bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Analysis of SNP12 in Estrogen Receptor α Gene in Hypospadiac or Cryptorchid Patients from Northwestern China
Authors: Tang Kai-Fa , Zheng Jian-Zhong , Xing Jun-Ping
Published: October 2011

Objective: To investigate the single nucleotide polymorphism 12 (SNP12) in the estrogen receptor α (ESR1) gene in hypospadiac or cryptorchid patients from Northwestern China. Methods: 103 patients and 40 controls were analyzed for SNP12 to verify whether this genetic variant was associated with hypospadias or cryptorchidism. Results: The frequencies of the A allele and homozygote individuals for the A allele of SNP12 in the hypospadiac group were higher than in the control group, respectively (p = 0.011, p = 0.005). The frequency of the A allele of SNP12 in the cryptorchid group was higher than in the control group (p = 0.038). However, no significant difference was observed between the cryptorchid group and control group of homozygote individuals for the A allele of SNP12 (p = 0.070). Conclusions: Our results suggested that the A allele of SNP12 may increase the risk of hypospadias or cryptorchidism.
Measurement of Histological and Radiographic Depth and Width of Occlusal Caries Lesions: A Methodological Study
Authors: Bakhshandeh A. , Ekstrand K.R. , Qvist V.
Published: October 2011

Aim: To develop a measurement method to quantify the depth and width of occlusal caries lesions. Material and Methods: One hundred and ten extracted permanent molars with occlusal caries lesions were selected, then visually scored by ICDAS scoring system and then sectioned mesiodistally, resulting in a facial and a lingual fraction. Digital photos and radiographs were taken from each section. By randomization, one of the sections was chosen for further examinations. First digital photos were taken. Depth and width of the lesions were marked with arrows on the images both before (Hun-col) and after coloring (Hcol) the sections. The same types of measurements were done on the radiographs (R). The relative dentinal depth and width of the lesions were measured in the same order. Results: Weighted intra- and interexaminer kappa value for ICDAS scorings varied between 0.85 and 0.90. Intraexaminer kappa for dentinal depth in 36 randomized selected teeth was calculated to 0.75 (Hun-col), 0.91 (Hcol), 0.79 (R) and for dentinal width to 0.84 (Hun-col), 0.96 (Hcol), 0.84 (R). Significant correlations were found between ICDAS scorings and the measurements of depth and width of lesions in Hun-col, Hcol, and R (p < 0.000). The lowest difference was measured between Hun-col and Hcol in both relative depth and width of the lesion with maximum differences up to 45% (Hun-col–Hcol) and 73% (Hcol–R). Conclusion: It is possible to measure depth and width of occlusal caries lesions by means of histological and radiographic technique with acceptably high reproducibility using this method.
Increased Patient Information Does Not Reduce Patient Anxiety regarding Urodynamic Studies
Authors: Bright Elizabeth , Parsons Brian A. , Swithinbank Lucy
Published: October 2011

Objective: To establish if patient anxiety pre-urodynamic investigation can be reduced by providing more information within the patient information sheet (PIS). Patients and Methods: Two prospective cohorts of consecutive patients (round 1, n = 98 and round 2, n = 94) were asked to complete a visual analogue scale (VAS) quantifying their anxiety prior to urodynamics (UDS) and again after UDS quantifying their anxiety of potentially repeating UDS. Patients in round 1 received the standard hospital PIS. Concurrently with round 1, a parallel group of patients (n = 95) completed a questionnaire regarding their experience of UDS and their post-UDS complications. This information was incorporated into a revised PIS used in round 2. Results: In both rounds, the VAS reduced post-UDS (Wilcoxon matched-pairs test p < 0.001). In females, pre-UDS VAS was significantly higher in round 2 than round 1 (Mann-Whitney U test p = 0.037). In males, pre-UDS VAS was lower in round 2 than round 1, but this difference was not statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U test p = 0.112). Post-UDS VAS was remarkably similar between round 1 and 2. Conclusions: Patients are less anxious about having repeat UDS regardless of the depth of information provided. However, more detailed information before UDS failed to significantly reduce patient anxiety.
Preadmission Therapeutic Anticoagulation Reduces Cerebral Infarct Volume in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Matsumoto Mari , Okazaki Shuhei , Sakaguchi Manabu , Ohara Nobuyuki , Furukado Shigetaka , Nagano Keiko , Kuwagata Yasuyuki , Shimazu Takeshi , Yoshimine Toshiki , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: October 2011

