Gender differences and regionalization of the cultural significance of wild mushrooms around La Malinche volcano, Tlaxcala, Mexico

The purpose of this study was to determine the cultural significance of wild mushrooms in 10 communities on the slopes of La Malinche volcano, Tlaxcala. The frequency and order of mention of each mushroom species in interviews of 200 individuals were used as indicators of the relative cultural significance of each species. A X(2) analysis was used to compare the frequency of mention of each species between males and females, and a Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference in the total number of fungi mentioned by either gender. Traditional names for mushroom species were documented and frequency of mention assessed through multivariate statistics. The fungi with highest frequency of mention were Amanita basii, Lyophyllum decastes, Boletus pinophilus, Gomphus floccosus and Cantharellus cibarius complex. We found significant differences in the frequency of mention of different fungi by males and females but no significant difference was found for the total number of fungi mentioned by either gender. Principal component analysis suggested a cultural regionalization of La Malinche volcano communities based on preferences for consumption and use of traditional names. We observed two groups: one formed by communities on the eastern part of the volcano (with mixed cultures) and the other including communities on the western slope (ethnic Nahua towns). San Isidro Buensuceso is the most distinct community, according to the criteria in this study.

A simple risk score to identify Southern Chinese at high risk for diabetes

AIMS

To develop a simple scoring system for identifying Southern Chinese at risk of diabetes.

METHODS

The score was derived from a risk factor matching cohort for Type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese (cohort 1, 2448 subjects without a history of diabetes; age, mean +/- sd 37.2 +/- 8.9 years, median 36.0 years; 1649 had risk factors for diabetes and 799 were age-matched control subjects from the community). Two other cohorts were used to validate the risk score (cohort 2, 3734 subjects with risk factors for diabetes; and cohort 3, 1513 participants of a community diabetes survey). All subjects had a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

RESULTS

In cohort 1, 270 (11%) of the subjects were found to have diabetes on OGTT. A risk score system was derived using the beta values of the corresponding predictors in the logistic regression analysis. The area under the curve (95% confidence intervals) of the score system was 0.735 (0.705, 0.765). The application of a risk score of > or = 16 increased the detection rate 2.5-4 times in all three cohorts. A high post-test probability of diabetes of > 60% was derived from a risk score of > or = 20. Only 10-20 and approximately 5% with a score of > or = 12 and > or = 16, respectively, are indicated for OGTT. This will considerably improve the yield of OGTT screening.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple risk score identifies young-to-middle-aged Southern Chinese at high risk for diabetes. Subjects with a score of 16 or above (out of 30) should undergo OGTT for definitive diagnosis of diabetes.

The Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Program: a web-based program to translate evidence to clinical practice in Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

The Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) Program is the first web-based program incorporating a comprehensive risk engine, care protocols, clinical decision and self-management support to improve ambulatory diabetes care. The aim was to validate the risk stratification system of the JADE Program using a large prospective cohort.

METHODS

The JADE interactive risk engine stratifies patients into different risk levels using results from an annual comprehensive assessment of complications and risk factors. We used a prospective registry consisting of 7534 Type 2 diabetic patients [45.6% men, median (range) age 57 years (13-92)] to perform internal validation of the risk engine.

RESULTS

The JADE Risk Engine categorized patients into four risk levels (from low to high): level 1, n = 4520 (6%); level 2, n = 1468 (19.5%); level 3, n = 4476 (59.4%); and level 4, n = 1138 (15.1%). After a median follow-up period of 5.5 years (mean +/- sd 5.4 +/- 2.81 years), 763 (10.1%) died, 1129 (14.9%) developed cardiovascular disease (CVD), 282 (3.7%) developed end-stage renal disease and 1400 (18.6%) had at least one of these events. Compared with risk level 1, levels 2, 3 and 4 were associated with 2.8-, 4.7- and 8.6-fold increased risk of clinical end-points. Risk levels 3 and 4 were, respectively, associated with 2.2- and 3.9-fold increased risk for all-cause death and 4.8- and 12.1-fold increased CVD risks.

