bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Granulomatous Inflammation of the Breast as a First Clinical Manifestation of Primary Sarcoidosis
Authors: Valković Zujić Petra , Grebić Damir , Valenčić Lara
Published: January 2015

Background: Sarcoidosis is an idiopathic multisystemic disease that affects young to middle aged adults, with higher incidence in women. Although it may involve the breast parenchyma, primary sarcoidosis of the breast is very rare. It occurs in less than 1% of cases. In a differential diagnosis it may potentially be considered a malignancy. Case Report: We report a case in which breast sarcoidosis was the first clinical manifestation of systemic disease in a 54-year-old woman who presented with wide erythematous skin changes associated with palpable induration. Considering the fact that physical examination and the results of mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were inconclusive and unable to rule out malignancy, biopsy was performed. Pathohistological diagnosis showed a non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation without elements of breast cancer. Sarcoidosis was confirmed with elevated level of angiotensin-converting enzyme in the sera and characteristic chest multislice computed tomography findings. The bronchoalveolar lavage was infiltrated with lymphocytes. Conclusion: Breast sarcoidosis has diverse and nonspecific imaging characteristics. Carcinoma must always be excluded by core needle biopsy. Achieving correct diagnosis is mandatory so that adequate corticosteroid therapy can be applied as early as possible. A multidisciplinary approach is of utmost importance in the diagnostic workup.
Imaging-Histological Discordance after Sonographically Guided Percutaneous Breast Core Biopsy
Authors: Soyder Aykut , Taşkın Füsun , Ozbas Serdar
Published: January 2015

Background: The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of imaging-histological discordance and to compare the frequency of carcinoma between discordant lesions at ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy. Materials and Methods: From November 2009 to June 2012, we performed US-guided 14-gauge core needle biopsies on 989 breast lesions in 961 women. We reviewed 58 (5.8%) cases that had imaging-histological discordance after percutaneous breast biopsy and underwent subsequent excisional biopsy. The clinical, radiological, and histological findings were reviewed for those 58 cases. Results: Among the 58 cases, subsequent excisions revealed 16 (27.5%) malignancies, which were categorized as 9 (15.5%) invasive ductal carcinomas, 4 (6.9%) malignant phyllodes tumors, and 3 (5.1%) ductal carcinomas in situ. Conclusion: The malignancy rate of 27.5% suggests that surgical excision should be performed in those cases presenting with imaging-histological discordance after US-guided core biopsy. Careful correlation of clinical, radiological, and histological results as well as appropriate follow-up are essential.
IgE-Mediated Allergic Reactions after the First Administration of Glatiramer Acetate in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Corominas Mercè , Postigo Idoia , Cardona Victoria , Lleonart Ramon , Romero-Pinel Lucía , Martinez Jorge
Published: January 2015

Background: Immediate adverse reactions to glatiramer acetate (GA), a drug used in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), have been poorly investigated. We studied 3 MS patients who presented adverse reactions following GA administration. Two of them experienced severe anaphylactic reactions after the first administration and the other an eyelid edema upon reintroduction 6 months after GA withdrawal. Methods: Skin prick tests (SPT) to GA and mannitol were performed on all 3 patients and in 10 atopic controls. Specific IgE (sIgE) levels to GA, myelin basic protein (MBP) and MBP fragments were assessed in all 3 patients, 6 MS patients treated with GA for more than 6 month and 10 healthy donors. Specific IgG (sIgG) to GA was also quantified in the three study groups. Both sIgE and sIgG were determined by means of the UniCAP 100 assay. Results: SPT and sIgE to GA were positive only in the 3 patients with adverse reactions while sIgE to mannitol was negative in all. sIgE tests against MBP and its fragments were negative in all individuals. Similar levels of sIgG to GA were found in all studied subjects. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the significance of sIgE in allergic reactions to GA presented by these patients and suggest the importance of strict surveillance during administration of the first GA doses.
Whole Brain Radiotherapy-Based Combined Modality Treatment of Brain Metastases from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of Prognostic Factors
Authors: Xiang Zhenfei , Chen Jun , Zhang Huanle , Shen Li , Wei Qichun
Published: January 2015

Background: The prognostic factors for patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer treated with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT)-based combined modality therapy were investigated. Materials and Methods: Out of 135 patients treated with WBRT, 47 (34.8%) received a radiation boost, 84 (62.2%) underwent systemic chemotherapy, and 39 (28.9%) were given epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Results: The mean survival time was 9.3 months, and the 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 46.3 and 16.1%, respectively. In univariate analysis, improved survival was associated with age < 60 years, no extracranial metastasis, Karnofsky performance score ≥ 70, ≥ 3 cycles of chemotherapy after diagnosis of brain metastases, combined treatment with EGFR-TKIs, and no metastases in the cerebellum. In multivariate analysis, the above prognostic factors maintained significance with the exception of age. In an additional analysis of the 58 patients with 1-3 brain metastases, combination of WBRT with radiation boost was associated with better survival. Conclusion: We confirm previously described prognostic factors. Moreover, we found the absence of cerebellar metastases to be an independent prognostic factor for favorable outcome.
Retention of Platinum Sensitivity till Late Stages of Tumour Progression May Imply Improved Prognosis of Oesophageal and Gastric Cancers
Authors: Hingorani Mohan , Dixit Sanjay , Roy Rajarshi , Maraveyas Anthony
Published: January 2015

