bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Transplantation: Surgical Aspects
Authors: Vilmanis Jânis , Ozoliņš Arturs , Gardovskis Jânis
Published: June 2013

Liver transplantation (LT) is now a well-accepted treatment method for end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure. It is also one of the most expensive treatments. With the advances in technical skills, management of postoperative complications and improvements in immunosuppressive drugs, liver transplantation is the standard treatment for many patients with chronic liver disease. For patients who successfully undergo LT, the probability of long-term graft and recipient survival is generally excellent, with a high likelihood of return to a relatively normal lifestyle. Indications for LT have increased over the last few years and according to the European Liver Transplant Registry, 93 634 LT were performed in Europe till 2010. Until recently Latvia was the last country in Europe, where LT was not performed. This article will review current indications, contraindications, procedure of operation and postoperative care in LT as well as give a brief insight into the first liver transplantation done in Latvia.
Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Determination as a Donor Auxiliary Examination Method — First Results
Authors: Maļcevs Aleksandrs , Jušinskis Jānis , Truškovs Sergejs , Ševeļevs Viktors , Rozentāls Rafails
Published: June 2013

A growing lack of donor organs has caused extension of criteria for deceased donation. Therefore, elderly donors and donors with increased serum creatinine levels, as well as donors after cardiocirculatory death, have become used more frequently. The examination of such donors is strongly limited due to the lack of time, and the determination of the quality of donor organs is still based on clinical and laboratory screening data of donors. Implementation of new examination methods is required to determine the functional condition of donor organs more accurately, which would allow correct selection of donors. This retrospective study included all consecutive deceased donor (DD) kidney transplantations (KTx) performed in a single centre during the period from 1 January 2010 till 30 November 2011. The donor examination was supplemented by the urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (U-NGAL) test. Recipients were available for follow- up for at least 12 months (totally 97 KTx from 63 DD). All cases were divided into four groups according to U-NGAL and serum creatinine (S-Crea) levels in donors: group I - normal U-NGAL and S-Crea (n = 70); group II - elevated U-NGAL and S-Crea (n = 10); group III - elevated U-NGAL and normal S-Crea (n = 9); group IV - normal U-NGAL and elevated S-Crea (n = 8). Information about rates of delayed graft function (DGF) and immediate graft function (IGF), acute rejection (AR), recipient S-Crea levels during the first post-transplant year for functioning grafts, graft losses and recipient deaths were summarised. Donor urine NGAL level showed moderate correlation with donor S-creatinie level (r = 0.543, P < 0.001). DGF was observed in 20 recipients (21%) and demonstrated association with increased donor S-creatinine (0.135 ± 0.061 vs. 0.108 ± 0.04 mmol/l in IGF, p < 0.05). Combination of increased donor S-Crea and U-NGAL (group II) was associated with worse graft function during the first year after transplantation. Recipients in group III had increased S-Crea at the time of discharge from hospital and at one year after transplantation. One-year death censored graft survival and recipient survival was similar in all groups (P = NS). Determination of U-NGAL can be used as a donor auxiliary examination method for determination of the kidney graft functional condition and for prediction of post-transplant results. The study needs to be continued with a higher number of observations and longer post-transplant follow-up.
Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Among Patients After Kidney Transplantation in Latvia
Authors: Ādamsone Ināra , Folkmane Inese , Amerika Diāna , Rozentāls Rafails
Published: June 2013

Nutritional Vitamin D deficiency is an increasingly recognised condition in chronic kidney disease patients and in patients after kidney transplantation. The main goal of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the cohort of kidney grafted patients in Latvia and to determine the relationships between vitamin D level and kidney graft function, time since transplantation, gender, use of particular immunosuppressive medications, and some biochemical parameters. We measured the 25(OH)D serum level in 165 patients. Mean age of patients was 49.7 years (range: 11-80). Median time after transplantation was 6.5 years (range 0.8-16.4 years). Mean 25(OH)D level for all cohort was 22.71 ± 7.06 ng/mL; only 30/165 (18%) of patients were vitamin D sufficient. 71/165 (43%) patients showed insufficient 25(OH)D level, 62/165 (38%) patients were mildly vitamin D deficient, and 2/165 (1%) were severely vitamin D deficient. Serum creatinine level was negatively correlated with 25(OH)D (r = -0.21; P < 0.01). We also observed an inverse correlation between iPTH and 25(OH) D (r = -0.35, P < 0.0001) and between total alkaline phosphatase and 25(OH) D (r = -0.20, P < 0.01). This study confirmed the almost universal prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among kidney graft recipients and emphasized importance of regular evaluation and proper supplementation of Vitamin D in this population.
Impact of Subclinical Acute Rejection on Renal Graft Function: Results of Three-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Suhorukovs Vadims , Tihomirova Tatjana
Published: June 2013

