spongioblastoma was first described by Russell and Cairns in 1947. However, the polar spongioblastoma pattern is often seen in many neuroepithelial tumors, and this category was deleted in the previous World Health Organization (WHO) classification. In 2010, Nagaishi et al. reported on a case involving a neuroepithelial tumor with the typical histological pattern of polar spongioblastoma and suggested that this tumor might not be suited to any of the neuroepithelial tumors in the current WHO classification. We report on an autopsy case involving an unclassified high‐grade glioma with polar spongioblastoma pattern that was very similar to the case described by Nagaishi et al. A 44‐year‐old man who presented with a headache exhibited a tumor of the right frontal lobe on MRI. Histological diagnosis of the tumor obtained by gross total resection was high‐grade glioma, which was composed of the parallel palisading of spindle tumor cells expressing GFAP, without microvascular proliferation (MVP) and necrosis. Conventional chemoradiotherapy was performed, but the case was complicated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination that resulted in multiple extraneural metastases through systemic diversionary CSF shunting. Finally, the patient died approximately 13 months after the initial treatment. Both the cerebral and Douglas pouch tumors that were obtained at autopsy were diagnosed as typical glioblastomas, and they were composed of the proliferation of atypical astrocytes with MVP and pseudopalisading necrosis without the formation of rhythmic palisading. Although the histological findings were different from that of the first operation, immunohistochemical and genetic profiles demonstrated almost the same results. This tumor was not classified as a typical glioblastoma by the initial findings, but it had the nature of a glioblastoma. These findings suggest that the tumor might be classified as a new subset of glioblastoma called glioblastoma with polar spongioblastoma pattern.
Nurses, medical records and the killing of sick persons before, during and after the Nazi regime in Germany
Authors: Foth Thomas
Published: March 2012

During the Nazi regime (1933–1945), more than 300 000 psychiatric patients were killed. The well‐calculated killing of chronic mentally ‘ill’ patients was part of a huge biopolitical program of well‐established scientific, eugenic standards of the time. Among the medical personnel implicated in these assassinations were nurses, who carried out this program through their everyday practice. However, newer research raises suspicions that psychiatric patients were being assassinated before and after the Nazi regime, which, I hypothesize, implies that the motives for these killings must be investigated within psychiatric practice itself. An investigation of the impact of the interplay between the notes left by nurses and those by psychiatrists illustrates the active role of the psychiatric medical record in the killing of these patients. Using theoretical insights from Michel Foucault and philosopher Giorgio Agamben and analyzing one part of a particularly rich patient file found in the Langenhorn Psychiatric Asylum in the city of Hamburg, I demonstrate the role of the record in both constructing and deconstructing patient subjectivities. De‐subjectifying patients condemned them to specific zones in the asylum within which they were reduced to their ‘bare life’‐ a precondition for their physical assassination.
Comparison of optic nerve head parameters using Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Sato Shino , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Baba Tetsuya , Shiraga Fumio
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  To assess the agreement between the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph and Cirrus spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD‐OCT [Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA]) when measuring optic disc parameters.

Design:  Prospective, cross‐sectional study.

Participants:  A total of 96 glaucoma patients and 21 normal subjects were analysed.

Methods:  Optic nerve head measurements, including disc area, rim area, cup‐to‐disc ratio and cup volume were obtained using both the Cirrus HD‐OCT and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 (Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany).

Main Outcome Measurements:  Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement between each of the optic disc parameters.

Results:  Although Cirrus HD‐OCT values were smaller than Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 values for the disc and rim areas, overall the Cirrus HD‐OCT and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 measurements were highly correlated (r = 0.657 to 0.821). As compared with Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3, disc and rim areas tended to be minimized by Cirrus HD‐OCT, especially when there were large disc and rim areas, although there was no relationship between the discrepancy and the level of measurement of the cup‐to‐disc ratio. The optical coherence tomography overestimated the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph‐determined cup volume, especially when there were large cup volumes.

Conclusions:  Bland–Altman analyses revealed that with the exception of the cup‐to‐disc ratio, there was poor agreement between the Cirrus HD‐OCT and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 morphometric measurements. In addition, with the exception of the cup‐to‐disc ratio, the optic nerve head measurements could not be directly compared between the Cirrus HD‐OCT and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3.
Enhanced extinction of cocaine seeking in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met knock‐in mice
Authors: Briand Lisa. A. , Lee Francis S. , Blendy Julie A. , Pierce R. Christopher
Published: March 2012

