bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombinant activated factor VII safety and efficacy in the treatment of cranial haemorrhage in patients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors: an analysis of the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Research Society Registry (2004–2008)
Authors: NAKAR C. , COOPER D. L. , DiMICHELE D.
Published: February 2010

Summary.  Cranial haemorrhage (CH) is a potentially serious complication in patients with severe congenital haemophilia with inhibitors (CHwI). Treatment includes bypassing agents, such as recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa). To examine the US experience in treating CH with rFVIIa, a retrospective review of the Hemophilia and Thrombosis Research Society 2004–2008 database was conducted. Among 29 patients with CHwI, 56 of the reported haemorrhages met the study criteria. Of these, 75% were traumatic and 80% were extracranial (ECH). The majority (8/11, 73%) of intracranial haemorrhages (ICHs) developed spontaneously. Conversely, most ECHs (39/45, 87%) followed trauma. ICHs were treated with a median/mean of 23/58 rFVIIa infusions over a median/mean of 7/9 days while ECHs were treated with a median/mean of 1/3 infusions (P = 0.011) over a median/mean of 1/1 day. The median/mean initial rFVIIa doses for all CHs were 106/137 μg kg−1, and were similar for ICHs and ECHs. All ECHs were effectively controlled with rFVIIa; 44/45 bleeds were controlled  within 24 h, one bleed was successfully treated perioperatively, and 27 ECHs required only a single dose. Nine out of 11 ICHs were effectively treated with rFVIIa; six ICHs were controlled within 24 h, one within 72 h and in two cases haemostasis was achieved during the perioperative period. No serious treatment‐associated adverse events were reported. One patient died as a result of ICH despite the reported control of bleeding. In conclusion, standard dosing of rFVIIa was found to be safe and effective in treating CH with an efficacy rate of 100% for ECH and 82% for ICH.
Combining environmental gradients to explain and predict the structure of demersal fish distributions
Authors: Chatfield Brenton S. , Van Niel Kimberly P. , Kendrick Gary A. , Harvey Euan S.
Published: February 2010

Aim  Species distribution modelling was used to investigate relationships between benthic environmental variables and patterns of demersal fish species distributions using fish occurrence data collected from spatially sparse point sampling. Our goals were to determine: (1) the relative importance of different environmental variables, (2) whether accurate predictions can be developed from these models, and (3) how a comparison of the models against known species ecology can be used to assess model relevance and to provide further insights that could drive future studies of these species.

Location  The Recherche Archipelago, southern Western Australia.

Methods  Fish distribution data were collected using baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS): environmental characteristics (substrate type, macroalgal type and presence of sessile biota) were derived from the video footage; and water depth was measured with a depth sounder. Two species distribution modelling techniques were used to explore and quantify the contribution of environmental characteristics to distribution models of 10 temperate marine fish species.

Results  Substrate type (reef, sand, cobble) was the most influential variable, and water depth and macroalgal type influenced the probable occurrence of species even over the same substrate type. The probable occurrences of all but one fish species were predicted very successfully, with observed presences being predicted correctly with accuracies > 76%. These predictions were possible due to strong associations between these species and benthic features recorded in this study (substrate type, depth and macroalgal type).

Main conclusions  The results demonstrate that the combined influence of multiple environmental gradients must be considered to further develop our understanding of how the environment structures demersal fish distributions. The species distribution models not only agreed with the known ecology of the species examined in detail, but also provided more information on the strength of each environmental attribute and interactions between attributes. These interactions may have previously been misinterpreted as, for example, a depth‐driven response. Additional drivers of distribution that were previously not considered, such as the presence of macroalgae, were also found to have influence. This information thus provides a better description of a species’ niche, which is of value to both species management and conservation.
Large normal and reduced penetrance alleles in Huntington disease: instability in families and frequency at the laboratory, at the clinic and in the population
Authors: Sequeiros J , Ramos EM , Cerqueira J , Costa MC , Sousa A , Pinto‐Basto J , Alonso I
Published: February 2010

Sequeiros J, Ramos EM, Cerqueira J, Costa MC, Sousa A, Pinto‐Basto J, Alonso I. Large normal and reduced penetrance alleles in Huntington disease: instability in families and frequency at the laboratory, at the clinic and in the population.

Large normal (‘intermediate’) alleles may produce de novo expansions in Huntington disease; nevertheless, there is very little evidence about their population prevalence and impact in daily practice, and there are conflicting reports about the extent of their instability. We estimated the frequency of large normal alleles (27–35 CAGs) and of reduced penetrance alleles (36–39 CAGs), as well as the frequency of genotypes carrying them, in (i) a diagnostic laboratory, (ii) a genetic counselling clinic and (iii) the general population. Large normal alleles were present in 6% of a large control sample, 7% of consultands who took pre‐symptomatic testing and 7% of samples in the laboratory. Reduced penetrance alleles were found in 1 of 1772 control chromosomes (0.1% of individuals), 5% of 146 pre‐symptomatic testees and over 2% of 1214 diagnostic samples (350 families). All 16 alleles sized 27–32 CAGs seemed to be transmitted stably; alleles ≥ 36 repeats were unstable in five families. Seven small full penetrance alleles contracted into the reduced penetrance range, but none into the large normal range. Evidence showed that large normal alleles are relatively frequent and that those with reduced penetrance are not a rare event, either at the laboratory or the clinic. This reinforces the need to understand the genomic context of repeat instability in each family and population.
Identification of a novel locus for a USH3 like syndrome combined with congenital cataract
Authors: Dad S , Østergaard E , Thykjær T , Albrectsen A , Ravn K , Rosenberg T , Møller LB
Published: February 2010

Dad S, Østergaard E, Thykjær T, Albrectsen A, Ravn K, Rosenberg T, Møller LB. Identification of a novel locus for a USH3 like syndrome combined with congenital cataract.