Background: We report on the outcomes of patients with metastatic oesophago-gastric (OG) cancer progressing after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy (PBCT) who received a re-challenge schedule of PBCT (r-PBCT) as second-line therapy. Patients and Methods: Patients with metastatic OG cancer treated with first-line PBCT (n = 138) between January 2009 and June 2013 were selected for the purpose of the study. Treatment-related outcomes were assessed including response rates, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: 43 (32%) patients progressed (group A: platinum resistant (PR)) and 95 (68%) patients showed a response (group B: platinum sensitive (PS)) or had stable disease after first-line PBCT. Approximately 20% (9/43) of the patients in group A received second-line chemotherapy compared to 50% (38/80) in group B. Most patients (39/47) received r-PBCT, and the remaining patients (8/47) were treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. More than 50% (20/39) of the patients achieved disease control, with median PFS and OS of 3 months (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.0-4.0 months) and 5.7 months (95% CI = 4.7-6.7 months) after commencement of r-PBCT. The actuarial median OS of patients responding to second-line or second and third lines of r-PBCT was 26.7 and 30.1 months, respectively. Conclusion: In platinum responders, r-PBCT appears to be an appropriate second-line option with survival outcomes comparable to those of other agents.
Nasal Oxytocin Administration Reduces Food Intake without Affecting Locomotor Activity and Glycemia with c-Fos Induction in Limited Brain Areas
Authors: Maejima Yuko , Rita Rauza Sukma , Santoso Putra , Aoyama Masato , Hiraoka Yuichi , Nishimori Katsuhiko , Gantulga Darambazar , Shimomura Kenju , Yada Toshihiko
Published: January 2015

Recent studies have considered oxytocin (Oxt) as a possible medicine to treat obesity and hyperphagia. To find the effective and safe route for Oxt treatment, we compared the effects of its nasal and intraperitoneal (IP) administration on food intake, locomotor activity, and glucose tolerance in mice. Nasal Oxt administration decreased food intake without altering locomotor activity and increased the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, the area postrema (AP), and the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMNV) of the medulla. IP Oxt administration decreased food intake and locomotor activity and increased the number of c-Fos-ir neurons not only in the PVN, AP, and DMNV but also in the nucleus of solitary tract of the medulla and in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. In IP glucose tolerance tests, IP Oxt injection attenuated the rise of blood glucose, whereas neither nasal nor intracerebroventricular Oxt affected blood glucose. In isolated islets, Oxt administration potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion. These results indicate that both nasal and IP Oxt injections reduce food intake to a similar extent and increase the number of c-Fos-ir neurons in common brain regions. IP Oxt administration, in addition, activates broader brain regions, reduces locomotor activity, and affects glucose tolerance possibly by promoting insulin secretion from pancreatic islets. In comparison with IP administration, the nasal route of Oxt administration could exert a similar anorexigenic effect with a lesser effect on peripheral organs.
Measuring Success in Obesity Prevention: A Synthesis of Health Promotion Switzerland's Long-Term Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy
Authors: Ackermann Günter , Kirschner Michael , Guggenbühl Lisa , Abel Bettina , Klohn Axel , Mattig Thomas
Published: January 2015

Aims: Since 2007, Health Promotion Switzerland has implemented a national priority program for a healthy body weight. This article provides insight into the methodological challenges and results of the program evaluation. Methods: Evaluation of the long-term program required targeted monitoring and evaluation projects addressing different outcome levels. The evaluation was carried out according to the Swiss Model for Outcome Classification (SMOC), a model designed to classify the effects of health promotion and prevention efforts. Results: The results presented in this article emphasize both content and methods. The national program successfully achieved outcomes on many different levels within complex societal structures. The evaluation system built around the SMOC enabled assessment of program progress and the development of key indicators. However, it is not possible to determine definitively to what extent the national program helped stabilize the prevalence of obesity in Switzerland. Conclusion: The model has shown its utility in providing a basis for evaluation and monitoring of the national program. Continuous analysis of data from evaluation and monitoring has made it possible to check the plausibility of suspected causal relationships as well as to establish an overall perspective and assessment of effectiveness supported by a growing body of evidence.
Development and Validation of Correction Formulas for Self-Reported Height and Weight to Estimate BMI in Adolescents. Results from the KiGGS Study
Authors: Brettschneider Anna-Kristin , Schaffrath Rosario Angelika , Wiegand Susanna , Kollock Maximilian , Ellert Ute
Published: January 2015