Notwithstanding that in the last years the immediate results of kidney transplantation have been improved, there has been no adequate improvement of long-term results. Therefore, more attention is being paid to the so-called subclinical rejections of renal grafts, detected by protocol biopsies, as a possible factor affecting renal function in late period. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of subclinical rejections and their impact on further renal graft function. Within the frame of the study 40 protocol biopsies were performed in 26 patients with immediate and stable renal graft function. In 17 (65.4%) of them a subclinical rejection of IA-IIA degree was detected. In nine patients with subclinical rejection, treatment with steroids was applied, while eight recipients did not receive any additional therapy. In follow-up, in a period of three years there was no statistically significant difference in blood creatinine level, glomerular filtration rate, number of clinical rejections during the monitoring period, and three-year survival of the transplanted kidney in patients, regardless of where the treatment of subclinical rejection was applied. The results of our study did not indicate any impact of subclinical rejection on renal graft function in the late post-operation period.
Development of the Organ Transplant Service in Latvia: A Review
Authors: Rozentāls Rafails , Bicāns Jānis , Truškovs Sergejs , Jušinskis Jānis , Ševeļovs Viktors , Nikolajenko Anita
Published: June 2013

Jau pagājuši 40 gadi kopš pirmās nieres transplantācijas Latvijā, un pa šo laiku šajā jomā ir uzkrāta liela pieredze. Eiropā Latvija ieņem stabilu pozīciju nieru transplantācijā. Tomēr turpmāka transplantācijas attīstība Latvijā prasa transplantācijas centra restrukturizāciju.
Education for Sustainable Development: Experiences from Action Research with Science Teachers
Authors: Kostoulas-Makrakis Nelly , Makrakis Vassilios
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we look at the University of Crete experience to integrate the concept of sustainable development across all its operations. Through a review of current sustainability practices of universities worldwide, this paper has identified a number of principles for developing a sustainable university. These principles are then used as a framework for analysing the sustainable initiatives being implemented at the University of Crete in the context of the Reorient University Curricula to Address Sustainability (RUCAS) project - an EU-Tempus initiative. This effort has been backed-up by two research studies, which indicate the urgent need for institutionalising sustainability across all university functions.
Education for Sustainable Development: Experiences from Action Research with Science Teachers
Authors: El-Deghaidy Heba
Published: June 2013

This study reports on Egyptian science teachers’ experiences in collective action research projects with a focus on education for sustainable development (ESD). Science teachers were enrolled in a study course “Teaching Strategies” that had been revised with a focus on sustainability. The course was introduced in the spring semester of the academic year 2011/2012. Throughout the course, 29 teachers worked in groups to develop projects that promote sustainable development through classroom teaching practices that encourage involvement with local communities around school premises. The framework that guided the study was based on experiential, constructivist and transformative learning theories known collectively as ‘ExConTra’. A mixed methods methodology was used where teachers’ responses to three open-ended reflective questions produced qualitative data that were analysed by identifying themes and patterns. The author developed two quantitative instruments: a Concept Mapping Rubric and a Sustainable Development Questionnaire. The former was to probe the cognitive organisation participants had in relation to the concept of sustainable development before and after developing the action research projects. The latter instrument was used to identify participants’ attitudes towards teaching for ESD and their knowledge of classroom pedagogical practices. Statistical data analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences indicates that teachers in their post-tests had developed: better cognitive organisation for the concept of sustainable development; positive attitudes towards teaching for sustainable development and ESD classroom teaching practices. Involvement in the action research projects where teachers were experiencing, reflecting, conceptualising, constructing, acting and transforming within the context of ESD may be responsible for these results where there are promises to help achieve successful implementation to include ESD in science education.
Education for Sustainable Development at Notre Dame University – Louaize: Environmental Science Curriculum – a Pre-Phase to the Rucas Project on Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Khalaf-Kairouz Layla
Published: June 2013

The Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences at Notre Dame University - Louaize, conscious to the need of experts in the emerging field of sustainability and to the role that an educational institution plays for the service of the community, introduced into the university curricula a major in environmental science. This paper will present the programme’s components, goals and implementation. The curriculum encompasses natural, social and managerial sciences, given the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science. Topical courses on water, soil and air pollution, environmental impact assessment and environmental ethics were designed, which integrate theory and practice. The graduates are prepared for managerial, communication and, most importantly, ethical competences to be able to implement best practices in environmental protection and play an active role in the community, especially the public, private, industrial and educational domains. At an inter-faculty level, the programme was successful in offering general education requirements courses on environment, sustainability and ethics, which helped in raising sustainability awareness among the students’ population and strengthened the inter-faculty community relationships. To the present, the main focus of the programme was on education and preparation of graduates for the job market. Research, community outreach and campus sustainability practices need to be further addressed. Therefore, primary efforts should be exerted to improve the outcomes at these domains, especially that the university now joined the international educational programme: RUCAS - Tempus project, which emphasises development and improvements at all the institution sectors.
Two Bronze Medals for Switzerland at the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad Held in Washington DC, USA
Authors: Wicky Basile I. M. , Keller Sebastian , Ludwig Peter , Vaucher Alain
Published: June 2013