Usher syndrome (USH) is the most common genetic disease that causes both deafness and blindness. USH is divided into three types, USH1, USH2 and USH3, depending on the age of onset, the course of the disease, and on the degree of vestibular dysfunction. By homozygosity mapping of a consanguineous Danish family of Dutch descent, we have identified a novel locus for a rare USH3‐like syndrome. The affected family members have a unique association of retinitis pigmentosa, progressive hearing impairment, vestibular dysfunction, and congenital cataract. The phenotype is similar, but not identical to that of USH3 patients, as congenital cataract has not been reported for USH3. By homozygosity mapping, we identified a 7.3 Mb locus on chromosome 15q22.2‐23 with a maximum multipoint LOD score of 2.0. The locus partially overlaps with the USH1 locus, USH1H, a novel unnamed USH2 locus, and the non‐syndromic deafness locus DFNB48.
A new classification system for primary lymphatic dysplasias based on phenotype
Authors: Connell F , Brice G , Jeffery S , Keeley V , Mortimer P , Mansour S
Published: February 2010

Connell F, Brice G, Jeffery S, Keeley V, Mortimer P, Mansour S. A new classification system for primary lymphatic dysplasias based on phenotype.

Traditional classification systems for lymphoedema are of limited use for the diagnosis of specific forms of primary lymphoedema. The understanding of primary lymphoedema has been impeded by confusing terminology and a tendency to simply divide patients into three categories based on the age of onset: lymphoedema congenita manifests at or shortly after birth, lymphoedema praecox is apparent before the age of 35 years and lymphoedema tarda manifests thereafter. The clinical presentation in the spectrum of primary lymphoedema disorders is very variable; the phenotypes of primary lymphoedema conditions vary in the age of onset, site of the oedema, inheritance patterns, associated features and genetic causes. Different inheritance patterns are recognised and there are numerous associated anomalies. Some subgroups, such as Milroy disease and Lymphoedema distichiasis, are well characterised, but others are not.

A new clinical classification for primary lymphoedema has been developed as a diagnostic algorithm. Its use is demonstrated on 333 probands referred to our lymphoedema clinic. Grouping patients by accurate phenotyping facilitates molecular investigations, understanding of inheritance patterns, and the natural history of different types of primary lymphoedema. Descriptions of the diagnostic categories, some of which have not been previously clearly defined as distinct clinical entities, are illustrated by clinical cases.
Mapping of quantitative trait loci/locus conferring resistance to foxtail mosaic virus in maize using the intermated B73 × Mo17 population
Authors: Ji Q. , Yang B. , Lee M. , Chen Y. , Lübberstedt T.
Published: February 2010

With 2 tables

Foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) has been reported to have a broad range of hosts, including millet, sorghum, barley, and maize. FoMV‐H93, a new strain of FoMV which was isolated from sorghum in 1993, was used to inoculate the Intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) syn4 population for quantitative trait loci/locus (QTL) analysis. The parents of the IBM population, B73 and Mo17, are susceptible and resistant, respectively, to this virus isolate. A panel of 94 recombinant inbred lines was used as the mapping population in our study. Eight different QTL responsible for resistance at three different stages on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 were detected. The QTL provide new resources in both maize and closely related crops such as sorghum for breeding resistant plants.
Male‐sterility systems in pigeonpea and their role in enhancing yield
Authors: Saxena K. B. , Sultana R. , Mallikarjuna N. , Saxena R. K. , Kumar R. V. , Sawargaonkar S. L. , Varshney R. K.
Published: February 2010

With 1 figure and 4 tables

Male‐sterility has been successfully used for enhancing yield in a number of cereal and vegetable crops. In food legumes, this technology could never be used either due to non‐availability of natural out‐crossing system, or an efficient male‐sterility system or both. Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a partially cross‐pollinated food legume and recent success in breeding a stable male‐sterility system has allowed breeders to exploit hybrid vigour for increasing yields. The cytoplasmic‐nuclear male‐sterility (CMS)‐based hybrids have recorded 28.4% yield superiority over local checks in farmers’ fields. This paper besides summarizing the reports of all the genetic and CMS systems, also discusses the prospects of utilizing these male‐sterility systems in commercial hybrid breeding programmes.
Effect of combined cold pretreatment and heat shock on microspore cultures in broccoli
Authors: Yuan S. X. , Liu Y. M. , Fang Z. Y. , Yang L. M. , Zhuang M. , Zhang Y. Y. , Sun P. T.
Published: February 2010

