bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated input data management: evaluation of a concept for reduced time consumption in discrete event simulation
Authors: Skoogh Anders , Johansson Björn , Stahre Johan
Published: April 2012

Input data management is a crucial and time-consuming part of a simulation project. Consequently, improvement of this process has substantial potential to increase the rapidity of simulation projects, thus enabling more detailed analyses in design and development of production systems. This paper presents the development of a concept and an associated software demonstrator called the Generic Data Management Tool (GDM-Tool), which automates several critical and time-consuming data input activities. More specifically, raw data are extracted from multiple sources, with different data structures, and transformed to simulation input through data cleaning, calculations and distribution fitting, all done in one automated process. Finally, the simulation input is presented in the Core Manufacturing Simulation Data format, for further use in simulation applications. As a first step towards validation, the GDM-Tool was evaluated during a case study in the automotive industry. The results show that the time needed for input data management was reduced by 78%, as relative to a traditional manual approach.
Beyond Opinion Leaders
Authors: Thorson Emily
Published: April 2012

The number of Americans who report engaging in interpersonal persuasion during elections has drastically increased over the past decade. While past studies have demonstrated the impact of such proselytizing on vote choice, the author finds substantial evidence that it may also have larger democratic benefits, both for those attempting to persuade and for those whom they choose to target. Data from the 2008 National Annenberg Election Survey suggest that (a) attempting to persuade contributes to people’s ability to give reasons in support of both their own preferred candidate and the opposing candidate, and (b) persuasive conversation is a powerful channel for the spread of political information from the more engaged to the less engaged.
“Climategate” and The Scientific Ethos
Authors: Grundmann Reiner
Published: April 2012

In late 2009, e-mails from a server at the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia were released that showed some climate scientists in an unfavorable light. Soon this scandal was known as “Climategate” and a highly charged debate started to rage on blogs and in the mass media. Much of the debate has been about the question whether anthropogenic global warming was undermined by the revelations. But ethical issues, too, became part and parcel of the debate. This article aims to contribute to this debate, assessing the e-mail affair in the light of two normative analyses of science, one proposed by Robert Merton (and developed further by some of his followers), the second by a recent suggestion to use the concept of honest brokering in science policy interactions. On the basis of these analyses, different aspects of malpractice will be discussed and possible solutions will be suggested.
Developing music teacher identities: An international multi-site study
Authors: Ballantyne Julie , Kerchner Jody L. , Aróstegui José Luis
Published: April 2012

This study investigates pre-service music teacher’s (PSMT) perceptions of their professional identities. University-level education students in the United States America (USA), Spain and Australia were all asked interview questions based on general themes relevant to teacher identity development, and their responses were subjected to content analysis. Similarities were found in their perceptions of the role of ‘music teacher’ and their pre-university experiences/influences. Across the sites it seems that there was a dynamic and shifting relationship between PSMTs’ understandings of themselves as ‘musicians’ or as ‘teachers’ during their university years. This study confirms previous research in the area and contributes to the field in its discovery that these themes are found across three international sites. Implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations made for future research and practice.
Crossing the qualitative- quantitative divide II
Authors: DeLyser Dydia , Sui Daniel
Published: April 2012

In this second of three reports on qualitative and quantitative methods we highlight novel methods with particular purchase on the problems of our time. We again focus on scholarship crossing multiple geographical divides, those of neo/paleo geography, qualitative/quantitative methods, and physical/human geography. We do so now by concentrating on three areas: the emerging digital humanities and the rise of big data, mobile methods, and rhythmanalysis. With this broad approach we seek also to encourage consilience, synergy, and a positive embrace of diversity in geographical scholarship.
Paroxysmal sneezing after hypothalamic deep brain stimulation for cluster headache
Authors: Maniyar Farooq H , Starr Philip , Goadsby Peter J
Published: April 2012

Background: Cluster headache (CH) is the most common of the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC), presenting with excruciatingly severe, short-lasting, unilateral headache accompanied by cranial autonomic symptoms. Chronic CH occurs in 10–15% of patients. Deep brain stimulation in the posterior hypothalamic region (hDBS) is successful in treating about 60% of patients otherwise refractory to medical treatment.

Case: A 28-year-old man had hDBS for medically refractory left-sided chronic CH, with a resultant reduction in frequency and severity of his attacks. He developed recurrent paroxysms of sneezing soon after the stimulation was started that have reduced after increasing the pulse width from 60 to 90 µs.

Discussion: Stimulation of the brain in the region of the posterior hypothalamus could produce sneezing from activation of facial nerve parasympathetic or trigeminal afferent pathway activation through the trigeminohypothalamic tract, or through other central mechanisms. DBS in general offers the opportunity to illuminate our understanding of brain function and for CH offers particular opportunities to understand a devastating primary headache syndrome.
Differences in clinical characteristics and frequency of accompanying migraine features in episodic and chronic cluster headache
Authors: Gaul C , Christmann N , Schröder D , Weber R , Shanib H , Diener HC , Holle D
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Data on clinical differences between episodic (eCH) and chronic cluster headache (cCH) and accompanying migraine features are limited.

