bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of Vietnamese domestic chicken populations as decision‐making support for conservation strategies
Authors: Pham M. H. , Berthouly‐Salazar C. , Tran X. H. , Chang W. H. , Crooijmans R. P. M. A. , Lin D. Y. , Hoang V. T. , Lee Y. P. , Tixier‐Boichard M. , Chen C. F.
Published: May 2013

The aims of this study were to assess the genetic diversity of 17 populations of Vietnamese local chickens (VNN) and one Red Jungle Fowl population, together with six chicken populations of Chinese origin (CNO), and to provide priorities supporting the conservation of genetic resources using 20 microsatellites. Consequently, the VNN populations exhibited a higher diversity than did CNO populations in terms of number of alleles but showed a slightly lower observed heterozygosity. The VNN populations showed in total seven private alleles, whereas no CNO private alleles were found. The expected heterozygosity of 0.576 in the VNN populations was higher than the observed heterozygosity of 0.490, leading to heterozygote deficiency within populations. This issue could be partly explained by the Wahlund effect due to fragmentation of several populations between chicken flocks. Molecular analysis of variance showed that most of genetic variation was found within VNN populations. The Bayesian clustering analysis showed that VNN and CNO chickens were separated into two distinct groups with little evidence for gene flow between them. Among the 24 populations, 13 were successfully assigned to their own cluster, whereas the structuring was not clear for the remaining 11 chicken populations. The contributions of 24 populations to the total genetic diversity were mostly consistent across two approaches, taking into account the within‐ and between‐populations genetic diversity and allelic richness. The black H'mong, Lien Minh, Luong Phuong and Red Jungle Fowl were ranked with the highest priorities for conservation according to Caballero and Toro's and Petit's approaches. In conclusion, a national strategy needs to be set up for Vietnamese chicken populations, with three main components: conservation of high‐priority breeds, within‐breed management with animal exchanges between flocks to avoid Wahlund effect and monitoring of inbreeding rate.
Subcutaneous and gonadal adipose tissue transcriptome differences in lean and obese female dogs
Authors: Grant Ryan W. , Vester Boler Brittany M. , Ridge Tonya K. , Graves Thomas K. , Swanson Kelly S.
Published: May 2013

Canine obesity leads to shortened life span and increased disease incidence. Adipose tissue depots are known to have unique metabolic and gene expression profiles in rodents and humans, but few comparisons of depot gene expression have been performed in the dog. Using microarray technology, our objective was to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched functional pathways between subcutaneous and gonadal adipose of lean and obese dogs to better understand the pathogenesis of obesity in the dog. Because no depot × body weight status interactions were identified in the microarray data, depot differences were the primary focus. A total of 946 and 703 transcripts were differentially expressed (FDRP < 0.05) between gonadal and subcutaneous adipose tissue in obese and lean dogs respectively. Of the adipose depot‐specific differences in gene expression, 162 were present in both lean and obese dogs, with the majority (85%) expressed in the same direction. Both lean and obese dog gene lists had enrichment of the complement and coagulation cascade and systemic lupus erythematosus pathways. Obese dogs had enrichment of lysosome, extracellular matrix–receptor interaction, renin–angiotensin system and hematopoietic cell lineage pathways. Lean dogs had enrichment of glutathione metabolism and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. We have identified a core set of genes differentially expressed between subcutaneous and gonadal adipose tissue in dogs regardless of body weight. These genes contribute to depot‐specific differences in immune function, extracellular matrix remodeling and lysosomal function and may contribute to the physiological differences noted between depots.
Associations between lifestyles and neutrophil‐lymphocyte and platelet‐lymphocyte ratios in colorectal cancer
Authors: Hong Chuyuan , Wei Yisheng , Jiang Jianxin , Zhao Chuxiong , Liang Guojian , Wang Guoqiang , Yang Hui
Published: May 2013

Aims

To explore the etiology of the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) abnormalities in colorectal cancer.

Methods

In total, 230 patients with histopathologically confirmed colorectal cancer from August 2009 to August 2011 were recruited to our study. The associations between lifestyles (smoking, alcohol and pickled food consumption) and pretreatment NLR and PLR were estimated using the Kruskal–Wallis tests and linear regression model.

Results

The Kruskal–Wallis test showed a significant association between pickled food intake and pretreatment NLR but not PLR (P = 0.002, 0.057, respectively). Pairwise comparisons showed that, compared with those with a moderately frequent (2–3 times/week) and an infrequent (≤ once a week) intake of pickled food, high frequency (≥ four times/week) consumption of pickled food had a higher pretreatment NLR (P = 0.01, 0.007, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed pretreatment NLR increased significantly in high frequency (≥ four times/week) consumption of pickled food (P < 0.0001). No association between other lifestyle factors and pretreatment PLR was found.

Conclusions

A higher frequency intake of pickled food possibly contributes to higher NLR, which may reflect a systemic inflammatory response in colorectal cancer.
Influence of ABO blood group and Rhesus factor on breast cancer risk: A meta‐analysis of 9665 breast cancer patients and 244 768 controls
Authors: Miao Su‐Yu , Zhou Wenbin , Chen Ling , Wang Shui , Liu Xiao‐An
Published: May 2013

Aim

Blood group is an important risk factor for some malignancies, including pancreatic and stomach cancer. However, it is unclear whether the risk of breast cancer is higher in any specific ABO blood type.