Objective: The use of reported instead of measured height and weight induces a bias in prevalence rates for overweight and obesity. Therefore, correction formulas are necessary. Methods: Self-reported and measured height and weight were available from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) baseline study (2003-2006) from 3,468 adolescents aged 11-17 years. With regression analyses, correction formulas for height and weight were developed. Cross-validation was conducted in order to validate and compare the formulas. Corrected BMI was calculated, and corrected prevalence rates were estimated. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for overweight and obesity were calculated. Results: Through the correction procedure, the mean differences between reported and measured height and weight become remarkably smaller and thus the estimated prevalence rates more accurate. The corrected proportions for overweight and obesity are less under-reported, while the corrected proportions for underweight are less over-reported. Sensitivity for overweight and obesity increased after correction. Specificity remained high. Conclusion: The validation process showed that the correction formulas are an appropriate tool to correct self-reports on an individual level in order to estimate corrected prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in adolescents for studies which have collected self-reports only.
Expression Analysis of Genes Involved in DNA Repair or Synthesis in Mixed Neuroendocrine/Nonneuroendocrine Carcinomas
Authors: Volante Marco , Monica Valentina , Birocco Nadia , Brizzi Maria Pia , Busso Simone , Daniele Lorenzo , La Rosa Stefano , Righi Luisella , Sapino Anna , Berruti Alfredo , Scagliotti Giorgio V. , Papotti Mauro
Published: January 2015

Background: Mixed neuroendocrine/nonneuroendocrine carcinomas are heterogeneous tumors with poorly defined diagnostic and clinical features and without pathological or molecular markers of prognosis or markers predicting their response to therapy. We aimed at analyzing the pathological features and the expression of genes involved in DNA repair or synthesis in a cohort of patients with mixed carcinomas from different sites as compared to the patients' outcome. Methods: Relative cDNA quantification of ribonucleotide reductase, large subunit 1, excision repair cross-complementation group 1, thymidylate synthase and topoisomerase IIa genes was tested using real-time PCR on microdissected neuroendocrine and nonneuroendocrine tumor components of 42 mixed cases (from the lung as well as the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts) and on 45 control cases of pure neuroendocrine and nonneuroendocrine carcinomas. Results: The expression levels of all genes were stable comparing nonneuroendocrine and neuroendocrine components of mixed cases (except for topoisomerase IIa in lung samples) but significantly different as compared to control nonneuroendocrine and neuroendocrine tumors. In the multivariate analysis including all clinical and pathological parameters and gene expression levels available, a predominant nonneuroendocrine component, the administration of additional therapy other than surgery and a high thymidylate synthase expression in nonneuroendocrine tumor tissue were significantly associated with a lower risk of a patient's death. Conclusions: Our data show that mixed neuroendocrine/nonneuroendocrine carcinomas are different at the molecular level from their pure neuroendocrine and nonneuroendocrine counterparts, and detailed analyses of their clinical, pathological and molecular features may improve the clinical strategies for the treatment of these rare and underestimated tumors.
Red cell distribution width and carotid atherosclerosis progression The Tromsø Study
Authors: Ellingsen Trygve , Vik Anders , Skjelbakken Tove , Brox Jan , Mathiesen Ellisiv , Johnsen Stein Harald , Brækkan Sigrid , Hansen John-Bjarne , Lappegård Jostein
Published: January 2015

Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of the size variability of circulating erythrocytes, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate whether RDW was associated with progression of atherosclerotic plaques in subjects recruited from the general population. Baseline characteristics, including RDW, were collected from 4677 participants in the fourth survey of the Tromsø Study conducted in 1994/95. Prevalence of carotid plaques and total plaque area (TPA) were assessed by ultrasonographic imaging at baseline and after seven years of follow-up. Generalised linear models were used to analyse change in TPA across tertiles of RDW. Change in TPA was significantly higher across tertiles of RDW in crude analysis and in multivariable analysis adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. The mean change in TPA increased from 5.6 mm2 (4.9–6.4) in tertile 1 (RDW ≤ 12.6 %) to 6.7 mm2 (5.9–7.6) in tertile 3 (RDW ≥ 13.3) in multivariable analysis adjusted for body mass index, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, self-reported diabetes, smoking status, platelet count, white blood cell count, and hs-CRP levels (p for trend 0.003). A 1 % increase in RDW was associated with 0.6 mm2 (0.1–1.2) increase in TPA in multivariable analysis (p=0.03). RDW was associated with progression of atherosclerosis after adjustments for traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. Our findings suggest that the link between RDW and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality may be explained by atherosclerosis.
Protein disulphide-isomerase A2 regulated intracellular tissue factor mobilisation in migrating human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Peña Esther , Arderiu Gemma , Badimon Lina
Published: January 2015