With 1 figure and 3 tables

Applied stress is often used to induce embryogenesis in microspore culture. Cold pretreatment has been used in cereal crops, Brassica napus and Brassica rapa microspore cultures, but seldom attempted in Brassica oleracea microspore culture. In this study, the effect of cold pretreatment (4°C) on embryogenesis in microspore culture and ploidy of regenerants resulting from those cultures was investigated in three broccoli cultivars ‘Green Elite’, ‘Green Star’ and ‘TI‐111’. Cold pretreatment for 1, 2 or 3 days was effective when applied alone using these three cultivars, but the frequency of embryos derived from microspores was low. The combination of cold pretreatment (4°C) for 1 or 2 days and heat shock (32.5°C) for 1 day significantly enhanced microspore embryogenesis efficiency, especially with ‘TI‐111’ for which it was increased by 63–72‐fold. In addition, the combined treatment resulted in higher diploid frequency of the regenerated population compared to traditional microspore culture protocol which typical only uses heat shock at 32.5°C for 1 day in broccoli.
Acquired facial palsy with hypertension secondary to Guillain–Barre syndrome
Authors: Smith Nicholas , Grattan‐Smith Padraic , Andrews P Ian , Kainer Gad
Published: February 2010

Most cases of facial nerve paresis are idiopathic (Bell's palsy). However, rare and potentially dangerous conditions may present in this manner. We report 2 children presenting with unilateral lower motor neuron facial nerve palsy and hypertension. A diagnosis of Guillain‐Barre syndrome was made in both; literature linking facial nerve palsy in childhood with hypertension and Guillain‐Barre syndrome is reviewed.
Clinical and pathological features of renal amyloidosis: An analysis of 32 patients in a single Chinese centre
Authors: QU ZHEN , ZHENG XIN , WANG SU‐XIA , AO JIE , ZHOU FU‐DE , CHEN MIN , LIU GANG
Published: February 2010

Aim:  To summarize the clinical and pathological features of renal amyloidosis in order to achieve early diagnosis.

Methods:  The clinical and pathological data of 32 patients with renal amyloidosis, diagnosed by renal biopsy in one renal centre, were retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemistry of amyloid A protein and immunoglobulin light chains was further performed on the renal specimens for further classification.

Results:  Twenty‐four out of the 32 patients (75%) were not considered to have renal amyloidosis by local physicians; 91.7% (22/24) of them had at least one of the following signs: bodyweight loss, organ enlargement and decreased blood pressure. Twenty‐nine out of the 32 patients (90.6%) were over 40 years, 30 patients (93.8%) had nephrotic syndrome, and 21 patients (65.6%) were found to have monoclonal light chain in serum or urine by immunofixation. Six patients (18.8%) were negative by Congo red stain and were diagnosed as having early renal amyloidosis by electron microscopy. Twenty‐eight patients were diagnosed as having AL amyloidosis, two were suspected of having AL amyloidosis, one had AA amyloidosis and the status of the remaining patient was undetermined.

Conclusion:  Renal amyloidosis is frequently neglected by local physicians in China. Middle‐aged nephrotic patients with weight loss, organ enlargement and monoclonal light chains in serum or urine should be highly suspected of the disease. Renal biopsies, especially electron microscopy, play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of renal amyloidosis.
Secondhand smoke exposure alters K+ channel function and intrinsic cell excitability in a subset of second‐order airway neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius of young guinea pigs
Authors: Sekizawa Shin‐ichi , Joad Jesse P. , Pinkerton Kent E. , Bonham Ann C.
Published: February 2010

Extended exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in infants and young children increases the incidence of cough, wheeze, airway hyper‐reactivity and the prevalence and earlier onset of asthma. The adverse effects may result from environmentally‐induced plasticity in the neural network regulating cough and airway function. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in brainstem slices containing anatomically identified second‐order lung afferent neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), we determined the effects of extended SHS exposure in young guinea pigs for a duration equivalent to human childhood on the intrinsic excitability of NTS neurons. SHS exposure resulted in marked decreases in the intrinsic excitability of a subset of lung afferent second‐order NTS neurons. The neurons exhibited a decreased spiking capacity, prolonged action potential duration, reduced afterhyperpolarization, decrease in peak and steady‐state outward currents, and membrane depolarization. SHS exposure effects were mimicked by low concentrations of the K+ channel blockers 4‐aminopyridine and/or tetraethyl ammonium. The data suggest that SHS exposure downregulates K+ channel function in a subset of NTS neurons, resulting in reduced cell excitability. The changes may help to explain the exaggerated neural reflex responses in children exposed to SHS.
Attention modulates beta oscillations during prolonged tactile stimulation
Authors: Bardouille T. , Picton T. W. , Ross B.
Published: February 2010