Aim: We investigated the influence of preadmission anticoagulation on infarct volume in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: Data were collected on consecutive ischemic stroke patients with NVAF admitted to Osaka University Hospital between 2004 and 2011. Patients were divided into 3 groups: the no-anticoagulation group, the subtherapeutic anticoagulation group [admission prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR) <1.6], and the therapeutic anticoagulation group (PT-INR ≧1.6). In analyses of neurological outcome, we excluded patients with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of >1 before onset. Results: Of the 68 patients, 45 were classified into the no-anticoagulation group, 9 into the subtherapeutic group, and 14 into the therapeutic group. The median value of infarct volume was 60 (interquartile range 9–176), 142 (64–184), and 8 (3–46) ml in each group, respectively. Infarct volume in the therapeutic group was significantly smaller than in the subtherapeutic group (p = 0.010), and tended to be smaller than in the no-anticoagulation group (p = 0.086). National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, and mRS score at discharge were significantly reduced in the therapeutic group compared with those in the other groups (p = 0.028 and p = 0.017, respectively). Conclusion: Therapeutic anticoagulation reduces infarct volume and improves neurological outcome after ischemic stroke in patients with NVAF.
Long-Term Prognosis of Pemphigus in Korea: Retrospective Analysis of 199 Patients
Authors: Kim Mi Ri , Kim Hyeon Chang , Kim Soo-Chan
Published: October 2011

Background: Pemphigus is the most common and severe autoimmune bullous disease in Korea. Objective: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the clinical features, treatment modalities and long-term prognosis of pemphigus in Korea. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 199 patients diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) between 1993 and 2008. Complete and partial remissions were evaluated according to the definitions proposed by the International Pemphigus Committee. Results: The mean age of onset was 46.1 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 1.1:1.0 (women: 102, men: 97). The ratio of PV to PF was 1.1:1.0 (PV: 104, PF: 95). Complete/partial remission rate for PV was 77% at 5 years and 94% at 10 years after initial diagnosis. The corresponding rate for PF was 87% at 5 years and 98% at 10 years after initial diagnosis. There was no difference in time to remission between mild cases (treated with prednisolone, Pd, alone) and severe cases (treated with Pd ± adjuvant therapy). Sixteen patients, who were recalcitrant to conventional therapy, received rituximab; all of these achieved overall remission without adverse effects. Eight (8%) PV patients and 5 (5%) PF patients died during the 16-year follow-up period. Conclusions: Most patients reached remission within 10 years of treatment. Pd + adjuvant therapy did not yield a better prognosis than Pd alone. All patients who received rituximab experienced remarkable clinical improvement. Rituximab is an effective and safe drug for patients who are resistant to conventional therapy.
Prognostic Significance of Lymphovascular Invasion for Patients with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hanagiri T. , Takenaka M. , Oka S. , Shigematsu Y. , Nagata Y. , Shimokawa H. , Uramoto H. , Yamada S. , Tanaka F.
Published: October 2011

Aims: This study retrospectively investigated the clinical significance of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) following a complete resection for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 226 patients who underwent a complete resection for pathological stage I NSCLC were examined. Results: Lymphatic invasion was pathologically diagnosed as ly0 in 156 patients, ly1 in 65, and ly2 in 5 patients. The pathological vascular invasion was diagnosed as v0 in 178 patients, v1 in 35, v2 in 10, and v3 in 3 patients. The 5-year survival rate after surgery of the patients with and without lymphatic invasion was 76.8 and 90.6%, respectively. There was a significantly more unfavorable prognosis in patients with lymphatic invasion (p = 0.042). The 5-year survival rate of the patients with vascular invasion was also significantly more unfavorable (67.8%) than that of patients without vascular invasion (90.4%; p = 0.004). LVI was found to significantly correlate with tumor size and the presence of pleural invasion. Conclusion: The LVI of NSCLC is a significant prognostic factor in patients with stage I tumors. In future clinical trials, it is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant therapy for the selection of patients according to this criterion.
Positive Orientation Across Three Cultures
Authors: Caprara Gian Vittorio , Alessandri Guido , Trommsdorff Gisela , Heikamp Tobias , Yamaguchi Susumu , Suzuki Fumiko
Published: October 2011

Positive orientation is a new construct posed at the core of positive evaluations about oneself, life, and the future. Previous findings attested to its associations with health, well-being, and achievement. In the present study, the authors traced standard measures of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and dispositional optimism to a common factor attesting to a similar factorial structure in Japan, Germany, and Italy. Partial invariance at both metric and scalar levels further corroborates generality of positive orientation across these 3 countries.
Public deliberation in action: Emotion, inclusion and exclusion in participatory decision making
Authors: Martin Graham P.
Published: October 2011

Participatory forums, in which lay citizens or users of public services contribute to the governance of public services, have proliferated in recent years. In debates about the quality and influence of such processes, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of emotional as well as rational deliberation, and criticism of the way in which the structures imposed on such forums can exclude certain participants and discourses. This paper presents a study of one such forum, convened by an independent organization to influence the development and management of state services, and governed by self-determined norms of participation and conduct. It highlights both the potential of such public deliberations beyond the state to generate novel outputs that influence public-service provision, but also the way in which such forums, and their lack of imposed rules and norms of deliberation, can themselves work to exclude certain participants and discourses.
‘Troops to Teachers’: Solving the problem of working-class masculinity in the classroom?
Authors: Dermott Esther
Published: October 2011

