bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photoselective vaporization with the green light laser vs transurethral resection of the prostate for treating benign prostate hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teng Jingfei , Zhang Dongxu , Li Yao , Yin Lei , Wang Kai , Cui Xingang , Xu Danfeng
Published: November 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Despite high morbidities, TURP is still considered as the ‘gold standard’ for treatment of BPH. Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is a promising technique that is emerging as a possible alternative to TURP. However, there remains some debate about the advantages of PVP over TURP and whether PVP will be able to replace TURP as the first‐line surgical treatment.

We conducted a meta‐analysis of recent papers on this subject and herein provide the overall efficacy and safety of PVP for treatment of BPH.

Objective

To assess the overall efficacy and safety of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) vs transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for treating patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Patients and Methods

A systematic search of the electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, as well as manual bibliography searches were performed.

The pooled estimates of maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual (PVR), quality of life (QoL), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), operation duration, blood loss, catheterization time, hospital stay, capsule perforation, transfusion, transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome, urethral stricture and reintervention were calculated.

Results

At the 3‐month follow‐up, there was no significant difference in Qmax, PVR, QoL and IPSS between the TURP and PVP groups.

At the 6‐month follow‐up, the pooled QoL favoured TURP, but there was no significant difference in the other variables between the two groups.

PVP was associated with less blood loss, transfusion, capsular perforation, TUR syndrome, shorter catheterization time and hospital stay, but longer operation duration and higher reintervention rate.

Conclusions

The efficacy of PVP was similar to that of TURP in relation to Qmax, PVR, QoL and IPSS, and it offered several advantages over TURP.

As a promising minimal invasive technique, PVP could be used as an alternative surgical procedure for treating BPH.
Symbolic Violence and the Politics of Environmental Pollution Science: The Case of Coal Ash Pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Broto Vanesa Castán
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Environmental justice movements often contest environmental knowledge by engaging in scientific debates, which implies accepting the predominance of scientific discourses over alternative forms of knowledge. Using Bourdieu's concept of symbolic violence, this paper warns that the engagement with hegemonic forms of knowledge production may reproduce, rather than challenge, existing social and environmental inequalities. The argument is developed with reference to a case study of coal ash pollution in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The case study shows that the construction of knowledge in a scientific project led to the exclusion of local definitions of the situation and the dismissal of their observations of environmental pollution. The case suggests that the capacity of different actors to put forward their interpretation of an environmental issue depends on the forms of symbolic violence that emerge within hegemonic discourses of the environment.
Rousseau, Happiness and Human Nature
Authors: Garrard Graeme
Published: November 2012

In the eighteenth century, Rousseau argued that the principal source of human unhappiness was our tendency to make invidious comparisons when humans were forced to cooperate in the pre-social state of nature. This increased proximity fuelled a desire for status and relative position which is the main source of the unhappiness in modern civilisation. I argue, first, that there is now substantial evidence supporting Rousseau's view that status matters much more to individuals than do absolute levels of wealth. However, I also argue that there is mounting evidence that Rousseau failed to appreciate the extent to which our desire for status is natural. According to some evolutionary biologists, human beings evolved in an environment of scarcity and resource competition, where each individual's position was closely linked to his or her prospects for survival and reproductive success. Consequently, we are adapted by evolution to compete for status and relative position, which leads to a situation in which most people end up less happy.
Politics in the Boardroom: Corporate Pay, Networks and Recruitment of Former Parliamentarians, Ministers and Civil Servants in Britain
Authors: González-Bailon Sandra , Jennings Will , Lodge Martin
Published: November 2012

This article explores an important aspect of post-career earnings in public life in Britain: membership of corporate boards by former parliamentarians, ministers and civil servants. It attempts to determine whether this group represents a distinct group within the wider network of interlocking corporate directorships in the UK. Further, it investigates the characteristics of those individuals who obtain appointments as non-executive directors to the boards of FTSE-listed companies after service in parliament and/or government. The analysis uses data on board membership and pay in Britain for more than 700 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange and over 7,500 directors and 1,000 former parliamentarians, government ministers and civil servants. The findings suggest that although this group is represented in the wider corporate network, these individuals are not more central than other directors and do not receive significantly different compensations once industry sector, experience and board role are controlled for. This article offers a novel insight into the interconnectedness of the public sphere and the corporate world.
Presumptive bacterial translocation in horses with strangulating small intestinal lesions requiring resection and anastomosis
Authors: Hurcombe Samuel D. , Mudge Margaret C. , Daniels Joshua B.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To document whether presumptive bacterial translocation (PBT) occurs in horses with small intestinal strangulation (SIS).

Design

Prospective clinical cohort study.

Setting

University tertiary care facility.

Animals

Thirty‐six adult horses with SIS (clinical cases) and 10 adult horses without gastrointestinal disease (control cases).

Interventions

Sterile collection and bacterial culture of samples from peripheral venous blood, mesenteric venous blood, mesenteric lymphatic tissue, and intestinal aspirates from horses with SIS and control horses without gastrointestinal disease.

