bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coercion in a locked psychiatric ward
Authors: Larsen Inger B , Terkelsen Toril B
Published: October 2013

Background:

In spite of a national strategy for reducing coercion in the mental health services, Norway still has a high rate of involuntary treatment compared to other European countries. It is therefore crucial to study various parties involved in involuntary treatment in order to reduce coercion.

Research question:

How do patients and staff in a Norwegian locked psychiatric ward experience coercion?

Research design:

Participant observation and interviews.

Participants:

A total of 12 patients and 22 employees participated in this study.

Ethical considerations:

This study is accepted by the National Committee for Medical Health Research Ethics.

Findings:

The participants experienced coercion in different ways. Patients often felt inferior, while many of the staff felt guilty for violating patients’ dignity, although they ascribed responsibility for their actions to the “system.” The main themes are (1) corrections and house rules, (2) coercion is perceived as necessary, (3) the significance of material surroundings, and (4) being treated as a human being.

Discussion:

The discussion draws upon the concepts of vulnerability, guilty conscience, and ethical sensitivity, related to the staffs’ divergent views on coercion.

Conclusion:

Especially among staff, there are divergent views of coercion. Professionals being physically and emotionally close to the patient are more likely to understand him or her as a unique person with individual needs. If patients are kept at a distance, professionals as a group change to understand patients as members of a group with common needs and common restrictions.
Perception of emotional content in musical performances by 3–7-year-old children
Authors: Stachó László , Saarikallio Suvi , Van Zijl Anemone , Huotilainen Minna , Toiviainen Petri
Published: October 2013

The emotional content expressed through musical performance has become a widely-discussed topic in music psychology during the past two decades. However, empirical evidence regarding children’s abilities in interpreting the emotional content of a musical performance is sparse. We investigated 3–7-year-old children’s abilities to interpret the emotional content expressed through performance features in music. Short musical pieces previously rated as inexpressive of emotion were recorded by three musicians with five emotional expressions (happy, sad, fearful, angry and neutral) and played to 3–7-year-old children ( N = 94), adult non-musicians ( N = 83), and adult musicians ( N = 118) who made a forced-choice judgement about the emotion that each excerpt conveyed. Significant differences were observed between children, adult non-musicians and musicians in their ability to interpret the emotional content of a performance. Especially for children, the easiest emotions to identify proved to be happiness and sadness, while anger, fear and emotional neutrality appeared to be more difficult to identify. The most salient confusion patterns of the emotions (categorizing angry performance as happy, neutral performance as sad, or mixing up fear with sadness in performance) as well as the least salient ones (mixing up happiness with sadness, as well as anger with emotions other than happiness) are discussed in the context of general theories of emotion.
Design optimization of magnetorheological fluid valves using response surface method
Authors: Hadadian Armin , Sedaghati Ramin , Esmailzadeh Ebrahim
Published: October 2013

A new design optimization methodology for the optimal design of a single-coil annular magnetorheological valve constrained in a specific volume inside a magnetorheological damper has been presented in this article. The methodology combines the finite element model, with the design of experiments and response surface techniques in order to develop approximate response surface functions for the magnetic field intensity across the activation length of a magnetorheological valve orifice with respect to identified design variables. The accuracy of the developed response surface functions over the entire design space has been verified. The developed analytical response functions have then been used in Bingham plastic model, which is based on the steady behavior of a magnetorheological fluid in order to derive the field-dependent performance functions of the magnetorheological damper, which can be effectively used in the design optimization problems. The design optimization problem has been formulated for single- and multiobjective performance functions using sequential quadratic programming technique and the genetic algorithm to find the global optimum geometrical parameters of the magnetorheological valve. Finally, a proportional–integral–derivative controller has been designed to evaluate the closed-loop performance of the optimally designed magnetorheological valve confined in a magnetorheological damper used in a quarter-car suspension model.
Training Social Work Graduate Students in the Evidence-Based Practice Process
Authors: Bender Kimberly , Altschul Inna , Yoder Jamie , Parrish Danielle , Nickels Sarah J.
Published: October 2013

Objective:

This study tested the effects of integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) process material into a research curriculum for master of social work (MSW) students.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental design ( N = 152) was used across 12 sections of a required program evaluation course, with half integrating EBP process material and half using the traditional curriculum. A version of the Evidence-based Practice Process Assessment scale (EBPPAS) was administered at the beginning and end of the course. Analyses examined changes from pre- to posttest on EBPPAS subscales and assessed group differences.

Results:

At posttest, the EBP group had significantly higher ratings than the comparison group on the familiarity subscale. Both groups’ scores significantly increased at posttest on the familiarity with and engagement in the EBP process subscales.

