bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Note on Dionysius of Alexandria's Letter to Novatian in Light of Third-Century Papyri
Authors: Blumell Lincoln
Published: January 2011

Im sechsten Buch seiner Historia ecclesiastica zitiert Euseb einen Brief des Dionysius von Alexandria an Novatian, in dem er ihn ermahnt, sich mit der Kirche in Rom zu versöhnen. Dieser Brief ist unter allen Briefen des Dionysius, die von Euseb angeführt werden, insofern einzigartig, als er in voller Länge zitiert wird. Dementsprechend kann er mit zeitgenössischen Briefen auf Papyri aus Ägypten verglichen werden. Ein solcher Vergleich zeigt eine Reihe von spezifischen Parallelen in auf Papyrus erhaltenen Briefen aus christlichem wie nichtchristlichem Kontext. Auch wenn Euseb im Hinblick auf seine Art und Weise, Quellenmaterial selektiv zu benutzen und anzuführen, oft verdächtig ist, kann man jedenfalls in diesem Fall davon ausgehen, dass Euseb sorgfältig und zuverlässig eine authentische Kopie von Dionysius' Brief an Novatian wiedergibt.
Possessions and Asceticism: Melania the Younger and her slow way to Jerusalem
Authors: Alciati Roberto , Giorda Mariachiara
Published: January 2011

Die Geschichte des heiligen Paares Melania der Jüngeren und Pinian wird traditionellerweise als hagiographische Erzählung gedeutet, die das Ziel verfolge, römische aristokatische Familien zu einem asketischen Leben zu ermahnen. Ein sorgfältiger Vergleich der zwei Versionen – der griechischen und der lateinischen – der Vita Melania erlaubt es, noch eine andere Seite herauszuarbeiten: die unterschiedliche Art und Weise, einen monastischen Haushalt zu organisieren. Melania experimentierte mit verschiedenen Formen des asketischen Lebens: mit dem klösterlichen Leben in der Villa in Rom, dem traditionellen Kloster in Africa und schließlich der privaten Gründung in Palästina. Ziel dieses Aufsatzes ist es, diese Unterschiede und ihre theologischen, wirtschaftlichen und rechtlichen Implikationen zu beschreiben, um Melanias langen Weg nach Jerusalem zu verstehen.
Werkzeuge und Modelle für die übergreifende Untersuchung von Social Software
Authors: Klamma Ralf
Published: January 2011

Für viele Unternehmen und Forscher ist die Netzwerk-Analyse von großen Datenbeständen immer noch mit hohen Kosten und vielerlei praktischen Hürden verbunden. In diesem Beitrag werden Werkzeuge und Modelle aus einer langjährigen Beschäftigung mit der Analyse von Web 2.0 Medien wie Blogs und Wikis in einem einheitlichen, multidisziplinären Rahmenwerk, der MediaBase, vorgestellt. Dabei kommen Methoden der sozialen Netzwerkanalyse zum Einsatz, die auf im Web gesammelten Datensätzen von sozialen Graphen in der MediaBase angewendet werden. Dabei werden automatisch Muster des sozialen Graphs auf der Ebene des Graphs, des Sub-Graphs und der Graph-Knoten erkannt und visualisiert. Der Ansatz wurde in vielen nationalen und europäischen Projekten, vor allem im Bereich des Technologiegestützten Lernens entwickelt und evaluiert.
Web 2.0-Technologien in Meinungsbildungsprozessen von politischen Parteien
Authors: Christmann Stefan , Melcher Johannes , Hagenhoff Svenja , Stock Gissendanner Scott , Krumbein Wolfgang
Published: January 2011

Nach den US-amerikanischen Erfolgen, das World Wide Web für Wahlkampfzwecke zu nutzen, suchen auch deutsche Politiker und Politologen nach den richtigen Werkzeugen, um dieses Medium in Deutschland sinnvoll zu verwenden. Ein Teilbereich politischer Kommunikation, welcher sich durch das WWW unterstützen lässt, ist die politische Meinungsfi ndung. Im Rahmen des Neuorientierungsprozesses einer deutschen Partei wurden Elemente des so genannten Web 2.0 genutzt, um Meinungen zu bündeln und zu bewerten. Dieser Beitrag stellt – ergänzend zur Bewertung der Unterstützung dieses speziellen politischen Prozesses – die verwendeten Technologien vor und gibt Empfehlungen für zukünftige Projekte dieser Art.
One step purification process for no-carrier-added 64Cu produced using enriched nickel target
Authors: Alliot Cyrille , Michel N. , Bonraisin A.-C. , Bossé V. , Laizé J. , Bourdeau C. , Mokili B. M. , Haddad F.
Published: January 2011

Copper-64 has found many applications in positron emission tomography (PET). Its half-life allows to use it for dosimetric studies associated to copper-67 targeted radiotherapy in cancer treatment. The use of 64Ni(p,n)64Cu nuclear reaction is known to produce 64Cu in large amount and with a high specific activity. In this study, targets were obtained by electroplating onto a gold backing and a typical target irradiation uses 200ߙnA, 17ߙMeV protons during 30ߙmin. After irradiation, pure copper-64 is obtained using only one chromatographic column. Nickel-64 is removed in a first elution step and cobalt isotopes in a second one. The extraction yield for copper-64 is 9±23% and nickel and cobalt impurities are under the detection limit. A recovery process of nickel-64 has also been developed.
Some experimental studies on89Zr production
Authors: Ciarmatori A. , Cicoria G. , Pancaldi D. , Infantino A. , Boschi S. , Fanti S. , Marengo M.
Published: January 2011