Measurements and Main Results

Five of 36 (13.8%) horses with SIS had at least 1 sample yield a positive result. Shorter SIS bowel segments were more likely to yield a positive culture result. (P< 0.01). Two of 10 of control horses had positive culture results with different bacterial species identified compared to horses with SIS. Antimicrobial usage did not influence bacterial culture status (P= 0.31). There were no differences between culture‐positive and culture‐negative horses with SIS regarding admission, clinical, or clinicopathologic variables.

Conclusions

PBT occurs in normal horses and in horses with SIS. Bacterial genera differed between groups. A low incidence of PBT occurs in horses with SIS suggesting postoperative morbidity in some cases may be due to other factors.
Frequency and Burden of Headache‐Related Nausea: Results From the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study
Authors: Lipton Richard B. , Buse Dawn C. , Saiers Jane , Fanning Kristina M. , Serrano Daniel , Reed Michael L.
Published: November 2012

Background

While nausea is a defining feature of migraine, the association of nausea with other headache features and its influence on the burden of migraine have not been quantified. Population‐based data were used to elucidate the relative frequency and burden of migraine‐associated nausea in persons with migraine.

Methods

Participants with episodic migraine who completed the 2009 American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention survey rated their headache‐related nausea as occurring none of the time, rarely, <half the time, or ≥half the time with their headaches. They also completed headache symptom severity and occupation/work status questions, the Headache Impact Test‐6, and treatment attitude items that were part of the 2009 survey. Regression models that adjusted for both sociodemographic characteristics and symptom severity were used to assess the influence of nausea frequency on outcome measures. Partial and semipartial correlational analyses were used to estimate the influence of nausea alone and in combination with other headache symptoms on headache‐related impact.

Results

Among the 6488 respondents with episodic migraine, approximately half (49.5%) reported high‐frequency nausea (ie, ≥half the time) with headache. High‐frequency nausea was more common in females than males (adjusted odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.26‐1.44). Persons with high‐frequency nausea, compared with the no/rare or less than half the time nausea groups, reported significantly more headache symptoms and more headache‐related impact as measured by the Headache Impact Test‐6. High‐frequency nausea was also associated with being occupationally disabled or on medical leave, and more self‐reported financial burden of headache medications, worry about running out of headache medication(s), and that headache medications interfered with work or school work, household work, and family/leisure activities. Regression‐based correlational analyses indicated that nausea contributes significantly and independently to headache‐related impact.

Conclusions

High‐frequency migraine‐associated nausea is common and is a marker for severe, debilitating migraine. Nausea makes an independent contribution to migraine‐associated disability and impact. Management strategies that take nausea into account could reduce the burden of migraine. Nausea is an important target for monitoring and treatment.
Tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and bioequivalence of the tablet and syrup formulations of lacosamide in plasma, saliva, and urine: Saliva as a surrogate of pharmacokinetics in the central compartment
Authors: Cawello Willi , Bökens Hilmar , Nickel Brunhild , Andreas Jens‐Otto , Halabi Atef
Published: November 2012

Purpose:  To test for bioequivalence of 200 mg lacosamide oral tablet and syrup formulations. Additional objectives were to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of lacosamide in saliva and plasma, and to evaluate its tolerability.

Methods:  This open‐label, randomized, two‐way crossover trial was conducted in 16 healthy Caucasian male participants in Germany. The bioequivalence of 200 mg lacosamide tablet and syrup was evaluated using plasma to determine maximum measured concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve from zero to the last time point (AUC)(0–tz). Plasma and saliva samples for evaluation of pharmacokinetic parameters of lacosamide and the major metabolite O‐desmethyl lacosamide (SPM 12809) were taken over 15 time points (0.5–72 h) and used to statistically compare bioavailability of the two. Urine samples were collected predose and over five time points (0–48 h) to evaluate the cumulative amount of unchanged drug and metabolite.

Key Findings:  Lacosamide median time to reach Cmax (tmax) was 1 h for tablet and 0.5 h for syrup in plasma and saliva. Mean terminal half life (t½) for tablet and syrup was 12.5 and 12.4 h in plasma, and 13.1 and 13.3 h in saliva, respectively. Tablet and syrup mean plasma AUC(0–tz) was 84.5 and 83.3 μg/mL*h, respectively. Mean AUC(0–tz) in saliva was 93.2 μg/mL*h for tablet and syrup. Mean Cmax for tablet was 5.26 μg/mL in plasma and 5.63 μg/mL in saliva. Syrup mean Cmax was 5.14 and 8.32 μg/mL in plasma and saliva, respectively. Within 2 h of syrup administration, elevated lacosamide concentration in saliva compared to plasma was observed. The ratio of lacosamide syrup to tablet was 0.98 for Cmax and 0.99 for AUC(0–tz) in plasma, and 1.00 for AUC(0–tz) in saliva; the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for these parameters were within the range of 0.80–1.25, which meets accepted bioequivalence criteria. The syrup‐to‐tablet ratio for Cmax in saliva was 1.48, and the 90% CIs exceeded the accepted upper boundary for bioequivalence (1.32–1.66). Both formulations were well tolerated. Metabolite concentration versus time profiles for saliva were similar to plasma following tablet and syrup administration.

