bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Minimally Important Difference for the Health Assessment Questionnaire in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Practice Is Smaller Than in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: POPE JANET E. , KHANNA DINESH , NORRIE DEBORAH , OUIMET JANINE M.
Published: May 2009

Objective.

Patient-reported outcomes are used in clinical practice and trials. We studied a large clinical practice to determine the minimally important difference (MID) estimates for (1) the Health Assessment Questionnaire–Damage Index (HAQ-DI): improvement and worsening using patient global assessment anchor; and (2) pain using a patient-reported pain anchor.

Methods.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; N = 225) had clinic visits at 2 timepoints within 1 year, completed the HAQ-DI and pain visual analog scale (VAS; 0–100 mm), and answered the question, “How would you describe your overall status/overall pain since the last visit?”, as much worsened, somewhat worsened, the same, somewhat improved, or much improved. If rated as somewhat improved or worsened, they were defined as the minimally changed subgroups.

Results.

Eighty-three percent were women, mean age 60 years, with disease duration 11.7 ± 10.7 years. The baseline HAQ-DI was 0.97 ± SD 0.76, and at followup 1.0 ± 0.77 (mean change +0.03 ± 0.40). The baseline pain VAS was 42.3 ± 28.8, and at followup 38.5 ± 27.9 (mean change −2.8 ± 25.9). The mean (SD) HAQ-DI change score was −0.09 (0.42) for somewhat improved and 0.15 (0.33) for somewhat worsened. The HAQ-DI change for somewhat/much better was −0.20 ± 0.52, and for somewhat/much worse +0.21 ± 0.33. For pain, somewhat improved changed by −11.9 mm on the VAS, and somewhat worsened by 6.8 mm. Estimates for HAQ-DI and pain were larger than the for no-change group, 0.03 (0.32) and −3.2 (20.9).

Conclusion.

The MID for HAQ-DI in clinical practice is smaller than it is in trials. This may have implications for observational studies and clinical care.
Access to Pediatric Rheumatology Subspecialty Care in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: SHIFF NATALIE J. , ABDWANI REEM , CABRAL DAVID A. , HOUGHTON KRISTIN M. , MALLESON PETER N. , PETTY ROSS E. , ESPINOSA VICTOR M. , TUCKER LORI B.
Published: May 2009

Objective.

Early recognition and treatment of pediatric rheumatic diseases is associated with improved outcome. We documented access to pediatric rheumatology subspecialty care for children in British Columbia (BC), Canada, referred to the pediatric rheumatology clinic at BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver.

Methods.

An audit of new patients attending the outpatient clinic from May 2006 to February 2007 was conducted. Parents completed a questionnaire through a guided interview at the initial clinic assessment. Referral dates were obtained from the referral letters. Patients were classified as having rheumatic disease, nonrheumatic disease, or a pain syndrome based on final diagnosis by a pediatric rheumatologist.

Results.

Data were collected from 124 of 203 eligible new patients. Before pediatric rheumatology assessment, a median of 3 healthcare providers were seen (range 1–11) for a median of 5 visits (range 1–39). Overall, the median time interval from symptom onset to pediatric rheumatology assessment was 268 days (range 13–4989), and the median time interval from symptom onset to referral to pediatric rheumatology was 179 days (range 3–4970). Among patients ultimately diagnosed with rheumatic diseases (n = 53), there was a median of 119 days (range 3–4970) from symptom onset to referral, and 169 days (range 31–4989) from onset to pediatric rheumatology assessment.

Conclusion.

Children and adolescents with rheumatic complaints see multiple care providers for multiple visits before referral to pediatric rheumatology, and there is often a long interval between symptom onset and this referral.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene Does Not Contribute to Genetic Susceptibility to Systemic Sclerosis in European Caucasians
Authors: WIPFF JULIEN , GALLIER GUILLAUME , DIEUDE PHILIPPE , AVOUAC JEROME , TIEV KIET , HACHULLA ERIC , GRANEL BRIGITTE , DIOT ELISABETH , SIBILIA JEAN , MOUTHON LUC , MEYER OLIVIER , KAHAN ANDRE , VARRET MATHILDE , BOILEAU CATHERINE , ALLANORE YANNICK
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms including I/D and 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) affect susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a large French Caucasian population.

Methods.

A case-control study was performed in 494 patients with SSc and 280 healthy controls for I/D polymorphism. Two supplementary exonic SNP of ACE gene (rs4309, rs4362) were genotyped in 659 patients with SSc and 511 matched healthy controls. Among the whole SSc population, 453 (67%) patients with SSc had the limited cutaneous subtype, 47 (7%) had precapillary pulmonary arterial hypertension, 209 (32%) had digital ulcers, and 10 (1.5%) had renal crisis. A combined analysis of the available results for ACE I/D genotypes in Caucasians was also performed.

Results.

There was no association between the 3 polymorphic markers and SSc for allelic and genotype frequencies. No association was observed for the different vascular subsets of the disease. Haplotype analyses did not detect any association. The lack of association for ACE I/D was confirmed by the combined analysis.

Conclusion.