The UK government’s White Paper on Education, The Importance of Teaching (2010), includes a proposal ( Troops to Teachers) to encourage ex-service personnel to train as teachers: this paper presents a critical analysis of the discussions promoting the initiative. Firstly, it is argued that the initiative attempts a rapprochement between ‘reputation’ and ‘respectability’ (McDowell, 2003) by presenting ‘military masculinity’ as the solution to problematic ‘protest masculinity’. Secondly, the paper highlights three contradictions that emerge when the proposal is read alongside broader educational policy: teaching as a career only for high academic achievers versus teaching as appropriate for those with low levels of educational attainment; education as offering everyone the same opportunities versus practices which intentionally segment educational experience along class lines; and male teachers as the embodiment of traditional masculinity or as undermining gender stereotypes.
Supplying large firms: The role of entrepreneurial and dynamic capabilities in small businesses
Authors: Woldesenbet Kassa , Ram Monder , Jones Trevor
Published: October 2011

Drawing on the concepts of ‘entrepreneurial’ and ‘dynamic’ capabilities, this study examines the capabilities that allow small firms to operate as suppliers to large organizations in the public and private sectors. Interest in this topic is fuelled by academic speculation about the extent to which such supply chain relationships can facilitate the growth of small firms and by current policy initiatives to promote small firm-friendly procurement practices. Based on the evidence from 18 small firms, the study shows how entrepreneurial and a variety of dynamic capabilities are intertwined in subtle and complex ways, and how the development of one shapes and is shaped by the development and use of the other. In doing so, the article contributes to identifying small firm capabilities that together underpin a higher-order dynamic capability required to supply large firms and to the debate on the nature and types of such capabilities.
Absorbing new knowledge in small and medium-sized enterprises: A multiple case analysis of Six Sigma
Authors: McAdam Rodney , Antony Jiju , Kumar Maneesh , Hazlett Shirley A
Published: October 2011

The primary aim of this article is to critically analyse the development of Six Sigma theory and practice within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using a multiple case study approach. The article also explores the subsequent development of Lean Six Sigma as a means of addressing the perceived limitations of the efficacy of Six Sigma in this context. The overarching theoretical framework is that of absorptive capacity, where Six Sigma is conceptualized as new knowledge to be absorbed by smaller firms. The findings from a multiple case study involving repeat interviews and focus groups informed the development of an analytical model demonstrating the dynamic underlying routines for the absorptive capacity process and the development of a number of summative propositions relating the characteristics of SMEs to Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma implementation.
Quality library and information science education in Nigeria
Authors: Uhegbu Augonus Nnamdi
Published: October 2011

This paper espouses the rationale for public–private sector collaboration for quality library and information science education in Nigeria. In all the phases librarianship has passed through in Nigeria, it has been public sector sponsored. The paper identifies ways in which the private sector could participate towards ensuring quality library and information science education in Nigeria. It identifies the token presence of the private sector in librarianship as one of the factors that lead to infrastructural decay, inadequate or near absence of teaching and learning aids, low social perception of the profession and poor remuneration of librarians in the country. Ways that can could be used to attract private sector support are outlined. Private sector participation in librarianship will provide funds to acquire new facilities, maintain existing ones, develop infrastructure and equip libraries and resource centres which will ultimately lead to the production of technically sound and knowledgeable professionals.
Investigating the information needs of nomadic students in Iran
Authors: Dehpadekani Hajar Salehi , Pourhamidi Masoud
Published: October 2011

This article reports on a study designed to find out the information needs of nomadic students in Iran in order to present a library service model to meet their needs. The results show that the preferred information format of the majority of students was print, especially books. Most of the students stated that they were in need of cultural and medical non-educational books. The study led to improved and expanded library services for respondents who are deprived of such services, including audiovisual services, extending the book collection, loaning books, advertising books and other publications, reference services, technical services and providing needed information to them. The paper presents for the first time a model for providing library services for nomadic students. Both practitioners and researchers in the nomadic library services domain will benefit from the synthesis offered in this paper, as it puts together convergent views on what nomadic students currently need.
A study on obsolescence resolution profiles
Authors: Rojo F J Romero , Roy R , Shehab E , Cheruvu K
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a study assessing the probability of selecting a resolution approach to tackle an obsolescence issue. First, the Delphi method was applied across an industry expert panel to derive a set of 15 obsolescence resolution profiles (ORPs). The ORPs represent the probability of using each obsolescence resolution approach to tackle an obsolescence issue. Each ORP is characterized by the complexity level of the obsolete component and the level of proactiveness for obsolescence management, which have been identified as the two major factors that influence the probability of using each resolution approach. Second, the results were enhanced by means of a definitions refinement workshop. Finally, the ORPs were refined and validated by means of a workshop with experts based on the theoretical trends expected for each resolution probability. More than 40 experts in obsolescence from across the UK from the defence, aerospace, railway and nuclear sectors have participated in the study.
Robust autopilot design of uncertain bank-to-turn missiles using state-space disturbance observers
Authors: Yang J , Chen W-H , Li S
Published: October 2011