The radionuclide89Zr (T1/2=78.4ߙh) is particularly attractive for in vivo assessment of biochemical proesses characterized by biological half times in the order of several hours. In the present study we assessed the feasibility of89Zr productionviathe89Y(p,n)89Zr reaction. Irradiation tests were performed using a 16.5ߙMeV GE-PETtrace cyclotron. High purity (>99.9%) yttrium metallic foils (0.15ߙmm) were irradiated in a solid target station developed in our Institution. The literature cross section data of all the nuclear reactions possible in the energy range of interest were carefully studied to optimize the irradiation parameters. The irradiated target was dissolved in 1ߙN HCl and the activity of the sample was measured in a CRC-15 PET dose calibrator, setting different values for the calibration factor. The sample activity was then measured usin g a calibrated HPGe gamma ray detector. A comparison of the activity measurements allowed the evaluation of the calibration factor for the Capintec CRC-15 PET; for a 3ߙml syringe geometry, it was found 739±60. Saturation yields of89Zr were found to be 1150±110ߙMBq/μA for a single 0.15ߙmm thick disc irradiation (Ep=12.6→11.2ߙMeV) and 2400±220ߙMBq/μA for irradiation of two discs of total thickness 0.3ߙmm (Ep=12.6→9.5MeV). Total produced activities in the range of 200–400ߙMBq (according to target thickness) were repeatedly and safely obtained by 60ߙmin bombardments at 20ߙμA. Analysis of gamma ray spectra of all the samples showed a very high radionuclidic purity (>99.9995%).
Islet transplantation reverses the effects of maternal diabetes on mouse oocytes
Authors: Cheng Pan-Pan , Xia Jun-Jie , Wang Hai-Long , Chen Ji-Bing , Wang Fei-Yu , Zhang Ye , Huang Xin , Zhang Quan-Jun , Qi Zhong-Quan
Published: January 2011

Maternal diabetes adversely affects preimplantation embryo development and oocyte maturation. Thus, it is important to identify ways to eliminate the effects of maternal diabetes on preimplantation embryos and oocytes. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether islet transplantation could reverse the effects of diabetes on oocytes. Our results revealed that maternal diabetes induced decreased ovulation; increased the frequency of meiotic spindle defects, chromosome misalignment, and aneuploidy; increased the relative expression levels ofMad2andBub1; and enhanced the sensitivity of oocytes to parthenogenetic activation. Islet transplantation prevented these detrimental effects. Therefore, we concluded that islet transplantation could reverse the effects of diabetes on oocytes, and that this technique may be useful to treat the fundamental reproductive problems of women with diabetes mellitus.
Placental development during early pregnancy in sheep: cell proliferation, global methylation, and angiogenesis in the fetal placenta
Authors: Grazul-Bilska Anna T , Johnson Mary Lynn , Borowicz Pawel P , Minten Megan , Bilski Jerzy J , Wroblewski Robert , Velimirovich Mila , Coupe Lindsey R , Redmer Dale A , Reynolds Lawrence P
Published: January 2011

To characterize early fetal placental development, gravid uterine tissues were collected from pregnant ewes every other day from day 16 to 30 after mating. Determination of 1) cell proliferation was based on Ki67 protein immunodetection; 2) global methylation was based on 5-methyl-cytosine (5mC) expression and mRNA expression for DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs)1,3a, and3b; and 3) vascular development was based on smooth muscle cell actin immunolocalization and on mRNA expression of several factors involved in the regulation of angiogenesis in fetal membranes (FMs). Throughout early pregnancy, the labeling index (proportion of proliferating cells) was very high (21%) and did not change. Expression of 5mC and mRNA forDNMT3bdecreased, but mRNA forDNMT1and3aincreased. Blood vessels were detected in FM on days 18–30 of pregnancy, and their number per tissue area did not change. The patterns of mRNA expression for placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and their receptorsFLT1andKDR; angiopoietins 1 and 2 and their receptorTEK; endothelial nitric oxide synthase and the NO receptorGUCY13B; and hypoxia inducing factor 1 α changed in FM during early pregnancy. These data demonstrate high cellular proliferation rates, and changes in global methylation and mRNA expression of factors involved in the regulation of DNA methylation and angiogenesis in FM during early pregnancy. This description of cellular and molecular changes in FM during early pregnancy will provide the foundation for determining the basis of altered placental development in pregnancies compromised by environmental, genetic, or other factors.
From Swine Flu to Smallpox: Government Compensation Programs for Vaccines and Terrorism
Authors: Thomas Julia
Published: January 2011