The inter‐play between changes in beta‐band (14–30‐Hz) cortical rhythms and attention during somatosensation informs us about where and when relevant processes occur in the brain. As such, we investigated the effects of attention on somatosensory evoked and induced responses using vibrotactile stimulation and magnetoencephalographic recording. Subjects received trains of vibration at 23 Hz to the right index finger while watching a movie and ignoring the somatosensory stimuli or paying attention to the stimuli to detect a change in the duration of the stimulus. The amplitude of the evoked 23‐Hz steady‐state response in the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex (SI) was enhanced by attention and the underlying dipole source was located 2 mm more medially, indicating top‐down recruitment of additional neuronal populations for the functionally relevant stimulus. Attentional modulation of the somatosensory evoked response indicates facilitation of early processing of the tactile stimulus. Beta‐band activity increased after vibration offset in the contralateral primary motor cortex (MI) [event‐related synchronization (ERS)] and this increase was larger for attended than ignored stimuli. Beta‐band activity decreased in the ipsilateral SI prior to stimulus offset [event‐related desynchronization (ERD)] for attended stimuli only. Whereas attention modulation of the evoked response was confined to the contralateral SI, event‐related changes of beta‐band activity involved contralateral SI–MI and inter‐hemispheric SI–SI connections. Modulation of neural activity in such a large sensorimotor network indicates a role for beta activity in higher‐order processing.
Natural history and long‐term testicular growth of acquired undescended testis after spontaneous descent or pubertal orchidopexy
Authors: Hack Wilfried W.M. , Van Der Voort‐Doedens Laszla M. , Goede Joery , Van Dijk Joke M. , Meijer Rob W. , Sijstermans Karlijn
Published: February 2010

Study Type – Prognosis (retrospective cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To assess prospectively the natural history and long‐term testicular growth of acquired undescended testis (UDT) after spontaneous descent or pubertal orchidopexy in case of nondescent.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1996 until 2008, 391 boys with 464 acquired UDT were included in the study. In accordance with Dutch consensus on non‐scrotal testes, spontaneous descent at puberty was awaited; if this did not take place, orchidopexy was performed at puberty. Acquired UDT was defined as a testis previously residing in the scrotum that can no longer be manipulated into a stable scrotal (high scrotal) or nonscrotal (inguinal, impalpable) position. After referral, testis position, testis volume and puberty stage were monitored annually until adolescence. Testis volume was assessed using an orchidometer and compared with the Dutch standard. All investigations were carried out by the same physician (W.H.). Of these boys, 84 (mean age 12.9 years, range 6.4–21.3) were also clinically assessed by a second physician (J.G.), unaware of the results of the first examination. In addition, these boys were assessed with testicular ultrasonography, carried out by both physicians.

RESULTS

Currently the mean (range) follow‐up is 4.7 (0.1–12.0) years, and 253 acquired UDT have reached the scrotum. In 196 of these 253 cases (77.5%), there was spontaneous descent at puberty (mean age at descent 12.9 years, range 9.8–16.9); in the other 57 cases (22.5%), pubertal orchidopexy was required due to nondescent; five cases required orchidectomy. Of the 494 testis volume measurements after spontaneous descent, 458 (92.7%) were at ≥10th centile for age, of which 311 (63.0%) were ≥50th centile, and 107 (21.7%) ≥90th centile. After pubertal orchidopexy for nondescent, of the 85 measurements, 79 (92.9%) were at ≥10th centile, 53 (62.4%) ≥50th centile and 12 (14.1%) ≥90th centile. In unilateral cases, after spontaneous descent 174 of the 294 (59.2%) retained testes were found to be smaller than their counterpart and 90 of 294 (30.6%) were equal in size. After pubertal orchidopexy in unilateral cases, 40 of the 51 (78.4%) testes were smaller, and nine (17.6%) were equal in size. There was a strong correlation between both investigators for the measurement of testicular volume by orchidometer, and for the main investigator (W.H.) between his measurements by ultrasonography and the Prader orchidometer.

CONCLUSION

Acquired UDT has a 77.5% tendency of spontaneous descent at puberty. In nearly all cases, after spontaneous descent as well as after pubertal orchidopexy, long‐term testicular growth is within the normal range.
Racial and ethnic variation in health resource use and cost for prostate cancer
Authors: Jayadevappa Ravishankar , Malkowicz S. Bruce , Chhatre Sumedha , Gallo Joseph , Schwartz J. Sanford
Published: February 2010

Study Type – Health economics (resource use) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the racial and ethnic variation in health resource use (HRU) and direct medical care (DMC) cost in elderly men with prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective case‐control study using the linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare database. Patients with prostate cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 1998 (50 147 men) were identified and followed retrospectively for 1 year before and 5 years after the diagnosis. Phase‐specific HRU and DMC costs were compared between racial and ethnic groups using parametric and nonparametric analysis. To compute the incremental cost of prostate cancer, a matched non‐cancer control group was extracted from Medicare database. Poisson and general linear models (log‐link) were used to identify the association of race and ethnicity with HRU and DMC cost, after controlling for potentially influential clinical and demographic covariates.