Methods

We searched the electronic database of PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and the VIP Chinese Journal of Science and Technology for case‐control studies about blood type and breast cancer incidence, and a meta‐analysis was conducted.

Results

Fourteen studies were eligible for assessment on the association of breast cancer with different blood types, including 9665 breast cancer patients and 244 768 controls. Relative to blood type O, women with blood type A (odds ratio (OR) = 1.115, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.992–1.254), B (OR = 0.983, 95% CI 0.915–1.056) and AB (OR = 1.042, 95% CI 0.881–1.231) had the same breast cancer risk. The risk for women with Rhesus‐positive (Rh+) was the same as those with Rh‐negative (Rh‐) (OR = 0.948, 95% CI 0.667–1.348). Among Caucasians, the OR of blood type A was 1.066 (95% CI, 1.001–1.134, P = 0.522 for heterogeneity).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis suggests Caucasians with blood type A may have a higher risk of breast cancer than other Caucasians. No association was found in any other blood type or any other population. Similarly, the Rh factor had no association with the risk of breast cancer.
The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on mortality in hospitalized female cancer patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Jeng‐Yeou , Chiou Wen‐Ko , Chou Wei‐Ying , Lin Jen‐Der
Published: May 2013

Introduction

The goal of this study was to determine the relationships among type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), specific cancer histological types and mortality in hospitalized women.

Methods

Patients over 19 years of age were included if the indication for hospital admission was a diagnosis of type 2 DM or a malignancy. In total, 67 660 female patients with a mean age 62.76 ± 14.48 years were enrolled. These patients were categorized into the following three groups: patients with cancer but without type 2 DM (group A); patients with cancer and type 2 DM (group B) and patients with type 2 DM but without cancer (group C). Attributable fractions (AF) were calculated as ([hazard ratio − 1]/hazard ratio) × 100 to evaluate the impact of type 2 DM on mortality for specific cancers.

Results

Of the study participants, 37 204 (55%) were diagnosed with type 2 DM. The patients were categorized as follows: group A, 30 456 patients; group B, 5992 patients and group C, 31 212 patients. Group B patients had high frequencies of pancreatic, liver and renal cancers and low frequencies of thyroid, breast and ovarian cancers. Of the 36 448 cancer patients, 2906 (8%) died. The mortality rate in group B (10 %) was significantly higher than that in groups A and C. Type 2 DM was associated with increased mortality and AF for thyroid, nasopharyngeal, urinary tract, ovarian, breast and cervical cancers (hazard ratio over 1.50).

Conclusion

The incidence of type 2 DM in patients with different histological types of cancer varied widely, ranging from 8–34%. Among the cancer patients, type 2 DM had a significantly greater impact on the mortality rates of patients with cancers associated with relatively low mortality.
Multidrug resistant miliary tuberculosis during infliximab therapy despite tuberculosis screening
Authors: Gin Alexander , Dolianitis Con
Published: May 2013

We describe an unusual case of multidrug‐resistant miliary tuberculosis diagnosed 9 months after the commencement of infliximab treatment for psoriasis despite negative pretreatment tuberculosis screening, including chest X‐ray and interferon‐gamma release assay. After 4 months' treatment with amikacin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide and moxifloxacin, infliximab was restarted with concomitant anti‐TB medications. No recurrence of tuberculosis has been detected 12 months after recommencing infliximab.
First‐Degree AV Block—An Entirely Benign Finding or a Potentially Curable Cause of Cardiac Disease?
Authors: Holmqvist Fredrik , Daubert James P.
Published: May 2013

First‐degree atrioventricular (AV) block is a delay within the AV conduction system and is defined as a prolongation of the PR interval beyond the upper limit of what is considered normal (generally 0.20 s). Up until recently, first‐degree AV block was considered an entirely benign condition. In fact, some complain that it is a misnomer since there is only delay and no actual block in the AV conduction system (usually within the AV node). However, it has long been acknowledged that extreme forms of first‐degree AV block (typically a PR interval exceeding 0.30 s) can cause symptoms due to inadequate timing of atrial and ventricular contractions, similar to the so‐called pacemaker syndrome. Consequently, the current guidelines state that permanent pacemaker implantation is reasonable for first‐degree AV block with symptoms similar to those of pacemaker syndrome or with hemodynamic compromise, but also stresses that there is little evidence to suggest that pacemakers improve survival in patients with isolated first‐degree AV block. Recent reports suggest that it may be time to revisit the impact of first‐degree AV block. Also, several findings in post hoc analyses of randomized device trials give important insights in possible treatment options. The present review aims to provide an update on the current knowledge concerning the impact of first‐degree AV block and also to address the issue of pacing in patients with this condition.
Elevated protein carbonyl and HIF‐1α levels in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Loukovaara Sirpa , Koivunen Peppi , Inglés Marta , Escobar Javier , Vento Maximo , Andersson Sture
Published: May 2013

Purpose:  To evaluate the role of protein carbonyls and hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) in diabetic eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods:  Prospective consecutive controlled observational study was performed. Vitreous samples were collected at the start of the 3‐ppp vitrectomy. Protein carbonylation analysis was performed by Western blotting with antibody against 2,4‐Dinitrophenol (anti‐DNP), following derivatization of protein carbonyls with 2,4 Dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNHP). Protein carbonylation was quantified by scanning densitometry analysis and relativized to the total amount of protein into the ponceau staining of membranes. Vitreous HIF‐1 α was determined with ELISA in a subgroup of the samples. Thirty‐one eyes were operated due to PDR (study group). Of the 189 controls, 39 had nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (non‐PDR), 111 retinal detachment (RD) and 39 macular hole/pucker (MH).