Methods: History and clinical features of 209 consecutive cluster headache patients (144 eCH, 65 cCH; male:female ratio 3.4 : 1) were obtained in a tertiary headache centre by face-to-face interviews. Relationship between occurrence of accompanying symptoms, pain intensity, comorbid migraine, and circannual and circadian rhythmicity was analysed.

Results: 99.5% of patients reported a minimum of one ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptom (CAS); 80% showed at least three CAS. A seasonal rhythmicity was observed in both eCH and cCH. A comorbid headache disorder occurred in 25%. No significant difference was detected between patients with comorbid migraine and without regarding occurrence of phonophobia, photophobia or nausea during cluster attacks. Patients with comorbid migraine reported allodynia significantly ( p = 0.022) more often during cluster attacks than patients without comorbid migraine.

Conclusion: Occurrence of CAS and attack frequency, as well as periodic patterns of attacks, are relatively uniform in eCH and cCH. Multiple CAS are not related to pain intensity. Allodynia during cluster attacks is a frequent symptom. The unexpectedly high rate of accompanying migrainous features during cluster attacks cannot be explained by comorbid migraine.
Strength of Bone Tunnel Versus Suture Anchor and Push-Lock Construct in Broström Repair
Authors: Giza Eric , Nathe Ryan , Nathe Tyler , Anderson Matthew , Campanelli Valentina
Published: April 2012

Background: Operative treatment of mechanical ankle instability is indicated for patients who have had multiple sprains and have continued episodes of instability despite bracing and rehabilitation. Anatomic reconstruction has been shown to have improved outcomes and return to sport as compared with nonanatomic reconstruction.

Hypothesis: The use of 2 suture anchors and a push-lock anchor is equal to 2 bone tunnels in strength to failure for anatomic Broström repair.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: In 7 matched pairs of human cadaver ankles, the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) were incised from their origin on the fibula. A No. 2 Fiberwire suture was placed into the CFL and a separate suture into the ATFL in a running Krackow fashion with a total of 4 locking loops. In 1 ankle of the matched pair, the ligaments were repaired to their anatomic insertion with bone tunnels. In the other, 2 suture anchors were used to reattach the ligaments to their anatomic origins, and a push-lock was used proximally to reinforce these suture anchors. The ligaments were cyclically loaded 20 times and then tested to failure. Torque to failure, degrees to failure, and stiffness were measured. The authors performed a matched pair analysis. An a priori power analysis of 0.8 demonstrated 6 pairs were needed to show a difference of 30% with a 15% standard error at a significance level of .05.

Results: There was no difference in the degrees to failure, torque to failure, and stiffness. A post hoc power analysis of torque to failure showed a power of .89 with 7 samples. Power for initial stiffness was .97 with 7 samples. Eleven of 14 specimens failed at either the suture anchor or the bone tunnel.

Conclusion: There is no statistical difference in strength or stiffness for a suture anchor and push-lock construct as compared with a bone tunnel construct for an anatomic repair of the lateral ligaments of the ankle.

Clinical Relevance: The use of suture anchors in lateral ligament stabilization allows for a smaller incision, less surgical dissection, and improved surgical efficiency. It is up to the discretion of the performing surgeon based on preference, ease of use, operative time, and cost profile to choose either of these constructs for anatomic repair of the lateral ligaments of the ankle. The suture repair at the ligament was significantly strong enough such that the majority of ankles failed at the bone interface.
Client-server control architecture for a vision-based pick-and-place robot
Authors: Sharan Roneel V , Onwubolu Godfrey C
Published: April 2012

This article presents the software development for a vision-based pick-and-place robot to provide the computational intelligence required for its operation. It follows a client-server control architecture and aims to expand the applications of simply PC-based mechatronics systems to achieve distributed and flexible control through the introduction of a multi-featured and application-suited control unit in the form of a microcontroller as a client to the PC-based server. The system includes a five degree-of-freedom pick-and-place robot whereby a vision system is incorporated in its workspace to identify workpieces with respect to their shape and color. On user specification of the class of workpiece to be manipulated through a graphical user interface, the robot performs the manipulation. A personal computer, operating under the Windows platform, carries out all vision related processing and motion planning for the robot. On request, relevant motion information is communicated through the parallel port of the computer to peripheral interface controller (PIC) microcontroller, which interfaces with the sensing and actuation devices for robot control. The development of the system sees the integration of a number of technologies to achieve a customized control unit including: a vision system, actuation and sensing devices for precise motions, personal computer, microcontroller, and enhanced parallel port. In addition, a layered approach towards software development enables reusability, maintainability, and testability of the system through data abstraction.
Rail vehicle passing through a turnout: analysis of different turnout designs and wheel profiles
Authors: Lagos Rodrigo Fernando , Alonso Asier , Vinolas Jordi , Pérez Xabier
Published: April 2012

In recent years, different systems have been developed in order to improve the dynamic behaviour of railway vehicles when passing through turnouts. Some of these improvements consist in varying the geometry of the switch itself and including moveable crossing vees. It is worth mentioning that they are designed by taking a certain wheel profile into consideration, i.e. it is assumed that the wheel profile does not change.

The objective of the current study is to determine the influence that the turnout design has on vehicle dynamics, as well as the influence that the variability in wheel profiles can have on the effectiveness of the different systems.

In order to do this, the MBS software Simpack was used to model one vehicle with two different turnouts and four different profiles. The results show that the geometrical design of the turnout has a critical influence on the vehicle/turnout. We also concluded that the wheel profile does not have a significant influence when the vehicle passes through turnouts.
A numerical study of the influence of lateral geometry irregularities on mechanical deterioration of freight tracks
Authors: Karttunen Kalle , Kabo Elena , Ekberg Anders
Published: April 2012

Optimisation of railway track maintenance requires knowledge of how a deteriorated track geometry will affect subsequent loading and damage of the track. This is the scope of the current study where, in particular, the influence on track shift forces and rolling contact fatigue is investigated through numerical simulations. To this end, track geometries are obtained from field measurements. Lateral irregularities are extracted and scaled to represent different levels of geometry deterioration. Multibody simulations of dynamic train–track interaction featuring two freight wagon types are performed under different operational conditions. Track shift forces and rolling contact fatigue damage are further evaluated from simulation results. It is found that track shift forces tend to follow a normal distribution for moderate levels of lateral track geometry irregularities, and that an approximate linear relationship between standard deviations of lateral irregularities and track shift forces can be established. The relation between lateral track irregularity magnitude and rolling contact fatigue is more complex. Increasing levels of lateral irregularities will decrease the fraction of curve length affected by rolling contact fatigue for sharp curves, whereas for shallow curves it increases. As detailed in the article, this is caused by the lateral movement of the contact point as imposed by the track irregularities. Furthermore, the influence of wheel/rail friction and wear is investigated.
Macroscopic and microscopic observations of needle insertion into gels
Authors: van Veen Youri RJ , Jahya Alex , Misra Sarthak
Published: April 2012

Needle insertion into soft tissue is one of the most common medical interventions. This study provides macroscopic and microscopic observations of needle–gel interactions. A gelatin mixture is used as a soft-tissue simulant. For the macroscopic studies, system parameters, such as insertion velocity, needle diameter, gel elasticity, needle tip shape (including bevel angle) and insertion motion profile, are varied, while the maximum insertion force and maximum needle deflection are recorded. The needle tip and gel interactions are observed using confocal microscopic images. Observations indicate that increasing the insertion velocity and needle diameter results in larger insertion forces and smaller needle deflections. Varying the needle bevel angle from 8° to 82° results in the insertion force increasing monotonically, while the needle deflection does not. These variations are due to the coupling between gel rupture and tip compression interactions, which are observed during microscopic studies. Increasing the gel elasticity results in larger insertion forces and needle deflections. Varying the tip shapes demonstrates that bevel-tipped needles produce the largest deflection, but insertion force does not vary among the tested tip shapes. Insertion with different motion profiles are performed. Results show that adding 1 Hz rotational motion during linear insertion decreases the needle deflection. Increasing the rotational motion from 1 Hz to 5 Hz decreases the insertion force, while the needle deflection remains the same. A high-velocity (250 mm/s and 300 mm/s) tapping during insertion yields no significant decrease in needle deflection and a slight increase in insertion force.
What measurement is all about
Authors: Saint-Mont Uwe
Published: April 2012

The nature of psychological measurement is still the subject of fierce controversy. A rather philosophical debate has been going on in this journal; therefore a closer look at physicists’ ideas on measurement may be helpful. In particular, we will try to clarify matters with the help of the crucial concepts of access (validity), precision (reliability), and invariance.
The Kishū Army and the Setting of the Prussian Model in Feudal Japan, 1860–1871
Authors: Bara Xavier
Published: April 2012

In 1860–1 the Tokugawa bakufu established diplomatic relations with the kingdom of Prussia. The fascination for the Prussian military system rapidly spread in Japan, a land that was destabilized by political struggles between principalities and engaged in a military modernization. As a consequence of the Austro-Prussian War and the Second Chōshū War in 1866, the principality of Kishū was the first Japanese state to apply the Prussian system to its army. This was the root of the crucial Prussian influence on the Imperial Japanese Army from the late nineteenth century.
Less Sugar, More Warships: Food as American Propaganda in the First World War
Authors: Tunc Tanfer Emin
Published: April 2012

The use of food as American war propaganda finds its origins in the First World War, when anti-German sentiment prompted Americans to rename German foods. The First World War also signifies an important turning point in the history of American food consumption because it represents a shift in eating habits, culinary practices, and domestic food preparation, including the infiltration of fresh home-grown fruit and vegetables and preserved or canned foods into the US diet, and the introduction of supermarkets. All of these changes, however, would have been impossible without the mobilization of middle-class American women on the home front, and the synergy between civil society and government propaganda. By using poster and grass-roots campaigns to appeal to their activities in the private sphere of the household and their pre-existing activism in the public sphere, the United States Food Administration, under the leadership of Herbert Hoover, was able to convince women to ‘rally around the flag’ to change the dietary habits of both adults and children, and conserve valuable food which could be sent to the ‘starving people of Europe’ and Allied soldiers on the warfront.
A Qualitative Synthesis of Children’s Participation in Custody Disputes
Authors: Birnbaum Rachel , Saini Michael
Published: April 2012

Objectives: This qualitative synthesis explores the voices of children in the context of child custody disputes over the last 20 years. The purpose was to (1) systematically retrieve qualitative studies to explore children’s views and preferences in the context of decision making postseparation and divorce and (2) explore how children’s voices are being heard or not. Method: Qualitative studies were identified through a systematic retrieval process using an inclusion and exclusion criteria. A meta-ethnographic approach was used for the qualitative synthesis of included studies. Results: Thirty-five qualitative studies were included in the final analysis, involving 1,325 children from 11 countries. Conclusions: Findings reveal that children generally want to be engaged in the decision-making process regarding custody and access, even if they are not making the final decisions. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed, including providing space for children’s voices within the context of this work.
Evidence on Self-Fitting Hearing Aids
Authors: Wong Lena L. N.
Published: April 2012

The research on self-fitting hearing aids is reviewed using evidence-based principles. The evaluation begins with a definition of the research questions followed by a detailed search of the literature and then a review of the relevant studies. Four features of self-fitting hearing aids are reviewed: in-situ threshold measurement, whether an initial fitting prescribed using standard prescription formulae will approximate user preferences, outcomes with training of hearing aids for preferred responses, and assembly and use of the aids. There is at least good quality evidence suggesting that in-situ thresholds can be reliably obtained, that prescribed initial fittings approximate preferred responses, and that users are able to train the hearing aids and would prefer the trained responses. However, evidence on other outcomes and the ability of users to assemble and use such instruments is limited. Gaps in research with self-fitting hearing aids are identified.
Gendering War and Peace
Authors: Ashe Fidelma
Published: April 2012

There has been extensive academic analysis of Northern Ireland’s ethnonationalist antagonisms. However, academic literature that has explored both the region’s ethno-nationalist conflict and its more recent processes of conflict transformation has neglected the concept of masculinities. This article employs the framework of critical studies of men/masculinities to analyze why men’s gendered identities have received so little attention in a society that is marked by deep gendered inequalities and also exposes the consequences of this neglect in terms of exploring gendered power relationships in Northern Ireland society. Additionally, the article employs the concept of militarized masculinities to explore the relationships between ethnonationalist conflict, conflict transformation, men’s gendered identities, and gender power in the region.
Quantitative assays for anti-aquaporin-4 antibody with subclass analysis in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Isobe Noriko , Yonekawa Tomomi , Matsushita Takuya , Kawano Yuji , Masaki Katsuhisa , Yoshimura Satoshi , Fichna Jakub , Chen Shu , Furmaniak Jadwiga , Smith Bernard Rees , Kira Jun-ichi
Published: April 2012

Background:

To clarify the clinical relevance of anti-aquaporin-4 (anti-AQP4) antibody titers and immunoglobulin (IgG) subclass.

Methods:

Using a bridging enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), a flow cytometric assay (FCMA) and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for anti-AQP4 antibodies, sera from 142 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as defined by the McDonald criteria (2005), 29 with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) who fulfilled the 1999 criteria, 19 with recurrent and/or longitudinally extensive myelitis (RM/LM), 86 with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (OND) and 28 healthy controls (HC) were studied.

Results:

Anti-AQP4 antibody positivity rates by IFA, FCMA, and ELISA were 41.4%, 51.7% and 48.3%, respectively, in NMO (1999) patients, and 0% in the OND and HC groups. Twenty-six MS patients (18.3%) were positive for the antibody; 17 met the 2006 NMO criteria, including positivity for anti-AQP4 antibody, and five had longitudinally extensive myelitis (LM). Among the cases with anti-AQP4 antibody detected by FCMA, IgG1, 2, 3, and 4 anti-AQP4 antibodies were found in 97.8%, 37.0%, 6.5% and 6.5% respectively. There was no association of either antibody positivity or level of anti-AQP4 antibody IgG subclasses with clinical parameters after adjustment of p values for multiple comparisons.

Conclusions:

FCMA and bridging ELISA are useful for detecting and quantifying anti-AQP4 antibodies.
Evaluation of the 2010 McDonald multiple sclerosis criteria in children with a clinically isolated syndrome
Authors: Kornek Barbara , Schmitl Beate , Vass Karl , Zehetmayer Sonja , Pritsch Martin , Penzien Johann , Karenfort Michael , Blaschek Astrid , Seidl Rainer , Prayer Daniela , Rostasy Kevin
Published: April 2012

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic criteria for paediatric multiple sclerosis have been established on the basis of brain imaging findings alone. The 2010 McDonald criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, however, include spinal cord imaging for detection of lesion dissemination in space. The new criteria have been recommended in paediatric multiple sclerosis.

Objective:

(1) To evaluate the 2010 McDonald multiple sclerosis criteria in children with a clinically isolated syndrome and to compare them with recently proposed magnetic resonance criteria for children; (2) to assess whether the inclusion of spinal cord imaging provided additional value to the 2010 McDonald criteria.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging scans from 52 children with a clinically isolated syndrome. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the magnetic resonance criteria were assessed.

Results and conclusion:

The 2010 McDonald dissemination in space criteria were more sensitive (85% versus 74%) but less specific (80% versus 100%) compared to the 2005 McDonald criteria. The Callen criteria were more accurate (89%) compared to the 2010 McDonald (85%), the 2005 McDonald criteria for dissemination in space (81%), the KIDMUS criteria (46%) and the Canadian Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Network criteria (76%). The 2010 McDonald criteria for dissemination in time were more accurate (93%) than the dissemination in space criteria (85%). Inclusion of the spinal cord did not increase the accuracy of the McDonald criteria.
Analysing discourse as a causal mechanism
Authors: Banta Benjamin
Published: April 2012

Utilising critical realist philosophy of social science, this article contends that discourse may be studied as a causal mechanism in the generation of events — and one relationally connected to mechanisms of differing kinds. To do this, it is argued that we should adopt critical discourse analysis rather than the guidance of poststructuralist discourse theory. After establishing the key assumptions of poststructuralist discourse theory, some of the substantive analytical tendencies that secrete are discussed and illustrated through a look at the treatment of humanitarian discourse in the International Relations literature on the nature of Western warfare. The article then places discourse within a critical realist view of the social world. I argue that unlike in poststructuralist discourse theory, with critical realism, discourse can be differentiated from the realm of extra-discursive practice, placed in dialectical relation to this wider realm of social relations, and analysed as a possible causal mechanism in the generation of social phenomena, alongside these other mechanisms, as a way to better determine discourse’s actual effect on events. critical discourse analysis is introduced as offering an amenable methodological tool-kit for studying discourse as conceptualised in this way.
Reconceptualizing hate crime victimization through the lens of vulnerability and ‘difference’
Authors: Chakraborti Neil , Garland Jon
Published: April 2012

This article suggests that the concepts of vulnerability and ‘difference’ should be focal points of hate crime scholarship if the values at the heart of the hate crime movement are not to be diluted. By stringently associating hate crime with particular strands of victims and sets of motivations through singular constructions of identity, criminologists have created a divisive and hierarchical approach to understanding hate crime. To counter these limitations, we propose that vulnerability and ‘difference’, rather than identity and group membership alone, should be central to investigations of hate crime. These concepts would allow for a more inclusive conceptual framework enabling hitherto overlooked and vulnerable victims of targeted violence to receive the recognition they urgently need.
Sensing optical fiber installation study for crack identification using a stimulated Brillouin-based strain sensor
Authors: Imai Michio , Feng Maria
Published: April 2012

Stimulated Brillouin-based optical fiber sensors have been receiving increasing attention in recent times because of their ability to measure distributed strain at high spatial resolution. This study presents a methodical approach for understanding the structural behavior from measured strain distribution. A stress-transferring model, focusing on the tip of a crack in concrete, with stress transfer from the host structure to the sensing segment on the attached fiber, was investigated. The loss of information due to the limited spatial resolution of the sensor was also analyzed. An experimental study using a notched concrete prism demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed model for crack identification, allowing the study to leverage the stimulated Brillouin-based sensor to crack quantification as well as detection and localization.
Suspicious Blood and Performance in Professional Cycling
Authors: Coupé Tom , Gergaud Olivier
Published: April 2012

In this note, the authors analyze whether the International Cycling Union’s “index of suspicion,” which reflects the extent to which a rider is suspected of using doping, correlates with performance during the 2010 Tour de France and the 1-year period before and after the 2010 Tour de France. Though our point estimates suggest a medium-sized performance improving effect of being suspected of doping, the index of suspicion can only explain a very small part of the variation in performance. This could be because the current doping practice in cycling has little effect on diverse rankings in these races.
Cochrane corner: water for wound cleansing
Authors: Henton J. , Jain A.
Published: April 2012

Background: Although various solutions have been recommended for cleansing wounds, normal saline is favoured as it is an isotonic solution and does not interfere with the normal healing process. Tap water is commonly used in the community for cleansing wounds because it is easily accessible, efficient and cost effective; however, there is an unresolved debate about its use.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of water compared with other solutions for wound cleansing.

Search strategy: For this update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (Searched 22 February 2010); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) ( The Cochrane Library, 2010 Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE – 2007 to February Week 2 2010; Ovid MEDLINE – In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (Searched19 February 2010); Ovid EMBASE – 2007 to 2010 Week 06; EBSCO CINAHL – 2007 to 22 February 2010.

Selection criteria: Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials that compared the use of water with other solutions for wound cleansing were eligible for inclusion. Additional criteria were outcomes that included objective or subjective measures of wound infection or healing.

Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently carried out trial selection, data extraction and quality assessment. We settled differences in opinion by discussion. We pooled some data using a random-effects model.
Between Usefulness and Legitimacy
Authors: Quiring Oliver , Weber Mathias
Published: April 2012

We argue that during the financial crisis, economic news served as a dominant source of information for the public and as an influential factor in legitimating economic policy. We analyze (1) how German news broadcasts treated governmental intervention during the crisis and (2) selected effects on public opinion. Drawing on results from a content analysis of television news broadcasts ( n = 980), we show that governmental intervention was covered substantially, focusing on fiscal measures. To investigate possible effects of the news coverage, we conducted an online experiment with subjects differing in their degree of involvement with the consequences of the crisis ( n = 293). A news article treating governmental debt guarantees within a supportive frame induced subjects to approve of governmental intervention, as contrasted with an adverse version of the article. However, the effects of the media coverage were partially moderated by subjects’ involvement.
A decade of improvement in pain education and clinical practice in developing countries: IASP initiatives
Authors: Bond Michael
Published: April 2012

Summary points:

1. Epidemiological studies, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, on the extent of pain in the community of western countries revealed a prevalence of around 18%, with significant effects on work and social activities despite 30 years of pain education programmes.

2. A survey by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) Developing Countries on the extent of pain education and clinical training, and the barriers to them, was published as report in 2007 and confirmed significant deficiencies and problems in all areas.

3. An IASP Developing Countries Taskforce was established in 2002 to facilitate improvements in pain education and management in developing countries through a grants support programme for bottom-up projects from developing country members.

4. Clinical training posts in centres in Thailand, South America and South Africa have been established to improve the clinical training of pain clinicians and, through them, to develop pain services in their countries of origin in which services are poorly developed or absent.

5. There has been a major surge in the demand for and development of programmes and clinical training in developing countries since 2002, reflected in greatly increased local activity in various regions of the world.

6. Based on the ethical/moral belief that pain treatment is a human right, the IASP has recently increased its levels of advocacy to support this belief.
miR-3151 interplays with its host gene BAALC and independently affects outcome of patients with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Marcucci Guido , Maharry Kati , Schwind Sebastian , Radmacher Michael D. , Nicolet Deedra , Becker Heiko , Mrózek Krzysztof , Whitman Susan P. , Metzeler Klaus H. , Mendler Jason H. , Wu Yue-Zhong , Liyanarachchi Sandya , Patel Ravi , Baer Maria R. , Powell Bayard L. , Carter Thomas H. , Moore Joseph O. , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Wetzler Meir , Caligiuri Michael A. , Larson Richard A. , Tanner Stephan M. , de la Chapelle Albert , Bloomfield Clara D.
Published: April 2012

High BAALC expression levels are associated with poor outcome in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) patients. Recently, miR-3151 was discovered in intron 1 of BAALC. To evaluate the prognostic significance of miR-3151 expression levels and to gain insight into the biologic and prognostic interplay between miR-3151 and its host, miR-3151 and BAALC expression were measured in pretreatment blood of 179 CN-AML patients. Gene-expression profiling and miRNA-expression profiling were performed using microarrays. High miR-3151 expression was associated with shorter disease-free and overall survival, whereas high BAALC expression predicted failure of complete remission and shorter overall survival. Patients exhibiting high expression of both miR-3151 and BAALC had worse outcome than patients expressing low levels of either gene or both genes. In gene-expression profiling, high miR-3151 expressers showed down-regulation of genes involved in transcriptional regulation, posttranslational modification, and cancer pathways. Two genes, FBXL20 and USP40, were validated as direct miR-3151 targets. The results of the present study show that high expression of miR-3151 is an independent prognosticator for poor outcome in CN-AML and affects different outcome end points than its host gene, BAALC. The combination of both markers identified a patient subset with the poorest outcome. This interplay between an intronic miR and its host may have important biologic implications.
Statin use is associated with a reduced incidence of colorectal cancer: a colonoscopy-controlled case–control study
Authors: Broughton Thomas , Sington Jamie , Beales Ian LP
Published: April 2012

Background

The aetiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive in the majority of cases. There is experimental evidence to show that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) may inhibit proliferation and induce cause apoptosis in CRC cells and although some clinical studies have suggested that statins may protect against the development of CRC, this has not been a consistent finding. Therefore we have examined any potential protective effects of statins by comparing statin use in patients with colorectal cancer against a control group.

