bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Overlap Between Offending and Victimization Among Adolescents
Authors: Posick Chad
Published: January 2013

One longstanding research interest of criminology that has seen resurgence of late is the relationship between offending and victimization. This line of research reveals that offending and victimization are not randomly distributed among the population but clustered within the same individuals. These individuals share similar individual characteristics and experiences with violence and deviance. Research has only begun to explain this overlap using existing theoretical frameworks. Further, despite this recent interest, little is known about the overlap between theft offending and victimization. To expand and add clarity to the body of research on the victim–offender overlap, the current study uses data from the second International Self-Report Delinquency Study (ISRD-2) to investigate the link between violent and theft offending/victimization. Results reveal that there is a consistent positive relationship between all forms of offending and victimization. Offending and victimization are also accounted for using similar explanatory frameworks.
Cultural Evolution Branches Out
Authors: Currie Thomas E.
Published: January 2013

Recently there has been a movement in the social sciences to apply theories and methods developed originally in evolutionary biology to understand human behavior and cultural change. In this article, I highlight an ever growing branch of this research that analyzes cultural data using a suite of techniques based on evolutionary trees. These phylogenetic methods fall into two categories: (a) “tree-building” that is, inferring the historical relationships between units, and (b) comparative analyses that is, mapping other traits onto the tips of these trees to make inferences about trait evolution. Using lexical data I infer the phylogenetic relationships between 82 Indo-European languages. The estimated divergence time of these languages agrees with earlier studies in supporting a hypothesis that places the homeland of the Indo-Europeans somewhere in Anatolia 8000-9500 BP. Using data from Austronesian-speaking societies I give examples of the use of comparative methods to (i) infer the system of land tenure in ancestral societies, (ii) examine the ecological correlates of violence in the Polynesian and Micronesian societies, and (iii) test hypotheses about the mode and tempo of sociopolitical evolution. I examine future areas of cultural phylogenetic research in the evolutionary social sciences and argue that the kinds of studies introduced in this article hold the potential for fruitful collaborations between cultural phylogeneticists and cross-cultural researchers.
The Politics of Knowing “Organizational Sustainable Development”
Authors: Tregidga Helen , Kearins Kate , Milne Markus
Published: January 2013

We critically examine organizational representations of sustainable development in 197 publicly available corporate reports. Using a discourse theoretical approach, we analyze how these organizations have come to “know” sustainable development, and we consider the conditions that made this knowledge possible. Themes identified are (a) enlightened self-interest and the business case, (b) organizational sustainable development as a balancing act, (c) organizational sustainable development as necessary and important, (d) being sustainable as responsibility and/or obligation, (e) organizational sustainable development as challenge and opportunity, and (f) sustainable development as a new and an old concept. Taken-for-granted assumptions in corporate reports emphasize organizational ability to manage sustainably underpinned by optimism about technological advancements, continuous improvement, and efficiencies. The organizational construction of sustainable development “accommodates” current organizations and systems of organizing. More extensive and compelling engagement with the discourse is required by both practitioners and academics, and with each other—if an environmentally, socially, and economically enabling construction of sustainable development is to be realized.
Renal deterioration in multiple sclerosis patients with neurovesical dysfunction
Authors: Fletcher Sophie G , Dillon Benjamin E , Gilchrist Alienor S , Haverkorn Rashel M , Yan Jingsheng , Frohman Elliot M , Lemack Gary E
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

Our aims were to determine the prevalence of renal ultrasound (RUS) abnormalities over time in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Methods:

Data were examined retrospectively from MS patients with LUTS, from 2000–2009. Study inclusion requirements were both baseline urodynamics (UD) and RUS data, with followup RUS at ≥ 12 months. Age, time since diagnosis (TSD), MS subtype and the UD/RUS results were evaluated for associations.

Results:

At presentation, 173 subjects underwent UD and RUS, but only 89 had a repeat RUS at ≥ 12 months. Median followup was 61 months. Initial RUS abnormalities were found in 10 (5.8%) subjects. At followup, upper urinary tract (UUT) abnormalities were seen in 11 (12.4%) subjects. Patients > 49 years old were more likely to have an abnormality (OR 0.181, 95% CI 0.037–0.892, p = 0.04). Patients with abnormal compliance were also more likely to have an abnormal followup RUS (OR 0.185, 95% CI 0.037–0.924, p = 0.04). No other demographic or UD factor was associated with RUS abnormalities.