Robust autopilot design for bank-to-turn (BTT) missiles under disturbances and uncertainties is investigated in this article using the disturbance observer concept. It is well known that the BTT missile dynamics undergo substantial change during its flight. In this disturbance observer-based control (DOBC) setting, the influences caused by parameter variations are merged into disturbance terms and regarded as parts of the lumped disturbances. Disturbance observers are employed to estimate the lumped disturbances, and then a disturbance observer-based robust control (DOBRC) method is proposed in this article to compensate the influences of parameter variations and the disturbances from the output channels. Similar to the baseline linear quadratic regulator design, the DOBRC is analysed and designed using linear techniques. Very promising performance has been achieved for the BTT missile as shown in simulation. It is demonstrated that DOBC approach provides a simple, intuitive, and practical solution for many challenging control problems where systems are subject to significant external disturbances, and uncertainties such as BTT missiles.
What’s in an act? On security speech acts and little security nothings
Authors: Huysmans Jef
Published: October 2011

This article makes a claim for re-engaging the concept of ‘act’ in the study of securitization. While much has been written about the discursive and communicative aspects of securitizing, the concept of ‘act’ that contains much of the politicality of the speech-act approach to security has been relatively ignored. The task of re-engaging ‘acts’ is particularly pertinent in the contemporary context, in which politically salient speech acts are heavily displaced by securitizing practices and devices that appear as banal, little security nothings. The main purpose of the article is to begin the framing of a research agenda that asks what political acts can be in diffuse security processes that efface securitizing speech acts.
Science and securitization: Objectivation, the authority of the speaker and mobilization of scientific facts
Authors: Villumsen Berling Trine
Published: October 2011

The interface between science and securitization has not been systematically addressed. This article argues from a Bourdieusian viewpoint that scientific arguments and ‘facts’ are at work in at least three distinct mechanisms within and around securitization. First, science communities/explanations can come to objectify an issue to the extent where securitization – and even politicization – becomes next to impossible. Second, science co-determines the status of a securitizing actor and thus influences the authority of the speaker in specific fields. Third, scientific facts can be mobilized in securitization claims by securitizing actors in attempts to seek back-up in the objective, disinterested aura of the scientific vocation. The RAND Corporation’s objectivation of the issue of nuclear deterrence is taken as an example of the first mechanism, while climate change and democratic peace illustrate the other two mechanisms. The article questions whether securitization theory has adequately addressed the issue of context, points to a new research agenda and carves out practical reflexivity for security experts.
Securitization and the liberalism of fear
Authors: Williams Michael C.
Published: October 2011

This article seeks to extend securitization theory conceptually and, to a lesser degree, empirically by further developing the relationship between securitization and the politics of fear. Drawing on Shklar’s notion of the liberalism of fear, it argues that instead of looking at the ways in which fear can facilitate processes of securitization and the extension of security logics throughout society, the liberalism of fear allows us to see how fear can operate in ways that can actually inhibit processes of securitization. This strategy might accurately be termed ‘the securitization of securitization’, and the liberalism of fear calls attention to how the fear of fear can in a specific sense be seen as a desecuritizing resource – a countervailing logic against processes of intensification within both ‘normal’ and ‘security’ politics.
Are Private Investments Serving the Poor in India?
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Chandrima
Published: October 2011

Public–private partnership (PPP) was introduced as a tool to overcome the financial resource scarcity of developing nation-states to deliver infrastructure. While researchers have extensively focused on the procedural adoption of PPP in developing nations, the distributional side of PPP has received very little attention. This article investigates whether the central government has been successful in directing PPP towards the poor regions in India. This study shows that PPP in India contributes towards the process of uneven development.
The Influence of Spirituality on Service Utilization and Satisfaction for Women Residing in a Domestic Violence Shelter
Authors: Fowler Dawnovise N. , Faulkner Monica , Learman Joy , Runnels Ratonia
Published: October 2011

Little is known about the influence of spirituality on service utilization and satisfaction among women survivors of intimate partner abuse (IPA). The purpose of this study was to examine differences between shelter and faith-based service utilization and satisfaction in a shelter sample ( N = 73). Multiple regression techniques were used. The findings suggest that survivors with higher spirituality were more likely to utilize faith-based resources than shelters. Those who experienced greater IPA reported dissatisfaction with faith-based resources. These results suggest that spirituality should be incorporated into shelter services to meet survivors’ spiritual needs, and faith-based services should adequately address IPA.
Depressive disorder among Turkish women in the Netherlands: A qualitative study of idioms of distress
Authors: Borra Ria
Published: October 2011