CONCLUSION

Based on results from a comprehensive assessment, the JADE Risk Engine successfully categorizes patients into different risk levels to guide clinical management.

MRI of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

The key MRI findings in five cases of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) are illustrated with four 'definite' and one 'probable' according to World Health Organization criteria. Close attention to fluid-attenuation inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging sequences are important for diagnosis, noting especially restricted diffusion in cortical and deep grey matter. Our study and those of others show predominant cortical, caudate and thalamic involvement. This pattern is highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis. Fluid-attenuation inversion recovery and diffusion-weighted imaging signal abnormality becomes progressively more extensive and bilateral as disease progresses, but may become less pronounced in end-stage disease because of atrophy.

Imaging of tibialis posterior dysfunction

Tibialis posterior dysfunction is a complex progressive condition caused primarily by injury to the tibialis posterior tendon, leading to acquired pes planus. The tibialis posterior is the most frequent ankle tendon to be injured, and the disorder commonly occurs in late middle-aged females. Degenerative, inflammatory, functional and post-traumatic aetiologies have all been proposed. Failure of the tibialis posterior tendon causes excessive load stress on the spring ligament and sinus tarsi ligaments. A wide spectrum of bony and soft-tissue abnormalities may be seen on plain radiographs, ultrasound and MRI, including malalignment, anatomical variants, and enthesopathic and tendinopathic changes. Knowledge of the anatomical and biomechanical considerations in tibialis posterior dysfunction allows the radiologist to diagnose injury to key structures and provide prognostic information that may assist with management options to prevent further flat foot deformity.

CDKN2A mutations and melanoma risk in the Icelandic population

BACKGROUND

Germline CDKN2A mutations have been observed in 20-40% of high risk, melanoma prone families; however, little is known about their prevalence in population based series of melanoma cases and controls.

METHODS

We resequenced the CDKN2A gene, including the p14ARF variant and promoter regions, in approximately 703 registry ascertained melanoma cases and 691 population based controls from Iceland, a country in which the incidence of melanoma has increased rapidly.

RESULTS

We identified a novel germline variant, G89D, that was strongly associated with increased melanoma risk and appeared to be an Icelandic founder mutation. The G89D variant was present in about 2% of Icelandic invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma cases. Relatives of affected G89D carriers were at significantly increased risk of melanoma, head and neck cancers, and pancreatic carcinoma compared to relatives of other melanoma patients. Nineteen other germline variants were identified, but none conferred an unequivocal risk of melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

This population based study of Icelandic melanoma cases and controls showed a frequency of disease related CDKN2A mutant alleles ranging from 0.7% to 1.0%, thus expanding our knowledge about the frequency of CDKN2A mutations in different populations. In contrast to North America and Australia where a broad spectrum of mutations was observed at a similar frequency, in Iceland, functional CDKN2A mutations consist of only one or two different variants. Additional genetic and/or environmental factors are likely critical for explaining the high incidence rates for melanoma in Iceland. This study adds to the geographic regions for which population based estimates of CDKN2A mutation frequencies are available.

Magnetic resonance imaging of ankle tendons and ligaments: part I - anatomy

Magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent technique for imaging the tendons and the ligaments of the ankle. Owing to the advantage of detailed demonstration of soft-tissue structures and capability for multiplanar demonstration of the ankle ligaments and tendons, MRI has been increasingly used in the evaluation of the ligamentous and the tendon injuries of the ankle. Knowledge of normal anatomy and of MRI appearances are essential to recognize pathological appearances. In this pictorial essay, the first of a three part series, we review the normal MRI appearances of the ankle tendons and ligaments. The anterior, lateral and medial tendon groups, the Achilles tendon and the lateral, the syndesmotic and the medial ligament groups are described and illustrated. Anatomy of the sinus tarsi is also described. Tendon and ligament pathology will be illustrated in the second part of the series, and imaging approach to ankle injuries will be outlined in the final part of this series.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for stage I endometrial cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in stage I endometrial cancer following surgery remains unclear. The management for these patients varies widely, particularly in stage I patients with different risk factors. Using the methodology of Cochrane Collaboration, we did a systematic and meta-analysis of all know randomised controlled trials which compared adjuvant radiotherapy versus no radiotherapy following surgery for patients with stage I endometrial cancer. The meta-analysis was carried out on four trials (three published and one unpublished) and a total of 1770 patients. The addition of pelvic external beam radiotherapy to surgery reduced locoregional recurrence, a relative risk (RR) of 0.28 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.44, P < 0.00001], which is a 72% reduction in the risk of pelvic relapse (95% CI 56% to 83%) and an absolute risk reduction of 6% (95% CI of 4% to 8%). The reduction in the risk of locoregional recurrence did not translate into a reduction in the risks of death from all causes, endometrial cancer death or distant recurrence. A subgroup analysis showed a trend towards the reduction in the risks of death from all causes and endometrial cancer in patients with multiple high risk factors (including stage 1c and grade 3). External beam pelvic radiotherapy should be considered in patients with multiple high-risk features including stage 1c and grade 3. However, it carries an inherent risk of damage and toxicity and should be avoided in stage 1 endometrial cancer patients with no high risk factors.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for stage I endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy (both pelvic external beam radiotherapy and vaginal intracavity brachytherapy) in stage I endometrial cancer following total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH and BSO) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy following surgery for stage I endometrial cancer.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, Physician Data Query (PDQ) of National Cancer Institute. Handsearching was also carried out where appropriate.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared adjuvant radiotherapy versus no radiotherapy following surgery for patients with stage I endometrial cancer were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Quality of the studies was assessed and data collected using a predefined data collection form. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints were locoregional recurrence, distant recurrence and endometrial cancer death. Data on quality of life (QOL) and morbidity were also collected. A meta-analysis on included trials was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software 4.2.

MAIN RESULTS

The meta-analysis was performed on four trials (1770 patients). The addition of pelvic external beam radiotherapy to surgery reduced locoregional recurrence, a relative risk (RR) of 0.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 0.44, p < 0.00001), which is a 72% reduction in the risk of pelvic relapse (95% CI 56% to 83%) and an absolute risk reduction of 6% (95% CI of 4 to 8%). The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one locoregional recurrence is 16.7 patients (95% CI 12.5 to 25). The reduction in the risk of locoregional recurrence did not translate into either a reduction in the risk of distant recurrence or death from all causes or endometrial cancer death. A subgroup analysis of women with multiple high risk factors (including stage 1c and grade 3) showed a trend toward the reduction in the risk of death from all causes and endometrial cancer death in patients who underwent adjuvant external beam radiotherapy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stage I endometrial carcinoma have different risks of local and distant recurrence depending on the presence of risk factors including stage 1c, grade 3, lymphovascular space invasion and age. Though external beam pelvic radiotherapy reduced locoregional recurrence by 72%, there is no evidence to suggest that it reduced the risk of death. In patients with multiple high risk factors, including stage 1c and grade 3, there was a trend towards a survival benefit and adjuvant external beam radiotherapy may be justified. For patients with only one risk factor, grade 3 or stage 1c, no definite conclusion can be made and data from ongoing studies ( ASTEC; Lukka) are awaited. External beam radiotherapy carries a risk of toxicity and should be avoided in stage 1 endometrial cancer patients with no high risk factors.

Salivary Gland Toxicity after Radioiodine Therapy for Thyroid Cancer

AIMS

Salivary gland toxicity is a common, but not widely appreciated, adverse effect of high-dose radioiodine (131I). This study was carried out to determine the incidence of symptoms of salivary gland damage after 131I treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study of 76 consecutive patients attending thyroid cancer treatment. Symptoms of salivary gland damage (dry mouth, pain and swelling) were assessed during hospital admission and at follow-up visits. Additionally, a retrospective analysis was carried out of patients recorded in our database as having chronic salivary gland swelling after 131I ablation.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (26%) developed salivary gland toxicity, 11 (15%) had symptoms within the first 48 h, continuing for 12 months in seven of these patients. The onset of toxicity in a further nine (12%) patients with persistent symptoms did not occur until 3 months after therapy. In total, 16 (21%) patients had evidence of chronic toxicity, typically xerostomia, at 12 months. Toxicity was more common after repeated 131I administration. After searching our thyroid cancer database, we identified an additional five patients to have chronic salivary gland swelling (chronic sialadenitis or pleomorphic adenoma) 20 months to 23 years after 131I.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain, swelling and dry mouth occurred frequently after 131I, with some developing symptoms months or years after administration. Early recognition of salivary gland complications may help to reduce morbidity in these patients.