A team of four high school students from all over Switzerland represented their country at the 44th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in July 2012 in Washington D.C., USA. The exceptional performances of Thanh Phong Lê and Nina Gämperli in both practical
and theoretical chemistry were rewarded by two bronze medals, reflecting their efforts during the year-long preparation prior to the competition.
Assessment of End Zone Cracking in Precast Prestressed NU Girders in Bridges
Authors: Habel Katrin , Alexander John , Ramsay Bob , Quinton Reg
Published: June 2013

NU girders, a type of precast prestressed concrete girder with I-shaped cross-section, have been widely used in Alberta, Canada, since 2001. Cracks in the end zones after fabrication are usually between 0,1 mm to 0,5 mm wide and may pose a risk to serviceability, durability and/or load carrying capacity of the girders. Condition inspection guidelines for bridges led to very low ratings (i.e. girder rated as poor) of new girders due to these end zone cracks.

The objectives of this study were to assess the amount and pattern of end zone cracking through inspections of selected in-service NU girder bridges, to analytically and numerically assess potential risks of cracks and to develop guidelines for condition inspection for these girders. The inspection program included detailed visual inspections of the end zones of 21 bridges with various NU girder simple span and continuous bridge configurations. Analyses were carried out to evaluate the impact of cracks on the shear capacity in the girder end zones and in the bearing zones with respect to serviceability and structural safety such as end zone bearing and shear. Crack widths were also evaluated with respect to durability.

The results show that most cracks in the girder end zones likely formed during fabrication and construction. The cracks typically remain hairline (0,1 mm or less) under service conditions and do not pose safety concerns. Narrow cracks (0,2 mm to 0,5 mm) usually do not reduce the load carrying capacity and serviceability of the girders, but could affect long-term durability. Condition inspection guidelines were proposed for adoption to NU girders. These included guidelines to identify cracks that have the potential to affect the load carrying capacity of the girders.
Numerical Modelling of Degradation of Reinforced Concrete Structures Exposed to Cracking and Chlorides
Authors: Ožbolt Jośko , Kušter Marija , Balabanić Gojko , Oršanić Filip
Published: June 2013

The paper provides a brief overview of recently developed fully coupled 3D chemo-hygro-thermo- mechanical model for simulation of chloride induced corrosion, before and after depassivation of steel as well as its consequences on degradation of reinforced concrete structures. The applications of the model are illustrated on three numerical examples. The aim of the first numerical example is to demonstrate the influence of cracks in concrete on transport processes and on depassivation time. In the second and the third numerical examples processes after depasivation of reinforcement are analyzed in order to study the influence of concrete quality, water saturation and cracks in concrete on corrosion current density of a macro cell; influence of rust transport into the concrete cracks and pores on damages in concrete as well as influence of corrosion on bond resistance. The numerical results are in good agreement with the available experimental observations, what leads to the conclusion that the model is able to realistically predict corrosion of reinforcement in concrete.
Concrete bridge deck slabs strengthened with UHPFRC
Authors: Bastien-Masse Maléna , Brühwiler Eugen
Published: June 2013

An original concept is presented for the durable rehabilitation of concrete bridge deck slabs. The main idea is to add a layer of Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) with steel reinforcing bars over the concrete slab to create a composite section. The layer of UHPFRC is waterproof and protects the reinforced concrete against severe environmental influences. It also strengthens the structural element for high traffic loads. Experimental studies on composite beams in a cantilever setup were carried out to identify the different failure modes and the contribution of the UHPFRC layer to the resistance. Analytical models were then developed to calculate the resistance of composite beams. The concept has been validated by field applications demonstrating that the technology of UHPFRC is mature for cast in-situ.
Translation of Arrabal's Text
Authors: Riese Laure
Published: June 2013

WHETHER IN CARACAS, Tokyo, New York or Moscow, the theatre is in the throes of transformation. In the past few months, I have travelled all over the world to see my plays in production, and everywhere I have encountered the same renaissance of the stage: crises are everywhere, it seems, except in the theatre.
Humanities
Authors: Watt  , Endicott  , Grant Douglas
Published: June 2013

Reviews of books on the humanities published in Canada in 1958.
Surgical treatment of hypothalamic hamartoma causing central precocious puberty: long-term follow-up
Authors: Li Chun-de , Luo Shi-qi , Gong Jian , Ma Zhen-yu , Jia Ge , Zhang Yu-qi , Li Jie-fei
Published: June 2013

Hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is a rare condition that often manifests as central precocious puberty (CPP). There is a lack of information available concerning the long-term effectiveness of surgery for the treatment of CPP due to HH. Here the authors describe 3 cases of CPP due to HH, with a follow-up ranging from 9 to 11 years after surgery. Three girls experienced breast growth and menses at 5–18 months of age and 5–36 months of age, respectively. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 6.5 mIU/ml, 4.8–5.9 mIU/ml, and 47.9–133.0 pg/ml, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed that CPP was caused by HH. Lesions were resected using a right pterional approach. After surgery, endocrine hormone concentrations were normalized, breasts shrunk, and menses ceased in each patient. Moreover, all of them subsequently developed normally and experienced age-appropriate onset of puberty. Each patient's height and weight were normal at the most recent follow-up (9–11 years after surgery), and none had experienced learning difficulties. Central precocious puberty due to HH can be successfully treated with resection. In the 3 cases presented, this approach was associated with both short- and long-term efficacy.
Contralateral L-6 nerve root transfer to repair lumbosacral plexus root avulsion: experimental study in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Lin Haodong , Chen Aimin , Hou Chunlin
Published: June 2013

Object

Nerve transfer is used for brachial plexus injuries but has rarely been applied to repairs in the lower extremities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using the contralateral L-6 nerve root to repair lumbosacral plexus root avulsions.

Methods

Eighteen rhesus monkeys were randomized into 3 groups. In the experimental group, the left L4–7 and S-1 nerve roots were avulsed and the right L-6 nerve root was transferred to the left inferior gluteal nerve and the sciatic nerve branch innervating the hamstrings. In the control group, the left L4–7 and S-1 nerve roots were avulsed and nerve transfer was not performed. In the sham operation group, the animals underwent a procedure that did not involve nerve avulsion and nerve transfer. Functional outcomes were measured by electrophysiological study, muscle mass investigation, and histological study.

Results

The mean amplitudes of the compound muscle action potentials from the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group but lower than those in the sham group (p < 0.05). The muscle mass and myofiber cross-sectional area of these muscles were heavier and larger than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The number of myelinated nerve fibers of the inferior gluteal nerve and the branch of the sciatic nerve innervating the hamstrings in the control group was significantly smaller than the number in the experimental and sham groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In this animal model, the contralateral L-6 (analogous to S-1 in humans) nerve root can be used to repair lumbosacral plexus root avulsion.
Risk to the vertebral artery during C-2 translaminar screw placement: a thin-cut computerized tomography angiogram–based morphometric analysis
Authors: Riesenburger Ron I. , Jones G. Alexander , Roguski Marie , Krishnaney Ajit A.
Published: June 2013

Object

The goal of this study was to characterize the anatomy relevant to placement of crossing C-2 translaminar screws, including morphometric data, and to evaluate the risk of violating the vertebral artery (VA) during the screw placement. Placement of bilateral crossing C-2 translaminar screws has become an increasingly popular method for dorsal C-2 instrumentation as it is felt to avoid the known risk of VA injury associated with C1–2 transarticular screw fixation and C-1 lateral mass–C-2 pars screw fixation.

Methods

The source images from 50 CT angiograms of the neck obtained from October to November 2007 were studied. Digital imaging software was used to measure lamina thickness and maximum screw length, perform angulation of screw trajectories in the axial plane, and evaluate the potential for VA injury. In cases where the VA could be injured, the distance between the maximal screw length and artery was measured. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate lamina width, axial angle, and screw length for predicting the potential for VA injury.

Results

Mean lamina thickness, axial angle, and maximal screw length were determined for 100 laminae, and a potential for VA injury was noted in 55 laminae. The anatomically defined ideal screw length was longer in laminae with potential for VA injury than in laminae with no apparent risk (35.2 vs 33.6 mm, p = 0.0131). Only increasing optimal screw length was noted to be a statistically significant predictor of potential VA injury (p = 0.0159). The “buffer zone” (the distance between an optimally placed screw and the VA) was 5.6 ± 1.9 mm (mean ± SD, range 1.8–11.4 mm). A screw limited to 28 mm in length appeared to be safe in all laminae studied.

Conclusions

Crossing C-2 translaminar screws have been reported to be safe and effective. In addition to morphometric characteristics, the authors have found that screws placed in this trajectory could jeopardize the vertebral arteries in the foramen transversarium or the C1–2 interval. A C-2 translaminar screw limited to 28 mm in length appeared to be safe in all 100 screw trajectories studied in this series.
The Effects of Caffeinated “Energy Shots” on Time Trial Performance
Authors: Schubert Matthew , Astorino Todd , Jr. John
Published: June 2013

An emerging trend in sports nutrition is the consumption of energy drinks and “energy shots”. Energy shots may prove to be a viable pre-competition supplement for runners. Six male runners (mean ± SD age and VO2max: 22.5 ± 1.8 years and 69.1 ± 5.7 mL·kg−1·min−1) completed three trials [placebo (PLA; 0 mg caffeine), Guayakí Yerba Maté Organic Energy Shot™ (YM; 140 mg caffeine), or Red Bull Energy Shot™ (RB; 80 mg caffeine)]. Treatments were ingested following a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design. Participants ran a five kilometer time trial on a treadmill. No differences (p > 0.05) in performance were detected with RB (17.55 ± 1.01 min) or YM ingestion (17.86 ± 1.59 min) compared to placebo (17.44 ± 1.25 min). Overall, energy shot ingestion did not improve time-trial running performance in trained runners.
The Capacity to Endure: Following Nature’s Lead
Authors: Fogarty Frank , Villamagna Amy , Whitley Allen , Pippins Kelly
Published: June 2013