A governments primary duty is to protect its citizens. While there are many forms and means of protection, the health and safety of the citizens are two of the fundamental protections that Americans expect. Typically, vaccines have been used to protect the public health, and vaccines are considered one of the greatest accomplishments of the twentieth century. However, vaccines can also be used as a safety measure; the Smallpox vaccination program is an example of how a vaccine could be used to protect the public in the event of a bioterrorism attack. As with most things, there is a cost associated with vaccines; in order to address such costs, the government has created and implemented three vaccine liability and compensation plans: the National Swine Flu Immunization Program, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, and the Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act. The government has also implemented a plan to compensate the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks: the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund. Although only the Victim Compensation Fund directly responded to a terrorist attack, all of these programs were meant to provide for the health and safety of American citizens. Of these four programs, only the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act is still operating. The remaining three have all ended, due to either problems associated with the programs or the expiration of the program. This paper will address each of the four programs in chronological order. Starting with the National Swine Flu Immunization Program, moving to the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, followed by the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, and finally to the Smallpox Emergency Personnel Act. The purpose of this paper is to educate the reader about these programs, to present the positive and negative aspects of them, and to explain why some were failures and some were successes.
Multidisciplinary Team Care May Slow the Rate of Decline in Renal Function
Authors: Bayliss Elizabeth A. , Bhardwaja Bharati , Ross Colleen , Beck Arne , Lanese Diane M.
Published: January 2011

Background and objectives

A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD) may help optimize care of CKD and comorbidities. We implemented an MDT quality improvement project for persons with stage 3 CKD and comorbid diabetes and/or hypertension. Our objective was to decrease the rate of decline of GFR.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

We used a 4-year historical cohort to compare 1769 persons referred for usual nephrology care versus 233 referred for MDT care within an integrated, not-for-profit Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Usual care consisted of referral to an outside nephrologist. The MDT consisted of an HMO-based nephrologist, pharmacy specialist, diabetes educator, dietitian, social worker, and nephrology nurse. Both groups received usual primary care. The primary outcome was rate of decline of GFR. Secondary outcomes were LDL, hemoglobin A1c, and BP.

Results

In multivariate repeated-measures analyses, MDT care was associated with a mean annual decline in GFR of 1.2 versus 2.5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for usual care. In stratified analyses, the significant difference in GFR decline persisted only in those who completed their referrals. There were no differences in the secondary outcomes between groups.

Conclusions

In this integrated care setting, MDT care resulted in a slower decline in GFR than usual care. This occurred despite a lack of significant differences for secondary disease-specific measures, suggesting that other differences in the MDT population or care process accounted for the slower decline in GFR in the MDT group.
Diamond deposition on thin cylindrical substrates
Authors: Ristic Gordana , Bogdanov Zarko , Trtica Milan , Miljanic Scepan
Published: January 2011

Diamond coatings were deposited onto different cylindrical substrates (Cu,
SiC, W and Mo) by the hot filament chemical vapor deposition, (CVD) method.
Continuous, adhered and well-faceted crystalline coatings of diamond were
obtained on Cu-wire using a special pretreatment with a mixture of diamond
and metal powders as well as carefully controlled deposition at lower power.
Diamond deposition on SiC-fiber gave continuous and uniform coatings when
only the filament power was properly selected. Uniform, homogeneous,
euchedral diamond coatings on W- and Mo-wires, attained at a higher filament
power, confirmed once more the convenience of refractory metals as substrates
for diamond deposition by the CVD technique. Characterization of the obtained
coatings was realized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained
results are compared with the literature data. Differences are discussed with
regard to the chemical nature of the substrates as well as their
thermophysical characteristics.
Determinants of Moral Judgments Regarding Budgetary Slack: An Experimental Examination of Pay Scheme and Personal Values
Authors: Hobson Jessen L. , Mellon Mark J. , Stevens Douglas E.
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT: We study moral judgments regarding budgetary slack made by participants at the end of a participative budgeting experiment in which an expectation for a truthful budget was present. We find that participants who set budgets under a slack-inducing pay scheme, and therefore built relatively high levels of budgetary slack, judged significant budgetary slack to be unethical on average, whereas participants who set budgets under a truth-inducing pay scheme did not. This suggests that the slack-inducing pay scheme generated a moral frame by setting economic self-interest against common social norms such as honesty or responsibility. We also find that participants who scored high in traditional values and empathy on a pre-experiment personality questionnaire (JPI-R) were more likely to judge significant budgetary slack to be unethical. These results suggest that financial incentives play a role in determining the moral frame of the budgeting setting and that personal values play a role in determining how individuals respond to that moral frame.
Clinical Significance of Urinary Liver-Type Fatty Acid–Binding Protein in Diabetic Nephropathy of Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kamijo-Ikemori Atsuko , Sugaya Takeshi , Yasuda Takashi , Kawata Takehiro , Ota Akio , Tatsunami Shinobu , Kaise Ruriko , Ishimitsu Toshihiko , Tanaka Yasushi , Kimura Kenjiro
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Urinary liver-type fatty acid–binding protein (L-FABP) is a promising indicator of tubular but not glomerular damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of urinary L-FABP as a prognostic biomarker in impaired diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This investigation involved a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of the relationship between urinary L-FABP levels and progressive nephropathy. Urinary L-FABP was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the cross-sectional analysis, the association of urinary L-FABP, with the severity of diabetic nephropathy, was investigated in 140 patients with type 2 diabetes and in 412 healthy control subjects. Of the patients in the former study, 104 have been followed for 4 years. The progression of diabetic nephropathy was defined as progressive albuminuria, end-stage renal disease, or induction of hemodialysis.

RESULTS

Urinary L-FABP levels were progressively increased in subjects with normo-, micro-, or macroalbuminuria and further increased in patients with end-stage renal disease. In the longitudinal analysis, high urinary L-FABP levels were associated with the increase in albuminuria, progression to end-stage renal disease, or induction of hemodialysis. This was particularly demonstrated in the subgroup of patients without renal dysfunction (n = 59), where high urinary L-FABP levels were associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary L-FABP accurately reflected the severity of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes, and its level was high in the patients with normoalbuminuria. Moreover, higher urinary L-FABP was a risk factor for progression of diabetic nephropathy.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Personalized Genetic Medicine
Authors: Greeley Siri Atma W. , John Priya M. , Winn Aaron N. , Ornelas Joseph , Lipton Rebecca B. , Philipson Louis H. , Bell Graeme I. , Huang Elbert S.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Neonatal diabetes mellitus is a rare form of diabetes diagnosed in infancy. Nearly half of patients with permanent neonatal diabetes have mutations in the genes for the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KCNJ11 and ABCC8) that allow switching from insulin to sulfonylurea therapy. Although treatment conversion has dramatic benefits, the cost-effectiveness of routine genetic testing is unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a societal cost-utility analysis comparing a policy of routine genetic testing to no testing among children with permanent neonatal diabetes. We used a simulation model of type 1 diabetic complications, with the outcome of interest being the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER, $/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained) over 30 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

In the base case, the testing policy dominated the no-testing policy. The testing policy was projected to bring about quality-of-life benefits that enlarged over time (0.32 QALYs at 10 years, 0.70 at 30 years) and produced savings in total costs that were present as early as 10 years ($12,528 at 10 years, $30,437 at 30 years). Sensitivity analyses indicated that the testing policy would remain cost-saving as long as the prevalence of the genetic defects remained >3% and would retain an ICER <$200,000/QALY at prevalences between 0.7 and 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic testing in neonatal diabetes improves quality of life and lowers costs. This paradigmatic case study highlights the potential economic impact of applying the concepts of personalized genetic medicine to other disorders in the future.
Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bleich Sara N. , Wang Y. Claire
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine patterns of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes in 2003–2006.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed 24-h dietary recall data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006 to estimate SSB consumption levels among 1,090 adults (aged ≥20 years) with type 2 diabetes overall and by diagnosis and control status of their diabetes.

RESULTS

In 2003–2006, 45% of adults with diabetes consumed SSBs on a given day, obtaining an average of 202 calories and 47 g of sugar. Undiagnosed adults with diabetes were significantly more likely to consume SSBs than diagnosed adults (60 vs. 38% diagnosed/uncontrolled [P < 0.001] and 43% diagnosed/controlled [P = 0.001]) and were less likely to consume diet beverages (18 vs. 50% diagnosed/uncontrolled [P < 0.001] and 40% diagnosed/controlled [P < 0.001]). Men consumed significantly more SSBs than women (P = 0.027), younger adults (aged 20–44) more than older adults (45–64 and ≥65; P < 0.001), non–Hispanic black more than whites (P = 0.010); and low-income individuals (quartile 1) more than higher-income individuals (quartile 3, P = 0.040; quartile 4, P = 0.013). For most demographic and body weight categories, adults who were undiagnosed consumed more sugar from SSBs than adults who were diagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

SSB consumption is high among adults with diabetes, particularly among those who are undiagnosed.
Accelerated Insulin Pharmacokinetics and Improved Postprandial Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes After Coadministration of Prandial Insulins With Hyaluronidase
Authors: Hompesch Marcus , Muchmore Douglas B. , Morrow Linda , Vaughn Daniel E.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

To compare the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of insulin lispro or regular human insulin (RHI) with or without recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) administered before a standardized meal.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this four-way, crossover study, 22 patients with type 1 diabetes received injections of individually optimized doses of lispro or RHI with and without rHuPH20 before a liquid meal.

RESULTS

With rHuPH20 coadministration, early insulin exposure (0–60 min) increased by 54% (P = 0.0011) for lispro and 206% (P < 0.0001) for RHI compared with the respective insulin alone. Peak blood glucose decreased 26 mg/dL for lispro (P = 0.002) and 24 mg/dL for RHI (P = 0.017), reducing hyperglycemic excursions (area under the curve for blood glucose >140 mg/dL) by 79% (P = 0.09) and 85% (P = 0.049), respectively. Rates of hypoglycemia were comparable for lispro with or without rHuPH20, whereas coadministration of RHI and rHuPH20 reduced hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Lispro or RHI with rHuPH20 produced earlier and greater peak insulin concentrations and improved postprandial glycemic control.
The Possible Protective Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 on Endothelium During the Meal and Evidence for an “Endothelial Resistance” to Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 in Diabetes
Authors: Ceriello Antonio , Esposito Katherine , Testa Roberto , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Marra Maurizio , Giugliano Dario
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) stimulates insulin secretion. However, GLP-1 also improves endothelial function in diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixteen type 2 diabetic patients and 12 control subjects received a meal, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and two hyperglycemic clamps, with or without GLP-1. The clamps were repeated in diabetic patients after 2 months of strict glycemic control.

RESULTS

During the meal, glycemia, nitrotyrosine, and plasma 8-iso prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2a) remained unchanged in the control subjects, whereas they increased in diabetic patients. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) decreased in diabetes, whereas GLP-1 increased in both groups. During the OGTT, an increase in glycemia, nitrotyrosine, and 8-iso-PGF2a and a decrease in FMD were observed at 1 h in the control subjects and at 1 and 2 h in the diabetic patients. In the same way, GLP-1 increased in both groups at the same levels of the meal. During the clamps, in both the control subjects and the diabetic patients, a significant increase in nitrotyrosine and 8-iso-PGF2a and a decrease in FMD were observed, effects that were significantly reduced by GLP-1. After improved glycemic control, hyperglycemia during the clamps was less effective in producing oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction and the GLP-1 administration was most effective in reducing these effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that during the meal GLP-1 can simultaneously exert an incretin effect on insulin secretion and a protective effect on endothelial function, reasonably controlling oxidative stress generation. The ability of GLP-1 in protecting endothelial function seems to depend on the level of glycemia, a phenomenon already described for insulin secretion.
Increased Insulin Requirements During Exercise at Very High Altitude in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: de Mol Pieter , de Vries Suzanna T. , de Koning Eelco J.P. , Gans Rijk O.B. , Tack Cees J. , Bilo Henk J.G.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Safe, very high altitude trekking in subjects with type 1 diabetes requires understanding of glucose regulation at high altitude. We investigated insulin requirements, energy expenditure, and glucose levels at very high altitude in relation to acute mountain sickness (AMS) symptoms in individuals with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight individuals with complication-free type 1 diabetes took part in a 14-day expedition to Mount Meru (4,562 m) and Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in Tanzania. Daily insulin doses, glucose levels, energy expenditure, and AMS symptoms were determined. Also, energy expenditure and AMS symptoms were compared with a healthy control group.

RESULTS

We found a positive relation between AMS symptoms and insulin requirements (r = 0.78; P = 0.041) and AMS symptoms and glucose levels (r = 0.86; P = 0.014) for Mount Kilimanjaro. Compared with sea level, insulin doses tended to decrease by 14.2% (19.7) (median [interquartile range]) (P = 0.41), whereas glucose levels remained stable up to 5,000 m altitude. However, at altitudes >5,000 m, insulin dose was unchanged (36.8 ± 17 vs. 37.6 ± 19.1 international units [mean ± SD] P = 0.75), but glucose levels (7.5 ± 0.6 vs. 9.5 ± 0.8 mmol/L [mean ± SD] P = 0.067) and AMS scores (1.3 ± 1.6 vs. 4.4 ± 4 points [mean ± SD] P = 0.091) tended to increase. Energy expenditure and AMS symptoms were comparable in both groups (P = 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that in complication-free individuals with type 1 diabetes, insulin requirements tend to increase during altitudes above 5,000 m despite high energy expenditure. This change may be explained, at least partly, by AMS.
Some propagation methods for cloning holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) plants
Authors: Liñán Juana , Cantos Manuel , Troncoso Javier , García José , Fernández Antonio , Troncoso Antonio
Published: January 2011

Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.), a typical evergreen tree of the Mediterranean area, is very important due to its ecological and economical values. Propagation of this species is extremely difficult and traditionally carried out only by seed germination. In this work, mature acorns were germinated in vitro and in peat substrate in aseptic and non-aseptic conditions. Explants from the seedlings obtained were propagated in vitro in WPM plus 4 µM BA. Plant regeneration was achieved from hypocotyls and root segments cultured in vitro on modified Gamborg medium plus 20 µM BA and 20 µM NAA. 13.8% of the hypocotyls and approximately 30% of the root segments developed both shoots and roots after 30 days of culture. Rooting of stem segments was obtained both in vitro and ex vitro by basal dipping in IBA solutions. Within ex vitro rooting, mother plant age had major influence on the percentage of rooting of the cuttings as the younger plants showed higher ability to root. In this way, Q. ilex plants could be propagated and cloned. The procedure described here would be a very useful tool for breeding programs since vegetative propagation of selected individuals can be achieved.
Implicit and Explicit Recasts in L2 Oral French Interaction
Authors: Erlam Rosemary , Loewen Shawn
Published: January 2011

This laboratory-based study of second- and third-year American university students learning French examines the effectiveness of implicit and explicit corrective feedback on noun–adjective agreement errors. The treatment consisted of one hour of interactive tasks. Implicit feedback was operationalized as a single recast with interrogative intonation; explicit feedback was operationalized as a single repetition of the incorrect utterance with interrogative intonation, followed by a single recast with declarative intonation. Testing instruments were administered on three occasions. They comprised a spontaneous production test, an elicited imitation test, and an untimed written grammaticality judgement test. Results showed no significant differences for type of feedback but significant effects for oral interaction.
Clinical and methodological precision of spinal navigation assisted by 3D intraoperative O-arm radiographic imaging
Authors: Oertel Matthias F. , Hobart Juliane , Stein Marco , Schreiber Vanessa , Scharbrodt Wolfram
Published: January 2011

Object

In recent years, the importance of intraoperative navigation in neurosurgery has been increasing. Multiple studies have proven the advantages and safety of computer-assisted spinal neurosurgery. The use of intraoperative 3D radiographic imaging to acquire image information for navigational purposes has several advantages and should increase the accuracy and safety of screw guidance with navigation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and methodological precision of navigated spine surgery in combination with the O-arm multidimensional imaging system.

Methods

Thoracic, lumbar, and sacral pedicle screws that were placed with the help of the combination of the O-arm and StealthStation TREON plus navigation systems were analyzed. To evaluate clinical precision, 278 polyaxial pedicle screws in 139 vertebrae were reviewed for medial or caudal perforations on coronal projection. For the evaluation of the methodological accuracy, virtual and intraoperative images were compared, and the angulation of the pedicle screw to the midsagittal line was measured.

Results

Pedicle perforations were recorded in 3.2% of pedicle screws. None of the perforated pedicle screws damaged a nerve root. The difference in angulation between the actual and virtual pedicle screws was 2.8° ± 1.9°.

Conclusions

The use of the StealthStation TREON plus navigation system in combination with the O-arm system showed the highest accuracy for spinal navigation compared with other studies that used traditional image acquisition and registration for navigation.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings in treated spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: lack of correlation with clinical outcomes
Authors: Kaufmann Timothy J. , Morris Jonathan M. , Saladino Andrea , Mandrekar Jay N. , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: January 2011

Object

Little information is available on follow-up MR imaging after treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). The authors studied MR imaging findings in treated spinal DAVFs in relation to clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with spinal DAVFs who had undergone both pre- and postoperative spinal MR imaging was conducted. Postoperative MR images were obtained as routine follow-up studies or because of subjective or objective clinical deterioration. Several pre- and posttreatment MR imaging characteristics were evaluated by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to the clinical outcome. Clinical outcomes of motor, sensory, and urinary function (in relation to the patient's preoperative status) at the time of the postoperative MR imaging were obtained from the clinical record. The chi-square, Fisher exact, and rank-sum tests were performed to correlate imaging findings and changes with clinical outcomes.

Results

Thirty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Treatment was surgical in 33 patients and endovascular in 1 patient. Follow-up MR imaging was performed at a mean 168 ± 107 days after treatment. Twenty-seven patients (79.4%) were either clinically stable or improved, and 7 (20.6%) experienced worsening in one or more clinical outcomes. Most patients were found to have improvement of MR imaging changes. However, some degree of persistent spinal cord signal abnormality, enhancement, and swelling was observed in 31 (91.2%), 29 (85.3%), and 18 (52.3%) patients, respectively. Changes in these MR imaging characteristics compared with preoperative MR imaging did not correlate with clinical outcomes (p > 0.05), with the one exception of a significant correlation between change in urinary function and extent of spinal cord contrast enhancement (p = 0.026), a correlation of uncertain importance. Ten of the 34 patients underwent posttreatment digital subtraction angiography, and 3 of these patients had recurrent/residual DAVFs. Worsening of motor function significantly correlated with recurrent/residual DAVF (p = 0.053).

Conclusions

Spinal cord abnormalities persist on postoperative MR imaging studies in patients with treated spinal DAVFs, and although they tend to mildly improve with time, these changes may not correlate with clinical outcomes. However, regardless of imaging findings, worsening motor function may correlate with a recurrent or residual DAVF.
Does alendronate disturb the healing process of posterior lumbar interbody fusion? A prospective randomized trial
Authors: Nagahama Ken , Kanayama Masahiro , Togawa Daisuke , Hashimoto Tomoyuki , Minami Akio
Published: January 2011

Object

Bisphosphonate medications are widely used for the treatment of osteoporosis, but they might disturb the healing process of spinal fusion. The object of this prospective randomized controlled study was to evaluate the effect of bisphosphonate medication on spinal fusion through radiographic, clinical, and biological assessments.

Methods

A total of 40 patients with osteoporosis who were candidates for single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion were randomly assigned to the alendronate group (alendronate sodium 35 mg/week) or the control group (vitamin D, alfacalcidol 1 μg/day). Pedicle screw fixation and carbon polyetheretherketone cages were used for all the patients. Bone graft material was prepared as a mixture of local bone and β-tricalcium phosphate in a ratio of 2:1. Functional radiography and CT scans were used to evaluate fusion status and cage subsidence. The incidence of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occurring after surgery (subsequent VCFs) was assessed by means of MR imaging. Bridging bone formation was graded into 3 categories: Grade A (bridging bone through bilateral cages), Grade B (bridging bone through a unilateral cage), or Grade C (incomplete bony bridging). A solid fusion was defined as less than 5° of angular motion in flexion-extension radiographs and the presence of bridging bone through the cage (Grade A or B). Clinical outcome was evaluated by means of the Oswestry Disability Index. Bone metabolic markers (serum bone alkaline phosphatase, serum and urine Type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides) were measured to investigate the biological effects of alendronate on spinal fusion.