Conclusions:

The development of structural UUT changes is low in MS patients. Urodynamic studies are useful for LUTS treatment strategies in complicated patients, but UD does not appear to have much impact with regard to upper tract changes.
Changing smokers’ risk perceptions – for better or worse?
Authors: Myers Lynn B
Published: January 2013

This study investigated the effect of a smoking health message on smokers’ comparative optimism. Two groups watched an anti-smoking scenario, with one group imagining being part of the scenario. Participants, including controls, completed comparative optimism ratings for four smoking-related illnesses. The intervention had negative consequences with both intervention groups reporting significantly higher comparative optimism versus the control group for all four smoking-related illnesses. It is concluded that media health messages can be powerful tools in changing comparative optimism but are influenced by peoples’ prior perceptions. Health messages need to be systematically assessed to understand prior beliefs of the target audience.
Punitiveness and political culture: Notes from some small countries
Authors: Hamilton Claire
Published: January 2013

Green’s (2007, 2008, 2009) recent comparative work on child-on-child homicides in England and Norway has drawn attention to political and cultural explanations to account for differences in levels of state punitiveness. His work finds support for the distinction made by Arend Lijphart (1999) between consensus and majoritarian democracy, through his argument that English majoritarian political culture created powerful incentives to exploit the homicide of James Bulger in ways that were not present in Norway. Drawing on comparative research in Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand, this article joins with Green in enlisting political culture as an important explanatory variable yet challenges the usefulness of Lijphart’s typology in explaining penal difference.
Are mobile offenders less likely to be caught? The influence of the geographical dispersion of serial offenders’ crime locations on their probability of arrest
Authors: Lammers Marre , Bernasco Wim
Published: January 2013

Why is it that some offenders get arrested quickly, while others manage to evade arrest much longer or are never arrested at all? What characterizes serial offenders who continue to escape arrest? To be able to answer these questions, arrested (identified) offenders must be compared with never arrested (unidentified) offenders. DNA data offer a unique opportunity to compare crime series of identified offenders with crime series of unidentified offenders. In this paper, data from the Dutch DNA database are used to study whether the geographical dispersion of the crime locations of serial offenders influences the probability of arrest. Results show that the probability of arrest decreases with increasing geographical dispersion, measured as the number of police regions in which the offender’s crimes have been committed.
Legislator Wealth and the Effort to Repeal the Estate Tax
Authors: Griffin John D. , Anewalt-Remsburg Claudia
Published: January 2013

We relate legislators’ financial assets to their roll call voting on, and cosponsorship of, legislation to permanently repeal or significantly reduce the Estate Tax in the 109th Congress. Even after accounting for legislators’ party affiliations, their global opinions about taxation, and their constituents’ opinions about the Estate Tax, together with other confounding factors, we find that wealthier legislators were more likely to vote for and cosponsor bills to reduce and repeal the Estate Tax.
Balloon-Assisted N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate Closure of an Iatrogenic Femoral Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Wang Weiping , Moon Eunice , Spain James
Published: January 2013

Femoral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal communication between femoral artery and vein, which is frequently caused by an iatrogenic or traumatic event. Surgery and endovascular approach with coil and stent graft placement are the most frequent choices of treatment. Herein, we present 2 cases of iatrogenic superficial femoral AVF, which were treated with percutaneous balloon-assisted N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue ( N-BCA). Both fistulae had a short tract, and 1 of the patients had previously undergone a failed coil embolization. The occlusions with N-BCA were achieved immediately, and both fistulae remained obliterated at 1 and 12 months of follow-up.
No Increased Risk of Spinal Cord Ischemia in Delayed AAA Repair Following Thoracic Aortic Surgery
Authors: Ullery Brant W. , Wang Grace J. , Woo Edward Y. , Cheung Albert T. , McGarvey Michael L. , Carpenter Jeffrey P. , Fairman Ronald M. , Jackson Benjamin M.
Published: January 2013

Objective:

To examine the results of open or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair following prior open or endovascular thoracic aortic surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent AAA repair in a delayed fashion following prior thoracic aortic surgery at a single university hospital between 1999 and 2011 was performed.

Results:

Thirteen patients underwent AAA repair following prior thoracic aortic repair. Mean age was 68.9 ± 6.9 years and 77% (n = 10) were male. Three patients experienced transient delayed-onset spinal cord ischemia (SCI) following initial thoracic surgery. Mean time interval between initial thoracic aortic surgery and subsequent AAA repair was 2.0 ± 1.8 years. Overall rate of SCI and 30-day mortality after delayed AAA repair was 0%.

Conclusions:

This series does not demonstrate any evidence of increased risk of perioperative mortality or SCI in patients undergoing delayed AAA repair after prior thoracic aortic surgery.
Nerve-Sparing Minilaparoscopic Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy Plus Systematic Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Ghezzi Fabio , Cromi Antonella , Uccella Stefano , Bogani Giorgio , Sturla Davide , Serati Maurizio , Bolis Pierfrancesco
Published: January 2013