Conclusions:

MSW students’ participation in a traditional program evaluation course is associated with increased EBP self-efficacy, and intentional introduction of EBP process material may further these outcomes.
A Qualitative Study of Egyptian School Nurses’ Attitudes and Experiences Toward Sex and Relationship Education
Authors: Farrag Shewikar , Hayter Mark
Published: October 2013

School nurses play a vital role in the promotion of sexual health. However, there is very limited evidence of how school nurses experience this topic in an Islamic cultural setting. Using an exploratory qualitative design, 13 in-depth interviews were conducted with Egyptian school nurses. Data were subject to thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from this analysis, “personal issues,” “cultural and political dimensions,” “parental issues,” and “skills and confidence.” These themes represented how nurses’ views on sex education were tempered by personal and social forces—affecting their practice. Fear of being blamed for creating a permissive culture was a feature of nurses’ concerns in this culture. The belief that sex education is morally challenging affected nurses and must be addressed to enable effective sex education to take place. School nurses must contribute actively to this debate and receive governmental support.
Abuse, Danger, and Security in Transnational Marriages
Authors: Stewart Ann
Published: October 2013

The aim of this article is to show the way in which concepts of abuse, danger, and security have informed recent U.K. legal and policy developments relating to the protection of women in transnational marriages from violence within families and communities. It also demonstrates the way in which the same concepts inform debates on violence against women in families in India to provide a greater understanding of the interaction between “polity” and “community” in transnational marriages.
Pathological demand avoidance: Exploring the behavioural profile
Authors: O’Nions Elizabeth , Viding Essi , Greven Corina U , Ronald Angelica , Happé Francesca
Published: October 2013

‘Pathological Demand Avoidance’ is a term increasingly used by practitioners in the United Kingdom. It was coined to describe a profile of obsessive resistance to everyday demands and requests, with a tendency to resort to ‘socially manipulative’ behaviour, including outrageous or embarrassing acts. Pathological demand avoidance is thought to share aspects of social impairment with autism spectrum disorders, but autism spectrum disorder–appropriate strategies, such as routine and repetition, are described as unhelpful. Outrageous acts and lack of concern for their effects draw parallels with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits. However, reward-based techniques, effective with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits, seem not to work in pathological demand avoidance. Despite increasing interest and controversy over the pathological demand avoidance label, there is only one published study to date. We present the first systematic comparison of the behavioural profile of children receiving the term pathological demand avoidance (N = 25) to children with autism spectrum disorders (N = 39) or conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits (N = 28), using parent-report indices of psychopathology. The pathological demand avoidance group displayed comparable levels of autistic traits and peer problems to the autism spectrum disorders group and anti-social traits approaching those seen in the conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits group. Emotional symptoms in pathological demand avoidance exceeded both comparison groups. Findings highlight the extreme behavioural impairment associated with pathological demand avoidance and the need to explore whether behavioural overlap reflects a similar neurocognitive basis to existing groups.
Cultural sovereignty in the Balkans and Turkey: The politics of preservation and rehabilitation
Authors: Luke Christina
Published: October 2013

This article explores preservation and restoration projects in the Balkans and Turkey in light of current Turkish and American foreign policy initiatives. Of specific interest are the political goals of the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TİKA) and the United States Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. The focus on the rehabilitation of Islamic heritage in the Balkans by the Republic of Turkey illustrates a strategic decision to weave cultural heritage programs into foreign policy as part of a larger agenda to increase its presence (and thus influence) abroad, notably under the arc of former Ottoman territories. This targeted approach in the Balkans differs in critical ways from the rhetoric of the United States and their partners in Europe and Turkey, which promote idealized notions of diversity, pluralism, and tolerance through a mosaic of heritage projects (Islamic, Jewish, Christian, museum displays, archaeological research, etc.). The Ambassadors Fund projects are staged in moral terms as part of reconciliation and EU integration. These patterns demonstrate the ability of cultural heritage projects to affect symbolic geographies of power; in so doing, heritage programs continue to offer viable and successful platforms in shaping claims of cultural sovereignty beyond the boundaries of nation-states.
Building community: Exploring civic identity in Hispanic New Mexico
Authors: Jenks Kelly L.
Published: October 2013

Archaeologists working in culture contact zones have devoted much of their attention to the ethnic component of cross-cultural relations, expecting that such interactions will lead to an exaggeration of ethnic differences and some of these differences will be detectable in the archaeological record. While this can be the case, ethnicity is never the only axis of social identification, and sometimes – especially in colonial or national frontiers – civic identity supersedes it as the more significant organizing principle of a population. This study of vecino identity, a civic identity that united a multi-ethnic population of New Mexican villagers during the late Spanish colonial period, serves as a reminder that diverse populations often came together as communities, and that membership within these communities could be equally or more important than affiliation with an ethnic group.
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of the Impact of Healing Touch on Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy
Authors: FitzHenry Fern , Wells Nancy , Slater Victoria , Dietrich Mary S. , Wisawatapnimit Panarut , Chakravarthy A. Bapsi
Published: October 2013

Purpose. This is a pilot study investigating the effect of healing touch (HT) on fatigue in breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). Methods/Design. This study presents the results of a within-subjects design randomized clinical trial where the treatment group was treated with HT, whereas the control group experienced sham therapy. The setting was a university RT clinic. The participants were breast cancer patients treated with lumpectomy or mastectomy, 21 to 75 years old with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 0 to 2. The intervention was a 45-minute session of HT or sham therapy once a week during RT. Outcome measures included fatigue, quality of life (QOL), and anxiety/depression. Results. A total of 70 patients were approached, with 41 completing the study. At completion, the HT participants tended to report higher levels of fatigue, statistically significant for interference ( P = .010) and usual fatigue ( P = .024). The control group tended to report greater reductions in fatigue relative to their own means than the HT group (Cohen’s d = 0.30 to 0.49 vs 0.06 to 0.18, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for QOL. Conclusions. Our enrollment and retention indicate that HT is feasible for women during RT. Our pilot findings do not support a beneficial effect of HT on fatigue or QOL. Future research may explore increasing dose and teasing out therapist effect.
Compliance With National Nutrition Recommendations Among Breast Cancer Survivors in “Stepping Stone”
Authors: Dennis Parker Elizabeth A. , Sheppard Vanessa B. , Adams-Campbell Lucile
Published: October 2013

Introduction. Compared with White breast cancer survivors, African American survivors are more likely to be overweight and obese. Differences in weight status may be attributed to differences in dietary intake; however, there is limited research pertaining to the dietary habits of African American breast cancer survivors. Methods. We compared baseline dietary intakes of 31 overweight and obese African American breast cancer survivors enrolled in a healthy lifestyle intervention to national dietary guidelines and also examined beverage intake habits. Dietary intake was assessed using the National Cancer Institute’s Diet History Questionnaire and beverage intake was assessed using 3-day food intake records. Results. Overall, the majority of survivors consumed the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables (71.0%) and red meat (83.9%); however, survivors exceeded national recommendations for energy intake from fat (64.5%), saturated fat (87.1%), and added sugars (77.4%). Few women met the guidelines for whole grain and fiber intake (6.5% and 35.5%, respectively). Additionally, survivors consumed ~10% of total energy intake from beverages alone and drank only ~3.5 cups of water daily. Conclusions. Current dietary guidelines for cancer survivors recommend consuming >5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables and broad guidelines regarding limiting discretionary fat and added sugars but do not specify beverage intake recommendations. Future dietary interventions in African American breast cancer survivors should focus on reducing intake from dietary fat and added sugar, as well as increasing whole grain consumption as a means for increasing daily fiber intake. Furthermore, substituting caloric beverages with water or noncaloric beverages may be a strategy to decrease caloric intake in African American breast cancer survivors. Nutrition information targeting these nutrients could be administered during treatments or doctor’s visits as a means to prevent weight gain that often occurs following diagnosis.
Recovery Following Disruption to an Ecosystem
Authors: MacGregor Nydia , Madsen Tammy L.
Published: October 2013

Using data on all organizations operating in California from 1993 to 2006, this article explores the evolution of industries and communities before and after a disruption to the region (the dot-com bust). Our results indicate that an association with the Silicon Valley’s high-tech industry clusters explains more of the variance in organizational foundings in communities located in California after the disruption as compared with the predisruption time period. In contrast, the benefits of a Silicon Valley location for nascent organizations erode postdisruption. The findings also demonstrate that, pre and post the dot-com bust, organizational foundings are explained more by an organization’s high-tech industry affiliation than by its Silicon Valley location.
Differences in Clinical Manifestations of Acute and Early HIV-1 Infection between HIV-1 Subtypes in African Women
Authors: Lemonovich Tracy L. , Watkins Richard R. , Morrison Charles S. , Kwok Cynthia , Chipato Tsungai , Musoke Robert , Arts Eric J. , Nankya Immaculate , Salata Robert A.
Published: October 2013

Little is known about the differences in clinical manifestations between women with various HIV-1 subtypes during acute (AI) and early (EI) HIV infection. In a longitudinal cohort study, clinical signs and symptoms among Uganda and Zimbabwe women with AI and EI were compared with HIV-negative controls; symptoms were assessed quarterly for 15 to 24 months. Early HIV infection was defined as the first visit during which a woman tested HIV antibody positive. Women who were HIV negative serologically but DNA polymerase chain reaction positive were considered AI. In all, 26 women were classified AI and 192 EI, with 654 HIV-negative controls. Primary HIV infection (AI and EI) was associated with unexplained fever ( P <.01), weight loss ( P <.01), fatigue ( P <.01), inguinal adenopathy ( P <.01), and cervical friability ( P =.01). More women with subtype C infection had unexplained fever, fatigue, and abnormal vaginal discharge compared to subtype A or D infection. Inguinal adenopathy occurred less often in women with subtype A infection than those with subtype C or D infection.
Treatment of chronic HCV genotype 1 infection with telaprevir: a Bayesian mixed treatment comparison of fixed-length and response-guided treatment regimens in treatment-naïve and –experienced patients
Authors: Goralczyk Armin D , Cameron Silke , Amanzada Ahmad
Published: October 2013

Background

Telaprevir (TVR) has been approved for response-guided-therapy (RGT) of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) genotype-1-infection in treatment-naïve and –experienced patients. In RGT-regimens patients that did not achieve extended rapid-virological-response (eRVR) within the first 4–12 weeks undergo treatment for 48-weeks, whereas in fixed-length-treatment (FLT) patients are treated for a fixed-duration regardless of their RVR.

Methods

This systematic review and Bayesian mixed-treatment-comparison (MTC) aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of standard-therapy with pegylated-interferon-α/ribavirin (Peg-IFN-α/RBV (48 weeks), group A), FLT with TVR, Peg-IFN-α/RBV for 12 weeks with a long (+36 weeks, group B) or short (+12 weeks, group C) tail of Peg-IFN-α/RBV treatment, and RGT with 12 weeks of TVR, Peg-IFN-α/RBV followed by 12 weeks of Peg-IFN-α/RBV (group D) or no therapy (group E).

Results

We identified seven randomized controlled trials including 3505 patients. Compared to standard-treatment (group A), treatment-naïve patients allocated to groups B, C, and D were significantly more likely to achieve sustained-virological-response (SVR, odds ratios (OR): B vs. A 3.5 (credibility interval [CrI] 2.2-5.4), C vs. A 3.0 (CrI 1.8-4.9), D vs. A 3.4 (CrI 2.5-4.6)). Treatment-experienced patients achieved increased SVR rates when they were treated in group B (OR: 8.2 (CrI 5.0-13.5)), C (OR 7.0 (CrI 3.9-12.8)), or simulated group D (OR 8.2 (CrI 4.3-15.3)). Patients treated with short RGT (simulated group E) did also have a significant improvement when they were treatment-experienced (simulated OR 3.6 (CrI 1.6-8.2)), whereas the effect was not significant in treatment-naïve patients (OR E vs. A 1.6 (CrI 0.9-2.7)).

Conclusion

Long FLT and RGT regimens are useful treatment options for HCV-genotype-1 in both treatment-naïve and -experienced patients. A short 24-weeks FLT regimen does not seem to be inferior and should further be evaluated in clinical trials to reduce side effects and costs of treatment.
Prognostic benefit of surgical management in renal cell carcinoma patients with thrombus extending to the renal vein and inferior vena cava: 17-year experience at a single center
Authors: Hatakeyama Shingo , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hamano Itsuto , Murasawa Hiromi , Narita Takuma , Oikawa Masaaki , Hagiwara Kazuhisa , Noro Daisuke , Tanaka Toshikazu , Tanaka Yoshimi , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Koie Takuya , Ohyama Chikara
Published: October 2013

Background

Management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with tumor thrombus extending to the renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) is challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of surgical management in such patients.

Methods

From February 1995 to February 2013, 520 patients were treated for RCC at Hirosaki University Hospital, Hirosaki, Japan. The RCC patients with tumor thrombus extending to the renal vein (n = 42) and IVC (n = 43) were included in this study. The records of these 85 patients were retrospectively reviewed to assess the relevant clinical and pathological variables and survival. Prognostic factors were identified by multivariate analysis. The benefit of surgical management was evaluated using propensity score matching to compare overall survival between patients who received surgical management and those who did not.

Results

RCC was confirmed by pathological examination of surgical or biopsy specimens in 74 of the 85 patients (87%). Sixty-five patients (76%) received surgical management (radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy). Distant metastasis was identified in 45 patients (53%). The proportion of patients with tumor thrombus level 0 (renal vein only), I, II, III, and IV was 49%, 13%, 18%, 14%, and 5%, respectively. The estimated 5-year overall survival rate was 70% in patients with thrombus extending to the renal vein and 23% in patients with thrombus extending to the IVC. Multivariate analysis identified thrombus extending to the IVC, presence of distant metastasis, surgical management, serum albumin concentration, serum choline esterase concentration, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and Carlson comorbidity index as independent prognostic factors. In propensity score-matched patients, overall survival was significantly longer in those who received surgical management than those who did not.

Conclusions

Surgical management may improve the prognosis of RCC patients with thrombus extending to the renal vein and IVC.
Non-coding-regulatory regions of human brain genes delineated by bacterial artificial chromosome knock-in mice
Authors: Schmouth Jean-François , Castellarin Mauro , Laprise Stéphanie , Banks Kathleen G , Bonaguro Russell J , McInerny Simone C , Borretta Lisa , Amirabbasi Mahsa , Korecki Andrea J , Portales-Casamar Elodie , Wilson Gary , Dreolini Lisa , Jones Steven JM , Wasserman Wyeth W , Goldowitz Daniel , Holt Robert A , Simpson Elizabeth M
Published: October 2013

Background

The next big challenge in human genetics is understanding the 98% of the genome that comprises non-coding DNA. Hidden in this DNA are sequences critical for gene regulation, and new experimental strategies are needed to understand the functional role of gene-regulation sequences in health and disease. In this study, we build upon our HuGX ('high-throughput human genes on the X chromosome’) strategy to expand our understanding of human gene regulation in vivo.

Results

In all, ten human genes known to express in therapeutically important brain regions were chosen for study. For eight of these genes, human bacterial artificial chromosome clones were identified, retrofitted with a reporter, knocked single-copy into the Hprt locus in mouse embryonic stem cells, and mouse strains derived. Five of these human genes expressed in mouse, and all expressed in the adult brain region for which they were chosen. This defined the boundaries of the genomic DNA sufficient for brain expression, and refined our knowledge regarding the complexity of gene regulation. We also characterized for the first time the expression of human MAOA and NR2F2, two genes for which the mouse homologs have been extensively studied in the central nervous system (CNS), and AMOTL1 and NOV, for which roles in CNS have been unclear.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated the use of the HuGX strategy to functionally delineate non-coding-regulatory regions of therapeutically important human brain genes. Our results also show that a careful investigation, using publicly available resources and bioinformatics, can lead to accurate predictions of gene expression.
Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia: histomorphological and immunohistochemical features
Authors: Akdur Noyan Can , Donmez Melahat , Gozel Serap , Ustun Huseyin , Hucumenoglu Sema
Published: October 2013

Background

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign intravascular process with features mimicking other benign and malignant vascular proliferations. IPEH lesions predominate in the head-neck region and the extremities. The characteristic histomorphological feature of IPEH is a papillary structure covered with hyperplastic endothelial cells within the vascular lumen. It is critical that this clinically benign lesion should not be mistaken for well-differentiated vascular tumors. In addition to the characteristic histological features, other useful diagnostic features included the intra-luminal location of the lesion, an intimate association with the organizing thrombus, the absence of necrosis, cellular pleomorphism, and mitotic activity. In addition, immunohistochemistry may indicate the vascular origin and proliferative index. In this study, we evaluated histomorphological and immunohistochemical findings (CD31, CD34, FVIII, type IV collagen, SMA, MSA, CD105, and Ki-67 staining) of ten IPEH cases.

Methods

Ten IPEH cases were re-examined for a panel of histomorphological and immunohistochemical features. CD31, CD34, FVIII, Type IV collagen, SMA and MSA antibodies utilized for immunohistochemical analysis.

The histomorphological and immunohistochemical findings were evaluated by two independent pathologists using light microscopy.

Results

All ten cases involved intraluminal lesions with characteristic features of IPEH. All ten cases (100%) were stained positive for CD31 and CD34. The degree of staining with FVIII, type IV collagen, SMA, and MSA was variable.

Conclusion

In this series of specimens, CD31 and CD34 were the most sensitive markers indicating the vascular origin of the lesion. Staining for the other vascular markers (FVIII, type IV collagen, SMA and MSA) was variable. Different maturation degrees of lesions may account for the variation in immunohistochemical staining. Few previous investigations evaluated a wide range of antigen panels in IPEH sections. In our opinion, the evaluation of immune markers in a larger sample set will reveal new features in the maturity and developmental pathogenesis of vascular lesions and angiogenesis. IPEH is a benign lesion, which must be differentiated from malignant tumors such as angiosarcoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Improved definition of IPEH lesions using immunohistochemical markers may enhance the ability to differentiate between various vascular lesions.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1381849312101856.
“This bicycle gives me a headache”, a congenital anomaly
Authors: Versteegh Hendt P , Feitz Wout FJ , van Lindert Erik J , Marcelis Carlo , de Blaauw Ivo
Published: October 2013

Backround

The combination of a presacral mass, a sacral bone deformity, and an anorectal malformation are also known as the Currarino triad or Currarino syndrome. The syndrome is associated with a very high rate of severe and intractable constipation and urinary incontinence. However, it can also result in less common complaints and symptoms. Although the syndrome is known since 1981 and the involved genes are clarified to a great extent, the diagnosis may be delayed or missed if unrecognized.

Case presentation

A 24-year old female presented with periodical headaches. She was born with an imperforate anus, absent rectum and colon, double bladder, and sacral defect. Soon after birth she underwent several surgical procedures for anorectal and bladder reconstructions. The patient now came to her pediatric urologist for urinary incontinence and mentioned severe headaches on the side, particularly when riding a bike. Finally, she solved her headache problem by stopping to ride her bicycle.

On physical examination no abnormalities were found except the ileostomy that was present ever since soon after birth and her urinary incontinence. Blood tests showed no abnormalities. Additional MRI showed a large and previously not known anterior meningocele at the level of the sacrum. Surgical treatment consisted of closure of the dura by posterior approach.

Conclusion

In this case report we describe the late discovery with an atypical presentation of an anterior meningocele in a young adult with urinary incontinence, a sacral defect, an anorectal malformation and headaches during bicycle riding. After surgical treatment of our patient the meningocele regressed. Three months after successful surgery she had no complaints and was able to ride a bike again.
Hafnium isotope analysis of mixed standard solutions by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: an evaluation of isobaric interference corrections
Authors: Choi Min Seok , Cheong Chang-Sik , Kim Jeongmin , Shin Hyung Seon
Published: October 2013

Background

The Lu-Hf isotope system is widely used to decipher the crustal evolution and mantle differentiation of the Earth. The most critical point in obtaining accurate Hf isotope data is to correct the isobaric interferences of Yb and Lu imposed on the 176Hf peak. In this study, we tested the validity of within-run correction protocol using MC-ICP-MS analysis of Hf standard solutions doped with Yb and Lu.

Findings

We found that the use of carefully selected Yb isotopic composition in the literature resulted in more reliable 176Hf/177Hf ratio. The 176Hf/177Hf ratios analyzed for a series of mixed Hf+Yb+Lu standard solutions could be quite accurately corrected for the mass bias and isobaric interferences. The systematic decreasing trend in the corrected 176Hf/177Hf ratios with increasing Yb/Hf ratios, however, indicates that the mass bias effect cannot be completely removed by the exponential law for samples high in Yb.

Conclusions

A close correlation of the calculated 176Yb/177Hf and 176Lu/177Hf ratios with the gravimetric values sheds light on the direct determination of inter-elemental isotope ratios without chemical purification.
Measurement of ice thickness on vitreous ice embedded cryo-EM grids: investigation of optimizing condition for visualizing macromolecules
Authors: Cho Hye-Jin , Hyun Jae-Kyung , Kim Jin-Gyu , Jeong Hyeong Seop , Park Hyo Nam , You Dong-Ju , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: October 2013

Background

Cryo-electron microscopy is an excellent method for the structural analysis of biological materials. Advantage of its use over conventional electron microscopy techniques is the preservation of the sample in a near-native, hydrated state. To achieve the analysis with greatly improved structural details, optimization of various parameters involved in sample vitrification is required. Most considerable parameter is the thickness of ice: thick and thin layers are ideally in favor for larger and smaller target objects.

Findings

We measured the thickness of vitreous ice from different types of widely used holey carbon grids using cryo-EM and electron energy loss spectroscopy. It showed that Quantifoil grids are suitable for the structural analysis of large biological macromolecules (>100 nm in size), whereas the use of lacey and C-flat grids are ideal for smaller particles.

Conclusions

This report provides informative details that may help increasing chances of obtaining optimal vitreous ice for various biological objects with different sizes, hence facilitate the successful application of cryo-electron microscopy.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer disease and subcortical axonal damage in 5,542 clinical samples
Authors: Skillbäck Tobias , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Mattsson Niklas
Published: October 2013

Introduction

The neuronal loss in Alzheimer disease (AD) has been described to affect grey matter in the cerebral cortex. However, in the elderly, AD pathology is likely to occur together with subcortical axonal degeneration on the basis of cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, we hypothesized that biomarkers for AD and subcortical axonal degeneration would correlate in patients undergoing testing for dementia biomarkers, particularly in older age groups.

Methods

We performed correlation and cluster analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker data from 5,542 CSF samples analyzed in our routine clinical neurochemistry laboratory in 2010 through 2012 for the established CSF AD biomarkers total tau (T-tau), phosphorylated-tau (P-tau), amyloid β1-42 (Aβ42), and for neurofilament light (NFL), which is a protein expressed in large-caliber myelinated axons, the CSF levels of which correlate with subcortical axonal injury.

Results

Aβ42, T-tau, and P-tau correlated with NFL. By cluster analysis, we found a bimodal data distribution in which a group with a low Aβ42/P-tau ratio (suggesting AD pathology) had high levels of NFL. High levels of NFL also correlated with the presence of an AD biomarker pattern defined by Aβ42/P-tau and T-tau. Only 29% of those with an AD biomarker signature had normal NFL levels. Age was a possible confounding factor for the associations between NFL and established AD biomarkers, but in a logistic regression analysis, both age and NFL independently predicted the AD biomarker pattern.

Conclusions

The association between an AD-like signature using the established biomarkers Aβ42, T-tau, and P-tau with increased levels of NFL provides in vivo evidence of an association between AD and subcortical axonal degeneration in this uniquely large dataset of CSF samples tested for dementia biomarkers.
‘Safety by DEFAULT’: introduction and impact of a paediatric ward round checklist
Authors: Sharma Sanjiv , Peters Mark J
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Poor communication is a source of risk. This can be particularly significant in areas of high clinical acuity such as intensive care. Ward rounds are points where large amounts of information must be communicated in a time-limited environment with many competing interests. This has the potential to reduce effective communication and risk patient safety. Checklists have been used in many industries to improve communication and mitigate risk. We describe the introduction of a ward round safety checklist ‘DEFAULT’ on a paediatric intensive care unit.

Methods

A non-blinded, pre- and post-intervention observational study was undertaken in a 12-bedded Level 3 tertiary PICU between July 2009 and December 2011.