RESULTS

The African‐American group was more likely to have emergency‐room visits (odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.28) and less likely to have outpatient visits (0.96, 0.96–0.97) than whites. However, the Hispanic group was more likely to have inpatient and outpatient visits (odds ratio 0.88, 0.83–0.91; and 0.93, 0.91–0.95) than whites. Adjusted DMC cost showed racial and ethnic variation in all phases except the treatment and terminal phases. Factors associated with DMC cost varied among racial and ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION

The incremental burden of prostate cancer remains significant in the long term. Overall, the cost of prostate cancer care was higher among African‐American men than white and Hispanic men. This indicates the need for further research on care‐level factors to comprehend the racial and ethnic disparity in HRU and cost.
Voiding effects mediated by α2‐adrenoceptors in the anaesthetized male rat
Authors: Streng Tomi , Santti Risto , Andersson Karl‐Erik
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of α2‐adrenoceptors (α2‐AR) in micturition of anaesthetized male rats, with specific focus on the effects on the electrical activity (by electromyography, EMG) of the rhabdosphincter, and actual urinary flow rate, as the effects mediated by α2‐ARs on sphincter activity and urethral pressures have not been established.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult anaesthetized male Noble rats were used; intravesical pressure, rhabdosphincter EMG and urinary flow rate from the distal urethra were recorded. After baseline recordings, an α2‐AR agonist (dexmedetomidine, DEX) or α2‐AR antagonist (atipamezole), were injected intravenously.

RESULTS

DEX treatment significantly decreased the maximum bladder pressure and urinary flow rate, and the amplitude of rhabdosphincter EMG was significantly reduced. Intraluminal pressure high‐frequency oscillations, usually observed during rat voiding were abolished. The effects of DEX were fully reversed within 31 min. Atipamezole treatment significantly increased actual urinary flow rates and rhabdosphincter EMG amplitude, but the number of times flow was interrupted was increased during the voiding cycle, leading to increased overall micturition time.

CONCLUSION

Stimulation and blockade of α2‐ARs have a significant effect on lower urinary tract function. If the data from this rat model are also valid in humans, a study of the effects of atipamezole on urethral sphincter activity and urethral pressures in humans would be of interest, and might show therapeutic potential of the drug.
Comparison of transfusion requirements between open and robotic‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Kordan Yakup , Barocas Daniel A. , Altamar Hernan O. , Clark Peter E. , Chang Sam S. , Davis Rodney , Herrell S. Duke , Baumgartner Roxy , Mishra Vineet , Chan Robert C. , Smith Jr Joseph A. , Cookson Michael S.
Published: February 2010

Study Type – Therapy (individual cohort) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether robotic‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) is associated with a lower transfusion rate than radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this cohort study, we evaluated 1244 consecutive patients who underwent RALP (830) or RRP (414) between June 2003 and July 2006. Demographics, clinical characteristics, pathology, blood loss and transfusion data were collected prospectively. Groups were compared for baseline characteristics, blood loss, change in haematocrit and transfusion using univariate statistics, and an exploratory multivariate model was developed.

RESULTS

RALP was associated with lower blood loss (median 100 vs 450 mL, P < 0.001) and a smaller change in haematocrit (median 7% vs 10%, P < 0.001) than RRP. Although both groups had low transfusion rates, the RALP group required fewer transfusions than the RRP group (0.8% vs 3.4%, P= 0.002). On univariate analysis, surgical approach (RRP vs RALP), estimated blood loss ≥500 mL and change in haematocrit ≥10% were the only the significant predictors of transfusion. In the exploratory multivariate model RALP was the only significant predictor of reduced need for transfusion, with an odds ratio of 0.23 (95% confidence interval 0.09–0.58; P= 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that RALP is associated not only with less blood loss and a smaller decrease in haematocrit, but also a decreased need for transfusion.
DIFFERENCES IN FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE AMONGST SPANISH SMES ACCORDING TO THEIR CAPITAL‐OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Melgarejo Zuray , Simon Katrin , Arcelus Francisco J.
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT**: The purpose of this paper is to assess whether financial performance differences between labour‐managed (LOFs) and mercantile (PCFs) firms are due to differences in their capital‐ownership configuration or to the particular measurement indexes commonly used to quantify performance. The empirical evidence rests upon a 1994–2003 data set of LOFs and PCFs that operate in the Industrial and Services sectors of the economy of Navarre, Spain. The results do not detect significant differences in financial performance between LOFs and PCFs, especially in the long‐term and suggest the need to develop performance indices more akin to the special nature of the LOFs.
Is it still helpful to talk about proto‐industrialization? Some suggestions from a Catalan case study
Authors: MARFANY JULIE
Published: February 2010

The concept of proto‐industrialization is considered by many historians to have outlived its usefulness. This article seeks to argue the contrary, using a case study from Catalonia, in southern Europe, which provides a rare example of early industrialization on the periphery of Europe. Using an in‐depth study of an important proto‐industrial community, Igualada, the article puts forward two key arguments. First, it shows how the proto‐industrialization of the woollen industry and later the cotton industry shaped the transition to the factory. There were important continuities throughout in terms of human capital and organization of production; in particular, the persistence of the family as unit of production. Second, the impact of proto‐industrialization on the family economy is shown to have had important consequences for demographic behaviour. As in other areas of Europe, there was a notable impact on age at marriage and on marital fertility. Equally important, however, was the impact on mortality and migration, aspects that have been neglected by historians. In particular, the high infant and child mortality rates for Igualada suggest that historians need to rethink the effect of proto‐industrialization upon life chances.
The imposed gift of Versailles: the fiscal effects of restricting the size of Germany's armed forces, 1924–9
Authors: HANTKE MAX , SPOERER MARK
Published: February 2010