Aim. To present our preliminary experience with nerve-sparing minilaparoscopic radical hysterectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy for the surgical treatment of cervical cancer and to compare outcomes with those of the conventional laparoscopic approach. Methods. Data of 87 consecutive women who underwent minimally invasive surgery for early and locally advanced stage cervical cancer were prospectively collected. Ten women who underwent laparoscopic surgery using a nerve-sparing technique performed through 3-mm ancillary ports were compared with the 77 patients who had standard laparoscopic surgery previously with 3 sovrapubic 5-mm trocars. Results. Minilaparoscopic radical hysterectomy was successfully accomplished in every case with no conversion to standard laparoscopy or open surgery. Two (2.6%) conversions to open surgery occurred in the conventional laparoscopy group. Surgical characteristics (operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of stay) and complication rate were similar between the 2 groups. No differences in the amount of parametrial and vaginal tissue removed were observed. The number of lymph nodes retrieved through minilaparoscopy was higher than conventional laparoscopy (30 [range = 26-38] vs 22 [range = 8-49]; P = .002). However, no difference was observed when the analysis was restricted to the last 10 conventional procedures (30 [range = 26-38] vs 29 [range = 24-49]; P = .81). Conclusions. Our data show that minilaparoscopic radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is a feasible procedure if performed by skilled surgeons.
Voices From a Minority
Authors: Chan Z. C. Y. , Lui C. W. , Cheung K. L. , Hung K. K. , Yu K. H. , Kei S. H.
Published: January 2013

In Hong Kong, males constituted only about 10.2% of the nursing workforce in 2010. The learning experiences of male nursing students in Hong Kong during their clinical practicum have rarely been explored. If these students cannot maintain their psychological well-being and psychological health in formal education and clinical placements, then their physical health will also suffer. This ethnographic qualitative study gave male nursing students in Hong Kong a chance to voice their experiences during their clinical practicum. Selected through snowball sampling, 18 male nursing students from a local university participated in individual face-to-face semistructured interviews. The data were processed with content analysis. The findings indicated that male students not only received more support and understanding from male rather than female members of staff but endured a certain amount of oppression while working in female wards. According to the students’ comments on nursing culture, the work climate of male nursing students could be improved by reorganizing the clinical placements and providing extra support to male nursing students.
Methadone, QTc interval prolongation and torsade de pointes: Case reports offer the best understanding of this problem
Authors: Vieweg W. Victor R. , Hasnain Mehrul , Howland Robert H. , Clausen Thomas , Koneru Jayanthi N. , Kogut Christopher , Crouse Ericka L. Breden , Hancox Jules C. , Fernandez Antony , Pandurangi Ananda K.
Published: January 2013

We reviewed the literature and found 31 adult cases and 1 newborn case of methadone-associated QTc interval prolongation and/or torsade de pointes ( TdP). Parametric statistics may not be useful in studying this issue because methadone-associated TdP is a very rare event and, hence, “an extreme outlier” consistent with scalable randomness. We may have to rely upon narrative medicine in the form of case reports with all its limitations and hazards to provide our best understanding. We report risk factors for methadone-associated QTc interval prolongation and TdP based on review of published case reports. We believe both drug manufacturers and the FDA would better serve our patients and inform clinicians if they more readily reported drug-induced outliers such as methadone-associated TdP using a case report format.
Clinical trial in the treatment of 80 Iranian patients with major depression disorder by the combination of omega 3 fatty acid and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Authors: Safa Mitra , Fallah Tafti Saeed , Ghassem Boroujerdi Fatemeh , Talischi Firouzeh
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

Bipolar disorder type I is a disturbing psychiatric syndrome, which is treated by mood-stabilizing medications, psychosocial intervention and electroconvulsive therapy. As supplementation with omega 3 has been considered effective in the treatment of many diseases especially mental disorders, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of omega 3 with fluvoxamine compared with fluvoxamine alone in the treatment of the deep depression phase in bipolar patients type I.

Methods:

A total of 80 patients in this clinical trial study were selected using a randomized controlled trial in two case and control groups by a psychiatrist. The case group took fluvoxamine and omega 3 tablets and the control group took only fluvoxamine. Patients completed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and demographic questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks.

Results:

The mean scores in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in both groups under study after 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks decreased. Statistics showed a significant difference in scores in both groups before the treatment and after mentioned weeks.

Conclusions:

Since research findings showed the effectiveness of omega 3 and its harmlessness, it is suggested that omega 3 can be prescribed with other antidepressant medications.
Mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomal diversity in ancient populations of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) in Finland: comparison with contemporary sheep breeds
Authors: Niemi Marianna , Bläuer Auli , Iso-Touru Terhi , Nyström Veronica , Harjula Janne , Taavitsainen Jussi-Pekka , Storå Jan , Lidén Kerstin , Kantanen Juha
Published: January 2013

Background

Several molecular and population genetic studies have focused on the native sheep breeds of Finland. In this work, we investigated their ancestral sheep populations from Iron Age, Medieval and Post-Medieval periods by sequencing a partial mitochondrial DNA D-loop and the 5’-promoter region of the SRY gene. We compared the maternal (mitochondrial DNA haplotypes) and paternal (SNP oY 1) genetic diversity of ancient sheep in Finland with modern domestic sheep populations in Europe and Asia to study temporal changes in genetic variation and affinities between ancient and modern populations.