Significance:  The tablet and syrup formulations of lacosamide 200 mg were bioequivalent and well tolerated. Saliva samples were demonstrated to be a suitable surrogate to evaluate lacosamide tablet pharmacokinetics in the central compartment. Due to residual syrup in the buccal cavity, limitations exist when using saliva to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of lacosamide syrup <2 h after administration.
Developing Online Family Life Prevention and Education Programs
Authors: Hughes Robert , Bowers Jill R. , Mitchell Elissa Thomann , Curtiss Sarah , Ebata Aaron T.
Published: November 2012

Although numerous online family life education programs have been developed over the past few years, there has been little discussion about best practices in the development of these programs. This article presents a framework to assist family life educators in the development and improvement of online programs from the initial problem analysis and creation of program content through instructional design to implementation and evaluation. The emphasis is on the unique program development issues that are critical to developing family life education and prevention programs within online delivery systems.
Circulating natriuretic peptide concentrations in hyperthyroid cats
Authors: Menaut P. , Connolly D. J. , Volk A. , Pace C. , Luis Fuentes V. , Elliott J. , Syme H.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVES

To assess the influence of thyroid function on natriuretic peptide concentration in hyperthyroid cats before and after treatment.

METHODS

Serum natriuretic peptide concentration was measured in 61 hyperthyroid cats recruited from first‐opinion clinics before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Following successful treatment, total thyroxine, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and packed cell volume all decreased and bodyweight and creatinine concentrations increased. Furthermore, a significant (P < 0·001) decline inNT‐proBNPconcentration but notNT‐proANPwas identified.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Thyroid function has a modest but significant effect onNT‐proBNPconcentration. Thyroid status should be taken into account when interpretingNT‐proBNPconcentrations in cats.
The effect of inbreeding on natural selection in a seed‐feeding beetle
Authors: Fox C. W.
Published: November 2012

Little is known about how inbreeding alters selection on ecologically relevant traits. Inbreeding could affect selection by changing the distribution of traits and/or fitness, or by changing the causal effect of traits on fitness. Here, I test whether selection on egg size varies with the degree of inbreeding in the seed‐feeding beetle, Stator limbatus. There was strong directional selection favoring large eggs for both inbred and outbred beetles; offspring from smaller eggs had lower survivorship on a resistant host. Inbreeding treatment had no effect on the magnitude of selection on egg size; all selection coefficients were between ~0.078 and 0.096, regardless of treatment. However, inbreeding depression declined with egg size; this is because the difference in fitness between inbreds and outbreds did not change, but average fitness increased, with egg size. A consequence of this is that populations that differ in mean egg size should experience different magnitudes of inbreeding depression (all else being equal) and thus should differ in the magnitude of selection on traits that affect mating, simply as a consequence of variation in egg size. Also, maternal traits (such as egg size) that mediate stressfulness of the environment for offspring can mediate the severity of inbreeding depression.
A yeast tRNA mutant that causes pseudohyphal growth exhibits reduced rates of CAG codon translation
Authors: Kemp Alain J. , Betney Russell , Ciandrini Luca , Schwenger Alexandra C. M. , Romano M. Carmen , Stansfield Ian
Published: November 2012

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the SUP70 gene encodes the CAG‐decoding tRNAGlnCUG. A mutant allele, sup70‐65, induces pseudohyphal growth on rich medium, an inappropriate nitrogen starvation response. This mutant tRNA is also a UAG nonsense suppressor via first base wobble. To investigate the basis of the pseudohyphal phenotype, 10 novel sup70 UAG suppressor alleles were identified, defining positions in the tRNAGlnCUG anticodon stem that restrict first base wobble. However, none conferred pseudohyphal growth, showing altered CUG anticodon presentation cannot itself induce pseudohyphal growth. Northern blot analysis revealed the sup70‐65 tRNAGlnCUG is unstable, inefficiently charged, and 80% reduced in its effective concentration. A stochastic model simulation of translation predicted compromised expression of CAG‐rich ORFs in the tRNAGlnCUG‐depleted sup70‐65 mutant. This prediction was validated by demonstrating that luciferase expression in the mutant was 60% reduced by introducing multiple tandem CAG (but not CAA) codons into this ORF. In addition, the sup70‐65 pseudohyphal phenotype was partly complemented by overexpressing CAA‐decoding tRNAGlnUUG, an inefficient wobble‐decoder of CAG. We thus show that introducing codons decoded by a rare tRNA near the 5′ end of an ORF can reduce eukaryote translational expression, and that the mutant tRNACUGGln constitutive pseudohyphal differentiation phenotype correlates strongly with reduced CAG decoding efficiency.
Characterization of the cellular immunity in patients presenting extensive dermatophytoses due to Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Bressani V. O. , Santi T. N. , Domingues‐Ferreira M. , Almeida A. , Duarte A. J. S. , Moraes‐Vasconcelos D.
Published: November 2012