The provision of mental health services to immigrants in the Netherlands is hampered by difficulty in establishing valid diagnoses of psychiatric disorders. To improve the process of diagnosing depressive disorder among Turkish women in Dutch mental healthcare, we conducted a qualitative study of women with depression in Rotterdam. A bilingual Turkish–Dutch diagnostic interview was developed to explore Turkish women's idioms of distress. Interviews were conducted with 20 women with a disputed diagnosis of depression. Results showed that distress among the Turkish women was characterized by a wide range of somatic complaints, with anxiety and agitation occurring as frequently as depressive complaints. Because the range of complaints is so varied, major depression may be underdiagnosed in the Turkish immigrant population.
Therapeutic lighting design for the elderly: a review
Authors: Shikder Shariful , Mourshed Monjur , Price Andrew
Published: October 2011

Aims:

Research suggests that specialised lighting design is essential to cater for the elderly users of a building because of reduced visual performance with increased age. This review aims to document what is known of the physical and psychological aspects of lighting and their role in promoting a healthy and safe environment for the elderly.

Methods:

A methodical review was carried out of published literature on the physical and psychological impacts of light on the elderly. Design standards and guides from professional organizations were evaluated to identify synergies and gaps between the evidence base and current practice.

Results:

Lighting has been identified as a significant environmental attribute responsible for promoting physical and mental health of the elderly. The evidence related to visual performance was found to be robust. However, guides and standards appeared to have focused mostly on illumination requirements for specific tasks and have lacked detailed guidelines on vertical lighting and luminance design. This review has identified a growing body of evidence on the therapeutic benefits of lighting and its use in treating psychological disorders among the elderly. The experiments using light as a therapy have improved our understanding of the underlying principles, but the integration of therapeutic aspects of lighting in design practice and guidelines is lacking.

Conclusions:

While design guidelines discuss the physical needs of lighting for the elderly fairly well, they lack incorporation of photobiological impacts. Despite positive outcomes from research, the implementation of therapeutic aspects of lighting in buildings is still debatable due to insufficient relevant investigations and robustness of their findings. Collaborations between designers and physicians can contribute in delivering customised lighting solutions by considering disease types and needs. Further investigation needs to be carried out for translating therapeutic benefits to photometric units to implement them in building lighting design.
Exploring the Relationship Between Fidelity of Implementation and Academic Achievement in a Third-Grade Gifted Curriculum
Authors: Azano Amy , Missett Tracy C. , Callahan Carolyn M. , Oh Sarah , Brunner Marguerite , Foster Lisa H. , Moon Tonya R.
Published: October 2011

This study used sequential mixed-methods analyses to investigate the effectiveness of a research-based language arts curriculum for gifted third graders. Using analytic induction, researchers found that teachers’ beliefs and expectations (time, sense of autonomy, expectations for students, professional expertise) influenced the degree to which they implemented the research intervention with fidelity to its design. Next, maximum variation sampling and quantitative analysis of student outcomes determined that postassessment achievement test scores are higher for students in classrooms with teachers who show high fidelity or adherence to the intervention.
Intraoperative radiotherapy electron boost in advanced and recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Gao Ying , Liu Zi , Chen Xi , Luo Wei , Zhang Long , Wang Juan
Published: October 2011

Background

Relapses of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) have a poor prognosis and are almost always fatal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome and toxicity of intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT) in advanced and recurrent EOC.

Methods

Forty-five women with EOC were treated with IOERT. Twenty-five patients had primary disease (PD) without distant metastasis at IOERT, and 20 patients had an isolated local recurrence (ILR) after surgery. All 45 patients in this series underwent optimal cytoreductive (≤ 1 cm) surgery. The whole pelvic (WP) radiotherapy was intraoperatively delivered using 12 Mev electron beam; 43 patients received 18-20 Gy and two patients received 10 Gy. Thirty-three patients received postoperateive intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, while seven patients received intravenous (IV) chemotherapy. Five patients refused concurrent chemotherapy. Overall survival (OS) rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Tumor recurrence and metastasis were observed in 16 patients (35.6%). Of those, 14 patients (31.1%) relapsed and two patients (4.4%) had distant metastasis alone. Eight of 25 (32%) local failures were observed in the PD group, as compared to 6/20 (30%) in the ILR group (P = 0.885). Actuarial local control at five year follow-up was 31/45 (68.9%). Seventeen of the total 45 (37.8%) patients died. Nine of 25 (36%) in the PD group died, as compared to 8 of 20 (40%) in the ILR group. The 5-year OS and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 28/45 (62.2%) and 25/45 (55.6%), respectively. In the PD group, the 5-year OS and DFS rates were 16/25 (64%) and 14/25 (56%) (P > 0.05, vs. the ILR group at 12/20 and 11/20, respectively). The OS and DFS in the IOERT plus IP group were 25/33 (75.8%) and 23/33 (69.7%), respectively, which were superior to the rates achieved with IOERT plus IV chemotherapy (P < 0.05, 2/7 and 1/7, respectively). The major complication of IOERT was neuropathy. Five (11.1%) patients developed peripheral neurotoxicity.