Results

A 523-bp mitochondrial DNA sequence was successfully amplified for 26 of 36 sheep ancient samples i.e. five, seven and 14 samples representative of Iron Age, Medieval and Post-Medieval sheep, respectively. Genetic diversity was analyzed within the cohorts. This ancient dataset was compared with present-day data consisting of 94 animals from 10 contemporary European breeds and with GenBank DNA sequence data to carry out a haplotype sharing analysis. Among the 18 ancient mitochondrial DNA haplotypes identified, 14 were present in the modern breeds. Ancient haplotypes were assigned to the highly divergent ovine haplogroups A and B, haplogroup B being the major lineage within the cohorts. Only two haplotypes were detected in the Iron Age samples, while the genetic diversity of the Medieval and Post-Medieval cohorts was higher. For three of the ancient DNA samples, Y-chromosome SRY gene sequences were amplified indicating that they originated from rams. The SRY gene of these three ancient ram samples contained SNP G-oY 1, which is frequent in modern north-European sheep breeds.

Conclusions

Our study did not reveal any sign of major population replacement of native sheep in Finland since the Iron Age. Variations in the availability of archaeological remains may explain differences in genetic diversity estimates and patterns within the cohorts rather than demographic events that occurred in the past. Our ancient DNA results fit well with the genetic context of domestic sheep as determined by analyses of modern north-European sheep breeds.
In silico mining of putative microsatellite markers from whole genome sequence of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and development of first BuffSatDB
Authors: Sarika  , Arora Vasu , Iquebal Mir Asif , Rai Anil , Kumar Dinesh
Published: January 2013

Background

Though India has sequenced water buffalo genome but its draft assembly is based on cattle genome BTau 4.0, thus de novo chromosome wise assembly is a major pending issue for global community. The existing radiation hybrid of buffalo and these reported STR can be used further in final gap plugging and “finishing” expected in de novo genome assembly. QTL and gene mapping needs mining of putative STR from buffalo genome at equal interval on each and every chromosome. Such markers have potential role in improvement of desirable characteristics, such as high milk yields, resistance to diseases, high growth rate. The STR mining from whole genome and development of user friendly database is yet to be done to reap the benefit of whole genome sequence.

Description

By in silico microsatellite mining of whole genome, we have developed first STR database of water buffalo, BuffSatDb (Buffalo MicroSatellite Database (http://cabindb.iasri.res.in/buffsatdb/) which is a web based relational database of 910529 microsatellite markers, developed using PHP and MySQL database. Microsatellite markers have been generated using MIcroSAtellite tool. It is simple and systematic web based search for customised retrieval of chromosome wise and genome-wide microsatellites. Search has been enabled based on chromosomes, motif type (mono-hexa), repeat motif and repeat kind (simple and composite). The search may be customised by limiting location of STR on chromosome as well as number of markers in that range. This is a novel approach and not been implemented in any of the existing marker database. This database has been further appended with Primer3 for primer designing of the selected markers enabling researcher to select markers of choice at desired interval over the chromosome. The unique add-on of degenerate bases further helps in resolving presence of degenerate bases in current buffalo assembly.

Conclusion

Being first buffalo STR database in the world , this would not only pave the way in resolving current assembly problem but shall be of immense use for global community in QTL/gene mapping critically required to increase knowledge in the endeavour to increase buffalo productivity, especially for third world country where rural economy is significantly dependent on buffalo productivity.
Functional characterization and gene expression profiling of Drosophila melanogastershort dADA2b isoform-containing dSAGA complexes
Authors: Pankotai Tibor , Zsindely Nóra , Vamos Edith E , Komonyi Orbán , Bodai László , Boros Imre M
Published: January 2013

Background

ADA2 proteins, together with ADA3, SGF29 and GCN5 form the acetyltransferase module of GNAT-type histone acetyltransferase complexes. ADA2b is present in the SAGA complex, which plays roles in various chromatin-related processes via histone H3 modifications and by other mechanisms.

Results

In this report we present findings showing that during Drosophila melanogaster development two dADA2b isoforms (dADA2bS and dADA2bL) - which differ in their C-terminal domains - are expressed at various levels. Genetic complementation experiments indicate that dADA2bS alone can support development but cannot fully complement dAda2b mutations. In the presence of dADA2bS, the SAGA-specific histone H3 acetylation level is partially restored in dAda2b mutants. Comparison of whole transcriptome profiles of dAda2b null and dAda2bS transgene-carrier dAda2b null larvae indicates partial overlap between affected genes. mRNA levels corresponding to selected genes which are either up- or down-regulated in dAda2b mutants are altered by dADA2bS expression to different extents, ranging from complete restoration to wild type levels to no restoration at all. The short (dADA2bS) isoform of dADA2b seems to be more capable of restoring lost dSAGA functions that cause mRNA level up-regulation than those that lead to decreased mRNA levels.