Protein-disulphide isomerase family (PDI) are an ER-stress protein that controls TF-procoagulant activity but its role in HVSMC migration and coronary artery disease remains to be elucidated. We aimed to investigate whether in human coronary smooth muscle cells (HVSMC) the ER-stress protein-disulphide isomerase family A member 2 (PDIA2) regulates tissue factor (TF) polarisation during migration and atherosclerotic remodeling. PDIA2 and TF were analysed by confocal microscopy, silenced by small interfering RNAs (siRNA) and their function analysed by transwell and migration assays in vitro and in vivo. PDIA2and TF co-localise in the front edge of motile HVSMC. Silencing PDIA2, as well as silencing TF, reduces migration. PDIA2 silenced cells show increased TF-rich microparticle shedding. In vivo cell-loaded plug implants in nude mice of PDIA2 silenced HVSMC together with microvascular endothelial cells showed a significant impairment in mature microvessel formation. PDIA2 and TF are found in remodelled atherosclerotic plaques but not in healthy coronaries. In conclusion, we demonstrate that TF is chaperoned by PDIA2 to the HVSMC membrane and to the cell migratory front. Absence of PDIA2 impairs TF intracellular trafficking to its membrane docking favoring its uncontrolled release in microparticles. TF-regulated HVSMC migration and microvessel formation is under the control of the ER-protein PDIA2.
Altered FoF1 ATP synthase and susceptibility to mitochondrial permeability transition pore during ischaemia and reperfusion in aging cardiomyocytes
Authors: Fernandez-Sanz Celia , Castellano José , Miro-Casas Elisabet , Nuñez Estefanía , Inserte Javier , Vázquez Jesús , Garcia-Dorado David , Ruiz-Meana Marisol
Published: January 2015

Aging is a major determinant of the incidence and severity of ischaemic heart disease. Preclinical information suggests the existence of intrinsic cellular alterations that contribute to ischaemic susceptibility in senescent myocardium, by mechanisms not well established. We investigated the role of altered mitochondrial function in the adverse effect of aging. Isolated perfused hearts from old mice (> 20 months) displayed increased ischaemia-reperfusion injury as compared to hearts from adult mice (6 months) despite delayed onset of ischaemic rigor contracture. In cardiomyocytes from aging hearts there was a more rapid decline of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) as compared to young ones, but ischaemic rigor shortening was also delayed. Transient recovery of ΔΨm observed during ischaemia, secondary to the reversal of mitochondrial FoF1 ATP synthase to ATPase mode, was markedly reduced in aging cardiomyocytes. Proteomic analysis demonstrated increased oxidation of different subunits of ATP synthase. Altered bionergetics in aging cells was associated with reduced mitochondrial calcium uptake and more severe cytosolic calcium overload during ischaemia-reperfusion. Despite attenuated ROS burst and mitochondrial calcium overload, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and cell death was increased in reperfused aged cells. In vitro studies demonstrated a significantly reduced calcium retention capacity in interfibrillar mitochondria from aging hearts. Our results identify altered FoF1 ATP synthase and increased sensitivity of mitochondria to undergo mPTP opening as important determinants of the reduced tolerance to ischaemia-reperfusion in aging hearts. Because ATP synthase has been proposed to conform mPTP, it is tempting to hypothesise that oxidation of ATP synthase underlie both phenomena.
Exome Sequencing in Suspected Monogenic Dyslipidemias
Authors: Stitziel Nathan O. , Peloso Gina M. , Abifadel Marianne , Cefalu Angelo B. , Fouchier Sigrid , Motazacker M. Mahdi , Tada Hayato , Larach Daniel B. , Awan Zuhier , Haller Jorge F. , Pullinger Clive R. , Varret Mathilde , Rabès Jean-Pierre , Noto Davide , Tarugi Patrizia , Kawashiri Masa-aki , Nohara Atsushi , Yamagishi Masakazu , Risman Marjorie , Deo Rahul , Ruel Isabelle , Shendure Jay , Nickerson Deborah A. , Wilson James G. , Rich Stephen S. , Gupta Namrata , Farlow Deborah N. ,   NHLBI Grand Opportunity Exome Sequencing Project Family Studies Project Team, Neale Benjamin M. , Daly Mark J. , Kane John P. , Freeman Mason W. , Genest Jacques , Rader Daniel J. , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Kastelein John J.P. , Hovingh G. Kees , Averna Maurizio R. , Gabriel Stacey , Boileau Catherine , Kathiresan Sekar
Published: January 2015

Background—

Exome sequencing is a promising tool for gene mapping in Mendelian disorders. We used this technique in an attempt to identify novel genes underlying monogenic dyslipidemias.

Methods and Results—

We performed exome sequencing on 213 selected family members from 41 kindreds with suspected Mendelian inheritance of extreme levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (after candidate gene sequencing excluded known genetic causes for high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol families) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We used standard analytic approaches to identify candidate variants and also assigned a polygenic score to each individual to account for their burden of common genetic variants known to influence lipid levels. In 9 families, we identified likely pathogenic variants in known lipid genes (
ABCA1
,
APOB
,
APOE
,
LDLR, LIPA
, and
PCSK9
); however, we were unable to identify obvious genetic etiologies in the remaining 32 families, despite follow-up analyses. We identified 3 factors that limited novel gene discovery: (1) imperfect sequencing coverage across the exome hid potentially causal variants; (2) large numbers of shared rare alleles within families obfuscated causal variant identification; and (3) individuals from 15% of families carried a significant burden of common lipid-related alleles, suggesting complex inheritance can masquerade as monogenic disease.