These results in a large cohort of European Caucasian patients with SSc do not support that the ACE gene is implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc and its vascular damage.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Aspirin for Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Results from the Randomized, Controlled HepASA Trial
Authors: LASKIN CARL A. , SPITZER KAREN A. , CLARK CHRISTINE A. , CROWTHER MARK R. , GINSBERG JEFF S. , HAWKER GILLIAN A. , KINGDOM JOHN C. , BARRETT JON , GENT MICHAEL
Published: May 2009

Objective.

To compare live birth rates in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and either autoantibodies or a coagulation abnormality, treated with low molecular weight heparin plus aspirin (LMWH/ASA) or ASA alone, and to place our results in context with other randomized clinical trials (RCT) with similar cohorts.

Methods.

The HepASA Trial was an RCT including patients with a history of RPL and at least 1 of the following: antiphospholipid antibody (aPL), an inherited thrombophilia, or antinuclear antibody. Treatment groups were stratified by aPL status and history of early versus late pregnancy losses. Patients received either LMWH/ASA or ASA alone. The primary outcome was live birth; secondary outcomes included adverse events and bone loss at the spine and femoral neck. Literature over the past 20 years was reviewed to identify comparable RCT.

Results.

Over 4 years, 859 women with RPL were screened: 88 (10.2%) fulfilled inclusion criteria, became pregnant and were randomized to receive either LMWH/ASA or ASA alone. aPL were present in 42 (47.7%) patients in each group. The trial was stopped after 4 years when an interim analysis showed no difference in live birth rates in the 2 groups, and a lower rate of pregnancy loss in the ASA only group than expected. In the LMWH/ASA group, 35/45 (77.8%) had a live birth versus 34/43 (79.1%) in the ASA only group (p = 0.71). Neither number of prior losses nor aPL status was correlated with pregnancy outcome. There were no cases of pregnancy related thrombosis in either group. Mean change in BMD did not differ by treatment group at either the lumbar spine (p = 0.57) or femoral neck (p = 0.15). RCT since 2000 for aPL positive women with RPL and similar inclusion criteria report a mean live birth rate of 75% with either LMWH or ASA.

Conclusion.

LMWH/ASA did not confer incremental benefit compared to ASA alone for this population. Regardless of treatment regimen, number of prior losses, or aPL positivity, almost 80% of women in our RPL cohort had a successful pregnancy outcome. These findings contribute to a growing body of literature that contests the emerging standard of care comprising LMWH/ASA for this population.
Simultaneous determination of anti‐diabetes/anti‐obesity drugs by LC/PDA, and targeted analysis of sibutramine analog in dietary supplements by LC/MS/MS
Authors: Kim So Hyun , Lee Jeongmi , Yoon Taehyung , Choi Jangduck , Choi Dongmi , Kim Deukjoon , Kwon Sung Won
Published: May 2009

The safety of dietary supplements is questionable as there have been occasional reports of products contaminated with illegal adulterants. The present study was carried out to develop trustworthy methodologies to screen for six anti‐diabetic drugs (phenformin, rosiglitazone, glipizide, glimepiride, glybenclamide and gliclazide) and six anti‐obesity drugs (ephedrine, fenfluramine, T3, T4, fluoxetine and sibutramine) in dietary supplements. A simultaneous determination method of the 12 drugs by liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array (LC/PDA) was established and was validated for linearity (r2 > 0.99), precision (RSD <13.3%), recoveries (88.8–115.9%) and reproducibility. Sibutramine and its analogs, N‐desmethylsibutramine, were subject to further investigation by LC/MS/MS because they were one of the major illegal adulterants. Our proposed method to monitor illegal drug adulterations in dietary supplements using LC/PDA is a simple and reliable, and therefore applicable to routine drug‐adulteration screening. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiosensitivity translates into excellent local control in extremity myxoid liposarcoma
Authors: Chung Peter W. M. , Deheshi Benjamin M. , Ferguson Peter C. , Wunder Jay S. , Griffin Anthony M. , Catton Charles N. , Bell Robert S. , White Lawrence M. , Kandel Rita A. , O'Sullivan Brian
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Myxoid liposarcoma has been reported to be more radiosensitive compared with other soft tissue sarcomas (STS). The authors report the results of multidisciplinary treatment of extremity myxoid liposarcoma compared with a contemporary cohort of other STS subtypes with an emphasis on the role of radiotherapy (RT) in improving local control.

METHODS:

Between 1989 and 2004, 691 patients were identified from a prospective STS database who underwent combined management for localized extremity STS and were followed for a minimum of 12 months or until death. All patients underwent surgery together with pre or postoperative RT, depending on their presenting characteristics and resection margins. Demographics and outcomes were compared between patients with myxoid liposarcoma and other STS subtypes (other‐STS).