Many businesses today are striving to improve their environmental sustainability for a variety of reasons, ranging from consumer demand for “greener” products to potential cost-savings. For many business decision-makers who lack formal environmental training, the process of identifying facets of their organization that can be improved is unclear and challenging. Inspired by the fields of biomimicry, industrial ecology and organizational ecology, this paper draws on the inherent capacity to endure (CTE) of the natural world and recognizes that ecosystem function can be used as a technical advisor to guide business sustainability. We identified major attributes of ecosystems that both contribute to their CTE and can be easily translated into applications for the business world. Each of these attributes (fitness, functional redundancy, keystone species, waste and efficiency) and their applications are discussed at length. While further work is needed to evaluate their effectiveness and appropriateness for individual firms, we hope they can serve as a starting point for businesses seeking to improve their environmental sustainability.
Influence of Naturally Occurring Simian Foamy Viruses (SFVs) on SIV Disease Progression in the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) Model
Authors: Choudhary Anil , Galvin Teresa , Williams Dhanya , Beren Joel , Bryant Mark , Khan Arifa
Published: June 2013

We have investigated the influence of naturally occurring simian foamy viruses (SFVs) on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection and disease in Indian rhesus macaques. Animals were divided into two groups based upon presence or absence of SFV; in each group, eight monkeys were injected with SIVmac239 virus obtained from a molecular clone and four were injected with medium. Blood was collected every two weeks for evaluation of SIV infection based upon T cell-subsets, plasma viral load, development and persistence of virus-specific antibodies, and clinical changes by physical examination and hematology. Comparative analysis of SFV+/SIV+ and SFV−/SIV+ monkey groups indicated statistically significant differences in the plasma viral load between 6–28 weeks, particularly after reaching plateau at 20–28 weeks, in the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell numbers over the entire study period (2–43 weeks), and in the survival rates evaluated at 49 weeks. There was an increase in the plasma viral load, a decreasing trend in the CD4+ T cells, and a greater number of animal deaths in the SFV+/SIV+ group. The results, although based upon a small number of animals, indicated that pre-existing SFV infection can influence SIV infection and disease outcome in the rhesus macaque model. The study highlights consideration of the SFV status in evaluating results from SIV pathogenesis and vaccine challenge studies in monkeys and indicates the potential use of the SFV/SIV monkey model to study the dynamics of SFV and HIV-1 dual infections, recently reported in humans.
An Association between Adiposity and Serum Levels of Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α and Soluble Cd14 in HIV-Infected Adults: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Koethe John R , Bian Aihua , Shintani Ayumi K , Wester C William , Erdem Husamettin , Hulgan Todd
Published: June 2013

Background

Greater adipose tissue is associated with increased circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but the relationship between adiposity and other inflammation biomarkers is not well-characterized.

Methods

We measured total and regional adipose tissue deposits using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptor 1 and 2, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), macrophage chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), soluble CD14 and hsCRP in a cohort of adults on long-term ART. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, CD4+ T-cell count, smoking status, protease-inhibitor-use and daily use of either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin.

Results

The majority (77%) of the 85 study participants were male, median CD4+ T-cell count was 500 cells/ml (IQR 315-734) and median BMI was 25.1 kg/m2 (IQR 22.7-28.1). DXA measurements of total fat mass were positively associated with serum hsCRP (β =1.82, P<0.01) and MIP-1α (β =1.36, P <0.01), but negatively associated with soluble CD14 (β =0.90, P<0.01). Results were similar for trunk fat, limb fat and serum leptin level. The positive relationship between DXA measurements and TNF-α receptor 1 approached significance ( P≤0.07 for all). There was no consistent relationship between adiposity and serum IL-6, TNF-α receptor 2 or MCP-1 levels.