The genetic spectrum of a population-based sample of familial hemiplegic migraine

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a rare subtype of migraine with aura and transient hemiplegia. FHM mutations are known in three genes, the CACNA1A (FHM1) gene, the ATP1A2 (FHM2) and the SCN1A (FHM3) gene and seem to have an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance. The aim of this study was to search for FHM mutations in FHM families identified through a screen of the Danish population of 5.2 million people. FHM patients were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders and all FHM patients had a physical and neurological examination by a physician. A total of 147 FHM patients from 44 different families were identified; 43 FHM families participated in this study. Linkage analysis of these families shows clear linkage to the FHM locus (FHM1) on chromosome 19, supportive linkage to the FHM2 locus whereas no linkage was found to the FHM3 locus. Furthermore, we sequenced all exons and promoter regions of the CACNA1A and ATP1A2 genes and screened for the Q1489K mutation in the SCN1A gene. CACNA1A gene mutations were identified in three of the FHM families, two known FHM mutations, R583Q and T666M and one novel C1369Y mutation. Three FHM families were identified with novel mutations in the ATP1A2 gene; a family with a V138A mutation, a family with a R202Q mutation and a family with a R763C mutation. None of the Danish FHM families have the Q1489K mutation in the SCN1A gene. Our study shows that only 14% (6/42) of FHM families in the general Danish population have exonic FHM mutations in the CACNA1A or ATP1A2 gene. The families we identified with FHM mutations in the CACNA1A and ATP1A2 genes were extended, multiple affected families whereas the remaining FHM families were smaller. The existence of many small families in the Danish FHM cohort may reflect less bias in FHM family ascertainment and/or more locus heterogeneity than described previously.

Computed tomography diagnosis of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare benign disease characterized by the presence of osseous and cartilaginous submucosal nodules projecting into the tracheobronchial tree. Most cases are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally at post-mortem. We identified a case of TO on thoracic spiral CT and confirmed the diagnosis of bronchoscopy. This article reviews the imaging characteristics of TO, and shows the 3-D virtual bronchoscopic and multiplanar reconstruction appearances of TO.

Sclerosing mesenteritis

Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare benign process involving mesenteric fat that has non-specific histology and imaging characteristics, which are critical to the diagnosis. It has two different pathological variants: mesenteric panniculitis (acute or subacute) and retractile mesenteritis (chronic). This case study illustrates the radiological findings of sclerosing mesenteritis, describes certain signs that suggest the diagnosis and reviews recent published literature.

Association between the gene encoding 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and stroke replicated in a Scottish population

Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, most often occur on the background of atherosclerosis, a condition attributed to the interactions between multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. We recently reported a linkage and association study of MI and stroke that yielded a genetic variant, HapA, in the gene encoding 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP), that associates with both diseases in Iceland. We also described another ALOX5AP variant, HapB, that associates with MI in England. To further assess the contribution of the ALOX5AP variants to cardiovascular diseases in a population outside Iceland, we genotyped seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms that define both HapA and HapB from 450 patients with ischemic stroke and 710 controls from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The Icelandic at-risk haplotype, HapA, had significantly greater frequency in Scottish patients than in controls. The carrier frequency in patients and controls was 33.4% and 26.4%, respectively, which resulted in a relative risk of 1.36, under the assumption of a multiplicative model (P=.007). We did not detect association between HapB and ischemic stroke in the Scottish cohort. However, we observed that HapB was overrepresented in male patients. This replication of haplotype association with stroke in a population outside Iceland further supports a role for ALOX5AP in cardiovascular diseases.