Conclusions

IOERT may be feasible and effective as a boosting technique for advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer. IOERT plus IP chemotherapy may achieve high locoregional disease control and survival benefit with a low risk of toxicity. Peripheral nerves in the IOERT field are dose-limiting structures requiring nerve protection policies or a dose compromise to ensure against severe neurological damage.
Association between substance use and psychosocial characteristics among adolescents of the Seychelles
Authors: Alwan Heba , Viswanathan Bharathi , Rousson Valentin , Paccaud Fred , Bovet Pascal
Published: October 2011

Background

We examined the associations between substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and cannabis use) and psychosocial characteristics at the individual and family levels among adolescents of the Seychelles, a rapidly developing small island state in the African region.

Methods

A school survey was conducted in a representative sample of 1432 students aged 11-17 years from all secondary schools. Data came from a self-administered anonymous questionnaire conducted along a standard methodology (Global School-based Health Survey, GSHS). Risk behaviors and psychosocial characteristics were dichotomized. Association analyses were adjusted for a possible classroom effect.

Results

The prevalence of cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and cannabis use was higher in boys than in girls and increased with age. Age-adjusted and multivariate analyses showed that several individual level characteristics (e.g. suicidal ideation and truancy) and family level characteristics (e.g. poor parental monitoring) were associated with substance use among students.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that health promotion programs should simultaneously address multiple risk behaviors and take into account a wide range of psychosocial characteristics of the students at the individual and family levels.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey in alkali injury on the eyes of rabbits: Experimental animal study
Authors: Bashkaran Karuppannan , Zunaina Embong , Bakiah Shaharuddin , Sulaiman Siti Amrah , Sirajudeen KNS , Naik Venkatesh
Published: October 2011

Background

Alkali injury is one of the most devastating injuries to the eye. It results in permanent unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Chemical eye injury is accompanied by an increase in the oxidative stress. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents play a major role in the treatment of chemical eye injuries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory (clinical and histopathological) and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey versus conventional treatment in alkali injury on the eyes of rabbits.

Methods

A preliminary study was carried out prior to the actual study to establish the alkali chemical injury on rabbit's cornea and we found that alkali chemical injury with 2 N NaOH showed severe clinical inflammatory features. In actual study, alkali injury with 2 N NaOH was induced in the right eye of 10 New Zealand White rabbits' cornea. The rabbits were divided into two groups, Group A was given conventional treatment and Group B was treated with both topical and oral Tualang honey. Clinical inflammatory features of the right eye were recorded at 12 hours, 24 hours, 72 hours, 5th day and 7th day post induction of alkali burn on the cornea. The histopathological inflammatory features of the right corneas of all rabbits were also evaluated on day-7. The level of total antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation products in the aqueous humour, vitreous humour and serum at day-7 were estimated biochemically. Fisher's Exact, Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney test were used to analyse the data.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in clinical inflammatory features (p > 0.05) between honey treated and the conventional treated group at different times of examination. Histopathological examination of the cornea showed the number of polymorphonuclear leucocytes was below 50 for both groups (mild grade). There was also no significant difference in the level of total antioxidant status as well as lipid peroxidation products in aqueous humour (p = 0.117, p = 0.382 respectively), vitreous humour (p = 0.917, p = 0.248 respectively) and serum (p = 0.917, p = 0.332 respectively) between honey treated and the conventional treated group.

Conclusion

Tualang honey has almost the equal effects when compared with the conventional treatment in treating alkali injury on rabbit's eye. Future research with more number of rabbits and control group is warranted to explore the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Tualang honey.
Sheehan's syndrome with pancytopenia: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fatma Mnif , Mouna Elleuch , Nabila Rekik , Mouna Mnif , Nadia Charfi , Mohamed Abid
Published: October 2011

Introduction

Sheehan's syndrome is defined by varying degrees of anterior pituitary deficiency due to postpartum ischemic necrosis of the pituitary gland after massive bleeding. It is a rare disorder in western countries and even in Tunisia. Hematologic abnormalities such as normochromic anemia have been reported in these patients. However, pancytopenia is rarely observed.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 48-year-old Tunisian woman with features of hypopituitarism. Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia that was completely reversed after adequate hormone replacement.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider the possibility of hypopituitarism as a cause of pancytopenia. This is an original case report that is of interest to hematologists, who should be aware of Sheehan's syndrome as a treatable etiology of pancytopenia for women.
Universal screening of Tanzanian HIV‐infected adult inpatients with the serum cryptococcal antigen to improve diagnosis and reduce mortality: an operational study
Authors: Wajanga Bahati MK , Kalluvya Samuel , Downs Jennifer A , Johnson Warren D , Fitzgerald Daniel W , Peck Robert N
Published: October 2011

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis is a leading cause of death among HIV‐infected individuals in sub‐Saharan Africa. Recent developments include the availability of intravenous fluconazole, cryptococcal antigen assays and new data to support fluconazole pre‐emptive treatment. In this study, we describe the impact of screening HIV‐positive adult inpatients with serum cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) at a Tanzanian referral hospital.