Dermatophytes invade the stratum corneum of the skin and other keratinized tissues such as hair and nails, and Trichophyton rubrum causes approximately 80% of cutaneous mycoses in humans. To evaluate the cellular immune response of patients with extensive dermatophytosis caused by T. rubrum, we evaluated lymphocyte populations, the lymphoproliferative response to: phytohaemagglutinin (PHA); anti‐CD3 (OKT3); and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), Candida sp. (CMA), an extract of T. rubrum, and the main fungal epitope TriR2 (T). We also evaluated interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12 and IFN‐γ after stimulation by PHA, CMA and TriR2. The immunophenotyping showed no differences between patients and controls. The lymphoproliferation test showed significant differences between the groups stimulated by PWM and CMA, as well as against TriR2, being significantly higher for the control group. Conversely, there were similar results for the groups after stimulation by the extract. The cytokines’ quantification showed a significant difference between the groups only for IFN‐γ stimulated by PHA and TriR2. We can conclude that the fungal extract can stimulate lymphoproliferation by both groups’ lymphocytes. However, the response to Tri r2 was more specific. We showed that some patients with extensive dermatophytosis have normal cellular response, recognising both the extract and TriR2.
Functional expression of SK channels in murine detrusor PDGFRα+ cells
Authors: Lee Haeyeong , Koh Byoung H. , Peri Lauren E. , Sanders Kenton M. , Koh Sang Don
Published: November 2012

Key points

SK currents have been recorded from detrusor smooth muscle cells, but current density at physiological holding potentials is negligible.

We discovered a new class of interstitial cell in the bladder that were identified using antibodies against platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α(PDGFRα+ cells).

SK3 channel transcripts and protein are highly expressed in PDGFRα+ cells in comparison to smooth muscle cells.

Current density attributable to SK‐like currents is much higher in PDGFRα+ cells than in smooth muscle cells. Single channel currents, consistent with the conductance and Ca2+ sensitivity of SK3 channels were measured in PDGFRα+ cells.

The abundance of SK3 channels in PDGFRα+ cells in detrusor muscles suggests that PDGFRα+ cells, not SMCs, provide apamin‐sensitive regulation of detrusor excitability.

Abstract  We sought to characterize molecular expression and ionic conductances in a novel population of interstitial cells (PDGFRα+ cells) in murine bladder to determine how these cells might participate in regulation of detrusor excitability. PDGFRα+ cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were isolated from detrusor muscles of PDGFRα+/eGFP and smMHC/Cre/eGFP mice and sorted by FACS. PDGFRα+ cells were highly enriched in Pdgfra (12 fold vs. unsorted cell) and minimally positive for Mhc (SMC marker), Kit (ICC marker) and Pgp9.5 (neuronal marker). SK3 was dominantly expressed in PDGFRα+ cells in comparison to SMCs. αSlo (BK marker) was more highly expressed in SMCs. SK3 protein was observed in PDGFRα+ cells by immunohistochemistry but could not be resolved in SMCs. Depolarization evoked voltage‐dependent Ca2+ currents in SMCs, but inward current conductances were not activated in PDGFRα+ cells under the same conditions. PDGFRα+ cells displayed spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) at potentials positive to −60 mV that were inhibited by apamin. SK channel modulators, CyPPA and SKA‐31, induced significant hyperpolarization of PDGFRα+ cells and activated SK currents under voltage clamp. Similar responses were not resolved in SMCs at physiological potentials. Single channel measurements confirmed the presence of functional SK3 channels (i.e. single channel conductance of 10 pS and sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+) in PDGFRα+ cells. The apamin‐sensitive stabilizing factor regulating detrusor excitability is likely to be due to the expression of SK3 channels in PDGFRα+ cells because SK agonists failed to elicit resolvable currents and hyperpolarization in SMCs at physiological potentials.
PTEN: An Intercellular Peacekeeper?
Authors: Leslie Nick R.
Published: November 2012

Transfer of PTEN between cells has potential as an intercellular form of tumor suppression.
Optogenetic and Potassium Channel Gene Therapy in a Rodent Model of Focal Neocortical Epilepsy
Authors: Wykes Robert C. , Heeroma Joost H. , Mantoan Laura , Zheng Kaiyu , MacDonald Douglas C. , Deisseroth Karl , Hashemi Kevan S. , Walker Matthew C. , Schorge Stephanie , Kullmann Dimitri M.
Published: November 2012

Light-activated gene therapy acutely suppresses seizures, and gene therapy with a potassium channel prevents epileptogenesis and treats established epilepsy in a rodent model.
Thymidine Analogues Suppress Autophagy and Adipogenesis in Cultured Adipocytes
Authors: Stankov Metodi V. , Panayotova-Dimitrova Diana , Leverkus Martin , Schmidt Reinhold E. , Behrens Georg M. N.
Published: November 2012