Results:  Comparison of eyes with PDR with controls revealed that the mean vitreous concentrations of protein carbonyls were significantly higher in the eyes affected with PDR being 242 ± 130 (SD) compared with non‐PDR controls 180 ± 142, nondiabetic eyes affected with RD 175 ± 131 and MH/pucker 140 ± 95 (p = 0.008, one‐way anova). Mean HIF‐1α values were higher in eyes with PDR compared with controls (RD, MH/pucker); the values being 0.53 ± 0.34 (SEM; n = 4) and 0.13 ± 0.04 (SEM; n = 19), respectively (p = 0.009).

Conclusions:  Protein carbonyl and HIF‐1 α levels were significantly increased in the vitreous fluid of surgically treated eyes with PDR. Our findings suggest an association between increased intravitreal levels of protein carbonyls and the pathogenesis of PDR.
Meta‐analysis: the impact of oral anti‐viral agents on the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Singal A. K. , Salameh H. , Kuo Y.‐F. , Fontana R. J.
Published: May 2013

Background

Five oral nucleos(t)ide analogues are available to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB). With the availability of newer agents, their efficacy on incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well described.

Aim

To determine the efficacy of oral anti‐viral agents in reducing HCC risk in relationship with other known factors.

Methods

Published studies of at least 20 CHB patients treated with an oral anti‐viral agent and followed for >2 years were analysed for incidence of HCC per 100 person years follow‐up.

Results

Pooled homogeneous data from six studies showed lamivudine (LAM) treatment (n = 3306) to reduce HCC risk by 51% compared with no treatment (n = 3585) (3.3 vs. 9.7 per 100 person years, P < 0.0001). Pooled data from 49 studies (23 with LAM; 16 with adefovir; and 10 with entecavir, tenofovir or telbivudine) of 10 025 treated patients showed HCC incidence of 1.3 per 100 person years, independent of the agent used. Patient age >50 years and hepatitis B virus‐DNA detectability at HCC diagnosis increased risk of HCC by twofold with a 10‐fold higher risk among patients with cirrhosis compared with chronic hepatitis. Meta‐regression showed patient age, study location (Eastern vs. Western) and type of study (randomised or not) contributed to heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Lamivudine treatment significantly reduces the incidence of HCC compared with no treatment. However, HCC still develops at a rate of 1.3 per 100 patient years in CHB patients receiving an oral anti‐viral agent. This finding highlights the need for continued HCC surveillance, particularly in CHB patients with inadequate viral suppression, older age and cirrhosis.
Isotopic Composition of Lead in Copper Ores and a Copper Artefact from the La Profunda Mine (León, Spain)
Authors: Huelga‐Suarez G. , Moldovan M. , Suárez Fernández M. , de Blas Cortina M. Ángel , García Alonso J. I.
Published: May 2013

This paper continues the characterization of the lead isotopic fingerprint of ancient copper mines in the north‐west of Spain. In this work, the lead isotopic compositions found in copper ores from the La Profunda mine are presented. Azurites and malachites sampled from this deposit were subjected to lead isotope analysis by multicollector ICP–MS. The results showed a clear radiogenic lead signature compatible with the presence of uranium‐rich minerals (such as zeunerite) in the same mining complex. Moreover, a rare copper artefact, found in the galleries of the mine during its modern exploitation, was also analysed and showed that local mineral was used for its manufacturing.
Assessing vegetation change using vegetation‐plot databases: a risky business
Authors: Chytrý Milan , Tichý Lubomír , Hennekens Stephan M. , Schaminée Joop H.J.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Data from vegetation plots can be used for the assessment of past vegetation change in three ways: (1) comparison of old and new records from permanent plots established for vegetation monitoring; (2) revisiting historical phytosociological plots and subsequent comparison of old and new records; (3) comparison of large sets of old and new phytosociological records from the same area but different plots. Option (3) would be the cheapest in regions where large vegetation‐plot databases are available, but there is a risk of incorrect results due to a spatial mismatch of old and new plots. Here we assess the accuracy of such analyses.

Methods

We used three data sets of permanent plots from Czech mountain bogs and Dutch oak forests and heathlands to quantify vegetation change. We selected subsets to simulate analyses based on (1) data from permanent plots or revisited phytosociological plots, i.e. containing old and new records from the same plots, (2) vegetation‐plot databases with old and new records from different, randomly selected sites, and (3) vegetation‐plot databases with old and new records from different but close sites. We repeated each subset selection 1000 times and analysed vegetation change in each of the three data sets and each variant of subset selection using permutational multivariate analysis of variance.