Results

Bridging bone formation (Grade A or B) was more frequently observed in the alendronate group at all postoperative assessment periods. At 1-year postoperative follow-up, a solid fusion was achieved in 95% of the patients in the alendronate group and 65% of those in the control group. Cage subsidence (> 2 mm) was observed in 5% of the alendronate group and 29% of the control group. No vertebral fractures were observed in the alendronate group, whereas 24% of patients in the control group showed subsequent VCFs. There was no statistically significant between-groups difference in clinical outcomes, but poor clinical results in the control group were associated with pseudarthrosis and subsequent VCFs. Biochemical analysis of bone turnover demonstrated that alendronate inhibited bone resorption from the early phase of the fusion process and also suppressed bone formation after 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Favorable mechanical circumstances provided by alendronate overcame its detrimental biological effect on the healing process of spinal fusion. The authors recommend that osteoporosis patients undergoing spinal fusion take bisphosphonates throughout the postoperative period.
Delayed postoperative hemorrhage in 21 patients with intracranial epidermoid cysts
Authors: Ren Xiao-hui , Chu Chun , Zeng Chun , Tian Yong-ji , Ma Zhen-yu , Tang Kai , Yu Lan-bing , Cui Xiang-li , Wang Zhong-cheng , Lin Song
Published: January 2011

Object

Intracranial epidermoid cysts are rare, potentially curable, benign lesions that are sometimes associated with severe postoperative complications, including hemorrhage. Delayed hemorrhage, defined as one that occurred after an initial unremarkable postoperative CT scan, contributed to most cases of postoperative hemorrhage in patients with epidermoid cyst. In this study, the authors focus on delayed hemorrhage as one of the severe postoperative complications in epidermoid cyst, report its incidence and its clinical features, and analyze related clinical parameters.

Methods

There were 428 cases of intracranial epidermoid cysts that were surgically treated between 2002 and 2008 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, and these were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, the cases with delayed postoperative hemorrhage were chosen for analysis. Clinical parameters were recorded, including the patient's age and sex, the chief surgeon's experience in neurosurgery, the year in which the operation was performed, tumor size, adhesion to neurovascular structures, and degree of resection. These parameters were compared in patients with and without delayed postoperative hemorrhage to identify risk factors associated with this entity.

Results

The incidences of postoperative hemorrhage and delayed postoperative hemorrhage in patients with epidermoid cyst were 5.61% (24 of 428) and 4.91% (21 of 428), respectively, both of which were significantly higher than that of postoperative hemorrhage in all concurrently treated intracranial tumors, which was 0.91% (122 of 13,479). The onset of delayed postoperative hemorrhage ranged from the 5th to 23rd day after the operation; the median time of onset was the 8th day. The onset manifestation included signs of intracranial hypertension and/or meningeal irritation (71.4%), brain herniation (14.3%), seizures (9.5%), and syncope (4.8%). Neuroimages revealed hematoma in 11 cases and subarachnoid hemorrhage in 10 cases. The rehemorrhage rate was 38.1% (8 of 21). The mortality rate for delayed postoperative hemorrhage was 28.6% (6 of 21). None of the clinical parameters was correlated with delayed postoperative hemorrhage (p > 0.05), despite a relatively lower p value for adhesion to neurovascular structures (p = 0.096).

Conclusions

Delayed postoperative hemorrhage contributed to most of the postoperative hemorrhages in patients with intracranial epidermoid cysts and was a unique postoperative complication with unfavorable outcomes. Adhesion to neurovascular structures was possibly related to delayed postoperative hemorrhage (p = 0.096).
Vertebral artery pexy for microvascular decompression of the facial nerve in the treatment of hemifacial spasm
Authors: Ferreira Manuel , Walcott Brian P. , Nahed Brian V. , Sekhar Laligam N.
Published: January 2011

Object

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is caused by arterial or venous compression of cranial nerve VII at its root exit zone. Traditionally, microvascular decompression of the facial nerve has been an effective treatment for posterior inferior and anterior inferior cerebellar artery as well as venous compression. The traditional technique involves Teflon felt or another construct to cushion the offending vessel from the facial nerve, or cautery and division of the offending vein. However, using this technique for severe vertebral artery (VA) compression can be ineffective and fraught with complications. The authors report the use of a new technique of VA pexy to the petrous or clival dura mater in patients with HFS attributed to a severely ectatic and tortuous VA, and detail the results in a series of patients.

Methods

Six patients with HFS due to VA compression underwent a retrosigmoid craniotomy, combined with a far-lateral approach in some patients. On identification of the site of VA compression, the vessel was mobilized adequately for the decompression. Great care was taken to avoid kinking the perforating vessels arising from the VA. Two 8-0 nylon sutures were passed through to the wall of the VA and then through the clival or petrous dura, and then tied to alleviate compression on cranial nerve VII.

Results

Patients were followed for at least 1 year postoperatively (mean 2.7 years, range 1–4 years). All 6 patients had complete resolution of their HFS. Facial function was tested postoperatively, and was stable when compared with the preoperative baseline. Two of the 3 patients with preoperative tinnitus had resolution of this symptom after the procedure. Postoperative imaging demonstrated VA decompression of the facial nerve and no evidence of stroke in all patients. One patient suffered from hearing loss, another developed a postoperative transient unilateral vocal cord paralysis, and a third patient developed a pseudomeningocele that resolved with the placement of a lumbar drain.