Methods

All adults admitted to the medical ward of Bugando Medical Centre are counseled and tested for HIV. In this prospective cohort study, we consecutively enrolled HIV‐positive patients admitted between September 2009 and January 2010. All patients were interviewed, examined and screened with serum CRAG. Patients with positive serum CRAG or signs of meningitis underwent lumbar puncture. Patients were managed according to standard World Health Organization treatment guidelines. Discharge diagnoses and in‐hospital mortality were recorded.

Results

Of 333 HIV‐infected adults enrolled in our study, 15 (4.4%) had confirmed cryptococcal meningitis and 10 of these 15 (66%) died. All patients with cryptococcal meningitis had at least two of four classic symptoms and signs of meningitis: fever, headache, neck stiffness and altered mental status. Cryptococcal meningitis accounted for a quarter of all in‐hospital deaths.

Conclusions

Despite screening of all HIV‐positive adult inpatients with the serum CRAG at the time of admission and prompt treatment with high‐dose intravenous fluconazole in those with confirmed cryptococcal meningitis, the in‐hospital mortality rate remained unacceptably high. Improved strategies for earlier diagnosis and treatment of HIV, implementation of fluconazole pre‐emptive treatment for high‐risk patients and acquisition of better resources for treatment of cryptococcal meningitis are needed.
Community-Scale Damage, Disruption, and Early Recovery in the 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Authors: Hill Arleen , Bevington John , Davidson Rachel , Chang Stephanie , Eguchi Ronald , Adams Beverley , Brink Susan , Panjwani Dilnoor , Mills Robin , Pyatt Sarah , Honey Matthew , Amyx Paul
Published: October 2011

This study seeks to assess the levels of community-scale building damage and socioeconomic disruption following the January 2010 Haiti earthquake. Damage and disruption were analyzed for pre-event, post-event, and early recovery time periods in seven Haitian communities—three inside and four outside Port-au-Prince. Damage datasets from the Global Earth Observation-Catastrophe Assessment Network (GEO-CAN) postdisaster assessment were combined with analyses of fine-resolution satellite and aerial imagery to quantify building damage and recovery status, and were verified with field data. Disruption was assessed using community-level data obtained from interviews conducted in May 2010 with community leaders, NGOs, and government utility providers. The data pertain to 11 sectors, including shelter, livelihoods, and social networks. The findings document severe disruption and uneven restoration four months after the earthquake. Disruption showed little correlation with physical damage. Observations suggest that the impacts of the earthquake must be understood in the context of chronic disruption, and many consequences of the earthquake are merely deferred during recovery.
Validating Assessments of Seismic Damage Made from Remote Sensing
Authors: Booth Edmund , Saito Keiko , Spence Robin , Madabhushi Gopal , Eguchi Ronald T.
Published: October 2011

Assessments of damage following the 2010 Haitian earthquake were validated by comparing three datasets. The first, for 107,000 buildings, used vertical aerial images with a 15–25 cm spatial resolution. The second, for 1,241 buildings, used Pictometry images (oblique angle shots with a resolution of about 10 cm taken in four directions by aircraft). The third dataset, for 142 buildings, used ground observations. The ground observations confirmed the tendency of remote sensing to underestimate the proportion of heavily damaged and collapsed buildings, and the difficulty of making remote assessments of moderate or low damage. Bayesian statistics and sample surveys made from Pictometry images and ground observations were used to improve remote damage assessments from vertical images. The possibility of developing standard factors to correct remote assessments is discussed. The field exercise pointed to the need to produce an internationally agreed-upon set of damage definitions, suitable for postdisaster needs assessments as well as for other uses.
Effects of the January 2010 Haitian Earthquake on Selected Electrical Equipment
Authors: Goodno B. J. , Gould N. C. , Caldwell P. , Gould P. L.
Published: October 2011

The focus of this survey was to collect data on the performance of mechanical and electrical systems at selected critical facilities in Haiti. First-hand observations confirmed that nonstructural elements that are well anchored and/or laterally restrained will perform well during a moderate seismic event. However, the investigation also revealed that many critical institutions in Haiti did not utilize state-of-the-art engineering design or construction practices when installing nonstructural equipment that turned out to be crucial to their post-earthquake operations. The survey team believes that absent or poorly implemented seismic anchorage of nonstructural elements hampered the ability to restore essential systems to operation after the event.
Crowdsourcing for Rapid Damage Assessment: The Global Earth Observation Catastrophe Assessment Network (GEO-CAN)
Authors: Ghosh Shubharoop , Huyck Charles K. , Greene Marjorie , Gill Stuart P. , Bevington John , Svekla Walter , DesRoches Reginald , Eguchi Ronald T.
Published: October 2011