Results

For data sets with no actual vegetation change, analyses of some subsets simulating vegetation‐plot databases incorrectly suggested significant changes. For a data set with real change, a change was detected in analyses of simulated vegetation‐plot databases, but in several cases it had a different direction or magnitude to the real change.

Conclusions

The assessment of vegetation change using vegetation‐plot databases should be either avoided or interpreted with extreme caution because of the risk of incorrect results. Analyses such as these may be used to propose hypotheses about past vegetation change, but their results should not be considered valid unless confirmed using more reliable data. In many contexts, re‐visitation studies of historical phytosociological plots may be the best strategy to assess past vegetation change, while new networks of carefully stratified permanent plots are preferable for monitoring future change.
Beta‐Amyloid, Phospho‐Tau and Alpha‐Synuclein Deposits Similar to Those in the Brain Are Not Identified in the Eyes of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Ho Cheng‐Ying , Troncoso Juan C. , Knox David , Stark Walter , Eberhart Charles G.
Published: May 2013

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the two most common neurodegenerative disorders, and are characterized by deposition of specific proteins in the brain. If similar abnormal protein deposits are present in the eye, it would facilitate noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. We therefore evaluated expression of proteins associated with AD and PD pathology in postmortem eyes and brains in a case‐control study. Eyes from 11 cases of AD, 6 cases of PD or PD with dementia, and 6 age‐matched controls were retrieved from the autopsy archives of The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Immunostains for β‐amyloid, phospho‐tau and α‐synuclein and Congo red stains were performed in the same laboratory in both brains and eyes. No amyloid deposits or abnormal tau accumulations were detected in the lens, retina or other structures in the eyes of AD patients. Eyes also lacked definite Lewy bodies or Lewy neurites in either PD or AD cases. Patchy cytoplasmic α‐synuclein positivity was seen in the retina of AD, PD and control cases, but did not correlate with the presence or extent of Lewy body pathology in the brain. Abnormal protein aggregations characteristic of AD and PD are thus not commonly present in the retinas or lens of affected patients when assayed using the same protocols as in the brain. This suggests that β‐amyloid, phospho‐tau and α‐synuclein either do not deposit in the eye in a manner analogous to brain, or are present at lower levels or in different forms.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of Seed Rain in the Canopy and on the Ground of a Tropical Cloud Forest
Authors: Sheldon Kimberly S. , Nadkarni Nalini M.
Published: May 2013

Spatial and temporal patterns of seed rain impact plant fitness, genetic and demographic structure of plant populations, and species' interactions. Because plants are sessile, they rely on biotic and abiotic dispersal agents to move their seeds. The relative importance of these dispersal agents may shift throughout the year. In tropical forests, seed dispersal of epiphytes constitutes a major but hitherto unknown portion of seed rain ecology. For the first time, we report on patterns of seed rain for both epiphytic and terrestrial plants across an entire year in a Neotropical montane forest. To examine seed rain, we placed traps in the canopy and on the ground. We analyzed seed dispersal syndrome (bird, mammal, wind) and plant habit (epiphyte, liana, shrub, small tree, large tree) across all seasons of the year (dry, misty, wet). We found that the community of species collected in canopy traps was significantly different from the community in ground traps. Epiphytes were the most common plant habit found in canopy traps, while large trees were most common in ground traps. Species with bird‐dispersed seeds dominated all traps. Species richness was significantly higher during the dry season in ground traps, but did not vary across seasons in canopy traps. Our results highlight the distinct seed rain found in the canopy and on the ground and underscore the importance of frugivores for dispersing both arboreal and terrestrial plants in tropical ecosystems.
Experiences of discrimination and discomfort: A comparison of metropolitan and non‐metropolitan locations
Authors: Ray Brian , Preston Valerie
Published: May 2013

This article compares feelings of discomfort and experiences of discrimination attributed to racial and ethnic difference among visible minorities and two white groups: “Europeans” and “white charter” individuals. In conducting the analysis, attention is given to the role of location by examining how responses vary in three types of locations in Canada: large and diverse metropolitan areas, smaller “second‐tier” cities, and towns and rural areas. Using the Ethnic Diversity Survey (EDS) as the principal data source, the results of descriptive and explanatory multivariate analyses are presented. Logistic regression analyses confirm that race frequently is interpreted as underlying experiences of discomfort and discrimination in Canada, with visible minorities much more likely to report racial and ethnic discomfort and discrimination than the two white groups. While location is not strongly related to racial and ethnic discrimination, it has a significant impact on reports of discomfort. Residents of Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver are more likely to report racial and ethnic discomfort than those living in non‐metropolitan areas. As others have reported in Australia and Great Britain, living in diverse social environments where negotiation of difference is an everyday necessity heightens discomfort. The findings highlight geographical variations in the lived experience of multiculturalism that warrant further investigation.
Spider peptide Phα1β induces analgesic effect in a model of cancer pain
Authors: Rigo Flavia Karine , Trevisan Gabriela , Rosa Fernanda , Dalmolin Gerusa D. , Otuki Michel Fleith , Cueto Ana Paula , de Castro Junior Célio José , Romano‐Silva Marco Aurelio , Cordeiro Marta do N. , Richardson Michael , Ferreira Juliano , Gomez Marcus V.
Published: May 2013

The marine snail peptide ziconotide (ω‐conotoxin MVIIA) is used as an analgesic in cancer patients refractory to opioids, but may induce severe adverse effects. Animal venoms represent a rich source of novel drugs, so we investigated the analgesic effects and the side‐effects of spider peptide Phα1β in a model of cancer pain in mice with or without tolerance to morphine analgesia. Cancer pain was induced by the inoculation of melanoma B16‐F10 cells into the hind paw of C57BL/6 mice. After 14 days, painful hypersensitivity was detected and Phα1β or ω‐conotoxin MVIIA (10–100 pmol/site) was intrathecally injected to evaluate the development of antinociception and side‐effects in control and morphine‐tolerant mice. The treatment with Phα1β or ω‐conotoxin MVIIA fully reversed cancer‐related painful hypersensitivity, with long‐lasting results, at effective doses 50% of 48 (32–72) or 33 (21–53) pmol/site, respectively. Phα1β produced only mild adverse effects, whereas ω‐conotoxin MVIIA induced dose‐related side‐effects in mice at analgesic doses (estimated toxic dose 50% of 30 pmol/site). In addition, we observed that Phα1β was capable of controlling cancer‐related pain even in mice tolerant to morphine antinociception (100% of inhibition) and was able to partially restore morphine analgesia in such animals (56 ± 5% of inhibition). In this study, Phα1β was as efficacious as ω‐conotoxin MVIIA in inducing analgesia in a model of cancer pain without producing severe adverse effects or losing efficacy in opioid‐tolerant mice, indicating that Phα1β has a good profile for the treatment of cancer pain in patients.
Facial follicular cysts: a case of lichen planus follicularis tumidus?
Authors: Jiménez‐Gallo David , Albarrán‐Planelles Cristina , Linares‐Barrios Mario , Martínez‐Rodríguez Alberto , Báez‐Perea José María , González‐Fernández Julio Abraham
Published: May 2013

Lichen planus follicularis tumidus (LPFT) represents an uncommon variety of lichen planus (LP). Clinically, it presents with prominent purplish lesions or white‐pigmented yellowish cysts and comedones. Histopathologically, it is similar to lichen planopilaris, and it is additionally characterized by follicles and cysts surrounded by a lichenoid lymphocytic infiltrate. The most common location is the retroauricular region, and it may be associated with other variants of LP. Herein, we describe the case of a 50‐year‐old woman with a history of lower limb hypertrophic LP who subsequently presented with multiple pink, tumid, pruritic plaques with white‐yellow cysts and comedones extensively affecting the bilateral face. Histopathologic examination revealed a lichenoid infiltrate surrounding the follicles and cysts. We diagnosed LPFT and began treatment with topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, systemic corticosteroids and oral acitretin without improvement. Subsequently, the patient had an acceptable response to cyclosporine at doses of 5 mg/kg/day with remission of itching and tumidity but with residual cysts and comedones remaining. To date, the literature contains only 16 cases of LPFT. To our knowledge, this is the most severe case and is the only one with cessation of disease activity in response to cyclosporine.
Inconsistent immunohistochemical expression of lymphatic and blood endothelial cell markers in cutaneous lymphangiomas
Authors: Bhawan Jag , Silva Claudine , Taungjaruwinai Wirach Matt
Published: May 2013

Purpose

We sought to describe expression of the immunohistochemical markers, CD31, D2‐40 and LYVE‐1 (lymphatic vessel hyaluronan receptor‐1), that may assist in differentiating cutaneous lymphangioma and cutaneous hemangioma.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining of lymphangioma and hemangioma specimens was completed with CD31, D2‐40 and LYVE‐1 antibodies.

Results

Thirty‐three examples of lymphangioma and 13 examples of hemangioma were evaluated. CD31 was positive in 91% of lymphangioma and 100% of hemangioma (sensitivity 0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.75‐0.98; specificity 0, 95% confidence interval 0‐0.28). D2‐40 was positive in 54% of lymphangioma and 23% in hemangioma (sensitivity 0.50 95% confidence interval 0.32‐0.68; specificity 0.50 95% confidence interval 0.28‐0.72). LYVE‐1 was positive in 6% in lymphangioma and 15% hemangioma (sensitivity 0.06 95% confidence interval 0.01‐0.22, specificity 0.85 95% confidence interval 0.54‐0.97).

Conclusions

Due to the similar embryonic origins, it is unlikely that a single marker may accurately differentiate the lymphangioma from hemangioma. A combination of immunohistochemical stains such CD31, D2‐40 and LYVE‐1 testing may potentially increase the diagnostic accuracy in differentiating lymphangioma from hemangioma. However, our findings suggest that there is no advantage in performing immunohistochemical staining to differentiate lymphangioma from hemangioma.
Agminated pigmented matricoma: a case of a unique tumor with a multifocal appearance composed of neoplastic matrical cells with a significant component of melanocyte
Authors: Nikaido Mariko , Yamada Makiko , Konno Takayuki , Hara Kazuo , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Suzuki Tamio
Published: May 2013