Lipoatrophy in HIV patients can result from prolonged exposure to thymidine analogues. Mitochondrial toxicity leading to dysregulated adipogenesis and increased cell death has been proposed as a leading factor in the etiology of peripheral fat loss. We hypothesized that thymidine analogues interfere with autophagy, a lysosomal degradation pathway, which is important for mitochondrial quality control, cellular survival, and adipogenesis. We assessed the effects of zidovudine (AZT), stavudine (d4T), and lamivudine (3TC) on autophagy in eukaryotic cells and adipocytes (3T3-F442A) by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The effects were compared to interventions with established genetic and pharmacological inhibitors of autophagy and correlated to assessments of cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation. AZT and d4T, but not 3TC, inhibited both constitutive and induced autophagic activity in adipocytes. This inhibition was associated with accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and impaired adipogenic conversion. Autophagy inhibition was dose and time dependent and detectable at therapeutic drug concentrations. Similar phenotypic changes were obtained when genetic or pharmacological inhibition of autophagy was employed. Our data suggest that thymidine analogues disturb adipocyte function through inhibition of autophagy. This novel mechanism potentially contributes to peripheral fat loss in HIV-infected patients.
Alveolar Epithelial Cells Are Critical in Protection of the Respiratory Tract by Secretion of Factors Able To Modulate the Activity of Pulmonary Macrophages and Directly Control Bacterial Growth
Authors: Chuquimia Olga D. , Petursdottir Dagbjort H. , Periolo Natalia , Fernández Carmen
Published: November 2012

The respiratory epithelium is a physical and functional barrier actively involved in the clearance of environmental agents. The alveolar compartment is lined with membranous pneumocytes, known as type I alveolar epithelial cells (AEC I), and granular pneumocytes, type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II). AEC II are responsible for epithelial reparation upon injury and ion transport and are very active immunologically, contributing to lung defense by secreting antimicrobial factors. AEC II also secrete a broad variety of factors, such as cytokines and chemokines, involved in activation and differentiation of immune cells and are able to present antigen to specific T cells. Another cell type important in lung defense is the pulmonary macrophage (PuM). Considering the architecture of the alveoli, a good communication between the external and the internal compartments is crucial to mount effective responses. Our hypothesis is that being in the interface, AEC may play an important role in transmitting signals from the external to the internal compartment and in modulating the activity of PuM. For this, we collected supernatants from AEC unstimulated or stimulatedin vitrowith lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These AEC-conditioned media were used in various setups to test for the effects on a number of macrophage functions: (i) migration, (ii) phagocytosis and intracellular control of bacterial growth, and (iii) phenotypic changes and morphology. Finally, we tested the direct effect of AEC-conditioned media on bacterial growth. We found that AEC-secreted factors had a dual effect, on one hand controlling bacterial growth and on the other hand increasing macrophage activity.
A ‘One in a million’ case of pulsating thoracoabdominal mass
Authors: Tan Lay Ong , Lim Soo Yen , Sharif Farhana
Published: November 2012

Ectopia cordis is a rare congenital malformation in which the heart is located partially or totally outside the thoracic cavity. It comprises 0.1% of congenital heart diseases. The authors present a case of a male baby born at term by emergency caesarean section due to prolonged fetal bradycardia, who was noted to have a large pulsating mass in the thoracoabdominal area. In view of lower thoracolumbar abdominal defect, ectopic placement of the umbilicus, deficiency of the diaphragmatic pericardium, deficiency of anterior diaphragm and intracardiac abnormalities, a diagnosis of ectopia cordis—Pentalogy of Cantrell was made. He was transferred to a tertiary centre and required oxygen supplement initially. He was sent home after 1 week, on propanolol, with weekly oxygen saturation checks. He is awaiting further surgical intervention pending the required weight gain.
Delayed presentation of post-traumatic diaphragm rupture repaired by laparoscopy
Authors: Houston James , Jalil Rozh , Isla Alberto
Published: November 2012

Diaphragmatic rupture is a serious but frequently missed condition that is potentially curable. While surgical management has classically been performed through open thoracotomy, a laparoscopic approach has been suggested as a preferable alternative. A man in his mid-50s presented with non-specific abdominal symptoms, 8 months after falling down some stairs. Diaphragmatic rupture was suspected after old rib fractures were noticed on an admitting chest radiograph. Further signs and symptoms presented following deterioration due to the unstable pathology. Prompt surgical treatment using laparoscopy was attempted with success and resulted in rapid and lasting improvement in symptoms.
Differences in risk factors for voluntary early retirement and disability pension: a 15-year follow-up in a cohort of nurses’ aides
Authors: Jensen Lone Donbæk , Ryom Pia Køhler , Christensen Michael Victor , Andersen Johan Hviid
Published: November 2012

Objective

To estimate the extent of early retirement and to examine risk factors for voluntary early retirement and disability pension in a cohort of nurses’ aides.

Design

Register study including baseline questionnaire and register data covering all transfer incomes from 1991 to 2008 in a cohort of nurses’ aides established in 1993 with a follow-up period of 15 years.

Setting

Nurses’ aides working in nursery homes, homecare or hospitals.

Participants

3332 gainfully employed nurses’ aides at the time of inclusion in the study.

Outcome

Disability pension or early voluntary retirement.