Methods

This was a case–control study examining statin use in symptomatic patients attending for diagnostic colonoscopy. Statin use was compared between patients with CRC and a control group, who had all had normal colonoscopy. Structured interviews and clinical records notes were used to determine drug exposure. Logistic regression was used to compare statin exposure and correct for confounding factors.

Results

There was a significant inverse association between previous statin use and a diagnosis of CRC (OR = 0.43 (95% confidence interval 0.25 – 0.80), p<0.01). This inverse association was stronger with higher statin doses (OR = 0.19 (0.07 – 0.47), p<0.01) and greater duration of statin use (statin use >years: OR = 0.18 (0.06 – 0.55), p<0.01).

Conclusions

Statins use was associated with a protective effect against the development of CRC. This effect is associated with a significant dose and duration response. These findings need to be repeated in other observational studies before an interventional study can be considered.
Association of interleukin-18 gene polymorphism with body mass index in women
Authors: Kim Hye-Lin , Cho Sung One , Kim Seon-Young , Kim Sung-Hoon , Chung Won-Seok , Chung Seok-Hee , Kim Sung-Soo , Ko Seong-Gyu , Jeong Chang-Hyun , Kim Su-Jin , Hong Seung-Heon , Um Jae-Young
Published: April 2012

Background

Interleukin (IL)-18 is an important regulator of innate and acquired immune responses and has multiple roles in chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Obesity is characterized by low- grade chronic inflammation. IL-18 has been suggested as an adipogenic cytokine that is associated with excess adiposity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between IL-18 gene polymorphisms (−137 G/C and −607 C/A) and obesity.

Methods

All 680 subjects were genotyped for the polymorphisms of IL-18 gene promoters (at positions −137 G/C and −607 C/A) using a polymerase chain reaction (271 cases with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and 409 controls with BMI <25 kg/m2). A chi-square test was used to compare the genotype and allele frequencies between the cases and control populations.

Results

Analyses of the genotype distributions revealed that IL-18 –607 C/A polymorphism was associated with an increase in body mass index in obese women in the Korean population (chi(2) = 12.301, df = 2, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

Carriage of the A allele at position −607 in the promoter of the IL-18 gene may have a role in the development of obesity.
Impact of Intraoperative Stimulation Brain Mapping on Glioma Surgery Outcome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: De Witt Hamer Philip C. , Robles Santiago Gil , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Duffau Hugues , Berger Mitchel S.
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Surgery for infiltrative gliomas aims to balance tumor removal with preservation of functional integrity. The usefulness of intraoperative stimulation mapping (ISM) has not been addressed in randomized trials. This study addresses glioma surgery outcome on the basis of a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Methods

A systematic search retrieved 90 reports published between 1990 and 2010 with 8,091 adult patients who had resective surgery for supratentorial infiltrative glioma, with or without ISM. Quality criteria consisted of postoperative neurologic examination details and follow-up timing. New postoperative neurologic deficits were categorized on the basis of timing and severity. Meta-analysis with a Bayesian random effects model determined summary event rates of deficits as well as gross total resection rate and eloquent locations. Meta-regression analysis explored heterogeneity among studies.

Results

Late severe neurologic deficits were observed in 3.4% (95% CI, 2.3% to 4.8%) of patients after resections with ISM, and in 8.2% (95% CI, 5.7% to 11.4%) of patients after resections without ISM (adjusted odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.64). The percentages of radiologically confirmed gross total resections were 75% (95% CI, 66% to 82%) with ISM and 58% (95% CI, 48% to 69%) without ISM. Eloquent locations were involved in 99.9% (95% CI, 99.9% to 100%) of resections with ISM and in 95.8% (95% CI, 73.1% to 99.8%) of resections without ISM. Relevant sources of heterogeneity among studies were ISM, continent, and academic setting.

Conclusion

Glioma resections using ISM are associated with fewer late severe neurologic deficits and more extensive resection, and they involve eloquent locations more frequently. This indicates that ISM should be universally implemented as standard of care for glioma surgery.
Preoperative Versus Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Results of the German CAO/ARO/AIO-94 Randomized Phase III Trial After a Median Follow-Up of 11 Years
Authors: Sauer Rolf , Liersch Torsten , Merkel Susanne , Fietkau Rainer , Hohenberger Werner , Hess Clemens , Becker Heinz , Raab Hans-Rudolf , Villanueva Marie-Therese , Witzigmann Helmut , Wittekind Christian , Beissbarth Tim , Rödel Claus
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has been established as standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer after first results of the CAO/ARO/AIO-94 [Working Group of Surgical Oncology/Working Group of Radiation Oncology/Working Group of Medical Oncology of the Germany Cancer Society] trial, published in 2004, showed an improved local control rate. However, after a median follow-up of 46 months, no survival benefit could be shown. Here, we report long-term results with a median follow-up of 134 months.