Matricoma is benign follicular neoplasm with the same constituent cells as pilomatricoma but with a different silhouette. Matricoma consists mostly of solid aggregations of matrical cells, as opposed to pilomatricoma, which is often a cystic lesion. We herein describe a case of agminated pigmented matricoma. A 27‐year‐old Japanese man visited our hospital complaining of three separate, pigmented, firm and sessile nodules on the back. Histopathologic examination revealed mostly solid aggregations of matrical and supramatrical cells located mainly within the dermis and the upper part of the subcutis. Shadow cells were present mostly within the aggregations. At higher magnifications, occasional indication of inner sheath differentiation, in addition to differentiation toward hair in the form of shadow cells, could be discerned in the center of the aggregations. The matrical and supramatrical cells within the aggregations were relatively uniform in size and shape, and contained several mitotic figures. Heavily pigmented melanocytes were present within the aggregations of matrical and supramatrical cells, and heavily pigmented melanophages were found in adjacent stroma. Pigmentation is a rare event in benign and malignant adnexal tumors, and to our knowledge, no similar case has been reported.
Secondary prevention of occupational dermatoses: first systematic evaluation of optimized dermatologist's procedure and hierarchical multi‐step intervention
Authors: Voß Heike , Gediga Günther , Gediga Kathrin , Maier Björn , Mentzel Franziska , Skudlik Christoph , Zagrodnik Fred‐Dieter , John Swen Malte
Published: May 2013

Background

In 2011, 25,056 notifications of suspected occupational dermatitis (OD) were submitted to the statutory accident insurance (UVT), predominant by dermatologist's reports. Parallel to the introduction of the improved dermatologist's procedure, the hierarchical multi‐step intervention approach to OD was launched within the UVT. It is aimed at ensuring that patients with OD can be allocated to preventive dermatological interventions quickly and appropriately according to the severity of their OD. From 2007–2010, the quality of dermatological interventions as well as the corresponding administrative procedures were evaluated in a unique research project supported by the German Social Accident Insurance.

Patients and methods

About 10 % (n = 1 600) of notified cases with suspected OD in 2007 in Germany were analyzed in a random quota sample by occupational dermatologists and administrations. Follow‐up was 12 months. If a dermatologist's procedure was initiated after the initial notification, patients’ and dermatologists’ opinions were obtained by questionnaires.

Results

More than 85 % of the OD notifications were submitted by dermatologists and only 1.6 % by occupational physicians. In 88 %, the dermatologist's report was used. Yet, there is room for optimizing procedures: e.g., the clinical and/or occupational relevance of type IV allergies was assessed only in 36.5 % of patients. Job loss due to OD occurred less often if suitable preventive and/or therapeutic strategies (e.g., skin protection seminars) were implemented by the UVT (p = 0.001). Preventive and therapeutic strategies were initiated more often when the dermatologist's report was conclusive, a central element is the outpatient care by a dermatologist.

Conclusions

The research project shows that the quality of dermatological intervention, as well as administrative procedures, can be optimized. Early intervention with suitable preventive and therapeutic strategies in patients with OD should be aimed at, as this is crucial for the outcome of OD.
Fear extinction deficits following acute stress associate with increased spine density and dendritic retraction in basolateral amygdala neurons
Authors: Maroun Mouna , Ioannides Pericles J. , Bergman Krista L. , Kavushansky Alexandra , Holmes Andrew , Wellman Cara L.
Published: May 2013

Stress‐sensitive psychopathologies such as post‐traumatic stress disorder are characterized by deficits in fear extinction and dysfunction of corticolimbic circuits mediating extinction. Chronic stress facilitates fear conditioning, impairs extinction, and produces dendritic proliferation in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), a critical site of plasticity for extinction. Acute stress impairs extinction, alters plasticity in the medial prefrontal cortex‐to‐BLA circuit, and causes dendritic retraction in the medial prefrontal cortex. Here, we examined extinction learning and basolateral amygdala pyramidal neuron morphology in adult male rats following a single elevated platform stress. Acute stress impaired extinction acquisition and memory, and produced dendritic retraction and increased mushroom spine density in basolateral amygdala neurons in the right hemisphere. Unexpectedly, irrespective of stress, rats that underwent fear and extinction testing showed basolateral amygdala dendritic retraction and altered spine density relative to non‐conditioned rats, particularly in the left hemisphere. Thus, extinction deficits produced by acute stress are associated with increased spine density and dendritic retraction in basolateral amygdala pyramidal neurons. Furthermore, the finding that conditioning and extinction as such was sufficient to alter basolateral amygdala morphology and spine density illustrates the sensitivity of basolateral amygdala morphology to behavioral manipulation. These findings may have implications for elucidating the role of the amygdala in the pathophysiology of stress‐related disorders.
pH modulates the binding of early growth response protein 1 transcription factor to DNA
Authors: Mikles David C. , Bhat Vikas , Schuchardt Brett J. , Deegan Brian J. , Seldeen Kenneth L. , McDonald Caleb B. , Farooq Amjad
Published: May 2013