This paper provides an account of how the Global Earth Observation Catastrophe Assessment Network (GEO-CAN) was formed to facilitate a rapid damage assessment after the 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake. GEO-CAN emerged from the theory of crowdsourcing and remote sensing-based damage interpretation and represents a new paradigm in post-disaster damage assessment. The GEO-CAN community, working with the World Bank (WB), the United Nation Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) led the way for a rapid Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) utilizing remote-sensing based analysis as the primary source of information for building damage. The results of the GEO-CAN damage assessment were incorporated into the final PDNA framework developed by the WB-UNOSAT-JRC and adopted by the Haitian government. The GEO-CAN initiative provides valuable lessons on multi-agency collaboration, rapid and implementable damage assessment protocols under extreme situations for the disaster management profession, developmental organizations, and society.
Geotechnical Aspects of Failures at Port-au-Prince Seaport during the 12 January 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Authors: Green Russell A. , Olson Scott M. , Cox Brady R. , Rix Glenn J. , Rathje Ellen , Bachhuber Jeff , French James , Lasley Samuel , Martin Nathaniel
Published: October 2011

Presented herein are the results of geotechnical investigations and subsequent laboratory and data analyses of the Port-au-Prince seaport following the Mw7.0 2010 Haiti earthquake. The earthquake caused catastrophic ground failures in calcareous-sand artificial fills at the seaport, including liquefaction, lateral spreads, differential settlements, and collapse of the pile-supported wharf and pier. The site characterization entailed geotechnical borings, hand-auger borings, standard penetration tests, and dynamic cone penetration tests. The laboratory tests included grain size and carbonate content tests. The observations and results presented herein add valuable field performance data for calcareous sands, which are relatively lacking in liquefaction case history databases, and the overall response of the artificial fills are consistent with predictions made using semi-empirical relations developed primarily from field data of silica sands.
Measures of the Seismic Vulnerability of Reinforced Concrete Buildings in Haiti
Authors: O'Brien Patrick , Eberhard Marc , Haraldsson Olafur , Irfanoglu Ayhan , Lattanzi David , Lauer Steven , Pujol Santiago
Published: October 2011

Following the 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake, teams of students and faculty members from the United States and Haiti surveyed 170 reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in Port-au-Prince and Léogâne. This paper summarizes the survey results and compares them with results from a similar survey done after the 1999 earthquakes near Düzce, Turkey. The survey results demonstrate that the frequency of damage in RC buildings was higher in Haiti than in Turkey. This increased level of damage is consistent with practical screening criteria based on cross-sectional areas of building columns and walls. Based on these criteria, 90% of the structures surveyed in Haiti would have been classified as seismically vulnerable before the earthquake. Damage was more frequent in structures with captive columns. A two-tiered screening process is suggested to rapidly assess the vulnerability of scores of poorly built low-rise RC buildings in future earthquakes.
Temporary Housing Planning and Early Implementation in the 12 January 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Authors: Ritchie Liesel Ashley , Tierney Kathleen
Published: October 2011

This paper focuses on decision making and planning, primarily by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), for the provision of temporary housing following the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Data were obtained through interviews, observations, and document collection during four field trips to southeastern Haiti and Port-au-Prince between late January and the end of May 2010. Three sets of issues hindered decision making associated with rehousing: assessment, logistics, and governance and coordination—problems that are all too familiar in large-scale disaster settings around the world. Our findings highlight the challenges of decision making and planning during the immediate period following disasters and raise questions about the extent to which guidance on disaster-loss reduction measures is reaching societies and communities that need it most, about why approaches that have been shown to be counterproductive in other disasters continue to persist, and about the applicability of current recovery paradigms, policies, and practices in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake and other similar contexts.
Social Impacts of the 12 January 2010 Haiti Earthquake
Authors: Green Rebekah , Miles Scott
Published: October 2011

The 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake resulted in some of the most significant social impacts from an earthquake in recent decades. In early March, an Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) social impacts reconnaissance team documented broad impacts on shelter, livelihood opportunities, and service provision through direct observation, photo documentation, interviews, and a review of other sources. The earthquake left over half of the residential housing in Port-au-Prince heavily damaged; widespread fear that even undamaged structures were unsafe swelled the number of homeless to 1.3 million. The infrastructure damage and significant loss of life within the Haitian government and international aid agencies slowed the early response and reduced the already low levels of basic service provision. Continued research is needed on media portrayal, outcomes of injuries, sheltering decisions, social networks, and learning trajectories for Haiti's youth, among other areas.