Weimar's politicians used to attribute the continuous budget crises after the currency stabilization of 1923–4 to the burden put on the German economy by the Treaty of Versailles, in particular the reparation payments. This argument, which is still popular, neglects the fact that the restriction of the German military to 115,000 men relieved the German central budget considerably. In a counterfactual analysis we assess the savings in additional military costs and compare them to the reparation payments. Depending on the character of the foreign policy pursued by an unrestricted Germany, we find that the net effect of the Treaty's stipulations on the German central budgets was either much lower than hitherto thought or even positive. This finding gives support to the argument that Germany suffered from home‐made political failure even in the relatively stable period from 1924 to 1929.
The allocation of merchant capital in early Tudor London
Authors: OLDLAND JOHN
Published: February 2010

This article is a discussion of the allocation of merchants' capital in early Tudor London among household furnishings, business inventories, debts, orphans' estates, landed property, and other forms of income. Previously, historians had to rely on either goods or income summary assessments in the enrolled subsidy returns to estimate wealth. These newly discovered valuations for 1535 provide quantitative evidence for the enormous importance of credit in trade, and show that merchants, as soon as they could, invested much of their wealth in property.
Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis: evidence of linkage to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 16 in four Chinese families
Authors: Wang X. , Sun W. , Zhu X. , Li L. , Du T. , Mao W. , Wu X. , Wei H. , Zhu S. , Sun Y. , Liu Y. , Niu N. , Wang Y. , Liu Y.
Published: February 2010

Background:  Paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis (PKC) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by abnormal involuntary movements precipitated by sudden movement. The pericentromeric region of chromosome 16 has been linked to PKC by several reports. This study was to localize and identify PKC gene in four Chinese PKC families.

Methods:  Genetic linkage mapping with eight markers spanning chromosome 16p12‐q13 was performed in 43 family members. Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) scans were performed on four individuals in Family 1 in which infantile convulsion (IC) was co‐inherited with PKC.

Results:  Individuals in Family 1 presented with both IC and paroxysmal choreoathetosis (ICCA), and Families 2, 3, and 4 presented only with PKC. Evidence for linkage was found with a maximum two‐point LOD score of 4.89 for D16S690 (θ = 0.0) and a maximum multipoint LOD score was 5.34 between D16S3080 and D16S3136. Haplotype analysis showed the disease locus was between D16S3093 and D16S3057. A total of 84 SNPs spanned on 16q12.1‐q13 was not segregated with the PKC phenotype, which defined an unlinked region from rs9933187 to rs8044753. Thus, the critical region of the PKC gene is across the pericentromeric region of chromosome 16, and most likely maps to a region of 20.5 Mb (6.2 cM) between D16S3093 and rs9933187 (16p11.2‐q12.1).

Conclusion:  The assignment of the locus for PKC to the pericentromeric region of chromosome 16 is confirmed and putatively narrowed in the present study.
A novel PSEN1 mutation (K239N) associated with Alzheimer’s disease with wide range age of onset and slow progression
Authors: Lladó A. , Fortea J. , Ojea T. , Bosch B. , Sanz P. , Valls‐Solé J. , Clarimon J. , Molinuevo J. L. , Sánchez‐Valle R.
Published: February 2010

Objective:  To describe a novel mutation (K239N) in the PSEN1 associated with familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods and results:  The proband was a man who developed cognitive decline with marked behavioural abnormalities at age 57. At age 70, he was admitted into a psychiatric facility because of aggressiveness and a suicide attempt. Family history was consistent with autosomal dominant AD. One of the two other family members studied presented also with prominent behavioural symptoms at age 42 and has also been forced into a psychiatric facility because of aggressiveness at age 56. The remainder patient has presented a prototypical AD, but starting at age 71. Direct sequencing of PSEN1 in the three living affected members disclosed a heterozygous G to C transition in exon 7 of PSEN1 leading to the K239N mutation.

Conclusion:  The K239N mutation is associated with autosomal dominant AD with a wide range of age of onset and incomplete penetrance at the age of 65, prominent behavioural features and slow progression.
High‐resolution ultrasound in the evaluation and prognosis of Bell’s palsy
Authors: Lo Y. L. , Fook‐Chong S. , Leoh T.H. , Dan Y. F. , Lee M. P. , Gan H. Y. , Chan L. L.
Published: February 2010

Introduction:  Bell’s palsy is a commonly encountered paralysis of the facial nerve occurring worldwide. Prognosis for Bell’s palsy is good, but the proportion of patients with poor outcomes may reach 30%. Ultrasound (US) may provide a novel approach for evaluating and prognosticating Bell’s palsy, in comparison with known electrophysiological techniques.

Methods:  In this study, we measured the diameter of the distal facial (VII) nerve using US in patients with Bell’s palsy treated with prednisolone, in comparison with healthy controls. Blink reflex and VII nerve conduction studies were also performed. Studies were prospective and performed within 1 week of disease onset.

Results:  Our results have shown that diameter of the distal VII nerve is a good predictor of favorable (positive predictive value: 100%) and bad outcomes (negative predictive value: 77%) in Bell’s palsy at 3 months after clinical presentation. Furthermore, we also noted the lack of correlation of VII diameter with conventional VII nerve conduction studies (NCS) and blink reflex studies. US was superior to VII nerve conduction and blink reflex studies in outcome prediction.