Conclusions

The data presented here are in accord with results of genetic complementation experiments, and support the hypothesis that different isoforms of dADA2b contribute to the functional variations of dSAGA multiprotein HAT complexes.
Differential gene expression in the endometrium on gestation day 12 provides insight into sow prolificacy
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Shouqi , Liu Manqing , Zhang Ailing , Wu Zhenfang , Zhang Zhe , Li Jiaqi
Published: January 2013

Background

Erhualian pigs, one of Chinese Taihu pig breeds, are known to have the largest recorded litter size in the world. A lower prenatal death rate is the major contributing factor to the prolificacy of Taihu pigs. Cross-breeding experiments have demonstrated that Taihu sows exhibit a strong maternal effect and that their large litter sizes are mainly caused by maternal genes. The growth and development of porcine embryos on gestation day (GD) 12 are dependent on histotroph secreted by endometrium. Embryonic loss of Taihu pigs on GD12 is lower than that of Western pigs. Here, endometrial samples were collected from pregnant Erhualian sows (parity 3) and Landrace × Large White (LL) sows (parity 3) on GD12. Digital gene expression profiling (DGE) was used to measure the gene expression in the endometrium of the two breeds.

Results

A total of 13,612 genes were differentially expressed between the two breeds (P < 0.001, FDR < 0.001). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that the differential genes involved in reproduction and growth. Pathway analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes significantly enriched in 24 KEGG pathways. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR confirmed the differential expression of eight genes. Analyses of the differentially expressed genes suggested possible reasons for the difference in embryonic survival ratio between the two breeds. Specifically, these findings point to a higher ratio of PGE2:PGF2α in the endometrium of Erhualian pigs, which facilitates the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. We also suggest that the differences in the uterine environment lead to higher uterine capacity in Erhualian pigs.

Conclusions

The DGE expression profiles of Erhualian and LL endometrium demonstrated differential expression of genes. Our results will increase understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the low rate of embryonic loss in Chinese Taihu pigs, facilitate the identification of major genes that affect litter size, and be valuable for porcine transcriptomic studies.
Reassessment of the Listeria monocytogenespan-genome reveals dynamic integration hotspots and mobile genetic elements as major components of the accessory genome
Authors: Kuenne Carsten , Billion André , Mraheil Mobarak Abu , Strittmatter Axel , Daniel Rolf , Goesmann Alexander , Barbuddhe Sukhadeo , Hain Torsten , Chakraborty Trinad
Published: January 2013

Background

Listeria monocytogenesis an important food-borne pathogen and model organism for host-pathogen interaction, thus representing an invaluable target considering research on the forces governing the evolution of such microbes. The diversity of this species has not been exhaustively explored yet, as previous efforts have focused on analyses of serotypes primarily implicated in human listeriosis. We conducted complete genome sequencing of 11 strains employing 454 GS FLX technology, thereby achieving full coverage of all serotypes including the first complete strains of serotypes 1/2b, 3c, 3b, 4c, 4d, and 4e. These were comparatively analyzed in conjunction with publicly available data and assessed for pathogenicity in theGalleria mellonellainsect model.

Results

The species pan-genome ofL. monocytogenesis highly stable but open, suggesting an ability to adapt to new niches by generating or including new genetic information. The majority of gene-scale differences represented by the accessory genome resulted from nine hyper variable hotspots, a similar number of different prophages, three transposons (Tn916, Tn554, IS3-like), and two mobilizable islands. Only a subset of strains showed CRISPR/Cas bacteriophage resistance systems of different subtypes, suggesting a supplementary function in maintenance of chromosomal stability. Multiple phylogenetic branches of the genusListeriaimply long common histories of strains of each lineage as revealed by a SNP-based core genome tree highlighting the impact of small mutations for the evolution of speciesL. monocytogenes. Frequent loss or truncation of genes described to be vital for virulence or pathogenicity was confirmed as a recurring pattern, especially for strains belonging to lineages III and II. New candidate genes implicated in virulence function were predicted based on functional domains and phylogenetic distribution. A comparative analysis of small regulatory RNA candidates supports observations of a differential distribution oftrans-encoded RNA, hinting at a diverse range of adaptations and regulatory impact.

Conclusions

This study determined commonly occurring hyper variable hotspots and mobile elements as primary effectors of quantitative gene-scale evolution of speciesL. monocytogenes, while gene decay and SNPs seem to represent major factors influencing long-term evolution. The discovery of common and disparately distributed genes considering lineages, serogroups, serotypes and strains of speciesL. monocytogeneswill assist in diagnostic, phylogenetic and functional research, supported by the comparative genomic GECO-LisDB analysis server (http://bioinfo.mikrobio.med.uni-giessen.de/geco2lisdb).
Disseminated cryptococcosis initially presenting as cellulitis in a patient suffering from nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Ni Wentao , Huang Qi , Cui Junchang
Published: January 2013

Background

Cryptococcosis is considered as an opportunistic infection because it mainly occurs in immunosuppressed hosts. C. neoformans is usually acquired by the respiratory route and then may disseminate hematogenously to other places, such as meninges, bone and skin. Cutaneous involvement is a rare but important feature of disseminated cryptococcosis with a poor outcome if misdiagnosis. We reported the first case of patients with nephrotic syndrome suffering from disseminated cryptococcosis initially presented as cellulitis.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old man developed severe cellulitis on his both lower extremities without any preceding injury and allergies. The patient had been treated with systemic corticosteroids nearly one year for nephrotic syndrome. According to the outcome of blood culture, the wound area was interpreted as bacterial cellulitis at first. However, the antimicrobial treatment made no response and the skin biopsy revealed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans, which was subsequently confirmed by microbiological culture. Though the initiation of therapy with fluconazole 400 mg per day was immediately adopted, the patient’s conditions suddenly plummeted and he died in the end.

Conclusion

Since the poor outcome of disseminated cryptococcosis if unrecognized and untreated in time, it should be investigated rigorously as a differential diagnosis in patients with nephrotic syndrome suffering from cutaneous diseases.
Serum galectin-9 levels are elevated in the patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kurose Yuko , Wada Jun , Kanzaki Motoko , Teshigawara Sanae , Nakatsuka Atsuko , Murakami Kazutoshi , Inoue Kentaro , Terami Takahiro , Katayama Akihiro , Watanabe Mayu , Higuchi Chigusa , Eguchi Jun , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Makino Hirofumi
Published: January 2013

Background

Galectin-9 (Gal-9) induces apoptosis in activated T helper 1 (TH1) cells as a ligand for T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3). Gal-9 also inhibits the G1 phase cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy in db/db mice, the hallmark of early diabetic nephropathy, by reversing the high glucose-induced up-regulation of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors such as p27Kip1and p21Cip1.

Methods

We investigated the serum levels of Gal-9 in the patients with type 2 diabetes and various stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n=182).

Results

Serum Gal-9 levels in the patients with type 2 diabetes were 131.9 ± 105.4 pg/ml and Log10Gal-9 levels significantly and positively correlated with age (r=0.227, p=0.002), creatinine (r=0.175, p=0.018), urea nitrogen (r=0.162, p=0.028) and osmotic pressure (r=0.187, p=0.014) and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r=−0.188, p=0.011). Log10Gal-9 levels increased along with the progression of GFR categories of G1 to G4, and they were statistically significant by Jonckheere-Terpstra test (p=0.012). Log10Gal-9 levels remained similar levels in albuminuria stages of A1 to A3.

Conclusion

The elevation of serum Gal-9 in the patients with type 2 diabetes is closely linked to GFR and they may be related to the alteration of the immune response and inflammation of the patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD.
Prospective evaluation of a hydrogel spacer for rectal separation in dose-escalated intensity-modulated radiotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: Eckert Franziska , Alloussi Saladin , Paulsen Frank , Bamberg Michael , Zips Daniel , Spillner Patrick , Gani Cihan , Kramer Ulrich , Thorwarth Daniela , Schilling David , Müller Arndt-Christian
Published: January 2013

Background

As dose-escalation in prostate cancer radiotherapy improves cure rates, a major concern is rectal toxicity. We prospectively assessed an innovative approach of hydrogel injection between prostate and rectum to reduce the radiation dose to the rectum and thus side effects in dose-escalated prostate radiotherapy.

Methods

Acute toxicity and planning parameters were prospectively evaluated in patients with T1-2 N0 M0 prostate cancer receiving dose-escalated radiotherapy after injection of a hydrogel spacer. Before and after hydrogel injection, we performed MRI scans for anatomical assessment of rectal separation. Radiotherapy was planned and administered to 78 Gy in 39 fractions.

Results

From eleven patients scheduled for spacer injection the procedure could be performed in ten. In one patient hydrodissection of the Denonvillier space was not possible. Radiation treatment planning showed low rectal doses despite dose-escalation to the target. In accordance with this, acute rectal toxicity was mild without grade 2 events and there was complete resolution within four to twelve weeks.

Conclusions

This prospective study suggests that hydrogel injection is feasible and may prevent rectal toxicity in dose-escalated radiotherapy of prostate cancer. Further evaluation is necessary including the definition of patients who might benefit from this approach. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00003273.
Rice-eating pattern and the risk of metabolic syndrome especially waist circumference in Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Ahn Younjhin , Park Seon-Joo , Kwack Hye-kyoung , Kim Mi Kyung , Ko Kwang-Pil , Kim Sung Soo
Published: January 2013

Background

Metabolic syndrome poses a serious health threat in Asian countries. Rice is a staple food in Korea, and carbohydrate intake is associated with the risk of MetS. We hypothesized that various rice-eating patterns in a carbohydrate-based diet would have different effects on the risk of MetS.

Methods

Participants were 26,006 subjects enrolled in the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study between 2004 and 2006. They were classified into four dietary patterns - white rice, rice with beans, rice with multi-grains, and mixed based on their food frequency questionnaire responses. We compared metabolic risk traits according to the rice-eating patterns.

Results

Nutrients consumption and the presence of MetS risk factors differed according to rice-eating patterns. In men odds ratio(OR) for central obesity was slightly elevated in mixed group(1.18). In women, the risk for central obesity and abnormal fasting glucose were lower in the rice with beans group (adjusted OR =0.79, 0.83 respectively) and central obesity in rice with multi-grains(adjusted OR=0.91) than the white rice group. In postmenopausal women, ORs for central obesity (0.78) and abnormal fasting glucose (0.75) in the rice with beans group and ORs for central obesity (0.83), abnormal HDL-cholesterol (0.87) and MetS(0.85) in the rice with multi-grains group was lower than those in white rice group. In premenopausal women, the risk for central obesity (OR=0.77) was reduced in the rice with beans group.

Conclusion

The risk for MetS was lower in the rice with beans and rice with multi-grains groups compared with the white rice group, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Long-term results of cemented total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 30 years and the outcome of subsequent revisions
Authors: Schmitz Marloes WJL , Busch Vincent JJF , Gardeniers Jean WM , Hendriks Jan CM , Veth René PH , Schreurs B Willem
Published: January 2013

Background

The number of total hip arthroplasties in patients under 30 years is increasing over the years. Almost all of them will face at least one or more future revisions in their life. Therefore, the implant used should have a high survival rate, and needs to be easily revisable resulting in a low re-revision rate. Several studies have evaluated the outcome of total hip arthroplasties in patients under 30 years. However, only a few reported on the follow-up outcome of 10 years or more. In addition, none of these reports published data of the subsequent revisions of these implants within their original report.

Methods

We studied historically prospective collected data of 48 consecutive patients (69 hips) younger than 30 years, treated with a cemented primary total hip prosthesis between 1988 and 2004. Since the last evaluation of this cohort, two patients were lost to follow-up. For all hip revisions in this cohort, again cemented implants were used, mostly in combination with bone impaction grafting. Kaplan-Meier survival curves at 10- and 15 years for the primary total hip arthroplasties and revisions were determined.

Results

The mean age at time of primary surgery was 25 years (range, 16 to 29 years). Mean follow-up of the primary hips was 11.5 years (range, 7 to 23 years). During follow-up 13 revisions were performed; in 3 cases a two-stage total revision was performed for septic loosening and 9 cups were revised for aseptic loosening. There were no aseptic stem revisions. The 10 and 15-year survival rates with endpoint revision for aseptic loosening of the primary total hip were 90% (95% CI: 79 to 96) and 82% (95% CI: 65 to 92) respectively. None of our 13 subsequent revisions needed a re-revision within 10 years after re-implantation.

Conclusions

Cemented total hip implants in patients under 30 years have an encouraging outcome at 10 and 15 years after surgery in these young patients. The 13 revised hips, treated with bone grafting and the third generation cement technique, were performing well with no re-revisions within ten years after surgery.
Changes in FDA enforcement activities following changes in federal administration: the case of regulatory letters released to pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Nguyen Diane , Seoane-Vazquez Enrique , Rodriguez-Monguio Rosa , Montagne Michael
Published: January 2013

Background

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the protection of the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness and security of human drugs and biological products through the enforcement of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and related regulations. These enforcement activities include regulatory letters (i.e. warning letters and notice of violation) to pharmaceutical companies. A regulatory letter represents the FDA’s first official notification to a pharmaceutical company that the FDA has discovered a product or activity in violation of the FDCA.

This study analyzed trends in the pharmaceutical-related regulatory letters released by the FDA during the period 1997–2011 and assessed differences in the average number and type of regulatory letters released during the last four federal administrations.

Methods

Data derived from the FDA webpage. Information about the FDA office releasing the letter, date, company, and drug-related violation was collected. Regulatory letters were classified by federal administration. Descriptive statistics were performed for the analysis.

Results

Between 1997 and 2011 the FDA released 2,467 regulatory letters related to pharmaceuticals. FDA headquarters offices released 50.6% and district offices 49.4% of the regulatory letters. The Office of Prescription Drug Promotion released the largest number of regulatory letters (850; 34.5% of the total), followed by the Office of Scientific Investigations (131; 5.3%), and the Office of Compliance (105; 4.3%). During the 2nd Clinton Administration (1997–2000) the average number of regulatory letters per year was 242.8 ± 45.6, during the Bush Administration (2001–2008) it was 120.4 ± 33.7, and during the first three years of the Obama administration (2009–2011) it was 177.7.0 ± 17.0. The average number of regulatory letters released by the Office of Prescription Drug Promotion also varied by administration: Clinton (122.3 ± 36.4), Bush (29.5 ± 16.2) and Obama (41.7 ± 11.1).

Conclusions

Most regulatory letters released by FDA headquarters were related to marketing and advertising activities of pharmaceutical companies. The number of regulatory letters was highest during the second Clinton administration, diminished during the Bush administrations, and increased again during the Obama administration. A further assessment of the impact of changes in federal administration on the enforcement activities of the FDA is required.
Automatic thickness estimation for skeletal muscle in ultrasonography: evaluation of two enhancement methods
Authors: Han Pan , Chen Ye , Ao Lijuan , Xie Gaosheng , Li Huihui , Wang Lei , Zhou Yongjin
Published: January 2013

Background

Ultrasonography is a convenient technique to investigate muscle properties and has been widely used to look into muscle functions since it is non-invasive and real-time. Muscle thickness, a quantification which can effectively reflect the muscle activities during muscle contraction, is an important measure for musculoskeletal studies using ultrasonography. The traditional manual operation to read muscle thickness is subjective and time-consuming, therefore a number of studies have focused on the automatic estimation of muscle fascicle orientation and muscle thickness, to which the speckle noises in ultrasound images could be the major obstacle. There have been two popular methods proposed to enhance the hyperechoic regions over the speckles in ultrasonography, namely Gabor Filtering and Multiscale Vessel Enhancement Filtering (MVEF).