Results

16.2% of the population was granted disability pension and 27.1% entered early voluntary retirement in the follow-up period representing 11 186 lost working years with a direct cost in transfer payment amounting about €410 million. Health-related risk factors for disability pension was long-lasting low-back pain (HR 2.27(95% CI 1.55 to 3.34), sick leave because of upper-extremity disorders (HR 2.18 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.11), and inflammatory rheumatic disease (HR 2.42 (95% CI 1.67 to 3.52)). Of non-health-related factors, low education, workers compensation case, evening work and high-rated perceived exertion at work all were minor risk factors for disability pension. The primary risk factor for early voluntary retirement was low education (HR 3.19 (95% CI 2.65 to 3.85)).

Conclusions

43.3% of nurses’ aides gainfully employed in 1993 retired before due time during the follow-up period. Work-related factors at baseline only seemed to have a minor prognostic role. Risk factors for disability pension were mainly health-related factors, whereas economical factors seemed to influence the decision to choose early voluntary retirement. The number of persons and the amount of lost working years underscores the need of a more active counselling towards maintaining employment especially among those with persistent musculoskeletal disorders.
Who is more likely to use doctor-rating websites, and why? A cross-sectional study in London
Authors: Galizzi Matteo Maria , Miraldo Marisa , Stavropoulou Charitini , Desai Mihir , Jayatunga Wikum , Joshi Mitesh , Parikh Sunny
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To explore the extent to which doctor-rating websites are known and used among a sample of respondents from London. To understand the main predictors of what makes people willing to use doctor-rating websites.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

The Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London, England.

Participants

200 individuals from the borough.

Main outcome measures

The likelihood of being aware of doctor-rating websites and the intention to use doctor-rating websites.

Results

The use and awareness of doctor-rating websites are still quite limited. White British subjects, as well as respondents with higher income are less likely to use doctor-rating websites. Aspects of the doctor–patient relationship also play a key role in explaining intention to use the websites. The doctor has both a ‘complementary’ and ‘substitute’ role with respect to Internet information.

Conclusions

Online rating websites can play a major role in supporting patients’ informed decisions on which healthcare providers to seek advice from, thus potentially fostering patients’ choice in healthcare. Subjects who seek and provide feedback on doctor-ranking websites, though, are unlikely to be representative of the overall patients’ pool. In particular, they tend to over-represent opinions from non-White British, medium–low-income patients who are not satisfied with their choice of the healthcare treatments and the level of information provided by their GP. Accounting for differences in the users’ characteristics is important when interpreting results from doctor-rating sites.
Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Kriese Stephen , Heneghan Michael A
Published: November 2012

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive necroinflammatory liver disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Mainly affecting females, AIH has a varied clinical presentation from minor symptomatology to acute liver failure. The diagnosis should be considered in anyone with abnormal liver function tests. Diagnostic features include biochemical evidence of transaminitis, elevated IgG and positive autoantibodies. Liver biopsy may show interface hepatitis with portal-based plasma cell infiltrates. A clinical and pathological spectrum of disease exists with other autoimmune liver disease in rare cases. AIH responds promptly to immunosuppression therapy, including corticosteroids (prednis(ol)one or budesonide) with azathioprine. Treatment failure can be addressed with several second-line immunosuppressive agents. Liver transplantation remains a successful salvage therapy for acute autoimmune liver failure or treatment failure in chronic AIH complicated by synthetic dysfunction, portal hypertension or hepatocellular carcinoma.
Comparative effect of a 1 h session of electrical muscle stimulation and walking activity on energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in obese subjects
Authors: Grosset Jean-François , Crowe Louis , De Vito Giuseppe , O'Shea Donal , Caulfield Brian
Published: November 2012

It has previously been shown that low-frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) techniques can induce increases in energy expenditure similar to those associated with exercise. This study investigated the metabolic and cardiovascular effects of a 1 h session of lower limb NMES and compared cardiovascular response with that observed during walking in nine obese subjects (three males) (age = 43.8 ± 3.0 years; body mass index (BMI) = 41.5 ± 1.8 kg/m2). The NMES protocol consisted of delivering a complex pulse pattern to the thigh muscles for 1 h. The walking test consisted of five 4-min bouts starting at 2 km/h with 1 km/h increments up to 6 km/h. In both tests, an open-circuit gas analyser was used to assess O2 consumption ([Formula: see text]O2), CO2 production ([Formula: see text]CO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate (HR). Rates of fat oxidation (RFO) and carbohydrate oxidation (CHO) were estimated by indirect calorimetry. One hour of NMES significantly increased [Formula: see text]O2, HR, RER, and mean energy expenditure compared with resting values, reaching 8.7 ± 1.3 mL·min−2·kg−1 (47% of [Formula: see text]O2peak), 114.8 ± 7.5 bpm, 0.95, and 318.5 ± 64.3 kcal/h, respectively. CHO, but not RFO, increased during 1 h of NMES. With NMES, CHO was greater and RFO was less than at all walking speeds except 6 km/h. Lactate also increased more with NMES, to 3.5 ± 0.7 mmol versus a maximum of 1.5 ± 0.3 mmol with the walking protocol. These results suggest that NMES can be used in an obese population to induce an effective cardiovascular exercise response. In fact, the observed increase in energy expenditure induced by 1 h of NMES is clinically important and comparable with that recommended in weight management programs.
Created in China
Authors: Lindtner Silvia , Li David
Published: November 2012

Community + Culture features practitioner perspectives on designing technologies for and with communities. We highlight compelling projects and provocative points of view that speak to both community technology practice and the interaction design field as a whole.