Results

Ward round stakeholders subjectively liked the checklist and felt it improved communication. Introduction of the ward round checklist was associated with an increase in median days between accidental extubations from 14 (range 2 to 86) to 150 (56 to 365) (Mann–Whitney P <0.0001). The ward round checklist was also associated with an increase in the proportion of invasively ventilated patients with target tidal volumes of <8 ml/kg, which increased from 35 of 71 patients at 08.00 representing a proportion of 0.49 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.60) to 23 of 38 (0.61, 0.45 to 0.74). This represented a trend towards an increased proportion of cases in the target range (z = 1.68, P = 0.09).

Conclusions

The introduction of a ward round safety checklist was associated with improved communication and patient safety.
Human amniotic epithelial cells can differentiate into granulosa cells and restore folliculogenesis in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure
Authors: Wang Fangyuan , Wang Li , Yao Xiaofen , Lai Dongmei , Guo Lihe
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Ovarian dysfunction frequently occurs in female cancer patients after chemotherapy, but human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) that can differentiate into cell types that arise from all three germ layers may offer promise for restoration of such dysfunction. Previous studies confirmed that hAECs could differentiate into cells that express germ cell-specific markers, but at this time hAECs have not been shown to restore ovarian function.

Methods

To model premature ovarian failure, hAECs infected with lenti-virus carrying green fluorescent protein were injected into the tail vein of mice sterilized with cyclophosphamide and busulphan. hAECs migrated to the mouse ovaries and overall ovarian function was measured using immunohistochemical techniques.

Results

Seven days to two months after hAECs transplantation, ovarian cells were morphologically restored in sterilized mice. Hemotoxylin and eosin staining revealed that restored ovarian cells developed follicles at all stages. No follicles were observed in control mice at the same time period. Immunostaining with anti-human antigen antibodies and pre-transplantation labeling with green fluorescent protein (GFP) revealed that the grafted hAECs survived and migrated to mouse ovary, differentiating into granulosa cells. Furthermore, the ovarian function marker, anti-Müllerian hormone, was evident in treated mouse ovaries after hAEC transplantation.

Conclusions

Intravenously injected hAECs reached the ovaries of chemotherapy-treated mice and restored folliculogenesis, data which suggest promise for hAECs for promoting reproductive health and improving the quality of life for female cancer survivors.
High-resolution imaging of diffractions — A window-steered MUSIC approach
Authors: Gelius Leiv-J. , Tygel Martin , Takahata André K. , Asgedom Endrias G. , Serrano Dany R.
Published: October 2013

Enhancement of diffractions and their use to resolve fine-scale details in a seismic image is increasingly important. Diffractions carry useful information about small-scale characteristics of the subsurface associated with features such as faults, pinch-outs, stratigraphic variations, and other geologic features linked to hydrocarbon reservoirs. Extracting the information content of diffractions and forming an image of the features they illuminate are not trivial tasks. The conventional approach relies on seismic migration, or modifications of seismic migration, and is thus limited by the Rayleigh criterion. The limited aperture and finite bandwidth make it difficult to extract all the potential information content. An alternative approach that overcomes such limitations is to turn to signal processing approaches, which extract information from the structure of the data with the aim of detecting and characterizing a finite number of desired events. Our interest is in diffractions, so we used a windowed or steered version of the MUltiple SIgnal Classification method. Use of this method allowed diffractions to be imaged at resolutions finer than the Rayleigh limit.
Triiodothyronine Rapidly Alters the TSH Content and the Secretory Granules Distribution in Male Rat Thyrotrophs by a Cytoskeleton Rearrangement-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Bargi-Souza Paula , Romano Renata Marino , Salgado Renato de Mayrinck , Goulart-Silva Francemilson , Brunetto Erika Lia , Tenório Zorn Telma Maria , Nunes Maria Tereza
Published: October 2013

Rapid actions of T3 on TSH synthesis in posttranscriptional steps, such as polyadenylation and translation rate, have already been described. The focus of this paper was to characterize rapid actions of T3 on TSH secretion and the involvement of actin and microtubule cytoskeleton in this process. For that, sham-operated (SO) and thyroidectomized (Tx) rats were subjected to acute or chronic treatment with T3. We observed a disarrangement in microtubule and actin cytoskeletons and an increase in Tshb mRNA levels in Tx rats, whereas the total TSH protein content was reduced in the pituitary gland as a whole, but increased in the secretory granules close to the plasma membrane of thyrotrophs, as well as in the extracellular space. The acute T3 dose promoted a rapid increase and redistribution of TSH secretory granules throughout the cytoplasm, as well as a rearrangement in actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. The T3 chronic treatment outcome reinforces the acute effects observed and, additionally, evinces an increase in the α-tubulin content and a rearrangement in microtubule cytoskeleton. Thus, T3 is able to rapidly suppress TSH secretion and, in parallel, to promote a rearrangement in actin and microtubules assembly throughout the pituitary gland, effects that seem to be independent from each other.
Inhibition of Hippocampal Aromatization Impairs Spatial Memory Performance in a Male Songbird
Authors: Bailey David J. , Ma Chunqi , Soma Kiran K. , Saldanha Colin J.
Published: October 2013