Conclusions

Total and regional adiposity was associated with serum hsCRP, but not other inflammatory cytokines shown to predict morbidity and mortality in treated HIV. Greater adiposity is associated with higher MIP-1α and lower soluble CD14 levels, possibly reflecting an important role for cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage.
L'organisation des musiciens dans la Grande-Bretagne du XIX e siècle : vers une nouvelle définition de la profession
Authors: David-Guillou Angèle
Published: June 2013

De la tutelle aristocratique, qui protège et régule la profession musicienne et son répertoire jusqu’à la fin du XVIII e  siècle en Grande-Bretagne, émerge, en moins de cent ans, une industrie de la musique à grande échelle qui repose sur le concert et son profit. Afin de faire face à cette évolution, les musiciens britanniques s’organisent et tentent d’agir ensemble. D’un côté, la variété des nouveaux intermédiaires collectifs qu’ils forment est caractéristique du mouvement ouvrier en général. De l’autre, elle reflète les spécificités d’un milieu professionnel extrêmement divisé. En outre, il ne s’agit pas seulement de protéger un statut ou de défendre des droits, mais plus fondamentalement de formuler une définition du travail musical et, pour certaines associations, d’unir la profession. L’étude de ces organisations professionnelles offre un regard inédit sur les changements auxquels les musiciens britanniques sont confrontés au XIX e  siècle et met en évidence les différents discours et questionnements de ceux-ci quant aux effets de l’industrialisation de la musique sur la nature de leur activité professionnelle. Cette analyse illustre aussi comment l’action collective peut aboutir à l’élaboration d’une autonomie professionnelle.
Le Syndicat national des entreprises artistiques et culturelles (SYNDEAC), miroir et moteur des transformations de l'univers théâtral
Authors: Glas Marjorie
Published: June 2013

Cet article propose de s’intéresser à la genèse et à l’évolution de ce qui est devenu le principal syndicat d’employeurs du spectacle vivant, le SYNDEAC (syndicat national des entreprises artistiques et culturelles). Fondé en 1971 par les directeurs de théâtres publics, il se constitue comme interlocuteur patronal des syndicats de personnels et revendique son indépendance vis-à-vis des pouvoirs publics. L’évolution du SYNDEAC et de ses présidents est un miroir pertinent des transformations qui ont émaillé le champ théâtral ces quarante dernières années et qui ont vu, malgré l’opposition des compagnies indépendantes, la monopolisation du pouvoir par les directeurs d’établissement, corroborant la montée en puissance des figures du metteur en scène et du programmateur dans le théâtre public français. Le SYNDEAC, à travers ses membres, représente largement cette domination et contribue à l’asseoir en devenant un intermédiaire privilégié entre État et directeurs de théâtre, tandis que ses liens avec les syndicats de personnel se détériorent. Interlocuteur influent, ayant prise sur la construction des politiques publiques comme des conventions collectives, le SYNDEAC contribue également à consolider la différenciation de la fonction de directeur ainsi que les dispositifs de hiérarchisation et de consécration des acteurs du champ théâtral.
Représenter les commissaires d'exposition d'art contemporain en France : une intermédiation collective impossible ?
Authors: Jeanpierre Laurent , Mayaud Isabelle , Sofio Séverine
Published: June 2013

On estime généralement que la représentation collective pose de nombreux problèmes dans les métiers de la culture pour les raisons suivantes : individualisation du travail et des carrières, précarité de l’emploi, faible syndicalisation et forte différenciation des métiers. Nous avons éprouvé ce constat en étudiant une association créée en 2007 visant à défendre les intérêts des commissaires d’exposition d’art contemporain en France. Notre enquête se fonde sur des archives de l’association, l’observation de ses assemblées générales et sur les résultats d’une enquête sociologique récente sur l’activité de commissaire d’exposition dans le monde de l’art contemporain français. Développée au cours de ces trente dernières années en France, cette activité est aujourd’hui peu formalisée et particulièrement dynamique. Le nombre de personnes concernées a pu être évalué à quasiment un millier, dont une majorité sont des travailleurs indépendants ne vivant pas, ou très difficilement, de cette activité. Nous nous interrogeons ici sur les conditions sociales et politiques de naissance de l’association étudiée et sur les obstacles qu’elle rencontre pour se développer, en particulier au sein de la population des commissaires d’exposition. Il ressort de cette étude de cas que, plutôt que des facteurs sociaux génériques censés entraver l’action et la représentation collective dans les métiers de la culture, deux facteurs doivent être pris en compte pour expliquer ces difficultés : l’écart entre les propriétés sociales des candidats à la fonction de porte-parole et celles de leurs représentés potentiels ; le rôle de l’État, qui n’est pas toujours en mesure d’investir dans la durée les ressources nécessaires à l’autonomie des représentants dont il a pourtant favorisé l’émergence, comme dans le cas de l’association étudiée.
Question urbaine et droit à la ville
Authors: Busquet Grégory
Published: June 2013