Methods

A study on gastrocnemius muscle is conducted to quantitatively evaluate whether and how these two methods could help the automatic estimation of the muscle thickness based on Revoting Hough Transform (RVHT). The muscle thickness results obtained from each of the two methods are compared with the results from manual measurement, respectively. Data from an aged subject with cerebral infarction is also studied.

Results

It’s shown in the experiments that, Gabor Filtering and MVEF can both enable RVHT to generate comparable results of muscle thickness to those by manual drawing (mean ± SD, 1.45 ± 0.48 and 1.38 ± 0.56 mm respectively). However, the MVEF method requires much less computation than Gabor Filtering.

Conclusions

Both methods, as preprocessing procedure can enable RVHT the automatic estimation of muscle thickness and MVEF is believed to be a better choice for real-time applications.
Evaluation of chemosensitivity prediction using quantitative dose–response curve classification for highly advanced/relapsed gastric cancer
Authors: Matsuo Teppei , Nishizuka Satoshi S , Ishida Kazushige , Endo Fumitaka , Katagiri Hirokatsu , Kume Kohei , Ikeda Miyuki , Koeda Keisuke , Wakabayashi Go
Published: January 2013

Background

The use of standard chemotherapy regimens has changed the application of chemosensitivity tests from all chemotherapy-eligible patients to those who have failed standard chemotherapy, which includes patients with highly advanced, relapsed, or chemoresistant tumors.

Methods

We evaluated a total of 43 advanced primary and relapsed gastric cancers for chemosensitivity based on drug dose response curves to improve the objectivity and quality of quantitative measurements. The dose response curves were classified based on seven expected patterns. Instead of a binary chemosensitivity evaluation, we ranked drug sensitivity according to curve shapes and comparison with the peak plasma concentration (ppc) of each drug.

Results

A total of 193 dose response curves were obtained. The overall informative rate was 67.4%, and 85.3% for cases that had a sufficient number of cells. Paclitaxel (PXL)and docetaxel tended to show a higher rank, while cisplatin (CIS) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) tended to show resistance, particularly among the 20 cases (46.5%) that had recurrent disease after receiving chemotherapy with CIS and S-1 (5-FU). As such, we speculate that the resistant pattern of the chemosensitivity test suggests that cells with acquired drug resistance were selected by chemotherapy. Indeed, we observed a change in the chemosensitivity pattern of a sample before and after chemotherapy in terms of PXL sensitivity, which was used after primary chemotherapy.

Conclusions

These results suggest that: (i) the dose–response pattern provides objective information for predicting chemosensitivity; and (ii) chemotherapy may select resistant cancer cell populations as a result of the therapy.
Distinct dedifferentiation processes affect caveolin-1 expression in hepatocytes
Authors: Meyer Christoph , Dzieran Johanna , Liu Yan , Schindler Felizitas , Munker Stefan , Müller Alexandra , Coulouarn Cédric , Dooley Steven
Published: January 2013

Background

Dedifferentiation and loss of hepatocyte polarity during primary culture of hepatocytes are major drawbacks for metabolic analyses. As a prominent profibrotic cytokine and potent inducer of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), TGF-β contributes to these processes in liver epithelial cells. Yet, a distinction between culture dependent and TGF-β driven hepatocyte dedifferentiation has not been shown to date.

Results

Here, we show that in both settings, mesenchymal markers are induced. However, upregulation of Snai1 and downregulation of E-Cadherin are restricted to TGF-β effects, neglecting a full EMT of culture dependent hepatocyte dedifferentiation. Mechanistically, the latter is mediated via FAK/Src/ERK/AKT pathways leading to the induction of the oncogene caveolin-1 (Cav1). Cav1 was recently proposed as a new EMT marker, but our results demonstrate Cav1 is not up-regulated in TGF-β mediated hepatocyte EMT, thus limiting validity of its use for this purpose. Importantly, marking differences on Cav1 expression exist in HCC cell lines. Whereas well differentiated HCC cell lines exhibit low and inducible Cav1 protein levels - by TGF-β in a FAK/Src dependent manner, poorly differentiated cell lines display high Cav1 expression levels which are not further modulated by TGF-β.

Conclusions

This study draws a detailed distinction between intrinsic and TGF-β mediated hepatocyte dedifferentiation and elucidates cellular pathways involved. Additionally, by evaluating the regulation of the oncogene Cav1, we provide evidence to argue against Cav1 as a reliable EMT marker.