RESULTS:

Of 691 patients, 88 patients had myxoid liposarcoma and 603 had other STS subtypes (other‐STS). Median age was 48 and 60 years for the myxoid liposarcoma and other‐STS groups, respectively. Median follow‐up was 86 and 61 months, respectively. For myxoid liposarcoma and other‐STS groups, preoperative RT was used in 57% versus 61% of patients and postoperative RT in 43% versus 39%, respectively. The 5‐year local recurrence‐free survival was 97.7% for patients with myxoid liposarcoma compared with 89.6% for patients with other‐STS tumors (P = .008). High‐grade tumors were present in 7% and 59% of myxoid liposarcoma and other‐STS patients, respectively (P = .0003). Two myxoid liposarcoma patients with local recurrence had positive resection margins, whereas only 33% of patients in the other‐STS group who developed a local recurrence had positive resection margins. No patients with myxoid liposarcoma required amputation as primary management, whereas 8 (1.3%) required amputation as primary management in the other‐STS group. Systemic disease control was superior in myxoid liposarcoma compared with other‐STS patients, with 5‐year overall and metastasis‐free survival rates of 93.9% versus 76.4% (P = .0008) and 89.1% versus 66.0% (P = .0001) respectively. Of 12 myxoid liposarcoma patients with distant metastases, 7 appeared in nonpulmonary sites. In comparison, 205 (34%) patients with other‐STS tumors developed systemic disease but 78% had pulmonary metastases.

CONCLUSIONS:

Multidisciplinary management of extremity STS achieves high rates of local control. Myxoid liposarcoma is associated with higher rates of local control compared with other STS subtypes, after combined surgery and radiation, suggesting a particular radiosensitivity that can be exploited to improve oncologic outcome in appropriate cases. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Gemcitabine and oxaliplatin combination chemotherapy for metastatic well‐differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas
Authors: Cassier Philippe A. , Walter Thomas , Eymard Beatrice , Ardisson Philippe , Perol Maurice , Paillet Carole , Chayvialle Jean‐Alain , Scoazec Jean‐Yves , Hervieu Valerie , Bohas Catherine Lombard
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Beyond the usual regimens based on streptozocin and doxorubicin or 5‐fluorouracil, no second‐line therapy of metastatic neuroendocrine tumor has gained wide acceptance. Gemcitabine and oxaliplatin are generally well tolerated and have shown activity against a wide range of malignancies. The authors assessed the efficacy of gemcitabine‐oxaliplatin combination (GEMOX) in the treatment of patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.

METHODS:

Twenty consecutive patients with progressive disease were treated with GEMOX, in most cases after failure of other chemotherapy regimens (median = 2). Patients were followed for evidence of toxicity, response, and survival. Two patients were chemotherapy‐naive at treatment initiation and were excluded from the efficacy analysis.

RESULTS:

Toxicity was manageable overall; however, 6 (30%) patients had to discontinue treatment because of oxaliplatin‐induced neurotoxicity (grade 2). Three (17%) of 18 patients had a partial response, median progression‐free survival was 7.0 months, and median overall survival was 23.4 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Gemcitabine‐oxaliplatin combination shows interesting activity and is well tolerated in pretreated patients with neuroendocrine tumors. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The presence of aberrant DNA methylation in noncancerous esophageal mucosae in association with smoking history
Authors: Oka Daiji , Yamashita Satoshi , Tomioka Tadashi , Nakanishi Yukihiro , Kato Hoichi , Kaminishi Michio , Ushijima Toshikazu
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) tend to have multiple primary lesions, and it is believed that they arise from background mucosae with accumulation of genetic/epigenetic alterations. In this study, the objective was to elucidate the effects of smoking and drinking on the accumulation of epigenetic alterations in background mucosae.

METHODS:

Genes that are silenced in human ESCCs were searched for by treating 3 ESCC cell lines with the demethylating agent, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine and performing oligonucleotide microarrays. Methylation levels were analyzed by quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction analysis of 60 ESCCs and their corresponding background mucosae.

RESULTS:

Forty‐seven genes were identified as methylation‐silenced in at least 1 of the 3 ESCC cell lines, and 14 of those genes (claudin 6 [CLDN6]; G protein‐coupled receptor 158 [GPR158]; homeobox A9 [HOXA9]; metallothionein 1M [MT1M]; neurofilament, heavy polypeptide 200 kDa [NEFH]; plakophilin 1 [PKP1]; protein phosphatase 1, regulatory [inhibitor] subunit 14A [PPP1R14A]; pyrin domain and caspase recruitment domain containing [PYCARD]; R‐spondin family, member 4 [RSPO4]; testis‐specific protein, Y‐encoded–like 5 [TSPYL5]; ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal esterase L1 [UCHL1]; zinc‐finger protein 42 homolog [ZFP42]; zinc‐finger protein interacting with K protein 1 homolog [ZIK1]; and zinc‐finger and SCAN domain containing 18 [ZSCAN18]) were used as markers. In the background mucosae, methylation levels of 5 genes (HOXA9, MT1M, NEFH, RSPO4, and UCHL1) had significant correlations with smoking duration (ρ = .268; P = .044; ρ = .405; P = .002; ρ = .285; P = .032; ρ = .300; P = .024; and ρ = .437; P = .001, respectively). In contrast, an inverse correlation between PYCARD methylation levels and alcohol intake was observed (ρ = −.334, P = .025) among individuals with the inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) genotype.

CONCLUSIONS:

The current results suggested that ESCCs developed from an epigenetic field for cancerization, which was induced by exposure to carcinogenic factors, such as tobacco smoking. The epigenetic field defect will be a novel target for risk diagnosis and prevention of ESCCs. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The clinical application of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to predict survival in patients with operable esophageal cancer
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Nakajima Masanobu , Sohda Makoto , Tanaka Naritaka , Inose Takanori , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Fukuchi Minoru , Oriuchi Noboru , Endo Keigo , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

Metabolic tumor activity using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) was believed to have a predictive value for patient outcome in malignancies. The objective of the current study was to assess the prognostic effectiveness of the highest standardized uptake value (SUV) in the primary or regional area (peak SUV) and the number of PET‐positive lymph nodes in esophageal cancer.

METHODS:

The authors retrospectively reviewed their experience with 184 consecutive esophageal cancer patients imaged preoperatively using FDG‐PET scanning.

RESULTS:

The median peak SUV was 4.5 (range, 1.4‐21.9). The survival curve was analyzed using the median peak SUV as the cutoff value. Comparison of each group and clinicopathologic characteristics revealed significant associations between peak SUV and each of the following factors: tumor status (P < .001), lymph node status (P < .001), metastatic status (P < .05), stage of disease (P < .001), number of PET‐positive lymph nodes (P < .001), and the number of histologically positive lymph nodes (P < .001). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate for patients having FDG uptake with a peak SUV ≥4.5 was 47% and that for patients with a peak SUV <4.5 was 76% (P < .0001). On multivariate survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, peak SUV and the number of PET‐positive lymph nodes were found to be independent predictive factors for OS. The number of PET‐positive lymph nodes was a single prognostic factor predicting both disease‐free survival and OS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pretreatment PET cannot only potentially diagnose the extent of disease, but also may be predictive of patient survival after esophageal cancer resection. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Cervical cancer histology and tumor differentiation affect 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake
Authors: Kidd Elizabeth A. , Spencer Christopher R. , Huettner Phyllis C. , Siegel Barry A. , Dehdashti Farrokh , Rader Janet S. , Grigsby Perry W.
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to evaluate the variation in cervical cancer glucose metabolism for different tumor histologies and levels of differentiation, as measured by the uptake of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) by positron emission tomography (PET).

METHODS:

The study population consisted of 240 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages Ib1 through IVb cervical cancer, who underwent a pretreatment FDG‐PET. Tumor histology included 221 squamous cell (SC), 4 adenosquamous (AS), and 15 adenocarcinoma (AC) tumors. There were 14 well, 145 moderately, and 81 poorly differentiated tumors. The stage distribution was as follows: 70 stage I tumors (9 AC, 2 AS, and 59 SC), 102 stage II tumors (3 AC, 1 AS, and 98 SC), 64 stage III tumors (3 AC, 1 AS, and 60 SC), and 4 stage IV tumors (4 SC). From the FDG‐PET, maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was determined. The variation in SUVmax was analyzed for differences based on tumor histology and differentiation.

RESULTS:

For all patients, the mean SUVmax was 11.62 (range, 2.50‐50.39). The mean SUVmax by histology was as follows: SC, 11.91 (range, 2.50‐50.39); AS, 8.85 (range, 6.53‐11.26); and AC, 8.05 (range, 2.83‐13.92). Squamous versus nonsquamous tumors demonstrated a significant difference in SUVmax (P = .0153). SUVmax and tumor volume were not found to be correlated (R2 = 0.013). The mean SUVmax was 8.58 for well‐differentiated, 11.56 for moderately differentiated, and 12.23 for poorly differentiated tumors. The mean SUVmax was significantly different for well‒differentiated versus poorly differentiated cervical tumors (P = .0474).

CONCLUSIONS:

Cervical tumor FDG uptake varied by histology and differentiation. SC tumors demonstrated a significantly higher SUVmax compared with nonsquamous cell tumors, and poorly differentiated tumors also had a higher SUVmax. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Enhanced high‐performance distributed coordination function for IEEE 802.11 multi‐rate LANs
Authors: Ke Chih‐Heng , Li Bin , Huang Yueh‐Min , Chang J. Morris
Published: May 2009

To compensate for the effects of fading in wireless channels, IEEE 802.11 systems utilize a rate‐adaptation mechanism to accomplish a multi‐rate capability. However, the IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function results in a fundamental performance anomaly in multi‐rate networks; namely, when stations with different transmission rates collide, the throughput performance of the high‐rate station is significantly degraded by the relatively longer channel occupancy time of the low‐rate station. This study resolves this problem through the use of an enhanced high‐performance distributed coordination function (EHDCF) protocol. While most existing solutions to the multi‐rate performance anomaly problem have the form of simple contention‐based protocols, EHDCF has two modes, namely a contending mode and an active mode. In the proposed protocol, new stations joining the network are assigned a contending mode, but switch to an active node (and are therefore permitted to transmit data packets) as soon as they have gained access to the channel. Having transmitted a data packet, the active node then selects the next transmission station in accordance with a probability‐based rule designed such that the high‐rate stations within the network receive a greater number of transmission opportunities than the low‐rate stations. The simulation results show that the EHDCF protocol not only yields a significant improvement in the network throughput but also guarantees the temporal fairness of all the stations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suzuki Cross‐Coupling at the Chiral Groove of 1,1′‐Binaphthyl: Stereoconservation versus Deracemization Pathway
Authors: Brath Henrich , Mešková Michaela , Putala Martin
Published: May 2009

The use of monophos as a ligand in the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki diarylation of 2,2′‐diiodo‐1,1′‐binaphthyl under optimized conditions followed a stereoconservative course. However, some chiral P ligands were found to be capable of inducing stereogenic information during this coupling, regardless of the configuration of the starting diiodide. Among those ligands tested in the deracemization approach, binap exhibited the highest level of asymmetric induction, yielding diarylated product in 83 % ee starting from racemic diiodide. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Studies of 2‐Azaazulenium Derivatives: The Natures of Electron Transitions in the 2‐Azaazulenium Cation and in Monomethine Cyanine Dyes Bearing 2‐Azaazulenium Moieties as Terminal Groups
Authors: Bricks Julia , Ryabitskii Aleksey , Kachkovskii Alexei
Published: May 2009

A series of novel monomethine cyanine dyes derived from 2‐azaazulene have been synthesized. Combined spectral and quantum‐chemical investigations of their molecular geometries and of their electronic structures and the natures of their lowest electron transitions have been performed. The analysis results obtained by ab initio and semiempirical methods, together with experimental data obtained from absorption and 13C NMR spectra, have shown that there is practically no difference between the charge distributions over the π‐electron systems in the ground state in a reference 2‐azaazulenium salt and in monomethine cyanines bearing 2‐azaazulene as a terminal group, because these are not dependent on the relative locations of molecular orbitals. However, the spectral properties of – and correspondingly the natures of electron transitions in – the chromophores of the salt and of the monomethine cyanine are drastically different, due to the different mechanisms of frontier molecular orbital generation. Similar differences in properties in ground and excited states are observed for unsymmetrical monomethine cyanines. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Sindbis virus as a model for studies of conformational changes in a metastable virus and the role of conformational changes in in vitro antibody neutralisation
Authors: Hernandez Raquel , Paredes Angel
Published: May 2009

Sindbis virus has long been the prototypical alphavirus used in the study of assembly of icosahedral viruses which contain membranes. Much is known about the assembly pathway and molecular architecture of this virus, and models of mechanisms of infection and release of the viral RNA have been proposed. This review will focus on the structural aspects of in vitro antibody neutralisation of a metastable alphavirus, Sindbis virus, which results from antibody induced conformational changes. For the alphaviruses, structures of in vitro antibody induced conformational neutralisation for Sindbis virus, and receptor occlusion for Sindbis and Ross River virus (RRV) have been reported. A model is presented which could extend the mechanism of antibody induced conformational neutralisation to any metastable virus structure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visual software evolution reconstruction
Authors: D'Ambros Marco , Lanza Michele
Published: May 2009

The analysis of the evolution of large software systems is challenging for many reasons, such as the retrieval and processing of historical information and the large quantity of data that must be dealt with. While recent advances in research have led to the solutions to these problems, a central question remains: How do we deal with this information in a methodical way and where do we start with our analysis? We present a methodology based on interactive visualizations that support the reconstruction of the evolution of software systems. We propose several visualizations which help us to perform software evolution analysis of a system ‘in the large’ and ‘in the small’, and apply them to two large systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contrasting temperatures
Authors: Prichard Bob
Published: May 2009

This short article, illustrated with a satellite picture, describes some notable contrasts in temperature, both at the same locations on consecutive days and from place to place on the same day, in early April 2009. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Intraosseous Vascularity of the Distal Radius: Anatomy and Clinical Implications in Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Lamas Claudia , Llusà Manuel , Méndez Ana , Proubasta Ignacio , Carrera Ana , Forcada Pau
Published: May 2009

This study aimed to describe the intraosseous blood supply of the distal radius and its clinical implications in distal radius fractures. Twelve adult wrists from fresh cadavers (six males, six females, 50–90 years of age, mean 68 years) were injected through the brachial artery with latex. Dissections were performed using magnifying loupes and hands were processed using the Spalteholz technique. The distal radius was supplied by three main vascular systems: epiphyseal, metaphyseal, and diaphyseal. The palmar epiphyseal vessels branched from the radial artery, palmar carpal arch, and anterior branch of the anterior interosseous artery. These vessels entered the bone through the radial styloid process at level of the Lister's tubercle but palmar and sigmoid notch. The dorsal contribution to Lister's tubercle is to the dorsal epiphyseal vessels. The intraosseous point of entry to the dorsal epiphyseal vessels was from the fourth and fifth extensor compartment arteries. In the metaphyseal area, we found numerous periosteal and cortical branches originating deep in the pronator quadratus and the anterior interosseous artery. These branches provided the main supply to the distal radius. Vessels perforated the bone and formed an anastomotic network. In the diaphyseal area, only the nutrient vessel provided intraosseous vascularity in the distal radius. Numerous metaphyseal–epiphyseal branches arise within the pronator quadratus and the anterior interosseous artery and course towards the distal radius. These branches may be fundamental to the healing of the distal radius fractures and make nonunion a rare complication.
Anatomical connections between brain areas activated during rectal distension in healthy volunteers: A visceral pain network
Authors: Moisset Xavier , Bouhassira Didier , Ducreux Denis , Glutron Dominique , Coffin Benoit , Sabaté Jean‐Marc
Published: May 2009

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a promising new imaging method allowing in vivo mapping of anatomical connections in the living human brain. We combined DTI with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the anatomical relationships between areas involved in visceral sensations in humans.

Non‐painful and moderately painful rectal distensions were performed in 11 healthy women (38.4 ± 3.1 years). fMRI was used to analyse the changes in brain activity during both types of distension. Then, DTI was applied for tracking fibers between the main activated regions.

Non‐painful distension bilaterally activated the PreFrontal Cortex (PFC), the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and the right insula. Painful distension bilaterally activated the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory cortices, the motor cortex, the frontal inferior gyrus, the thalamus, the insula, the striatum and the cerebellum. DTI revealed direct connections between insula, and the four areas more frequently activated in this study, i.e. ACC, thalamus, S1, S2 and PFC.

The combined use of fMRI and DTI in healthy subjects during rectal distension revealed a neural network of visceral sensory perception involving the insula, thalamus, somatosensory cortices, ACC and PFC.
Local anaesthesia for manipulation of nasal fractures: systematic review
Authors: Chadha N K , Repanos C , Carswell A J
Published: May 2009

Objective:

To determine the most effective local anaesthetic method for manipulation of nasal fractures, and to compare the efficacy of local anaesthesia with that of general anaesthesia.

Method:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Databases:

Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, National Research Register and metaRegister of Controlled Trials.

Included studies:

We included randomised, controlled trials comparing general anaesthesia with local anaesthesia or comparing different local anaesthetic techniques. Non-randomised studies were also systematically reviewed and appraised. No language restrictions were applied.

Results:

Five randomised, controlled trials were included, three comparing general anaesthesia versus local anaesthesia and two comparing different local anaesthetic methods. No significant differences were found between local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia as regards pain, cosmesis or nasal patency. The least painful local anaesthetic method was topical tetracaine gel applied to the nasal dorsum together with topical intranasal cocaine solution. Minimal adverse events were reported with local anaesthesia.

Conclusions:

Local anaesthesia appears to be a safe and effective alternative to general anaesthesia for pain relief during nasal fracture manipulation, with no evidence of inferior outcomes. The least uncomfortable local anaesthetic method included topical tetracaine gel.
Acute upper airway obstruction caused by massive oedema of the tongue: unusual complication of sialoendoscopy
Authors: Baptista P , Gimeno C V , Salvinelli F , Rinaldi V , Casale M
Published: May 2009

Objective:

To underline the importance of accurate clinical evaluation of major salivary gland obstructions, in order to choose the right surgical approach and to reduce the risk of complications.

Case report:

We report a case of an unusual, previously unreported upper airway obstruction caused by massive swelling of the tongue following a successful sialoendoscopy, performed for treatment of submandibular sialolithiasis under general anaesthesia.

Conclusions:

Sialoendoscopy has gained popularity and is an accepted method for diagnosis and treatment of most inflammatory conditions of the major salivary glands. It can be performed as an out-patient procedure under local anaesthesia, and is not usually associated with significant complications. However, in the presence of larger stones (>4 mm) of the submandibular gland, we suggest that interventional sialoendoscopy should be performed under general anaesthesia with optimal airway control, in order to manage the major risk of perforations and ductal lesions enabling spread of saline solution into the mouth tissues and causing life-threatening swelling of the floor of the mouth and tongue.
Comparison between the diet of two dolphins from south-eastern Brazil: proximate-composition and caloric value of prey species
Authors: Di Beneditto Ana Paula Madeira , dos Santos Monique Virães Barbosa , Vidal Manuel Vazquez
Published: May 2009

A comparison between the diet of the franciscana and the boto-cinza is presented through the proximate-composition and caloric value of their main prey. The fishStellifercf.rastrifer, Pellona harroweri, Anchoa filifera, Isopisthus parvippinnisandTrichiurus lepturusand the squidsLoligo sanpaulensisandL. pleiwere analysed for water, protein, lipid and mineral contents and gross energy (GE). The fish are more important in the diet of the boto-cinza and squids are consumed mostly by the franciscana.Loligo sanpaulensishad the higher water content and protein was the largest fraction of the organic matter in all prey species. Squids presented greater GE values than fish. The data on prey composition and energy from this study are the first for these South American dolphins.
Population biology and reproduction of the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus (Decapoda: Anomura) in an estuarine region of southern Brazil
Authors: Sant'Anna Bruno Sampaio , Reigada Álvaro Luiz Diogo , Pinheiro Marcelo Antonio Amaro
Published: May 2009

The population dynamics and reproduction of the hermit crab Clibanarius vittatus were evaluated on Pescadores Beach, located on the estuarine channel of São Vicente (São Paulo), Brazil. The hermit crabs were captured by hand during low tide, from May 2001 to April 2003. A total of 2554 hermit crabs were captured, of which 701 were males, 1741 non-ovigerous females, 48 ovigerous females and 64 intersex individuals. The size–frequency distribution of the males was represented by a platykurtic bell-shaped curve, which differed from the leptokurtic bell-shaped curve of the females. The smaller and intermediate classes were composed mainly of females (modal size 6.5–7.5 mm carapace shield length (CSL)), and the larger classes only by males (modal size 9.5–10.5 mm CSL). The overall sex-ratio was skewed toward females (0.39:1/M:F), differing significantly from the expected 1:1. A seasonal reproductive pattern was recorded for C. vittatus in this location, with more intensive reproductive activity in the warmer months. The absence of juveniles suggests that their recruitment area is different than the area inhabited by adults, possibly another area with more protection and specialized or different resources for young.
Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in older people
Authors: Veiraiah A , Shetty HGM , Routledge PA
Published: May 2009