Conclusions—

We identified the genetic basis of disease in 9 of 41 families; however, none of these represented novel gene discoveries. Our results highlight the promise and limitations of exome sequencing as a discovery technique in suspected monogenic dyslipidemias. Considering the confounders identified may inform the design of future exome sequencing studies.
Meta-Analysis of Cell Therapy Trials for Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Fisher Sheila A , Doree Carolyn , Mathur Anthony , Martin-Rendon Enca
Published: January 2015

Rationale:

Cell-based therapies are a promising intervention for the treatment of heart failure (HF) secondary to ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the clinical efficacy of such new treatment requires further evaluation.

Objective:

To assess available clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of cell-based therapies for HF.

Methods and Results:

Electronic databases (CENTRAL, DARE, NHSEED & HTA, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, KoreaMed, PakMediNet, IndMed, and the Transfusion Evidence Library) were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials to June 2014. Trials of participants with HF and where the administration of any dose of autologous cells by any delivery route was compared with no intervention or placebo were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes were defined as mortality and rehospitalization as a result of HF. Secondary outcomes included performance status, quality of life, incidence of arrhythmias, brain natriuretic peptide levels, left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial perfusion, and adverse events. Thirty-one independent trials (1521 participants) were included. The treatment significantly reduced the risk of mortality and rehospitalization caused by HF. There was a significant improvement in favor of stem cell treatment in performance status and exercise capacity, left ventricular ejection fraction, and quality of life. The treatment was also associated with a reduction of brain natriuretic peptide levels and no increase in the incidence of arrhythmias. However, there was considerable risk of performance, selection, and reporting bias among the included trials.

Conclusions:

This study shows evidence that autologous cell therapy may be beneficial for patients having HF, but further evidence is required.
Cellular Origin and Developmental Program of Coronary Angiogenesis
Authors: Tian Xueying , Pu William T. , Zhou Bin
Published: January 2015

Coronary artery disease causes acute myocardial infarction and heart failure. Identifying coronary vascular progenitors and their developmental program could inspire novel regenerative treatments for cardiac diseases. The developmental origins of the coronary vessels have been shrouded in mystery and debated for several decades. Recent identification of progenitors for coronary vessels within the endocardium, epicardium, and sinus venosus provides new insights into this question. In addition, significant progress has been achieved in elucidating the cellular and molecular programs that orchestrate coronary artery development. Establishing adequate vascular supply will be an essential component of cardiac regenerative strategies, and these findings raise exciting new strategies for therapeutic cardiac revascularization.
Vitamin D Depletion Aggravates Hypertension and Target‐Organ Damage
Authors: Andersen Louise Bjørkholt , Przybyl Lukasz , Haase Nadine , von Versen‐Höynck Frauke , Qadri Fatimunnisa , Jørgensen Jan Stener , Sorensen Grith Lykke , Fruekilde Palle , Poglitsch Marko , Szijarto István , Gollasch Maik , Peters Joerg , Muller Dominik N. , Christesen Henrik Thybo , Dechend Ralf
Published: January 2015

Background

We tested the controversial hypothesis that vitamin D depletion aggravates hypertension and target‐organ damage by influencing renin.

Methods and Results

Four‐week‐old double‐transgenic rats (
dTGR
) with excess angiotensin (Ang)
II
production due to overexpression of the human renin (

hREN

) and angiotensinogen (

hAGT

) genes received vitamin D‐depleted (n=18) or standard chow (n=15) for 3 weeks. The depleted group had very low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels (mean±
SEM
; 3.8±0.29 versus 40.6±1.19 nmol/L) and had higher mean systolic
BP
at week 5 (158±3.5 versus 134.6±3.7 mm Hg,
P
<0.001), week 6 (176.6±3.3 versus 162.3±3.8 mm Hg,
P
<0.01), and week 7 (171.6±5.1 versus 155.9±4.3 mm Hg,
P
<0.05). Vitamin D depletion led to increased relative heart weights and increased serum creatinine concentrations. Furthermore, the
mRNA
s of natriuretic peptides, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin,

hREN
,

and

rR
en

were increased by vitamin D depletion. Regulatory T cells in the spleen and in the circulation were not affected. Ang metabolites, including Ang
II
and the counter‐regulatory breakdown product Ang 1 to 7, were significantly up‐regulated in the vitamin D‐depleted groups, while
ACE
‐1 and
ACE
‐2 activities were not affected.

Conclusions

Short‐term severe vitamin D depletion aggravated hypertension and target‐organ damage in
dTGR
. Our data suggest that even short‐term severe vitamin D deficiency may directly promote hypertension and impacts on renin‐angiotensin system components that could contribute to target‐organ damage. The findings add to the evidence that vitamin D deficiency could also affect human hypertension.
The Timing of Anterior Temporal Lobe Involvement in Semantic Processing
Authors: Jackson Rebecca L. , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. , Pobric Gorana
Published: January 2015

Despite indications that regions within the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) might make a crucial contribution to pan-modal semantic representation, to date there have been no investigations of when during semantic processing the ATL plays a critical role. To test the timing of the ATL involvement in semantic processing, we studied the effect of double-pulse TMS on behavioral responses in semantic and difficulty-matched control tasks. Chronometric TMS was delivered over the left ATL (10 mm from the tip of the temporal pole along the middle temporal gyrus). During each trial, two pulses of TMS (40 msec apart) were delivered either at baseline (before stimulus presentation) or at one of the experimental time points 100, 250, 400, and 800 msec poststimulus onset. A significant disruption to performance was identified from 400 msec on the semantic task but not on the control assessment. Our results not only reinforce the key role of the left ATL in semantic representation but also indicate that its contribution is especially important around 400 msec poststimulus onset. Together, these facts suggest that the ATL may be one of the neural sources of the N400 ERP component.
Contact Theory in a Small-Town Settler-Colonial Context
Authors: Denis Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2015

This article builds on group position theory and the subcategorization model of intergroup contact by illustrating how, in a small-town settler-colonial context, contact tends to reproduce, rather than challenge, the inequitable racial structure. In Northwestern Ontario, Indigenous-settler relations are characterized by widespread intergroup marriage and friendship as well as pervasive prejudice and discrimination. Using 18 months of fieldwork and 160 interviews and surveys with First Nations, Métis, and non-Indigenous residents, I show that although contact is associated with less “old-fashioned” prejudice (i.e., overt categorical hostility), it does not necessarily eliminate whites’ superior sense of group position. Even white individuals who have close Indigenous friends or spouses often express laissez-faire racism. Three mutually reinforcing social processes—subtyping, ideology-based homophily, and political avoidance norms—interact to sustain whites’ sense of group superiority and justifications for racial inequity. These processes are facilitated by historical and structural conditions, in this case colonization and small-town dynamics.
Category Taken-for-Grantedness as a Strategic Opportunity
Authors: Hsu Greta , Grodal Stine
Published: January 2015

Theories within organizational and economic sociology that center on market categories often equate taken-for-grantedness with increased constraint on category members’ features. In contrast, we develop a novel perspective that considers how market participants’ changing category-related attributions decrease the scrutiny of category offerings, opening up strategic opportunities for firms. We further argue that whether producers should be expected to take advantage of these opportunities depends on the extent to which they are incentivized to do so. We use the case of the light cigarette category to test this thesis. We argue and find evidence that increasing taken-for-grantedness of the light cigarette category created greater opportunity for tobacco firms to strategically manipulate category features.
Nurse going native: Language and identity in letters from Africa and the British West Indies
Authors: Howell Jessica M.
Published: January 2015

Colonial nurses were ideal agents of colonial medicine’s supposed beneficence: while practising and teaching “hygiene”, they also reinforced racial and cultural separation. In some cases, however, the nurses took their role as healers and teachers of local populations much more seriously than was authorized implicitly by their employer. This article analyses the circulation of original life writing materials between one nurse, CC, and the Colonial Nursing Association, in order to chart the considerable anxiety around the concept of nurses’ cross-cultural and cross-racial sympathy during the interwar period. I draw upon colonial language studies and women’s travel writing analysis in order to demonstrate that many of these concerns centred on issues of language and communication. By speaking local languages, it was feared that colonial nurses’ loyalty would shift from their employer towards their indigenous patients. This essay places the concept of “going native” within the contexts of nineteenth-century empire literature, racial anthropology and ethnology, in order to suggest that concerns about nurses “going native” were influenced by discourses of degeneration and acclimatization.
Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left circumflex coronary artery: an extremely rare coronary anomaly
Authors: Bagheri Babak , Piran Razhan , Nabati Maryam , Jalalian Rozita , Dabirian Mozhdeh
Published: January 2015

Isolated single coronary artery is an extremely rare anomaly with an incidence of 0.024% to 0.066% which may be associated with other congenital anomalies. This report describes a 50-year-old woman who was referred with recurrent chest discomfort and was diagnosed with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left circumflex coronary artery.
Complications and early results after operative fixation of 68 pilon fractures of the distal tibia
Authors: Lomax Adam , Singh Anjani , Jane Madeley N , Senthil Kumar C
Published: January 2015

Background and aims

In this cohort study, we present comprehensive injury specific and surgical outcome data from one of the largest reported series of pilon fractures of the distal tibia treated in a UK tertiary referral centre.

Methods and results

A series of 68 closed pilon fractures were retrospectively reviewed from case notes, plain radiographs and computed tomography imaging. Patient demographics, injury and fracture patterns, methods and timing of fixation and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed over a mean follow-up period of 7.7 months (1.5–30). Overall, deep infection occurred in 1.6% with superficial infection and wound breakdown occurring in 6.3% of cases. Rates of nonunion and malunion were 7.8%. Radiological posttraumatic arthritis was present in 26.6%, which was symptomatic and requiring orthopaedic management in 9.4%. Further surgery for all causes occurred in 26.6% of cases.

Conclusion

Fixation of these complex fractures in subspecialist units can achieve overall low rates of wound complications, with definitive fixation of selected fractures within 48 h of initial presentation achieving comparable results to those fixed in a delayed fashion. However, this injury continues to have a significant overall complication rate with a high chance of developing early posttraumatic arthritis and of requiring further surgery.
Effect of kenaf particulate fillers in polymeric composite for tribological applications
Authors: Nirmal Umar , Lau Saijod TW , Hashim Jamil , Devadas Alvin , MY Yuhazri
Published: January 2015

The present work aims at exploring the possibility of using sustainable kenaf particles as particulate fillers and reinforcement in epoxy (KPafRE) composites. Kenaf particulate fillers of weight fractions (5–20 wt%) were used as reinforcement in the study of wear and friction performance of the composites. Adhesive dry tests were conducted on a Pin-on-Disc machine at applied loads (5–30 N) subjected to a stainless steel counterface with a sliding velocity of 2.83 m/s through sliding distances (0–6.72 km). From the findings, it was discovered that 15 wt% of KPafRE composite experienced superior in wear and frictional properties; the specific wear rate and friction coefficient was reduced by 67% and 56%, respectively, as compared to neat epoxy. Photo micrographs of the worn samples revealed that there was a significant amount of back film transfer, which assisted in enhancing the wear and frictional performance of the composites.
Getting Out of a Spot
Authors: Norman Marc
Published: January 2015

With the rise of the automobile and the easy access to suburbia, there was a shift in American cities from accommodating and welcoming density to accommodating cars. With cities hollowed out, but able to accept thousands of parkers, a vibrant, multifaceted world of handsome buildings, varied activities, and casual encounters was lost. Innovative thinking regarding technology took a backseat to mimicking the ascendant suburban landscape. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, automotive access remains codified in finance, codes, and traditional thinking, hampering our now revitalizing urban environments. Practitioners, policy makers, and architects can once again create cities at once unique, welcoming, and at the forefront of innovative thinking. New technologies, smart phone applications, and entrepreneurial initiative are changing urban life. By systematizing these disparate innovations, the necessary elements for vibrant streetscapes and better urban form can be created.
Self‐Screening for Malnutrition Risk in Outpatient Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)
Authors: Sandhu Amindeep , Mosli Mahmoud , Yan Brian , Wu Thomas , Gregor Jamie , Chande Nilesh , Ponich Terry , Beaton Melanie , Rahman Adam
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims: Malnutrition is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with poor outcomes. Our aim is to determine if patient self‐administered malnutrition screening using the malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) is reliable by comparing patient scores with those derived from the healthcare practitioner (HCP), the gold standard. Methods: We conducted a prospective validation study at a tertiary Canadian academic center that included 154 adult outpatients with IBD. All patients with IBD completed a self‐administered nutrition screening assessment using the MUST score followed by an independent MUST assessment performed by HCPs. The main outcome measure was chance‐corrected agreement (κ) of malnutrition risk categorization. Results: For patient‐administered MUST, the chance‐corrected agreement κ (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 0.83 (0.74–0.92) when comparing low‐risk and combined medium‐ and high‐risk patients with HCP screening. Weighted κ analysis comparing all 3 risks groups yielded a κ (95% CI) of 0.85 (0.77–0.93) between patient and HCP screening. All patients were able to screen themselves. Overall, 96% of patients reported the MUST questionnaire as either very easy or easy to understand and to complete. Conclusion: Self‐administered nutrition screening in outpatients with IBD is valid using the MUST screening tool and is easy to use. If adopted, this tool will increase utilization of malnutrition screening in hectic outpatient clinic settings and will help HCPs determine which patients require additional nutrition support.
Open access and soft power: Chinese voices in international scholarship
Authors: Ren Xiang , Montgomery Lucy
Published: January 2015

Networked digital technologies and Open Access (OA) are transforming the processes and institutions of research, knowledge creation and dissemination globally: enabling new forms of collaboration, allowing researchers to be seen and heard in new ways and reshaping relationships between stakeholders across the global academic publishing system. This article draws on Joseph Nye’s concept of ‘Soft Power’ to explore the role that OA is playing in helping to reshape academic publishing in China. It focusses on two important areas of OA development: OA journals and national-level repositories. OA is being supported at the highest levels, and there is potential for it to play an important role in increasing the status and impact of Chinese scholarship. Investments in OA also have the potential to help China to re-position itself within international copyright discourses: moving beyond criticism for failure to enforce the rights of foreign copyright owners and progressing an agenda that places greater emphasis on equality of access to the resources needed to foster innovation. However, the potential for OA to help China to build and project its soft power is being limited by the legacies of the print era, as well as the challenges of efficiently governing the national research and innovation systems.
Intellectual property enclosure and economic discourse in the 2012 London Olympic Games
Authors: Erickson Kris , Wei Lingling
Published: January 2015

Special legislation associated with mega sporting events has enabled new forms of cultural enclosure, effectively commoditising aspects of cultural expression that previously remained in the public domain. In this article, the authors examine the tension between economic and political justifications for hosting the Olympics and the intellectual property enclosures that are imposed upon host nations. These enclosures extend beyond what is traditionally protected under trade mark law, to include ‘generic’ terms. Enabling market competitors to freely use generic, descriptive language is a core doctrine of trade mark law, seeking to balance monopoly IP rights with free market competition. The authors evaluate the impact of special legislative enclosures on the public interest, and argue that collective access to expression should be more carefully considered in political and economic calculations of the value of the Olympics.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece*
Authors: Jacobs Abigail C. , Brown Paul C.
Published: January 2015

The International Conference on Harmonization (ICH; S1B of 1997) allows a second species carcinogenicity study to be an alternative to one of the traditional 2-year studies. In the past 17 years, the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research’s (CDER) Executive Carcinogenicity Assessment Committee received 269 alternative carcinogenicity assay protocols for review. This committee’s recommendations regarding choice of animal model and dose selection are generally followed by sponsors conducting these studies to increase the acceptability of such studies. The P53+/− assay is generally considered appropriate for genotoxic products, and the TgRasH2 assay is appropriate for non-genotoxic or genotoxic drugs. In the United States, the TgAC assay is not used any more and the animals are no longer available. The TgAC assay can detect both tumor promoters and complete carcinogens, and consequently more than half of the dermal TgAC assays resulted in a positive assessment. Currently, more than 75% of mouse carcinogenicity studies are conducted in TgRasH2 mice. Behavior of genotoxic and non-genotoxic drugs in the various assays is reviewed.
Weight Gain after Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Lewis Travis L. , Johnson Romaine F. , Choi Jonathan , Mitchell Ron B.
Published: January 2015

Objective

To study the association between adenotonsillectomy (T&A) and weight gain in children.

Study Design

Retrospective case‐control series.

Setting

Tertiary academic children’s medical center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 154 children who underwent T&A at a tertiary care children’s hospital between December 2010 and March 2011 were included. They were compared with 182 children with similar demographics who were seen in primary care clinics at the same institution (control group). Height and weight were compared at 6‐month intervals over a 24‐month period. Patients were divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese. A multilevel mixed‐effects regression model was used for analysis. Significance was set at P ≤. 05.

Results

Children who underwent T&A gained more weight than controls at every interval. At 24 months, they gained an additional 2.6 kg (confidence interval [CI], 0.9‐3.9) but were an additional 1.8 cm (CI, 0.1‐3.5) taller. There was no difference in weight gain at 6 months for obese children. At 12, 18, and 24 months, the obese group outgained the control group. At 24 months, the obese T&A group had gained an average of 14.3 kg, while the control had gained 10.1 kg, for a difference of 4.2 kg (CI, 1.3‐6.1) with no difference in height changes. There were no differences in weight or height changes for the normal‐weight and overweight groups at the conclusion of the study.

Conclusions

T&A leads to a significant increase in weight in obese but not normal‐weight or overweight children. Efforts should be made to provide weight reduction counseling prior to T&A in obese children.
Gender and entrepreneurship research: A review of methodological approaches
Authors: Henry Colette , Foss Lene , Ahl Helene
Published: January 2015

This article presents the findings of a systematic literature review (SLR) of the gender and entrepreneurship literature published in 18 journals over a 30-year period. The SLR sought to identify methodological trends in the field of gender and entrepreneurship and to critically explore the type of methodological innovations needed in future scholarship. Findings reveal a proliferation of large-scale empirical studies focused on male/female comparisons, often with little detail provided on industry sector or sampling methods and with either a weak, or no feminist critique whatsoever. We argue that future scholars must develop the methodological repertoire to engage with post-structural feminist approaches; this may require a radical move towards more innovative, in-depth qualitative methodologies such as life histories, case studies or discourse analysis.
Testing feasibility and reliability of a set of quality indicators to evaluate the organization of palliative care across Europe: A pilot study in 25 countries
Authors: Woitha Kathrin , Hasselaar Jeroen , van Beek Karen , Ahmed Nisar , Jaspers Birgit , Hendriks Jan CM , Radbruch Lukas , Vissers Kris , Engels Yvonne
Published: January 2015

Background:

A well-organized palliative care service is a prerequisite for offering good palliative care. Reliable and feasible quality indicators are needed to monitor the quality of their organization.

Aim:

To test feasibility and reliability of a previously developed set of quality indicators in settings and services that provide palliative care across Europe.

Methods:

A total of 38 quality indicators, applicable in all types of settings, rated in a RAND Delphi process, and operationalized into 38 yes/no questions, were used. Descriptives statistics, factor and reliability analyses, analysis of variance, and chi-square analyses were used.

Design:

Cross-sectional online survey.

Setting/participants:

Questionnaires were sent to representatives of 217 palliative care settings in 25 countries. Included settings were hospices, inpatient dedicated palliative care beds, palliative care outpatient clinics, palliative care units, day care centers for palliative care, palliative care home support teams, inpatient palliative care support teams, care homes, and nursing homes.

Results:

All invited 25 European Association of Palliative Care countries took part. In total, 107 out of 217 participants responded (57%). The quality indicators were reduced to four coherent sub-scales, being “equipment and continuity of care,” “structured documentation of essential palliative care elements in the medical record,” “training and appraisal of personnel,” and “availability of controlled drugs.” No significant differences in quality criteria between the different types of settings and services were identified.

Conclusion:

The set of quality indicators appeared to measure four reliable domains that assess the organization of different palliative care settings. It can be used as a starting point for quality improvement activities.