« La question urbaine » et « le droit à la ville », mots d’ordre du marxisme urbain, ont marqué les décennies 1960 et 1970, sans aboutir toutefois aux espérances dont ils étaient porteurs. Les luttes urbaines en ont usité sans jamais vraiment parvenir à mêler, ce qui était pourtant leur raison d’être, critique globale du capitalisme et revendications spécifiquement urbaines. Aujourd’hui, la réémergence de ces slogans au sein du mouvement social mondialisé et celle de la critique urbaine radicale posent sous un jour nouveau, et avec de nouvelles espérances, cette question du rapport entre changement urbain et changement social.
Functional Outcomes Following Locking Plate Fixation of Complex Proximal Humeral Fractures
Authors: Ye Tingjun , Wang Lei , Zhuang Chengyu , Wang Yazi , Zhang Weibin , Qiu Shijing
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of patients with complex proximal humeral fractures fixated by locking plate technology. Eighty-nine patients (27 men, 62 women) older than 50 years with 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures were treated using locking plate fixation and followed up for more than 1 year. Functional outcomes were assessed by using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Constant scores, and the complications were evaluated through physical and radiographic examinations. Mean DASH and Constant scores for all 89 patients were 19.6 and 66.6 points, respectively. No significant differences existed in the 2 scores between patients with 3- and 4-part fractures. Of the 71 patients without complications, 68 had an excellent functional outcome according to the DASH score, whereas 2 patients had an excellent outcome on the Constant score. For the 18 patients with complications, the functional outcomes were significantly poorer compared with patients without complications. According to the Constant score, all patients with complications were classified into a moderate or poor functional outcome, but the rate was 12% with the DASH score. In patients with 3- and 4-part proximal humeral fractures fixed with locking plate fixation, complications were the major cause of compromised functional outcomes. Based on these results, different conclusions would be reached when the functional outcome was assessed by using the DASH and Constant scores separately. Because the clinician-based Constant score may bias the results, patient-based assessments, such as the DASH score, are required for the evaluation of functional outcome after shoulder surgery.
Health Care Subsidy and Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Asians
Authors: bin Abd Razak Hamid Rahmatullah , Xiang Toh Rui , Chi Chong Hwei , Andrew Tan Hwee Chye
Published: June 2013

Singapore has a nonmodified universal health care system in which the government ensures affordable health care in the public health system, largely through a system of compulsory savings, subsidies, and price controls. Patients seeking treatment via the public health system may also choose for nonsubsidized options, with the benefits of being able to choose a surgeon, better privacy, and shorter time to surgery. To the authors’ knowledge, few studies have reported the effect of health care subsidies on total knee arthroplasty outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess whether patients receiving a health care subsidy had good outcomes or fared worse than their paying counterparts after undergoing conventional total knee arthroplasty.

The authors retrospectively reviewed 369 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty between 2006 and 2010. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: nonsubsidized (n=95) and subsidized patients (n=274). Outcome measures, such as range of motion, function score, knee score, Oxford Knee Questionnaire, and the Short Form 36 questionnaire, were compared between the groups at 6-month and 2-year follow-up. Subsidized patients had good postoperative outcomes, and no significance differences existed in outcome scores and range of motion between the 2 groups at 6-month and 2-year follow-up except in the mean function score, where patients in the nonsubsidized group did better (
P
=.019). Subsidized patients had good outcomes and did not fare worse than nonsubsidized patients after conventional total knee arthroplasty, except for their knee function score.
Partial Articular-sided Rotator Cuff Tears: In Situ Repair Versus Tear Completion Prior to Repair
Authors: Sethi Paul M. , Rajaram Arun , Obopilwe Elifho , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: June 2013

Uncertainty exists over the ideal surgical treatment method for partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears, with options ranging from debridement to in situ repair to tear completion prior to repair. The purpose of this study was to determine whether in situ repair was a viable biomechanical treatment option compared with tear completion prior to repair of partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears.

Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were dissected. Partial articular-sided tears were created and repaired using in situ repair or tear completion prior to the repair. Strain and displacement were measured at 45°, 60°, and 90° of glenohumeral abduction. Testing was performed with a load of 100 N applied for 30 cycles. Data from the biomechanical testing displayed 4 conditions that showed improved characteristics of in situ repair over completion and repair: bursal-sided strain anteriorly at 45°, bursal-sided strain anteriorly at 90°, bursal-sided displacement anteriorly at 45°, and bursal-sided displacement anteriorly at 90°.

The data indicate that in situ repair is a viable biomechanical treatment option compared with tear completion prior to repair of partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears. When clinically appropriate, the in situ repair may offer some biomechanical advantages, with lower strain and displacement observed on the bursal side compared with tear completion prior to repair.
Intrafocal Pinning for Distal Radius Metaphyseal Fractures in Children
Authors: Parikh Shital N. , Jain Viral V. , Youngquist Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this retrospective case control study was to evaluate the results of intrafocal pinning for distal radius metaphyseal fractures in children and to compare these results with conventional pinning. Data were collected from medical records and radiographs from patients who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for distal radius fracture in a Level I trauma center at the authors’ institution between 2008 and 2010. Inclusion criteria included a dorsally angulated metaphyseal fracture without physeal involvement, an open distal radius physis, and a follow-up to radiographic union.