The Val66Met polymorphism in the brain‐derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) gene results in alterations in fear extinction behavior in both human populations and mouse models. However, it is not clear whether this polymorphism plays a similar role in extinction of appetitive behaviors. Therefore, we examined operant learning and extinction of both food and cocaine self‐administration behavior in an inbred genetic knock‐in mouse strain expressing the variant Bdnf. These mice provide a unique opportunity to relate alterations in aversive and appetitive extinction learning as well as provide insight into how human genetic variation can lead to differences in behavior. BDNFMet/Met mice exhibited a severe deficit in operant learning as demonstrated by an inability to learn the food self‐administration task. Therefore, extinction experiments were performed comparing wildtype (BDNFVal/Val) animals to mice heterozygous for the Met allele (BDNFVal/Met), which did not differ in food or cocaine self‐administration behavior. In contrast to the deficit in fear extinction previously demonstrated in these mice, we found that BDNFVal/Met mice exhibited more rapid extinction of cocaine responding compared to wildtype mice. No differences were found between the genotypes in the extinction of food self‐administration behavior or the reinstatement of cocaine seeking, indicating that the effect is specific to extinction of cocaine responding. These results suggest that the molecular mechanisms underlying aversive and appetitive extinction are distinct from one another and BDNF may play opposing roles in the two phenomena.
Increasing antagonistic interactions cause bacterial communities to collapse at high diversity
Authors: Becker Joachim , Eisenhauer Nico , Scheu Stefan , Jousset Alexandre
Published: March 2012

Ecology Letters (2012) 15: 468–474

Biodiversity is a major determinant of ecosystem functioning. Species‐rich communities often use resources more efficiently thereby improving community performance. However, high competition within diverse communities may also reduce community functioning. We manipulated the genotypic diversity of Pseudomonas fluorescens communities, a plant mutualistic species inhibiting pathogens. We measured antagonistic interactions in vitro, and related these interactions to bacterial community productivity (root colonisation) and ecosystem service (host plant protection). Antagonistic interactions increased disproportionally with species richness. Mutual poisoning between competitors lead to a ‘negative complementarity effect’, causing a decrease in bacterial density by up to 98% in diverse communities and a complete loss of plant protection. The results emphasize that antagonistic interactions may determine community functioning and cause negative biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships. Interference competition may thus be an additional key for predicting the dynamics and performance of natural assemblages and needs to be implemented in future biodiversity models.
Microfoundations of Routines and Capabilities: Individuals, Processes, and Structure
Authors: Felin Teppo , Foss Nicolai J. , Heimeriks Koen H. , Madsen Tammy L.
Published: March 2012

abstract

This article introduces the Special Issue and discusses the microfoundations of routines and capabilities, including why a microfoundations view is needed and how it may inform work on organizational and competitive heterogeneity. Building on extant research, we identify three primary categories of micro‐level components underlying routines and capabilities: individuals, social processes, and structure. We discuss how these components, and their interactions, may affect routines and capabilities. In doing so, we outline a research agenda for advancing the field's understanding of the microfoundations of routines and capabilities.
The Effect of Managerial Bias on Employees' Specific Human Capital Investments
Authors: Wang Heli , Wong Kin Fai Ellick
Published: March 2012

abstract

Contrary to the conventional belief that escalation of commitment by managers is detrimental, this study argues for its potential benefits. While firm‐specific human capital is considered a critical element of knowledge‐based resources that have the potential for superior firm performance, factors affecting the incentives for employees to make such investments are often overlooked. In the case of firms taking on risky projects, fear of project termination often reduces employees' incentives to make specific human capital investments. We argue that in this situation, the firms may find it desirable to commit to a lower probability of project termination in order to encourage the development of specific human capital by employees. Managers' escalation of commitment tendency may function as such a commitment mechanism. We find support for the key argument from the results of two experimental studies.
Active music classes in infancy enhance musical, communicative and social development
Authors: Gerry David , Unrau Andrea , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: March 2012

Previous studies suggest that musical training in children can positively affect various aspects of development. However, it remains unknown as to how early in development musical experience can have an effect, the nature of any such effects, and whether different types of music experience affect development differently. We found that random assignment to 6 months of active participatory musical experience beginning at 6 months of age accelerates acquisition of culture‐specific knowledge of Western tonality in comparison to a similar amount of passive exposure to music. Furthermore, infants assigned to the active musical experience showed superior development of prelinguistic communicative gestures and social behaviour compared to infants assigned to the passive musical experience. These results indicate that (1) infants can engage in meaningful musical training when appropriate pedagogical approaches are used, (2) active musical participation in infancy enhances culture‐specific musical acquisition, and (3) active musical participation in infancy impacts social and communication development.
Evaluating the Effects of University Grants by Using Regression Discontinuity Designs
Authors: Mealli Fabrizia , Rampichini Carla
Published: March 2012

The paper evaluates the effects of Italian university grants on student dropout. Eligible applicants receive a grant if their family economic indicator is below a specified threshold, so the grant assignment rule appeals to a regression discontinuity design. After a brief introduction to regression discontinuity designs, the particular setting that is considered in the paper is formalized. Difference-in-difference type assumptions are introduced to identify and estimate the effect away from the threshold. Empirical results show that, at the threshold, the grant is an effective tool to prevent students from low income families from dropping out of higher education. However, there is some evidence that the effect of the grant becomes smaller and not significant for poorer students who are further from the threshold.
The Group Size and Loyalty of Football Fans: A Two-Stage Estimation Procedure to Compare Customer Potentials Across Teams
Authors: Brandes Leif , Franck Egon , Theiler Philipp
Published: March 2012