Christopher A. Le Dantec
Walking together to design
Authors: Bidwell Nicola J.
Published: November 2012

This forum looks at how the fields of interaction design and HCI can extend to cover "developing" communities around the world, ones that are gaining access to digital technology for the first time.

Gary Marsden, Editor
Rules of Engagement: Molecular Insights from Host-Virus Arms Races
Authors: Daugherty Matthew D. , Malik Harmit S.
Published: November 2012

Mammalian genes and genomes have been shaped by ancient and ongoing challenges from viruses. These genetic imprints can be identified via evolutionary analyses to reveal fundamental details about when (how old), where (which protein domains), and how (what are the functional consequences of adaptive changes) host-virus arms races alter the proteins involved. Just as extreme amino acid conservation can serve to identify key immutable residues in enzymes, positively selected residues point to molecular recognition interfaces between host and viral proteins that have adapted and counter-adapted in a long series of classical Red Queen conflicts. Common rules for the strategies employed by both hosts and viruses have emerged from case studies of innate immunity genes in primates. We are now poised to use these rules to transition from a retrospective view of host-virus arms races to specific predictions about which host genes face pathogen antagonism and how those genetic conflicts transform host and virus evolution.
Imaging Superjunctions in CoolMOS Devices Using Electron Beam Induced Current
Authors: Kirnstötter S. , Faccinelli M. , Hadley P. , Job R. , Schustereder W. , Laven J. G. , Schulze H.-J
Published: November 2012

Electron beam induced current (EBIC) measurements were used to produce cross sectional images of superjunctions in CoolMOS™ power transistors. The positions of the pn-junctions were determined by EBIC measurements. Knowing the exact locations of the pn-junctions is important for CoolMOS™ since it relies on the principle of charge compensation. For charge compensation, the donors in the n-doped regions must be compensated by an equal amount of acceptors in the p-doped regions. We show that EBIC can provide valuable input for process tuning and process simulations. This will enable the use of smaller dimensions and higher doping levels resulting in a lower on-state resistance.
Recent Experimental Efforts on High-Pressure Supercritical Injection for Liquid Rockets and Their Implications
Authors: Chehroudi Bruce
Published: November 2012

Pressure and temperature of the liquid rocket thrust chambers into which propellants are injected have been in an ascending trajectory to gain higher specific impulse. It is quite possible then that the thermodynamic condition into which liquid propellants are injected reaches or surpasses the critical point of one or more of the injected fluids. For example, in cryogenic hydrogen/oxygen liquid rocket engines, such as Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) or Vulcain (Ariane 5), the injected liquid oxygen finds itself in a supercritical condition. Very little detailed information was available on the behavior of liquid jets under such a harsh environment nearly two decades ago. The author had the opportunity to be intimately involved in the evolutionary understanding of injection processes at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), spanning sub- to supercritical conditions during this period. The information included here attempts to present a coherent summary of experimental achievements pertinent to liquid rockets, focusing only on the injection of nonreacting cryogenic liquids into a high-pressure environment surpassing the critical point of at least one of the propellants. Moreover, some implications of the results acquired under such an environment are offered in the context of the liquid rocket combustion instability problem.
An Inventory Model with Time-Dependent Demand and Limited Storage Facility under Inflation
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Singh S. R. , Kumari Rachna
Published: November 2012

The main objective of this paper is to develop a two-warehouse inventory model with partial backordering and Weibull distribution deterioration. We consider inflation and apply the discounted cash flow in problem analysis. The discounted cash flow (DCF) and optimization framework are presented to derive the optimal replenishment policy that minimizes the total present value cost per unit time. When only rented or own warehouse model is considered, the present value of the total relevant cost is higher than the case when two-warehouse is considered. The results have been validated with the help of a numerical example. Sensitivity analysis with respect to various parameters is also performed. From the sensitivity analysis, we show that the total cost of the system is influenced by the deterioration rate, the inflation rate, and the backordering ratio.
Intake of Grains and Dietary Fiber and Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness by Race
Authors: Tabung Fred , Steck Susan E. , Su L. Joseph , Mohler James L. , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Bensen Jeannette T. , Hebert James R. , Zhang Hongmei , Arab Lenore
Published: November 2012