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), collectively called venous thromboembolism (VTE), increases with age and has been reported to be higher in males. The annual incidence rates per 1000 for DVT and PE are 1.3 and 1.8, respectively, for people aged between 65 and 69 years, rising to 2.8 and 3.1, respectively, in those aged between 85 and 89 years. Older people are about eight times more likely to develop VTE in hospitals, nursing homes or other chronic care facilities than younger adults. About 1.7% develop PE within one year of treatment for DVT, whilst the one year recurrence rate for PE was 8.0%. About 3% of patients with DVT and 21% of those with PE die in hospital. One year mortality with DVT is 21% and that with PE is 39%.
Meeting market demand in the organic sector: Handler–supplier relationships in the face of tight supply
Authors: Dimitri C. , Oberholtzer L.
Published: May 2009

Periodic shortfalls of organic food have been commonplace in the USA. Shortages, created when demand grows faster than supply, have been exacerbated by relatively slow growth of certified organic farmland (in comparison to growth in retail sales) over the past decade. Organic intermediaries, referred to as handlers in the US national organic standards, work with farmers and other handlers in moving organic products along the supply chain, and are often the first to feel the effects of tight supplies at the farm level. These firms have a variety of mechanisms available to procure needed ingredients when organic products are in short supply: contracts with suppliers, encouraging suppliers to transition to organic, working with suppliers to increase their output, working with new suppliers, providing technical assistance with organic standards and production methods, and making less than load shipment arrangements with suppliers. Survey data collected from certified organic handlers are used to identify characteristics that make it more likely that an organic handler will undertake activities with suppliers to affect the supply of organic products. Handlers most likely to work with their suppliers had been in business for longer periods of time, bought from growers or grower cooperatives, and were more likely to be wholesalers. Handlers who consider price as important were less likely to undertake activities with their supplies to increase the supply or flow of organic products.
Biodynamic agriculture research progress and priorities
Authors: Turinek M. , Grobelnik-Mlakar S. , Bavec M. , Bavec F.
Published: May 2009

Biodynamic (BD) agriculture became the subject of research efforts during the past decades, whereas a part of the scientific community looks at the BD method with skepticism and marks it as dogmatic. Nevertheless, as explored in this review, a fair share of the available peer-reviewed research results of controlled field experiments as well as case studies show effects of BD preparations on yield, soil quality and biodiversity. Moreover, BD preparations express a positive environmental impact in terms of energy use and efficiency. However, the underlying natural science mechanistic principle of BD preparations is still under investigation. In addition, quality determination methods, based on holistic approaches, are increasingly being investigated and recognized. BD farming strives, as manifested in several publications, to positively impact cultural landscape design as well. Summarized data showed that further research is needed and thus encouraged in the field of food quality comparison/determination, food safety, environmental performance (e.g., footprints), and on the effects of BD farming practices on farm animals.
Klinischer Stellenwert der Lymphknotensonographie
Authors: Jenssen
Published: May 2009

Durch perkutanen und endoskopischen Ultraschall sind normale sowie pathologisch veränderte Lymphknoten aller Kompartimente mit hoher Detailauflösung darstellbar. Die Beurteilung der Dignität vergrösserter und strukturell veränderter Lymphknoten gründet sich auf die Zusammenschau verschiedener B-Bild- und Dopplerparameter. Auch unter Einbeziehung neuer Methoden wie der Sonoelastographie und der kontrastverstärkten Sonographie ist die diagnostische Differenzierung nicht immer zweifelsfrei möglich. Die (endo-)sonographisch geführte Biopsie ermöglicht die Artdiagnose pathologischer Lymphknoten mit geringem Risiko, niedrigen Kosten und sehr hoher Genauigkeit. Die Lymphknotensonographie ist eine wesentliche Ergänzung der klinischen Untersuchung im Rahmen des Stagings maligner Tumoren und Lymphome, bei palpablen Lymphknoten und bei verschiedenen benignen Erkrankungen.
Measurement of sprite streamer acceleration and deceleration
Authors: Li J. , Cummer S. A.
Published: May 2009

Measurements of streamer velocity reflect the detailed internal microphysics of sprite development that is connected to the effects streamers create in the mesosphere. We report intensified high speed video observations of streamer development acquired at 5,000 to 10,000 frames per second that include the entire altitude range of sprites (∼40–90 km). Downward streamers accelerate to a maximum velocity 3–10% of the speed of light c and then immediately decelerate at an almost constant rate close to 1010 m/s2. This deceleration process dominates the downward streamer propagation in both time and distance. Measurements of the complete dynamics of sprite streamers from initiation to termination can give useful insight into their internal processes.
Networking Phylogeny for Indo-European and Austronesian Languages
Authors: Blanchard Philippe , Petroni Filippo , Serva Maurizio , Volchenkov Dimitri
Published: May 2009