Patients and Methods

A total of 823 patients with stage II to III rectal cancer were randomly assigned to preoperative CRT with fluorouracil (FU), total mesorectal excision surgery, and adjuvant FU chemotherapy, or the same schedule of CRT used postoperatively. The study was designed to have 80% power to detect a difference of 10% in 5-year overall survival as the primary end point. Secondary end points included the cumulative incidence of local and distant relapses and disease-free survival.

Results

Of 799 eligible patients, 404 were randomly assigned to preoperative and 395 to postoperative CRT. According to intention-to-treat analysis, overall survival at 10 years was 59.6% in the preoperative arm and 59.9% in the postoperative arm (P = .85). The 10-year cumulative incidence of local relapse was 7.1% and 10.1% in the pre- and postoperative arms, respectively (P = .048). No significant differences were detected for 10-year cumulative incidence of distant metastases (29.8% and 29.6%; P = .9) and disease-free survival.

Conclusion

There is a persisting significant improvement of pre- versus postoperative CRT on local control; however, there was no effect on overall survival. Integrating more effective systemic treatment into the multimodal therapy has been adopted in the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 trial to possibly reduce distant metastases and improve survival.
Mild Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Augments the Proinflammatory Effect of IL-1β in Pancreatic Rat β-Cells via the IRE1α/XBP1s Pathway
Authors: Miani Michela , Colli Maikel L. , Ladrière Laurence , Cnop Miriam , Eizirik Decio L.
Published: April 2012

The prevalence of obesity and type 1 diabetes in children is increasing worldwide. Insulin resistance and augmented circulating free fatty acids associated with obesity may cause pancreatic β-cell endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We tested the hypothesis that mild ER stress predisposes β-cells to an exacerbated inflammatory response when exposed to IL-1β or TNF-α, cytokines that contribute to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. INS-1E cells or primary rat β-cells were exposed to a low dose of the ER stressor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) or free fatty acids, followed by low-dose IL-1β or TNF-α. ER stress signaling was inhibited by small interfering RNA. Cells were evaluated for proinflammatory gene expression by RT-PCR and ELISA, gene reporter activity, p65 activation by immunofluorescence, and apoptosis. CPA pretreatment enhanced IL-1β- induced, but not TNF-α-induced, expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and Fas via augmented nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation. X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1, but not CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein, knockdown prevented the CPA-induced exacerbation of NF-κB-dependent genes and decreased IL-1β-induced NF-κB promoter activity. XBP1 modulated NF-κB activity via forkhead box O1 inhibition. In conclusion, rat β-cells facing mild ER stress are sensitized to IL-1β, generating a more intense and protracted inflammatory response through inositol-requiring enzyme 1/XBP1 activation. These observations link β-cell ER stress to the triggering of exacerbated local inflammation.
Labour outcomes in siblings with channelopathy associated insensitivity to pain due to bi-alleleic SCN9A mutations
Authors: Haestier A , Hamilton S , Chilvers R J
Published: April 2012

The gene SCN9A encodes for the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7, which is highly expressed in pain sensing neurons. Bi-allelic ‘loss of function’ mutations result in a channelopathy associated with insensitivity to pain and anosmia. This is the first report of the labour and postpartum outcomes of two sisters who belong to a non-consanguineous Caucasian family with homozygous SCN9A mutations. Neither sister experienced pain during labour; this had major implications for the staff titrating the syntocinon for labour augmentation and contributed towards their ultimate delivery by caesarean section. During the postpartum period, one of the sisters developed lower limb sensory loss and investigations revealed a spinal haematoma and unrecognized bilateral pelvic fractures. The other sister had an uneventful recovery and both babies are well. These case histories underline the importance of pain in labour management and its function in alerting patients and staff to problems during the puerperium.
Recurrent pulmonary embolism secondary to popliteal vein aneurysm with intraluminal wall ulcer
Authors: Dallatana R , Barbetta I , Settembrini A , Casazza F , Boeri R , Carmo M , Mazzaccaro D , Settembrini P G
Published: April 2012

The popliteal vein is the most frequent site of venous aneurysm. Surgical treatment is indicated above a 2.5 cm diameter to prevent complications, notably deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE). Here we report a case of recurrent episodes of severe PE, leading to cardio-circulatory shock caused by a popliteal vein aneurysm (PVA) despite oral anticoagulant therapy. When surgical correction of the aneurysm was performed, we found an ulcerative lesion in the inner aspect of the vein that was acting as a ‘thrombogenic focus’ inside the aneurysm. An accurate inspection of the intimal wall is always important during surgery of PVA, particularly when tangential resection is performed.