Conclusions

Hemifacial spasm and other neurovascular syndromes are effectively treated by repositioning the compressing artery. Careful study of the preoperative MR images may identify a select group of patients with HFS due to an ectatic VA. Rather than traditional decompression with only pledget placement, these patients may benefit from a VA pexy to provide an effective, safe, and durable resolution of their symptoms while minimizing surgical complications.
Ventricle wall movements and cerebrospinal fluid flow in hydrocephalus
Authors: Penn Richard D. , Basati Sukhraaj , Sweetman Brian , Guo Xiaodong , Linninger Andreas
Published: January 2011

Object

The dynamics of fluid flow in normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) are poorly understood. Normally, CSF flows out of the brain through the ventricles. However, ventricular enlargement during NPH may be caused by CSF backflow into the brain through the ventricles. A previous study showed this reversal of flow; in the present study, the authors provide additional clinical data obtained in patients with NPH and supplement these data with computer simulations to better understand the CSF flow and ventricular wall displacement and emphasize its clinical implications.

Methods

Three NPH patients and 1 patient with aqueductal stenosis underwent cine phase-contrast MR imaging (cine MR imaging) for measurement of CSF flow and ventricle wall movement during the cardiac cycle. These data were compared to data previously obtained in 8 healthy volunteers.

The CSF flow measurements were obtained at the outlet of the aqueduct of Sylvius. Calculation of the ventricular wall movement was determined from the complete set of cine MR images obtained axially at the middle of the lateral ventricle. The data were obtained before and after CSF removal with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt with an adjustable valve. To supplement the clinical data, a computational model was used to predict the transmural pressure and flow.

Results

In healthy volunteers, net CSF aqueductal flow was 1.2 ml/minute in the craniocaudal direction. In patients with NPH, the net CSF flow was in the opposite direction—the caudocranial direction—before shunt placement. After shunting, the magnitude of the abnormal fluid flow decreased or reversed, with the flow resembling the normal flow patterns observed in healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

The authors' MR imaging–based measurements of the CSF flow direction and lateral ventricle volume size change and the results of computer modeling of fluid dynamics lead them to conclude that the directional pattern and magnitude of CSF flow in patients with NPH may be an indication of the disease state. This has practical implications for shunt design and understanding the mechanisms that produce hydrocephalus.
La Endiablada de Don Juan Mogrovejo de la Cerda y El Diablo Cojuelo de Luis Vélez de Guevara
Authors: Gostautas S
Published: January 2011

La pequeña obra picaresca del escritor peruano don Juan Mogrovejo de la Cerda, titulada por él mismo La endiablada, es un extraño caso de precocidad literaria colonial, época en que a pesar de haberse afirmado la ausencia de obras de ficción por tres siglos, más y más textos vienen a ser desenterrados. La endiablada fue escrita alrededor de 1626 como ejercicio literario con gran despliegue de erudición y conocimiento del Siglo de Oro : Cervantes, Lope, Quevedo y Vélez de Guevara. En este ensayo se analizan las relaciones que existen entre La endiablada y El Diablo Cojuelo, obra publicada en 1641. La semejanza, salvadas las distancias, con la ficción del autor peruano es de gran interés para la historia de las literaturas hispánicas, donde parece que no hubo mares de separación entre los peninsulares y los americanos. Del análisis de las dos obras, ambas inspiradas en Quevedo, se desprende que los criollos estaban bien informados lo que se leía en España y, en algunos casos, se adelantaban o coincidían con sus innovaciones a los más célebres escritores de la península.
El estoicismo-senequista de Don Enrique de Villena
Authors: Torres-Alcalá A.
Published: January 2011

Le Stoïcisme sénéquiste de Don Enrique de Villena.

En 1423 Don Enrique de Villena écrivit une lettre consolatoire {carta consolatoria) à un ami, Juan Fernández de Valera, qui avait vu périr presque toute sa famille. Ce qu'il y a de curieux dans cette lettre, appelée aussi Traité de la Consolation {Tratado de la consolación), c'est qu'elle rompt avec la tradition médiévale qui considère la mort comme quelque chose d'horrible et de macabre. Dans le traité de Villena, il n'y a aucune référence à la preparatio mortis ni au contemptus mundi ni d'ailleurs aux considérations sur la décomposition physique qui faisaient les délices de l'homme médiéval. Le Moyen Age avait perdu sa sérénité devant la mort.

L'innovation de Villena est de ressusciter les consolatoires (las consolatorias) stoïciennes qui considèrent la mort avec la dignité et la sérénité humaines, et en une éthique naturaliste se fondent sur une eschatologie et une métaphysique panenthéiste de I'Être, de la Vertu et de la Nature. Villena est tout simplement notre premier homme de la Renaissance. En lisant son Traité de la Consolation nous avons une impression de « déjà vu », c'est-à-dire un écho de Sénèque, de son style et de sa doctrine, de sa sereine dignité, de son éthique et de sa métaphysique naturaliste.