Harnessing cognitive abilities of many individuals, a language evolves upon their mutual interactions establishing a persistent social environment to which language is closely attuned. Human history is encoded in the rich sets of linguistic data by means of symmetry patterns that are not always feasibly represented by trees. Here we use the methods developed in the study of complex networks to decipher accurately symmetry records on the language phylogeny of the Indo-European and the Austronesian language families, considering, in both cases, the samples of fifty different languages. In particular, we support the Anatolian theory of Indo-European origin and the ‘express train’ model of Austronesian expansion from South-East Asia, with an essential role for the Batanes islands located between the Philippines and Taiwan.
Curation at the NCBI: Genomes, Genes, & Sequence Standards
Authors: Brown Garth , Farrell Catherine , Hart Jennifer , Landrum Melissa , Maglott Donna , Maidak Bonnie , Murphy Michael , Murphy Terence , Rajput Bhanu , Pruitt Kim , Riddick Lillian , Webb David , Weber Janet , Wu Wendy
Published: May 2009

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) provides curation support for many genomes, and disseminates information in several resources including Entrez Gene, reference sequences (RefSeq), the Consensus CDS (CCDS) database, and the Genome Reference Consortium (GRC). These projects are supported by several collaborations to provide:1) support to the international consortium maintaining the assemblies for human and mouse (GRC); 2) sequence standards for chromosomes, genes, transcripts and proteins (RefSeq); 3) reports of integrated information including nomenclature, publications, phenotypes and diseases, sequences, ontologies, interactions (Gene); and 4) identification of proteins that are consistently annotated on the human and mouse reference genomes, and consistently updated by collaborating members (CCDS). NCBI curation of any one data type (e.g., a gene) is closely integrated with evaluation of the genome assembly, and determining annotation by way of RefSeq transcript and protein sequences. Database and work-flow infrastructure is designed to support reporting and tracking issues with the assembly, gene, or evidence data to collaborating groups, and to support collaborative review and discussions of issues that arise. Curation depends on publicly available information to represent the gene extent, alternatively spliced transcripts, and protein isoforms. Scientific consults occur regularly and wet-bench validation needs are supported by some of the collaborations. Curation of genome annotation results in improved data presentation at the three major genome browser sites (Ensembl, NCBI, UCSC) and has resulted in efforts to define common curation guidelines to maximize consistency and minimize conflicts.The presentation focuses on curation of the human genome, genes, and RefSeq sequence standards.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase: signalling in development and disease
Authors: Palmer Ruth H. , Vernersson Emma , Grabbe Caroline , Hallberg Bengt
Published: May 2009

RTKs (receptor tyrosine kinases) play important roles in cellular proliferation and differentiation. In addition, RTKs reveal oncogenic potential when their kinase activities are constitutively enhanced by point mutation, amplification or rearrangement of the corresponding genes. The ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) RTK was originally identified as a member of the insulin receptor subfamily of RTKs that acquires transforming capability when truncated and fused to NPM (nucleophosmin) in the t(2;5) chromosomal rearrangement associated with ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma). To date, many chromosomal rearrangements leading to enhanced ALK activity have been described and are implicated in a number of cancer types. Recent reports of the EML4 (echinoderm microtubule-associated protein like 4)–ALK oncoprotein in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer), together with the identification of activating point mutations in neuroblastoma, have highlighted ALK as a significant player and target for drug development in cancer. In the present review we address the role of ALK in development and disease and discuss implications for the future.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: illness severity, sedentary lifestyle, blood volume and evidence of diminished cardiac function
Authors: Hurwitz Barry E. , Coryell Virginia T. , Parker Meela , Martin Pedro , LaPerriere Arthur , Klimas Nancy G. , Sfakianakis George N. , Bilsker Martin S.
Published: May 2009

The study examined whether deficits in cardiac output and blood volume in a CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) cohort were present and linked to illness severity and sedentary lifestyle. Follow-up analyses assessed whether differences in cardiac output levels between CFS and control groups were corrected by controlling for cardiac contractility and TBV (total blood volume). The 146 participants were subdivided into two CFS groups based on symptom severity data, severe (n=30) and non-severe (n=26), and two healthy non-CFS control groups based on physical activity, sedentary (n=58) and non-sedentary (n=32). Controls were matched to CFS participants using age, gender, ethnicity and body mass. Echocardiographic measures indicated that the severe CFS participants had 10.2% lower cardiac volume (i.e. stroke index and end-diastolic volume) and 25.1% lower contractility (velocity of circumferential shortening corrected by heart rate) than the control groups. Dual tag blood volume assessments indicated that the CFS groups had lower TBV, PV (plasma volume) and RBCV (red blood cell volume) than control groups. Of the CFS subjects with a TBV deficit (i.e. ≥8% below ideal levels), the mean±S.D. percentage deficit in TBV, PV and RBCV were −15.4±4.0, −13.2±5.0 and −19.1±6.3% respectively. Lower cardiac volume levels in CFS were substantially corrected by controlling for prevailing TBV deficits, but were not affected by controlling for cardiac contractility levels. Analyses indicated that the TBV deficit explained 91–94% of the group differences in cardiac volume indices. Group differences in cardiac structure were offsetting and, hence, no differences emerged for left ventricular mass index. Therefore the findings indicate that lower cardiac volume levels, displayed primarily by subjects with severe CFS, were not linked to diminished cardiac contractility levels, but were probably a consequence of a co-morbid hypovolaemic condition. Further study is needed to address the extent to which the cardiac and blood volume alterations in CFS have physiological and clinical significance.