A total of 10 patients with intrafocal pinning were compared to 26 patients with conventional pinning. Preoperatively, angulation was greater in patients who received intrafocal pinning than conventional pinning based on anteroposterior radiographs. Postoperatively, the 2 groups did not differ in angulation on either anteroposterior or lateral radiographs. One malunion and 2 pin-related complications occurred in the conventional pinning group, and 1 pin-related complication occurred in the intrafocal pinning group. The 2 groups did not differ by age, sex, side of injury, days to surgery, or initial shortening.

This study affirms that the intrafocal pinning technique is an alternative to the conventional pinning technique for the stabilization of displaced metaphyseal distal radius fractures in children. Intrafocal pinning can also be used as a reduction tool for fractures that cannot be reduced by closed manipulation. The complications are comparable between the 2 techniques.
Tantalum Rod Implantation and Vascularized Iliac Grafting for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Zhao DeWei , Zhang Yao , Wang Weiming , Liu YuPeng , Li ZhiGang , Wang BenJie , Yu XiaoBing
Published: June 2013

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a progressive disease. Without operative intervention, it most often results in collapse and deterioration of the joint. Many joint-preserving surgeries have been implemented, but no uniform treatment exists. The authors report a modified technique of tantalum rod implantation combined with vascularized iliac grafting for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Fifty-two patients (56 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Association Research Circulation Osseous classification stage II–IV) treated with this technique were retrospectively reviewed. The major steps of this technique included vascularized iliac graft harvested, necrotic lesion excised, and combined interventions implantation. All patients were followed for a mean of 60 months. Seven hips had to be converted to a total hip arthroplasty. The 5-year joint-preserving success rate of entire group was 87.5%, with 95% for Association Research Circulation Osseous stage II hips, 92% for Association Research Circulation Osseous stage III hips, and 63.6% for Association Research Circulation Osseous stage IV hips. The success rate was lower for stage IV hips compared with stage II and III hips. Mean Harris Hip score of the 49 hips improved significantly from 50 to 91 points. Forty-three (76.8%) of 56 hips remained stable on radiographs.

The technique of tantalum rod implantation combined with vascularized iliac grafting may be an effective joint-preserving method for the treatment of intermediate-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head. A larger group of patients that is compared with a control group is necessary to further research.
Correlation of Subjective and Objective Measures Before and After Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Harreld Kevin , Clark Rachel , Downes Katheryne , Virani Nazeem , Frankle Mark
Published: June 2013

The degree to which subjective patient-reported measures reflects objective findings or how well subjective and objective measures reflect patient satisfaction is not well established. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between such measures before and after shoulder arthroplasty. A group of 174 patients (93 total shoulder arthroplasty and 81 reverse shoulder arthroplasty) were prospectively evaluated pre- and postoperatively (mean follow-up, 49 months) with the following subjective measures: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Simple Shoulder Test, Short Form 36 (SF-36) summary scores, and patient satisfaction. Objective measures included Biodex isometric strength and videotaped range of motion. The objective measures were combined to derive 1 number representative of the overall shoulder function. All measures improved from their preoperative statuses except the SF-36 physical component summary in patients undergoing revision and the SF-36 mental component summary in patients undergoing primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty. A patient satisfaction score of 5 or more was seen in 89% of patients. Preoperatively, a significant (
P
<.05) correlation existed between the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and the Simple Shoulder Test (ρ=0.546), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and SF-36 physical component summary (ρ=0.407), and Simple Shoulder Test and SF-36 physical component summary (ρ=0.479). Objective measures had lower correlations (ρ<0.4) with subjective scores. Postoperatively, the correlation improved among all measures. Patient satisfaction correlated more with subjective than objective measures. Subjective measures had relatively low correlations with objective measures. Improvements in the current measures are necessary to provide evidence-based comparisons of the effectiveness of shoulder arthroplasty.
Patellar Dislocation With Genu Valgum Treated by DFO
Authors: Kwon Jae Ho , Kim Jong In , Seo Dong-Hyun , Kang Kyung-Woon , Nam Ji Ho , Nha Kyung-Wook
Published: June 2013

Congenital habitual patellar dislocation is a rare condition of the knee where the patella dislocates during flexion and relocates during extension. The congenital form is permanent, irreducible, and presents at birth. It is characterized by a short quadriceps and a major patellofemoral dysplasia and short height.

This article presents a rare case of a 27-year-old woman with recurring bilateral habitual dislocation of the patella after a failed previous proximal and distal realignment procedure. Clinical examinations of both knees revealed genu valgus knees and lateral joint pain that recurred after several previous operations.

Radiographs of both knees showed patellar dislocation and genu valgum associated with patellofemoral dysplasia and osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment. Long-leg standing radiographs showed an anatomic tibiofemoral angle of right 13° and left 6° valgus and a mechanical tibiofemoral angle of right 8° and left 2° valgus and weight-bearing line of 65% on the right and 48% on the left.

The authors performed a distal femoral closing wedging osteotomy to correct the valgus deformity, and then percutaneous lateral release and medial reefing were performed to stabilize the patellas of both knees simultaneously.