Recent studies have revealed the presence and regulation of aromatase at the vertebrate synapse, and identified a critical role played by presynaptic estradiol synthesis in the electrophysiological response to auditory and other social cues. However, if and how synaptic aromatization affects behavior remains to be directly tested. We have exploited 3 characteristics of the zebra finch hippocampus (HP) to test the role of synaptocrine estradiol provision on spatial memory function. Although the zebra finch HP contains abundant aromatase transcripts and enzyme activity, immunocytochemical studies reveal widespread pre- and postsynaptic, but sparse to undetectable somal, localization of this enzyme. Further, the superficial location of the avian HP makes possible the more exclusive manipulation of its neurochemical characteristics without perturbation of the neuropil and the resultant induction of astroglial aromatase. Last, as in other vertebrates, the HP is critical for spatial memory performance in this species. Here we report that local inhibition of hippocampal aromatization impairs spatial memory performance in an ecologically valid food-finding task. Local aromatase inhibition also resulted in lower levels of estradiol in the HP, but not in adjacent brain areas, and was achieved without the induction of astroglial aromatase. The observed decrement in acquisition and subsequent memory performance as a consequence of lowered aromatization was similar to that achieved by lesioning this locus. Thus, hippocampal aromatization, much of which is achieved at the synapse in this species, is critical for spatial memory performance.
Hypothalamic WNT Signalling Is Impaired During Obesity and Reinstated by Leptin Treatment in Male Mice
Authors: Benzler Jonas , Andrews Zane B. , Pracht Corinna , Stöhr Sigrid , Shepherd Peter R. , Grattan David R , Tups Alexander
Published: October 2013

The WNT pathway has been well characterized in embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. In humans, specific polymorphisms in the T cell-specific transcription factor 7 and the WNT coreceptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-6 (LRP-6), both prominent components of this pathway, correlate with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes, suggesting that the WNT pathway might be involved in the control of adult glucose homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that glycogen-synthase-kinase-3β (GSK-3β), the key enzyme of the WNT pathway, is increased in the hypothalamus during obesity and exacerbates high-fat diet-induced weight gain as well as glucose intolerance. These data suggest that WNT action in the hypothalamus might be required for normal glucose homeostasis. Here we characterized whether WNT signaling in general is altered in the hypothalamus of adult obese mice relative to controls. First we identified expression of multiple components of this pathway in the murine arcuate nucleus by in situ hybridization. In this region mRNA of ligands and target genes of the WNT pathway were down-regulated in obese and glucose-intolerant leptin-deficient mice. Similarly, the number of cells immunoreactive for the phosphorylated (active) form of the WNT-coreceptor LRP-6 was also decreased in leptin-deficient mice. Leptin treatment normalized expression of the WNT-target genes Axin-2 and Cylin-D1 and increased the number of phospho-LRP-6-immunoreactive cells reaching levels of lean controls. Leptin also increased the levels of phosphorylated (inactive) GSK-3β in the arcuate nucleus, and this effect was colocalized to neuropeptide Y neurons, suggesting that inactivation of GSK-3β may contribute to the neuroendocrine control of energy homeostasis. Taken together our findings identify hypothalamic WNT signaling as an important novel pathway that integrates peripheral information of the body's energy status encoded by leptin.
Analysis of ESCRT functions in exosome biogenesis, composition and secretion highlights the heterogeneity of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Colombo Marina , Moita Catarina , van Niel Guillaume , Kowal Joanna , Vigneron James , Benaroch Philippe , Manel Nicolas , Moita Luis F. , Théry Clotilde , Raposo Graça
Published: October 2013

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted upon fusion of endosomal multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane. The mechanisms involved in their biogenesis remain so far unclear although they constitute targets to modulate exosome formation and therefore are a promising tool to understand their functions. We have performed an RNA interference screen targeting twenty-three components of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery and associated proteins in MHC class II (MHC II)-expressing HeLa-CIITA cells. Silencing of HRS, STAM1, or TSG101 reduced the secretion of EV-associated CD63 and MHC II but each gene altered differently the size and/or protein composition of secreted EV, as quantified by immuno-electron microscopy. By contrast, depletion of VPS4B augmented this secretion while not altering the features of EVs. For several other ESCRT subunits, the screen did not allow to conclude on their involvement in exosome biogenesis. Interestingly, silencing of ALIX increased MHC II exosomal secretion, due to an overall increase in intracellular MHC II protein and mRNA levels. In human dendritic cells (DCs), ALIX depletion also increased MHC II in the cells, but not in the released CD63-positive EVs. Such differences could be attributed to a higher heterogeneity in size, and higher MHC II and lower CD63 contents in vesicles recovered from DCs as compared to HeLa-CIITA. The results reveal a role for selected ESCRT components and accessory proteins in exosome secretion and composition by HeLa-CIITA. They also highlight biogenetic differences in vesicles secreted by a tumour cell line and primary DCs.