Purpose. To examine the associations among intake of refined grains, whole grains and dietary fiber and aggressiveness of prostate cancer in African Americans (AA,n=930) and European Americans (EA,n=993) in a population-based, case-only study (The North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project, PCaP).Methods. Prostate cancer aggressiveness was categorized as high, intermediate or low based on Gleason grade, PSA level and clinical stage. Dietary intake was assessed utilizing the NCI Diet History Questionnaire. Logistic regression (comparing high to intermediate/low aggressive cancers) and polytomous regression with adjustment for potential confounders were used to determine odds of high prostate cancer aggressiveness with intake of refined grains, whole grains and dietary fiber from all sources.Results. An inverse association with aggressive prostate cancer was observed in the 2nd and 3rd tertiles of total fiber intake (OR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50–0.97 and OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40–0.93, resp.) as compared to the lowest tertile of intake. In the race-stratified analyses, inverse associations were observed in the 3rd tertile of total fiber intake for EA (OR = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23–0.87) and the 2nd tertile of intake for AA (OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35–0.95).Conclusions. Dietary fiber intake was inversely associated with aggressive prostate cancer among both AA and EA men.
Thr92Ala Polymorphism of Human Type 2 Deiodinase Gene (hD2) Affects the Development of Graves' Disease, Treatment Efficiency, and Rate of Remission
Authors: Alina Babenko , Daria Popkova , Olga Freylihman , Vladislav Solncev , Anna Kostareva , Elena Grineva
Published: November 2012

Clinical symptoms vary in thyrotoxicosis, and severity of these depends on many factors. Over the last years, impact of genetic factors upon the development and clinical significance of thyrotoxic symptoms became evident. It is known that a production of T3 in various tissues is limited by deiodinase 2 (D2). Recent studies revealed that certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (including threonine (Thr) to alanine (Ala) replacement in D2 gene codon 92, D2 Thr92Ala) affect T3 levels in tissues and in serum. Individuals with Ala92Ala genotype have lower D2 activity in tissues, compared with that in individuals with other genotypes. In our study, we have assessed an association of D2 Thr92Ala polymorphism with (1) frequency of disease development, (2) severity of clinical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, and (3) rate of remissions, in Graves' disease patients.
Impulsive Synchronization of Multilinks Delayed Coupled Complex Networks with Perturb Effects
Authors: Li Jun , Li Bing , Xu Yuhua , Zhou Wuneng , Fang Jian′an
Published: November 2012

This paper investigates impulsive synchronization of multilinks delayed coupled complex networks with perturb effects. Based on the comparison theory of impulsive differential system, a novel synchronization criterion is derived and an impulsive controller is designed simultaneously. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed synchronization criteria.
Differential Short-Term Repeated Forearm Hyperaemic Reactivity in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Compared to Healthy Low Risk Participants
Authors: Bacon Simon L. , Meloche Bernard , Lavoie Kim L. , Arsenault André
Published: November 2012

The hyperaemic response of the forearm is a widely used technique to assess the vascular reactivity. Little is known about the short-term reproducibility and the possible exhaustion of this response in normal or diseased states. As such, the current study was conducted to assess this phenomenon using a unique nuclear medicine- (NM-) based technique. 19 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing NM exercise stress tests and 15 low risk (LR) participants completed 2 reactive hyperaemia tests, using a SPECT-based technique, separated by 15  min. Analyses revealed that CAD patients had lower hyperaemic responses than LR participants (P<.001), and that there was a significant group × time interaction (P<.005), such that LR participants showed a larger decrease in the reactivity (5.2±0.4 to 3.6±0.4) than the CAD patients (2.9±0.3 to 2.6±0.3). These results suggest that there is a variability, due to disease states, in the reproducibility of the hypaeremic reactivity. This needs to be taken into account in short-term repeated measure studies.
Enhancing the Inclusive Self-Efficacy of Preservice Teachers through Embedded Course Design
Authors: Zundans-Fraser Lucia , Lancaster Julie
Published: November 2012

This study was an initial investigation into the effects of Embedded Design on the self-efficacy of pre-service teachers studying inclusive education. Forty-one participants completed pre- and postquestionnaires to determine differences in self-efficacy prior to and again at completion of an inclusive education course in an undergraduate teaching degree. A modified version of the scale developed by Hickson (1995), the “Self-Efficacy toward Future Interactions with People with Disabilities” (SEIPD) was employed for data collection. This data was supplemented by way of anonymous formal student feedback collected from the university. Findings indicate that the theoretically designed course did in fact significantly improve self-efficacy between pre- and postoccasions. Limitations of the present study are discussed as well as implications for future practice in the design of preservice courses for inclusive education.
Germ Cell Proteins in Melanoma: Prognosis, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Theories on Expression
Authors: Rosa Ashley M. , Dabas Nitika , Byrnes Diana M. , Eller Mark S. , Grichnik James M.
Published: November 2012

Germ cell protein expression in melanoma has been shown to correlate with malignancy, severity of disease and to serve as an immunologic target for therapy. However, very little is known about the role that germ cell proteins play in cancer development. Unique germ cell pathways include those involved in immortalization, genetic evolution, and energy metabolism. There is an ever increasing recognition that within tumors there is a subpopulation of cells with stem-cell-like characteristics that play a role in driving tumorgenesis. Stem cell and germ cell biology is intertwined. Given the enormous potential and known expression of germ cell proteins in melanoma, it is possible that they represent a largely untapped resource that may play a fundamental role in tumor development and progression. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update on the current value of germ cell protein expression in melanoma diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, as well as to review critical germ cell pathways and discuss the potential roles these pathways may play in malignant transformation.