The paper presents estimation results on the size and loyalty of sport teams’ supporter groups in professional German football. Based on a novel two-stage estimation procedure, we find clear evidence for heterogeneity across teams. In the first stage, a random-utility model for a representative consumer is modelled and fitted to more than 1700 matches over the seasons 1996–2001. In the second step, attendance probabilities are predicted for the seasons 2002–2003 to estimate group sizes. A team’s group size is positively correlated with its memberships (ρ^.61; p<0.01), fan clubs (ρ^.59; p<0.01) and merchandizing revenues (ρ^.49; p<0.05). Noteworthy is that no similar correlations can be found for a team’s home town population which has been the standard measure for market size in applied work so far.
Efficient Redistribution of Lifetime Income through Welfare Accounts*
Authors: Bovenberg A. Lans , Hansen Martin Ino , Sørensen Peter Birch
Published: March 2012

Compared with a conventional tax–transfer system, individual welfare accounts can redistribute lifetime incomes at a lower efficiency cost. These welfare accounts employ mandatory contributions rather than taxes to finance social transfers to people of working age. We describe a design for welfare accounts that guarantees a Pareto improvement if behavioural responses to the accounts improve the public budget. We also develop a formula for quantifying the impact of welfare accounts on the government budget and economic efficiency. Applying the formula to Danish data, we find that the proposed welfare accounts would generate a Pareto improvement, thus improving the trade‐off between equity and efficiency. We discuss how the gains from welfare accounts can be distributed in an equitable manner.
Universal Credit: A Preliminary Analysis of Its Impact on Incomes and Work Incentives*
Authors: Brewer Mike , Browne James , Jin Wenchao
Published: March 2012

Alongside a series of cuts that will reduce welfare spending by £18 billion per year by 2014–15, the UK government announced in November 2010 plans to integrate and simplify means‐tested welfare benefits and in‐work tax credits for working‐age adults into a single programme, to be known as Universal Credit and to be phased in from October 2013. The aims were to make it easier for claimants to claim benefits, to make the gains to work more transparent and to reduce the amount spent on administration and lost in fraud and error. More households will see entitlements rise from the move to Universal Credit considered in isolation than will see entitlements fall; in aggregate, entitlements will rise by nearly £1.1 billion a year. Low‐income families will see their entitlements rise by more than high‐income families, on average, and couples will gain more from the reform, on average, than single‐adult families, especially if there are also children in the family. In general, those facing the weakest incentive to work at all, or the weakest incentive to increase earnings, see their incentives strengthened, including those with very low earnings and hours worked per week and those who at present experience simultaneous withdrawal of multiple means‐tested benefits and tax credits. But a Council Tax Benefit that operates separately from Universal Credit, and that has rules that vary across English local authorities, could easily undermine many of the supposed advantages of Universal Credit.
The Effects of Social Spending on Economic Activity: Empirical Evidence from a Panel of OECD Countries*
Authors: Furceri Davide , Zdzienicka Aleksandra
Published: March 2012

The aim of this paper is to assess the short‐term effects of social spending on economic activity. Using a panel of OECD countries from 1980 to 2005, the results show that social spending has expansionary effects on GDP. In particular, we find that an increase of 1 per cent in social spending increases GDP by about 0.1 percentage points, which, given the share of social spending in GDP, corresponds to a multiplier of about 0.6. The effect is similar to that of total government spending, and it is larger in periods of severe downturns. Among spending subcategories, social spending on health and on unemployment benefits have the greatest effects. Social spending also positively affects private consumption, while it has negligible effects on investment. The empirical results are economically and statistically significant, and robust.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Social Capital: A Developmental Approach to Adolescent Social Capital Formation*
Authors: Weiss Harald E.
Published: March 2012

Previous scholarship has demonstrated the importance of individual characteristics and structural context for understanding social capital formation. However, a developmental approach to social capital formation has, so far, been absent. In this study, I argue that social capital formation must be understood intergenerationally as well as structurally. Using hierarchical linear modeling, I investigate the hypothesized intergenerational transmission of social capital using Waves 1 and 2 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The results show that, in addition to individual characteristics, neighborhood‐level factors, and school‐level variables, parental social capital is an important predictor of adolescent social capital. This study also suggests that the intergenerational transmission of social capital functions, in part, through family structure and that structural differences account for only a relatively small share of the variation in adolescent social capital. Potential explanations for these findings are discussed.
What are Churches For? Toward an Ecclesiology of the Cross after Christendom1
Authors: Mahn Jason A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  This essay applies pressure to Douglas John Hall's use of Luther's theologia crucis in his calls for the church to become an ecclesia crucis. In my analysis, the theology of the cross is best used not as a hermeneutical key for discerning Christendom's end and the church's new beginning, but as training in developing the capacity to discern both God and church as they hide under opposite signs. By drawing on Hall, two feminist Lutheran theologians, and Stanley Hauerwas, the essay suggests that the practices of the institutional church might be exactly what is needed for the formation of theologians of the cross.
The Networking of Differences That Makes a Difference: Theology and the Unity of the Church
Authors: Hansen Guillermo
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  What does the church mean when it confesses through the Creeds its oneness? My aim is to reflect on how and why theology needs to bring to the fore a hidden dimension in the discourse on the unity of the church, that is, its tendency to fall into a “solid” and “totalizing” disciplinary technology, i.e., an ideology. I will approach the theme following these basic theological pointers: (a) a biblical primary symbol as it emerges to unveil a new existence and practice—Paul's metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12; (b) a secondary symbol through which the church understood itself to be lodged—the trinitarian understanding of being as a communicative relationship; (c) the regulative principle of law and promise as guiding a discursive practice that supports different levels of decentering and centering that signals a breakthrough of the eschaton—Luther's understanding of law and gospel. These overlapping theological dimensions allow a different metaphorization of the oneness and unity of the church.
How well is the outcome of patch testing remembered by the patients? A 10‐year follow‐up of testing with the Swedish baseline series at the Department of Dermatology in Örebro, Sweden
Authors: Jamil Wassim N. , Erikssohn Ingalill , Lindberg Magnus
Published: March 2012

Background. Patch testing is beneficial for patients with contact dermatitis. However, it is not known how well the outcome of patch testing is remembered after a prolonged period.

Objectives. To study how well patients remember the outcome of their tests after 1–10 years.

Patients/materials/methods. In 2010, a questionnaire was sent to all patients tested with the Swedish baseline series in 2009, 2005, and 2000.

Results. The response rate was 53.3% (252/473), and 96% (241/252) of patients reported that they had been submitted for allergy testing. Among those with positive patch test results, 79% (111/141) remembered a positive result and 29% (41/141) reported the correct name of the allergen. We found a wide variation (0–80%) in how well the patients remembered positive test results for different allergens. The ability to recall allergens had no relationship with the localization or extension of eczema lesions, but was negatively correlated with the number of diagnosed allergies, the number of years after patch testing, and being male.

Conclusions. Our results indicate that improved information for patients following patch testing is required, in order to improve the prognosis of contact dermatitis.
Impact of tumour necrosis factor‐α polymorphisms on irritant contact dermatitis
Authors: Landeck Lilla , Visser Maaike , Kezic Sanja , John Swen M.
Published: March 2012

Background. Genetic variations in genes coding for cytokines involved in skin inflammation may alter their expression, thus changing the susceptibility to irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of polymorphisms in the cytokine genes TNFA‐238 and TNFA‐308 in patients with occupational ICD, and to compare it with that in controls.

Methods. In a case–control study, 478 patients with occupational ICD of the hands were genotyped for TNFA‐238 and TNFA‐308 polymorphisms. The results were compared with those for 393 apprentices from the same high‐risk occupations (controls).

Results. For a carrier of a variant TNFA‐238A allele, the odds ratio (OR) of acquiring ICD was 0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.97], suggesting a protective effect of the A allele. The genotype distributions were 94.4% wild type (G/G), 5.6% heterozygous (G/A) and 0% homozygous for variant allele (A/A) in patients, and 90.9%, 8.5%, and 0.6%, respectively in controls. In contrast, carriers of the variant TNFA‐308A allele had an increased risk of ICD [OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.05–1.74; G/G 66.4%, G/A 31.2%, and A/A 2.4% (patients) versus 73.5%, 24.6%, 1.9% in controls].

Conclusions. Individuals with a TNFA‐238 polymorphism are less prone and those with a TNFA‐308 polymorphism are more prone to develop ICD of the hands, suggesting a protective versus a detrimental effect of the A allele respectively.
Salivary antioxidant biomarkers in non‐ferrous metals mine workers – a pilot study
Authors: Greabu Maria , Didilescu Andreea , Puiu Ligia , Miricescu Daniela , Totan Alexandra
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 490–493

Objective:  The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the relationships between occupational exposure to mine dust, salivary antioxidants and their possible implications in the pathogenicity of different exposure diseases.

Material and methods:  We studied 30 individuals with long‐term occupational exposure to non‐ferrous metal mine conditions and a control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers. Salivary uric acid, gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured.

Results:  Statistically significant differences in salivary GGT (P = 0.004), TAC (P < 0.001) and uric acid (P = 0.02) were noted between the two groups. A strong positive correlation between TAC and uric acid was recorded in controls (r = 0.76, P = 0.0002).

Conclusions:  Saliva may provide an important line of antioxidant defense in humans exposed to oxidant threats. These components may also serve as convenient biomarkers to monitor oxidant exposure.
Involvement of toll‐like receptors in autoimmune sialoadenitis of the non‐obese diabetic mouse
Authors: Shimizu Shigeyoshi , Kurashige Yoshihito , Nishimura Michiko , Yamazaki Mami , Sato Jun , Saitoh Masato , Selimovic Denis , Abiko Yoshihiro
Published: March 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 517–523

The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) during the development of sialoadenitis in the non‐obese diabetic mouse. Submandibular glands were dissected from non‐obese diabetic mice at 4, 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks of age. The mRNA expression levels of TLR1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, MyD88, and TRIF was quantified using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA expression levels in 4‐week‐old non‐obese diabetic mice were used as controls. The expression levels of TLR1, 2, 4, and 9 were significantly higher at 8, 10, 12, and 16 weeks than the levels in the controls. The expression level of TLR3 was significantly higher at 16 weeks than in the controls. A group of mice were given drinking water containing 4.75% chloroquine starting at 4 weeks. Chloroquine caused a significant decrease in the expression of TLR1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 at 16 weeks compared with control mice who did not receive chloroquine. The areas of lymphocyte infiltration seen on serial sections of submandibular glands in the mice receiving chloroquine were significantly smaller than the areas of infiltration in control glands. Increased expression of Toll‐like receptors may be involved in the development and/or progression of sialoadenitis in the non‐obese diabetic mouse. Toll‐like receptors may be a therapeutic target for autoimmune sialoadenitis.
Parents' management of children's pain at home after surgery
Authors: Vincent Catherine , Chiappetta Maria , Beach Abigail , Kiolbasa Carolyn , Latta Kelsey , Maloney Rebekah , Van Roeyen Linda Sue
Published: March 2012

Purpose.  We tested home pain management for children for effects on pain intensity, analgesics administered, satisfaction, and use of healthcare services over 3 post‐discharge days.

Design and Methods.  In this quasi‐experimental study with 108 children and their parents, we used the numeric rating scale or the Faces Pain Scale‐Revised, calculated percentages of analgesics administered, and asked questions about expectations, satisfaction, and services. Between‐group differences were tested with t‐tests and analysis of variance.

Results:  After home pain management for children, children reported moderate pain, and parents administered more analgesics on study days. Parents and children were satisfied; parents used few services. Written instructions and a brief interactive session were not sufficient to change parents' analgesic administration practices to relieve their children's pain.

Practice Implications.  Further research is needed to develop and test effective education interventions to facilitate relief of children's postoperative pain.
Perceptions of NPs and administrators in regard to the governing and supervision of NPs in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Hui‐Ling , Hsin Tung Heng , Guu Sy‐Ming , Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Chang Ching‐Fen
Published: March 2012

Abstract  Purpose: To determine the perceptions of nurse practitioners (NPs) and administrators in regard to the governing and supervision of NPs, using a qualitative approach.

Data sources: The study used a qualitative research design, with 14 participants recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected through a semi‐structured interview and were analyzed through content analysis to identify the concepts and themes.

Conclusions: NPs in Taiwan are challenged by a number of barriers; however, they remain positive that their circumstances will improve.

Implications for practice: The results indicated that clinicians and hospital managers, including NPs themselves, need to have a solid understanding of NP regulations. Communication with other disciplines and policymakers is key to success in the NP role. This study provides valuable information for NPs, other healthcare professionals, and administrators in terms of promoting the role of NPs.
Corporate rescue: a game of three halves
Authors: Finch Vanessa
Published: March 2012

Three connected processes make up the UK corporate rescue regime: the formal, legal regime, informal approaches and the quasi-formal system, as exemplified by the pre-packaged administration. These three processes not only operate through different procedures but they are also attuned to the pursuit of different objectives and values, they are subject to different controls and they involve different roles for, and relationships between, the parties affected by corporate rescues. A number of negative and identifiable consequences flow from such divergences. An understanding of the tensions between these three systems and an awareness of the challenges posed by transition through different procedures does, however, help to explain many of the deficiencies of current corporate rescue processes and it also provides an enhanced basis for considering current proposals for reforming restructuring and working towards an improved rescue regime.
Association between indicators of dementia and nutritional status in institutionalised older people
Authors: Galesi Lilian Fernanda , Leandro‐Merhi Vânia Aparecida , de Oliveira Maria Rita Marques
Published: March 2012

Background and aims.  Dementia weakens older people and can lead to malnutrition; therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the association between indicators of dementia and biochemical indicators, anthropometric indicators and food intake in institutionalised older people.

Methods.  A total of 150 older people of both genders participated in this study. Nutritional status was determined by body mass index and other anthropometric variables, and biochemical indicators were used to analyse the differences between individuals with and without dementia. Energy and nutrient intakes were determined by food records, and dementia was investigated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination. The data were analysed by the chi‐square test, Student’s t‐test and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results.  Of the 150 individuals studied, 48% were men with a mean age of 73 ± 10 years and 52% were women with a mean age of 80 ± 9 years. Thirty‐six per cent had some degree of malnutrition and 48% presented dementia, which was more prevalent in women (59%). The nutritional status of men and women individuals with and without dementia differed significantly (P < 0.001 for men and women). The only variables that presented a significant difference between individuals with and without dementia were those associated with muscle mass in men. There were no differences in energy and nutrient intakes between individuals with and without dementia except for vitamin C intake, which differed among women (P = 0.032).

Conclusion.  In the conditions of the present study, dementia was associated with nutritional status, but not with energy and nutrient intakes, suggesting that older people with dementia may have higher nutritional requirements.

Implications for practice.  Investigation of dementia may contribute to the nutritional status assessment of older people and energy expenditure and immobility should be investigated for a more complete assessment.
Incidental Diagnosis in Healthy Clinical Trial Subjects
Authors: Duncan Christopher J.A. , Rowland Rosalind , Lillie Patrick J. , Meyer Joel , Sheehy Susanne H. , O’Hara Geraldine A. , Hamill Matthew , Donaldson Hannah , Dinsmore Laura , Poulton Ian D. , Gilbert Sarah C. , McShane Helen , Hill Adrian V.S.
Published: March 2012

Previously unrecognized medical conditions identified in volunteers for early phase clinical studies have significant clinical and ethical implications for the participant. It is therefore crucial that the potential for unexpected diagnosis is addressed during the informed consent process. But the frequency of incidental diagnosis in healthy volunteers who attend for clinical trial screening remains unclear. To assess this we retrospectively analyzed 1,131 independent screening visits for 990 volunteers at a single academic center over a 10‐year period to describe the frequency and nature of new clinical findings. Overall 23 of 990 volunteers (2.3%) were excluded at screening for a newly diagnosed medical abnormality. Some clinically important conditions, such as nephrotic syndrome and familial hypercholesterolemia were identified. The frequency of abnormalities was associated with increasing age in males (p= 0.02 χ2 for trend) but not females (p= 0.82). These data will assist those planning and conducting phase I/II vaccine trials in healthy volunteers, and importantly should strengthen the informed consent of future trial participants. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 348–350
Association of Sp1 Tandem Repeat Polymorphism of ALOX5 with Coronary Artery Disease in Indian Subjects
Authors: Todur Seema P. , Ashavaid Tester F.
Published: March 2012

Lipoxygenases have been implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) for its potent proinflammatory role. The Sp1 addition/deletion polymorphism in promoter region of the 5‐lipoxygenase gene (ALOX5) has been associated with increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. To determine the role of this polymorphism in our population we performed a case–control‐genetic association study on 117 healthy controls and 119 angiographically verified CAD patients. Biochemical analysis was performed using standard automated assays. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and LDL‐C subfraction levels were estimated using precipitation methods. Genotyping of polymorphism in the ALOX5 (Sp1 variants) was done using PCR‐based heteroduplex analysis and automated sequencing. The Sp1 promoter repeat variants were found to be associated with CAD (p < 0.0001, OR = 4.47, 95% confidence interval = 2.58–7.74). Furthermore, the 5/5 genotype of the ALOX5 polymorphism in the healthy subjects was found to be associated with elevated HDL‐C (p= 0.004), HDL3‐C (p= 0.04), apo A1 (p= 0.011) and sdLDL (p= 0.001). We conclude that this polymorphism influences LDL and HDL subfraction levels and is a risk factor for CAD in our population. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 408–411
Three decades of horseshoe crab rearing: a review of conditions for captive growth and survival
Authors: Carmichael Ruth H. , Brush Erik
Published: March 2012

Threats to wild horseshoe crab populations and growing interest in their use for research, education and biomedical applications have prompted demand for improved techniques to rear and maintain crabs in captivity. Although numerous laboratory studies have been conducted to determine growth and survival of horseshoe crabs under various conditions, these data have not been compiled and summarized to inform culture practices. We surveyed the literature and analysed the range of available techniques to identify and define a consistent set of conditions for maximum growth and survival of horseshoe crabs in culture. We considered three age classes; embryo, juvenile and adult, and included all extant species (Limulus polyphemus, Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Tachypleus gigas and Tachypleus tridentatus). We discovered relatively few published studies that clearly related husbandry conditions to growth and survival. Comparison among studies was complicated by inconsistent data collection and reporting techniques. Most published sources reported data for younger age classes, and more studies considered L. polyphemus than Asian species. The most commonly reported variables (temperature, salinity, enclosure maintenance and diet composition) showed size dependent and in some cases species‐specific effects on growth and survival that will be important in guiding culture efforts. We suggest that future studies give additional consideration to substrate type, water flow, dissolved oxygen concentrations, diet quality and the quantity and frequency of feeding. If laboratory‐reared stocks are to be used for propagation and restoration activities, future studies will benefit from closing these data gaps and promoting international data sharing.
18F‐FDG‐PET and 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT in the detection of recurrent or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cheng Xu , Bao Lihua , Xu Zhaoqiang , Li Dianfu , Wang Jie , Li Yongjun
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate diagnostic performance of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose position emission tomography (FDG‐PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detection of recurrent or metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in patients after surgery with a meta‐analysis. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles. Two investigators independently extracted the data about study characteristics and examination results. Pooled estimates of sensitivity of FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT were obtained. Fifteen studies met all inclusion criteria. The sensitivity of FDG‐PET ranged from 0.47 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.21–0.73) to 0.96 (95%CI: 0.86–0.99), the sensitivity of FDG‐PET/CT ranger from 0.47 (95% CI: 0.31–0.64) to 0.80 (95% CI: 0.65–0.90). The pooled sensitivities of FDG‐PET and PET/CT were 0.68 (95% CI: 0.64–0.72) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.64–0.74), respectively. There was no statistic significant between FDG‐PET and PET/CT. Our results indicate that FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT has reasonable sensitivity in detecting recurrent or metastatic MTC after primary surgery. However, no single diagnostic technique is able to reliably demonstrate the full extent of disease in patients with recurrent or metastatic MTC, the combination of cross‐sectional radiography with FDG‐PET or PET/CT is recommended.
Plant DNA barcodes and the influence of gene flow
Authors: NACIRI YAMAMA , CAETANO SOFIA , SALAMIN NICOLAS
Published: March 2012

Success of species assignment using DNA barcodes has been shown to vary among plant lineages because of a wide range of different factors. In this study, we confirm the theoretical prediction that gene flow influences species assignment with simulations and a literature survey. We show that the genome experiencing the highest gene flow is, in the majority of the cases, the best suited for species delimitation. Our results clearly suggest that, for most angiosperm groups, plastid markers will not be the most appropriate for use as DNA barcodes. We therefore advocate shifting the focus from plastid to nuclear markers to achieve an overall higher success using DNA barcodes.
Plasma Inflammatory Mediator Concentrations at ICU Admission in Dogs with Naturally Developing Sepsis
Authors: DeClue A.E. , Sharp C.R. , Harmon M.
Published: March 2012

Background

Identifying biomarkers to aide in the diagnosis and prognostication of sepsis in dogs would be valuable to veterinarians.

Objective

To compare plasma inflammatory mediator concentrations among dogs with sepsis, noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NSIRS), and healthy dogs.

Animals

Dogs with sepsis (n = 22), NSIRS (n = 23), and healthy dogs (n = 13) presenting to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a veterinary teaching hospital.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Clinical parameters were recorded for each dog and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) bioactivity and concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)‐8 and IL‐10 were determined at ICU presentation.

Results

Dogs with sepsis and NSIRS were significantly more likely to have measurable TNF activity (sepsis 20/22; NSIRS 19/20; healthy 0/13) and IL‐6 concentration (sepsis 12/22; NSIRS 15/23; healthy 2/13), than healthy dogs. Healthy dogs (9/13) were significantly more likely to have measurable plasma IL‐10 concentrations than dogs with sepsis (4/19), but not NSIRS (7/20). None of the inflammatory mediators evaluated had optimal sensitivity or specificity for the diagnosis of sepsis. Twelve of 22 dogs with sepsis and 15/23 dogs with NSIRS survived to discharge; none of the measured biomarkers correlated with survival to discharge.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Sepsis and NSIRS are associated with increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF and IL‐6. In addition, sepsis is associated with decreased production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Despite this, plasma TNF, IL‐6, CXCL‐8, and IL‐10 measured at ICU presentation do not appear to be valuable biomarkers to differentiate sepsis from NSIRS, or predict hospital outcome.
Feasibility and Safety of Endoscopic Ultrasound‐Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of the Pancreas in Dogs
Authors: Kook P.H. , Baloi P. , Ruetten M. , Pantchev N. , Reusch C.E. , Kircher P.
Published: March 2012

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) has proven a useful and safe diagnostic tool for assessing pancreatic disease in human medicine. No information about pancreaticEUS‐FNAis available in dogs.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility and safety of pancreatic EUS‐FNA in healthy dogs.

Animals

Thirteen beagles with a median body weight of 13.4 kg.

Methods

Experimental study. An ultrasound endoscope (insertion tube outer diameter 11.8 mm) was used, andFNAwas carried out with 19 G needles. The optimal puncture site was chosen with the aid of Doppler imaging. Complete clinicopathologic assessments including pain scoring and pancreas‐specific lipase measurements were obtained beforeEUSas well as on day 1 and day 2 afterEUS‐FNA.

Results

The pancreatic body was identified in all dogs, the left lobe was clearly identified in 9/13 and appeared indistinctly marginated in 4/13 dogs, and the distal third of the right lobe could not be identified in 7/13 dogs.EUS‐FNAwas carried out in 12/13 dogs. Cellularity of smears was adequate for evaluation in 8/12 cases, in which samples were obtained transgastrically (n = 4) or transduodenally (n = 4). All dogs recovered uneventfully and no clinical and laboratory abnormalities occurred during the 48 hour monitoring period after the procedure.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Although the healthy canine pancreas is difficult to visualize in its entirety withEUS, pancreaticEUS‐FNAwith a 19 G needle is feasible in medium‐sized dogs and can be considered a safe procedure. Its diagnostic usefulness should be evaluated in dogs with pancreatic disease.
Tin dioxide as an alternative window layer for improving the damp-heat stability of copper indium gallium diselenide solar cells
Authors: Selin Tosun B. , Feist Rebekah K. , Campbell Stephen A. , Aydil Eray S.
Published: March 2012

The authors demonstrate a new copper indium gallium diselenide solar cell architecture by replacing the ZnO in the traditional design with SnO2. The open circuit voltages and efficiencies of the solar cells made with ZnO and SnO2 were the same indicating favorable band alignment. The solar cells made with SnO2 showed significantly better damp-heat stability than those made with ZnO. The efficiency of solar cells made with SnO2 decreased less than 5% after 120 h at 85 °C and 85% relative humidity while the efficiency of solar cells made with ZnO declined by more than 70%.
Conformally coating vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays using thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl
Authors: Hildreth Owen , Cola Baratunde , Graham Samuel , Wong C. P.
Published: March 2012

Conformally coating vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (v-CNT) with metals or oxides can be difficult because standard line-of-sight deposition methods, such as dc sputter coating and electron-beam evaporation, are hindered by the low mean-free-path within the vertically aligned array. In this work, we present a facile method to conformally coat dense arrays of v-CNTs using thermal decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl at 205 °C and 30 mTorr. The resulting coatings were found to be uniform from top-to-bottom across an entire 1 × 1 cm2 array of v-CNTs. The thickness of the deposited coating was found to be 2–3 nm/cycle and the resulting film thickness were found to be 13 ± 3 nm after five cycles and 55 ± 5 nm after 20 cycles. This process demonstrates that metal organic chemical vapor deposition can be used to fabricate conformal coatings on v-CNTs.
Improvement of electrical and optical properties of molybdenum oxide thin films by ultralow pressure sputtering method
Authors: Sook Oh Myeong , Seob Yang Bong , Ho Lee Jong , Ha Oh Seong , Soo Lee Ung , Jang Kim Yoon , Joon Kim Hyeong , Soo Huh Myung
Published: March 2012

In this work, we investigated the structural, electrical and optical properties of molybdenum oxide thin films deposited by the reactive dc magnetron sputtering method. The molybdenum oxide films were prepared at sputtering pressures ranging from 6.7 × 10−1 to 6.7 × 10−2 Pa. In order to promote their electrical conductivity, all the deposited MoOx films were annealed in Ar ambient at 450 °C for 8 h. The resistivity of the MoOx films varied from 10−4 to 10−2 Ω cm depending on the O2 content in the sputtering ambient. The lowering of the resistivity of the MoO2 films was mainly attributed to the formation of a monoclinic MoO2 polycrystalline phase. As the sputtering pressure decreased, the content of monoclinic polycrystalline MoO2 phase increased, resulting in low resistivity films. The formation of the dominant MoO2 phase at lower sputtering pressures was attributed to the stress induced crystallization. The post-deposition annealed (PDA) MoOx film, deposited at an ultralow sputtering pressure (6.7 × 10−2 Pa) and O2 content of 40%, had an atomic ratio of O to Mo ≈ 2.85 and was highly transparent and conductive: the transmittance in the visible wavelength range of 400–500 nm was about 73% and the resistivity was 1.05 × 10−3 Ω cm. This result is superior to those of MoOx films epitaxially grown by the pulse laser deposition method.
Giving Statins a Run for Their Money?
Authors: Tanhehco Yvette
Published: March 2012

A serotonin receptor antagonist suppresses atherosclerosis caused by a high-cholesterol diet in a rabbit model.
Stent Today, Gone Tomorrow
Authors: Baker Aaron B.
Published: March 2012

A new polymer-coated, drug-eluting stent is able to keep arteries open and blood flowing in patients.
Staying Alive: Specifically Targeting Tumor Vessels with Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy
Authors: Bettegowda Chetan
Published: March 2012

Targeting the endothelial marker TEM8 delays tumor growth without harming healthy blood vessels.
Patients Point the Way
Authors: Calfee Carolyn S.
Published: March 2012

A bedside-to-bench approach identified a novel therapeutic target in sepsis—one that may be manipulated by an established class of drugs.