Conclusions:  This first study utilizing US in Bell’s palsy highlights its role in outcome prediction and contributes to our understanding of recovery processes in this common neurological disorder.
Electrophysiological sensory demyelination in typical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Rajabally Y. A. , Samarasekera S.
Published: February 2010

Background:  The presence of electrophysiological demyelination of sensory nerves is not routinely assessed in the evaluation of suspected chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Whether this can be useful is unknown.

Methods:  We compared, using surface recording techniques, in 19 patients with typical CIDP and 26 controls with distal large fibre sensory axonal neuropathy, the forearm median sensory conductions, sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes and durations and sensory nerve conduction velocities (SNCVs) of median, radial and sural nerves.

Results:  Median nerve sensory conduction block (SCB) across the forearm was greater in CIDP patients than in controls (P = 0.005). SNAP durations were longer in CIDP patients for median (P = 0.001) and sural nerves (P = 0.004). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves provided sensitive (>40%) and specific (>95%) cut‐offs for median nerve SCB as well as median and sural SNAP durations. SNCVs were significantly slower for median and sural nerves in CIDP patients, but ROC curves did not demonstrate cut‐offs with useful sensitivities/specificities. Median SCB or prolonged median SNAP duration or prolonged sural SNAP duration offered a sensitivity of 73.7% for CIDP and specificity of 96.2%. Used as additional parameters, they improved diagnostic sensitivity of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) criteria for CIDP of 1991, from 42.1% to 78.9% in this population, with preserved specificity of 100%.

Discussion:  Sensory electrophysiological demyelination is present and may be diagnostically useful in typical CIDP. SCB detection and SNAP duration prolongation appear to represent more useful markers of demyelination than SNCV reduction.
Triglyceride level modifying functional variants of GALTN2 and MLXIPL in patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Polgár N. , Járomi L. , Csöngei V. , Maász A. , Sipeky C. , Sáfrány E. , Szabó M. , Melegh B.
Published: February 2010

Background:  Recent genome‐wide studies identified several genetic variants associated with blood lipid level alterations. Because affected lipid metabolism can confer risk to the development of ischaemic stroke, we studied three polymorphisms reportedly associated with triglyceride‐level changes, rs17145738 and rs3812316 of the MLXIPL locus, and rs4846914 variant of GALNT2 gene in biobanked samples of patients with stroke. This pool of samples was previously investigated for haplotype tagging minor alleles of apolipoprotein A5 gene (T‐1131C, T1259C, IVS3+G476A and C56G), and an association was found between the minor allele carriage and the triglyceride levels, and also these variants were found to confer risk to the development of stroke.

Methods:  Here, a total of 467 patients with stroke, stratified as large vessel, small vessel and mixed stroke groups, and 156 control subjects were genotyped using PCR‐RFLP methods.

Results:  In the current study, we could not verify association of the variants analyzed either with triglyceride and total cholesterol levels or with the risk of ischaemic stroke susceptibility.

Conclusions:  The data presented here revealed differentiated risk nature of the triglyceride level modifying natural gene variants.
Rebels with a Cause: The December 2008 Greek Youth Movement as the Condensation of Deeper Social and Political Contradictions
Authors: SOTIRIS PANAGIOTIS
Published: February 2010

The events of December 2008 in Greece represent a turning point in social movements against neoliberalism and capitalist restructuring. They were the result of worsening employment prospects for young people, the aggressive restructuring of the educational system and concern about the effects of the current economic crisis. The originality of the movement lies in its unique scale, in the expression of a new unity of youth in struggle, in the demand for radical change and in its anti‐systemic character. It can be viewed as further evidence of the crisis of neoliberal hegemony and as a sign of growing hegemonic instability in European capitalist social formations. For this reason it poses both a theoretical and a political challenge.

Les événements de décembre 2008 en Grèce marquent un moment décisif dans les mouvements sociaux contre le néolibéralisme et la restructuration capitaliste. Ils sont nés de l’aggravation des perspectives d’emploi pour les jeunes, de la restructuration en force du système éducatif et de l’inquiétude sur les effets de la crise économique actuelle. L’originalité du mouvement tient à sa dimension particulière, à l’expression d’une nouvelle unité de la jeunesse en lutte, à la demande d’un changement radical et à son caractère anti‐systémique. On peut le considérer comme une preuve supplémentaire de la crise de l’hégémonie néolibérale et comme un signe de l’accentuation de l’instabilité dominante au sein des formations sociales capitalistes européennes. Aussi constitue‐t‐il un défi à la fois théorique et politique.
Twice‐weekly treatment with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment in children with atopic dermatitis: clinical efficacy and economic impact over 12 months
Authors: Thaci D , Chambers C , Sidhu M , Dorsch B , Ehlken B , Fuchs S
Published: February 2010

Background  Rational healthcare decision‐making based on clinical and economic evidence is essential to provide the best possible care for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective  To evaluate treatment outcomes, resource use and cost associated with twice‐weekly tacrolimus 0.03% ointment treatment vs. standard flare‐only therapy in children with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Methods  In a pan‐European, Phase III multicentre randomized clinical trial, children with mild‐to‐severe AD were randomized to 0.03% tacrolimus ointment or vehicle twice weekly for 12 months. Disease flares were treated using open‐label tacrolimus 0.03% ointment twice daily. Clinical efficacy data were evaluated in a subgroup of 153 children with moderate‐to‐severe AD, with resource use data – collected prospectively using caregiver questionnaires – available from 146 children. Pooled costs of resource use were determined using German unit cost data. Direct and indirect costs were considered from third‐party payer, patient and caregiver, and societal perspectives.