The transcription factor early growth response protein (EGR)1 orchestrates a plethora of signaling cascades involved in cellular homeostasis, and its downregulation has been implicated in the development of prostate cancer. Herein, using a battery of biophysical tools, we show that the binding of EGR1 to DNA is tightly regulated by solution pH. Importantly, the binding affinity undergoes an enhancement of more than an order of magnitude with an increase in pH from 5 to 8, implying that the deprotonation of an ionizable residue accounts for such behavior. This ionizable residue is identified as His382 by virtue of the fact that its replacement by nonionizable residues abolishes the pH dependence of the binding of EGR1 to DNA. Notably, His382 inserts into the major groove of DNA, and stabilizes the EGR1–DNA interaction via both hydrogen bonding and van der Waals contacts. Remarkably, His382 is mainly conserved across other members of the EGR family, implying that histidine protonation–deprotonation may serve as a molecular switch for modulating the protein–DNA interactions that are central to this family of transcription factors. Collectively, our findings reveal an unexpected but a key step in the molecular recognition of the EGR family of transcription factors, and suggest that they may act as sensors of pH within the intracellular environment.
Do Private Placements Turn Around Firms? Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Shiu Cheng‐Yi , Wei Hui‐Shan
Published: May 2013

We analyze the stock and operating performance of firms issuing private placements in Taiwan. Issuing firms have poor pre‐issue performance and earn significantly positive returns at announcement. Placements with an owner‐manager or with nonexecutive directors are associated with better post‐issue stock and operating performance, suggesting that an increase in insiders’ stakes leads to better alignment of managerial incentives and an increase in monitoring by insiders. In contrast, placements made to outside investors are unlikely to turn around the issuing firms.
Contrasting effects of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa on the growth and physiology of two green algae, Oocystis marsonii and Scenedesmus obliquus, revealed by flow cytometry
Authors: Dunker Susanne , Jakob Torsten , Wilhelm Christian
Published: May 2013

Aquatic photosynthetic productivity is influenced by resource availability, resource use efficiency and interspecific interactions. In hypertrophic environments, interspecific interference is known to influence species succession. The effect of interference by phytoplankton on biomass production is very poorly understood. One hypothesis is that the development of cyanobacterial blooms is triggered by the excretion of allelopathic substances that inhibit the growth of other phytoplankton species.

In this study, we analysed how the co‐cultivation of the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa with two green algae (Oocystis marsonii and Scenedesmus obliquus) influences the resource use efficiency of each partner under nutrient‐replete conditions. Using single‐cell technologies, it was possible to quantify the efficiency of light use and the biomass gain for all three species under hypertrophic (non‐limiting nutrient) conditions.

The presence of M. aeruginosa resulted in growth inhibition, reduced metabolic activity and an increased quantum requirement for biomass assimilation in O. marsonii, whereas no changes were observed in S. obliquus. M. aeruginosa, on the other hand, showed an increased cell size in mixed cultures with O. marsonii. However, with respect to biomass production, M. aeruginosa did not profit from the growth inhibition of O. marsonii in the experimental period of 8 days. By contrast, the co‐cultivation of M. aeruginosa with S. obliquus did not affect the physiological activity of either species.

This study highlights the potential of flow cytometry to determine species‐specific basic growth parameters, light‐use efficiency and biomass gain during co‐cultivation of different algal strains. It is further demonstrated that sorted cells can be used to analyse their macromolecular composition. The results of this study reveal very different species‐specific patterns of growth kinetics and light‐use‐efficiency of green algae in co‐cultivation experiments with a cyanobacterium.
Rift‐related origin of the Paleoproterozoic Kuncha Formation, and cooling history of the Kuncha nappe and Taplejung granites, eastern Nepal Lesser Himalaya: a multichronological approach
Authors: Sakai Harutaka , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Takigami Yutaka , Rai Santa Man , Upreti Bishal Nath , Hirata Takafumi
Published: May 2013

In order to decipher the origin and tectonothermal history of the Kuncha nappe, we undertook a geological investigation in the Taplejung window in eastern Nepal, and carried out multichronological analyses of zircon, apatite, and mica of the Kuncha Formation and Taplejung granites. Three granite bodies that intrude into the Kuncha Formation show fission‐track (FT) ages of 6.2 to 4.8 Ma for zircon and 2.9 to 2.1 Ma for apatite, although the granites yielded zircon U–Pb ages of 1852 ± 24 Ma and 1877 ± 21 Ma, and muscovite 40Ar–39Ar ages of ca 1650 Ma. The U–Pb intercept age of detrital zircons from the Kuncha schist is 1888 ± 16 Ma, and this age represents a probable depositional age of the lower part of the Kuncha Formation. The FT ages of zircon and apatite from the same schist are found to be 5.4 and 2.5 Ma, respectively. No zircon younger than 1.6 Ga was identified from any of these samples. It means that the Kuncha nappe has never undergone thermal events after 1.6 Ga until the Himalayan orogeny in Miocene. The Kuncha Formation and overlying Kali Gandaki Supergroup as well as the Taplejung granites can be correlated with the Coronation Supergroup and the Hepburn intrusives in the Wopmay orogen, northwest Canada. They are interpreted to be deposits in the basins of continental rift system and subsequent passive‐margin settings. All the FT age data of zircon and apatite provide evidence that both the Kuncha nappe and overlying Crystalline nappe seem to have cooled laterally from the nappe front to the north. The FT ages from the front to central part of the nappe in Taplejung suggest that isotherm of 240°C, closure temperature of zircon FT, retreated toward north at about 10 mm/y during the middle to late Miocene and Pliocene.
Skin physiology in men and women: in vivo evaluation of 300 people including TEWL, SC hydration, sebum content and skin surface pH
Authors: Luebberding S. , Krueger N. , Kerscher M.
Published: May 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

Evidence is given that differences in skin physiological properties exist between men and women. However, despite an assessable number of available publications, the results are still inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this clinical study is the first systematic assessment of gender‐related differences in skin physiology in men and women, with a special focus on changes over lifetime.

Methods

A total of 300 healthy male and female subjects (20–74 years) were selected following strict criteria including age, sun behaviour or smoking habits. TEWL, hydration level, sebum production and pH value were measured with worldwide‐acknowledged biophysical measuring methods at forehead, cheek, neck, volar forearm and dorsum of hand.

Results

Until the age of 50 men's TEWL is significantly lower than the water loss of women of the same age, regardless of the location. With ageing gender‐related differences in TEWL assimilate. Young men show higher SC hydration in comparison with women. But, whereas SC hydration is stable or even increasing in women over lifetime, the skin hydration in men is progressively decreasing, beginning at the age of 40. Sebum production in male skin is always higher and stays stable with increasing age, whereas sebum production in women progressively decreases over lifetime. Across all localizations and age groups, the pH value in men is below 5, the pH value of female subjects is, aside from limited expectations, higher than 5.

Conclusion

Skin physiological distinctions between the sexes exist and are particularly remarkable with regard to sebum production and pH value.
A New and Economic Approach to Synthesize and Fabricate Bioactive Diopside Ceramics Using a Modified Domestic Microwave Oven. Part 1: Study of Sintering and Bioactivity
Authors: Harabi Abdelhamid , Zouai Souheila
Published: May 2013

Diopside (CaMgSi2O6) ceramics was synthesized and fabricated by a simple solid‐state reaction rather than other used processes. This new and economic approach for diopside fabrication consists mainly of replacing the usually used starting materials by other more economic (activated CaO·MgO powders), using conventional sintering and microwave sintering. The P2O5 addition (0.5–5.0 wt%) promotes sintering, crystallization, and bioactivity. Additionally, a considerably low weight loss ratio (0.21%) was also obtained for these samples, after 2 days of soaking in lactic acid. Carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) formation in simulated body fluid was confirmed for all sintered samples. Both sintering and CHA formation mechanisms were proposed.
Social citizenship for the global poor? The worldwide spread of social assistance
Authors: Leisering Lutz , Barrientos Armando
Published: May 2013

The notion of citizenship has universalistic claims, but in practice citizenship goes along with exclusions. Households in poverty are a test case. Social assistance for those in poverty is a rather unlikely source of citizenship because it blends inclusion and exclusion, decommodification and commodification. But we argue that the development of social assistance since the 1950s (in the global North) and since the late 1990s (in the global South) has extended social citizenship. In the South, innovative large‐scale ‘social cash transfer’ programmes are reaching significant sections of the population. This testifies to the renewed role of (Southern) nation‐states within ‘layered’ global citizenship. Unlike earlier studies, we investigate Northern and Southern social assistance together, applying a common theoretical framework derived from T. H. Marshall's writings on citizenship and on social assistance. While social citizenship has become more inclusive, we also discuss new exclusions and stratifications that go along with social security‐based citizenship.
Directors' Dealing and Post‐IPO Performance
Authors: Hoque Hafiz , Lasfer Meziane
Published: May 2013

We use a unique mainly hand‐collected dataset to assess the impact of directors' trades on IPOs' long‐term returns. We find that IPOs where directors are net sellers are more likely to generate positive long‐run returns which occur mostly before the sell trades, suggesting that directors sell when their IPOs reach their optimal values. Conversely, IPOs where directors are net buyers underperform significantly. Our results are not consistent with insider trading in seasoned firms, partly because the valuation uncertainty of IPOs and the specific motivations to trade weaken the precision of the trades' informativeness.
Does Centralisation of FX Derivative Usage Impact Firm Value?
Authors: Jankensgård Håkan
Published: May 2013

Previous research has shown that firms identified as derivative users tend to be valued at a premium relative to non‐users. In this paper I develop the hypothesis that the ‘derivative premium’ is higher in firms with centralised FX exposure management, compared to a decentralised approach in which subsidiaries retain bank contacts and/or decision‐making authority. This study benefits from unique survey data on the FX management practices and derivative usage of Swedish listed firms. The data supports the centralisation‐hypothesis. Firms with a centralised approach have a statistically significant derivative premium of around 15%, whereas there is no premium for decentralised firms.
Inferring Default Correlation from Equity Return Correlation
Authors: Liu Sheen , Qi Howard , Shi Jian , Xie Yan Alice
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a new approach for estimating default correlation by linking default correlation to equity return correlation while preserving the fundamental relation between default and asset correlations in the structural framework. Our hybrid model thus overcomes a long‐standing empirical difficulty that default correlation estimation relies on the unobservable asset process. The empirical analysis shows that our hybrid model demonstrates a considerable improvement over the existing structural model of Zhou (2001) for the sample periods of 1970‐1993 and 1990‐2010. We also illustrate the difference between the two models in predicting default correlations over the period of the 2008 financial crisis.