Results  Twice‐weekly tacrolimus ointment reduced the number of flares compared with standard therapy (P < 0.001) and prolonged time to first flare (146 vs. 17 days, P < 0.001). Mean ± SD annual costs per patient for standard and twice‐weekly therapy respectively were €2002 ± 2315 vs. €1571 ± 1122 for severe AD and €1136 ± 1494 vs. €1233 ± 1507 for moderate AD.

Conclusions  In children with AD, twice‐weekly treatment with tacrolimus 0.03% ointment reduces the number of flares and prolongs time spent free from flares with no additional cost in children with moderate AD, and may be cost‐saving in those with severe AD.
Atypical fibroxanthoma: a series of 25 cases
Authors: Wollina U , Schönlebe J , Koch A , Haroske G
Published: February 2010

Objective  Atypical fibroxanthoma is a rare mesenchymal tumour of skin that develops on skin of elderly patients. We analysed our patients with atypical fibroxanthoma over the last 8 years.

Patients and methods  We analysed the pathology files of our hospital for the period 2001–2009. In all cases, histology and immunohistology were performed. Data on co‐morbidities, treatment and outcome were obtained.

Results  We identified 25 patients (except two female patients, the rest were men) aged 52–95 years (mean: 79.5 years; standard deviation ± 9.06 years). All tumours were localized in the head and neck region, except a single tumour on the shoulder. Fourteen patients had a cancer history, six had actinic keratoses or Bowen’s disease (n = 1). Five patients had cardiac surgery or pacemaker, one each had a renal transplant, systemic sarcoidosis or non‐Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Medical history was positive for radiotherapy or chemotherapy in four patients. Histology showed a spindle‐shaped dermal and subcutaneous tumour growth intermingled with multinucleated giant cells. The phenotype of tumour cells was vimentin‐positive, but S100‐ and keratin‐negative. Some tumours showed a focal expression of CD68. Complete microhistographic controlled surgery (‘Mohs like’) was possible in all cases followed by mesh‐graft transplantation in three patients. Eighteen patients showed a complete remission. Four patients had a relapse within 2 years of follow‐up treated by surgery. One patient is still under radiotherapy. All patients with a safety margin of 2 cm had no recurrence or relapse during follow‐up.

Conclusions  Micrographic controlled surgery with wide 2 cm safety margins is the treatment of choice. A regular follow‐up for the next 5 years is recommended.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma patients
Authors: Lens M
Published: February 2010

Appropriate surgical management of regional lymph nodes is critical in patients with cutaneous melanoma. The use of intraoperative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has increased significantly in the past decade. SLNB is performed as minimally invasive procedure that provides accurate staging of melanoma patients with no clinically detectable nodal disease. In many melanoma units across the world, it became the standard for detection of occult regional node metastasis in patients with intermediate‐thickness primary melanoma. Use of SLNB in patients with thin melanomas is still under evaluation. Although SLNB has been established as staging procedure in melanoma patients, its therapeutic role is still not clear. Large‐scale ongoing randomized trials should elucidate whether SLNB with complete lymphadenectomy has a survival benefit in melanoma patients with early lymph node metastases compared to ‘watch‐and‐wait’ policy (observation).
Efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser with low fluence for keloids and hypertrophic scars
Authors: Cho SB , Lee JH , Lee SH , Lee SJ , Bang D , Oh SH
Published: February 2010

Background  Several treatment modalities using laser devices have been used for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars with various therapeutic outcomes.

Objective  The purpose of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm Q‐switched (QS) Nd:YAG laser with low fluence on keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Methods  Keloids and hypertrophic scars located at 21 anatomic sites in 12 Korean patients (10 men and 2 women; mean age 23.8 years, range 21–33) were treated using 1064‐nm QS Nd:YAG laser with low fluence at 1–2 week intervals. Treatment settings were 1.8–2.2 J/cm2, 7‐mm spot size and 5–6 passes with appropriate overlapping.

Results  Follow‐up data collected 3 months after the final treatment revealed decreases in the mean score for the following lesion characteristics: pigmentation from 1.8 to 1.2; vascularity from 1.4 to 1.0; pliability from 3.0 to 2.0 and height from 2.3 to 1.8. The modified Vancouver General Hospital Burn Scar Assessment score decreased from 8.6 to 5.9 (P < 0.0001). Observed side‐effects were a mild prickling sensation during treatment, and mild post‐treatment erythema, both of which resolved within few hours.

Conclusion  Our results demonstrate that QS Nd:YAG laser with low fluence may be used for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars.