bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue in the primary treatment of metastatic and pelvic osteosarcoma: Final results of the ISG/SSG II study
Authors: Boye Kjetil , Del Prever Adalberto Brach , Eriksson Mikael , Sæter Gunnar , Tienghi Amelia , Lindholm Paula , Fagioli Franca , Skjeldal Sigmund , Ferrari Stefano , Hall Kirsten Sundby
Published: November 2013

Background

Patients with metastatic osteosarcoma at diagnosis or axial primary tumors have a poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of intensified treatment with high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and stem cell rescue in this group.

Methods

From May 1996 to August 2004, 71 patients were included in a Scandinavian‐Italian single arm phase II study. Preoperative chemotherapy included methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin and ifosfamide, and postoperative treatment consisted of two cycles of doxorubicin, one cycle of cyclophosphamide and etoposide and two courses of high‐dose etoposide and carboplatin with stem cell rescue.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients (43%) received two courses and 10 patients (15%) received one course of HDCT. HDCT was associated with significant toxicity, but no treatment‐related deaths were recorded. Fourteen patients (20%) had disease progression before completion of the study protocol, and only 29/71 patients (41%) received the full planned treatment. Median event‐free survival (EFS) was 18 months, and estimated 5‐year EFS was 27%. Median overall survival (OS) was 34 months, and estimated 5‐year OS was 31%. When patients who did not receive HDCT due to disease progression were excluded, there was no difference in EFS (P = 0.72) or OS (P = 0.49) between patients who did or did not receive HDCT.

Conclusions

The administration of high‐dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue was feasible, but associated with significant toxicity. Patient outcome seemed comparable to previous studies using conventional chemotherapy. We conclude that HDCT with carboplatin and etoposide should not be further explored as a treatment strategy in high‐risk osteosarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:840–845. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Critical Mass and Discontinued Use of Social Media
Authors: Chesney Thomas , Lawson Shaun
Published: November 2013

Using simulation, this study compares a critical mass of adopters with a critical mass of those who discontinue their adoption of social media. A network of reflex agents is simulated where each agent has an unchanging threshold and will adopt social media if the number of their friends who have adopted is greater than it. In the first study, the size of the critical mass that adopts is varied, and in the second, the size of the critical mass that discontinues use is varied. The studies show that a critical mass of leavers can cause a community to fail and that this mass can potentially be as small as that needed to influence a community to succeed; although given a certain critical mass, their leaving is less likely to cause failure than their adoption is success. This influence of the critical mass is facilitated by network structure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Model of the Converter Steelmaking Process. Part 2: The Model Validation
Authors: Lytvynyuk Yuriy , Schenk Johannes , Hiebler Martin , Sormann Axel
Published: November 2013

In order to validate the BOF process model, the heats in 170‐ and 330‐ton converters were simulated. The different types of heats in a 170‐ton converter were considered. The model validation includes the comparison of the actual and simulated end blow parameters. The behaviors of the metal and slag phase components, temperature and charge material melting, and dissolution were shown and analyzed. The end blow chemical composition of steel and the temperature were simulated quite accurately. Small deviations between actual and simulated results were found for the end blow chemical composition of slag. Using the simulation results, the oxidation–reduction behavior of phosphorus and manganese during the converter steelmaking process was explained.
Twist-two operators and the BFKL regime — nonstandard solutions of the Baxter equation
Authors: Janik Romuald A.
Published: November 2013

Abstract

The link between BFKL physics and twist-two operators involves an analytical continuation in the spin of the operators away from the physical even integer values. Typically this is done only after obtaining an analytical result for integer spin through nested harmonic sums. In this paper we propose analyticity conditions for the solution of Baxter equation which would work directly for any value of complex spin and reproduce results from the analytical continuation of harmonic sums. We carry out explicit contructions up to 2-loop level. These nonstandard solutions of the Baxter equation have rather surprising asymptotics. We hope that these analyticity conditions may be used for incorporating them into the exact TBA/FiNLIE/QSC approaches valid at any coupling.
ASR FORUM: ENGAGING WITH AFRICAN INFORMAL ECONOMIES
Authors: Kinyanjui Mary Njeri
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the Taveta Road phenomenon, whereby women garment informal traders occupy a whole street in the central business district in Nairobi, Kenya. It also discusses the implications for urban planning of the presence of women informal traders in the central business district. The article demonstrates that the ability of these traders to move from the margins into the heart of the city is based on their ability to cross borders, organize collectively, and develop entrepreneurial skills that make use of social networks, group agency, and personal initiative. It also illustrates that over time, their gradual encroachment has led to an acceptance of their presence and their integration into the urban economy. These developments—which are referred to as “subaltern urbanism” or “solidarity entrepreneurialism”—have far-reaching implications in terms of the traders’ relationship with the city, state laws, and the national economy.
ASR FORUM: ENGAGING WITH AFRICAN INFORMAL ECONOMIES
Authors: Meagher Kate
Published: November 2013

This article examines processes of economic inclusion in divided societies, with a focus on both religious and formal–informal divides. Drawing on recent fieldwork in the northern Nigerian cities of Kano and Kaduna, the article challenges the assumption that identity-based informal organization intensifies violent social divisions, and that taxation and linkages with the state foster more stable and inclusive governance. A range of informal sector activities provides insights into escalating religious conflict and uneven patterns of formal inclusion in interreligious relations. Attention is focused on the relative role of informal institutions and formal interventions such as taxation in diffusing or exacerbating conflict at the grassroots level.
A NOTE ON SPACES WITH A STRONG RANK 1-DIAGONAL
Authors: XUAN WEI-FENG , SHI WEI-XUE
Published: November 2013

We mainly prove that, assuming $\mathfrak{b}= \mathfrak{c}$, every regular star-compact space with a strong rank 1-diagonal is metrisable.
MISTAKEN REGISTRATIONS OF LAND: EXPLODING THE MYTH OF “TITLE BY REGISTRATION”
Authors: Goymour Amy
Published: November 2013

When the Land Registration Act 2002 first came into force, the prevailing academic view was that it had created a system of “title by registration”, such that, where someone (B) is mistakenly registered as owner of another person's (A's) land, he acquires a good title (notwithstanding the mistake) that can validly be conveyed to someone else (C). The thesis of this article is that, whilst the logic of the “title by registration” principle might be conceptually attractive, it has proven to be unworkable in practice, is questionable as a matter of policy, and – looking to the future – ought to be abandoned in favour of a more subtle legislative scheme for resolving A-B-C disputes.
Radical Orthodoxy: Irish Covenanters and American Slavery, circa 1830–1865
Authors: Ritchie Daniel
Published: November 2013

This article analyzes the views of Reformed Presbyterians (Covenanters) in relation to the subject of American slavery. Popular mythology, especially that propagated by the exponents of Neo-Confederacy, would have us believe that all those who criticized the system of chattel slavery that existed in antebellum America were either secularists or adherents to heterodox religious opinions. In order to debunk this myth, this article seeks to demonstrate the solid antislavery credentials of this theologically conservative group of Presbyterians by examining the writings of various Covenanters on chattel slavery. As this agitation against slavery took place in a context of significant internal strife between the Covenanters over the issue of the civil magistrate's power circa sacra, this paper will consider how the antislavery arguments of Thomas Houston and John Paul diverged in order to suit their respective positions on civil magistracy. Related to this is the Covenanters' critique of the US Constitution, which Reformed Presbyterians rejected owing to its proslavery sentiments. Hence this article provides us with an important insight into antislavery ideology and developments within Reformed theology in relation to the state during the nineteenth century. Finally, consideration will be given to understanding the complex response of the Reformed Presbyterians to the American Civil War and to debates between the Irish Covenanters and their American brethren on the proper reaction to the conflict.
Quadruple crossing number of knots and links
Authors: ADAMS COLIN
Published: November 2013

A quadruple crossing is a crossing in a projection of a knot or link that has four strands of the knot passing straight through it. A quadruple crossing projection is a projection such that all of the crossings are quadruple crossings. In a previous paper, it was proved that every knot and link has a quadruple crossing projection and hence, every knot has a minimal quadruple crossing number c4(K). In this paper, we investigate quadruple crossing number, and in particular, use the span of the bracket polynomial to determine quadruple crossing number for a variety of knots and links.
Häyry Reconsidered
Authors: HINE KRISTEN
Published: November 2013

CQ welcomes readers’ comments on articles published in the journal. Please send submissions to T. Kushner at kushnertk@gmail.com.
Protein-modulated release behavior of a hydrophilic/lipophilic dual-drug from supramolecularly gelled microemulsions
Authors: Li Wan , Wang Hong , Yang Yajiang
Published: November 2013

The hydrophilic 5-ASA and lipophilic Cur were loaded into the supramolecularly gelled microemulsions. BSA inhibits the drug release at neutral pH, but promotes it at low pH.
Negotiating shared perspectives that move in and out of sociability
Authors: Ardington Angela
Published: November 2013

The topic of the online communication — university staff cuts — generated divergent and highly emotive views expressed in a variety of verbal actions/social practices ranging from language play to face threatening acts of verbal aggression that showed the potential to escalate into serious interpersonal conflict. Posters’ alignment practices are explored to reveal how interpersonal work in verbal conflict is co-constructed. Analysis of topic development, posters’ stance and shifting targets reveals that participants’ communicative behaviors are not driven exclusively towards resolution, rather to ‘battle it out’ engaging in a variety of verbal actions, playful and aggressive. Actions reflect posters’ highly developed sociopragmatic competence based on their socialization into an argument culture, weaving in and out of sociability, play and aggression, simultaneously reflecting discourse patterns more typically associated with the adversarial discursive behaviors of less experienced language users.
Kocuria indica sp. nov., isolated from a sediment sample
Authors: Dastager Syed G. , Tang Shan-Kun , Srinivasan Krishnamurthi , Lee Jae-Chan , Li Wen-Jun
Published: November 2013

An actinobacterial strain was isolated from a sediment sample from Chorao Island, in Goa province, India, and subjected to a taxonomic investigation. The isolate, designated NIO-1021T, was a Gram-stain positive, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid. Strain NIO-1021T was identified as a member of the genus

Kocuria

by a polyphasic approach. Strain NIO-1021T could be differentiated from other members of the genus

Kocuria

on the basis of physiology and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of strain NIO-1021T to the most closely related species,

Kocuria marina

KCTC 9943T, was 98.6 % with 19 nt differences). Furthermore, DNA–DNA hybridization analysis revealed that the novel strain had lower relatedness with the type strains of other members of the genus

Kocuria

. The strain formed a monophyletic clade with

K. marina

with 100 % bootstrap values. The major phospholipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified lipids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7(H2). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain NIO-1021T was 60.5 mol%. Chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties of the strain were consistent with its classification as representing a member of the genus

Kocuria

. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotypic and molecular characteristics, strain NIO-1021T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Kocuria

, for which the name Kocuria indica sp. nov. is proposed, with strain NIO-1021T ( = NCIM 5455T = DSM 25126T = CCTCC AA 209050T) as the type strain.
Chryseobacterium camelliae sp. nov., isolated from green tea
Authors: Kook MooChang , Son Heung-Min , Ngo Hien T. T. , Yi Tae-Hoo
Published: November 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped and flexirubin-type-pigmented strain, THG C4-1T, was isolated from green tea leaves in Jangheung-gun, Republic of Korea. Strain THG C4-1T grew well at 20–30 °C, at pH 7.0–7.5 and in the absence of NaCl on nutrient agar. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, strain THG C4-1T was most closely related to

Chryseobacterium taiwanense

Soil-3-27T (97.7 %),

C. hagamense

RHA2-9T (97.2 %),

C. gregarium

P 461/12T (97.2 %),

C. ginsenosidimutans

THG 15T (97.1 %),

C. taeanense

PHA3-4T (97.0 %) and

C. daeguense

K105T (97.0 %), but DNA–DNA relatedness between strain THG C4-1T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was below 21 %. The DNA G+C content was 41.7 mol%. The only isoprenoid quinone detected in strain THG C4-1T was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). The major component of the polyamine pattern was sym-homospermidine. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified aminolipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 1ω9c. These data supported the affiliation of strain THG C4-1T to the genus

Chryseobacterium

. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain THG C4-1T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus

Chryseobacterium

. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Chryseobacterium camelliae sp. nov. is proposed, with THG C4-1T ( = KACC 16985T = JCM 18745T) as the type strain.
Dialysate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Is an Independent Determinant of Serum Albumin Levels and Predicts Future Withdrawal From Peritoneal Dialysis in Uremic Patients
Authors: Hazama Takuma , Fukami Kei , Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Kusumoto Takuo , Sakai Kazuko , Adachi Takeki , Sonoda Kazuhiro , Kasuga Syumon , Ueda Seiji , Okuda Seiya
Published: November 2013

Peritoneal protein loss due to high peritoneal permeability may contribute to hypoalbuminemia and early withdrawal from peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We have found that pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) has anti‐vasopermeability properties both in cell culture and animal models by counteracting the biological actions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). However, it remains unknown which clinical variables, including dialysate VEGF and PEDF, are associated with decreased serum albumin levels and could predict early withdrawal from the PD in ESRD patients. We address these issues. Twenty‐seven ESRD patients undergoing PD were enrolled. Clinical variables were measured at 6 months after commencing PD. We examined the independent correlates of serum albumin in PD patients and then prospectively investigated the predictors of withdrawal from the PD therapy over 4 years. Dialysate VEGF was associated with peritoneal solute transport rate (P = 0.002), serum albumin (inversely, P < 0.001) and dialysate PEDF levels (P < 0.001). In multiple stepwise regression analysis, age (P = 0.002) and dialysate VEGF levels (P < 0.001) were independent determinants of serum albumin levels. High VEGF (>27 pg/mL), low serum albumin (≤3.31 g/dL) and low hemoglobin (≤11.2 g/dL) were correlated with withdrawal from the PD therapy during the 4 years. The odds ratio of dialysate VEGF for early withdrawal from the PD was 6.310 (P = 0.035). The present study demonstrated that increased dialysate VEGF was associated with decreased serum albumin and early withdrawal from the PD therapy. Inhibition of peritoneal VEGF production may be a therapeutic target in PD patients.
The Encyclopaedic Sanctuary: Metaphoric Ambiguity in the Encyclopédie
Authors: YOUNGER NEIL MACKAY
Published: November 2013

This article considers the metaphor of the sanctuary in Diderot and d’Alembert's Encyclopédie and proposes two readings. One shows how the Encyclopédie is concerned with issues of censorship and wishes to provide a safe refuge for heterodox knowledge. The second reading considers the metaphor of the sanctuary with regard to the accessibility of the Encyclopédie. The essay demonstrates how the Encyclopédie wavers between proclamations of the work's relative inaccessibility and aspirations to make knowledge available for all. Ultimately, the metaphor of the sanctuary lays bare some of the fundamental tensions in the Encyclopédie project and in the Enlightenment more generally.
The effect of varenicline on the development and expression of nicotine‐induced behavioral sensitization and cross‐sensitization in rats
Authors: Goutier Wouter , Kloeze Margreet B. , McCreary Andrew C.
Published: November 2013

The present study focused on the evaluation of behavioral sensitization and cross‐sensitization induced by nicotine and varenicline in rats. Furthermore, it examined the influence of varenicline, a partial alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor agonist, on nicotine‐induced sensitization. To assess the development of behavioral sensitization, rats were chronically treated with vehicle, varenicline (0.03–3.0 mg/kg), nicotine (0.4 mg/kg) or combinations for 5 days and locomotor activity was measured. The expression of sensitization was assessed following a withdrawal period (17–26 days). The present results confirmed previous data showing the development and expression of nicotine‐induced sensitization of locomotor activity in the rat. Varenicline did not induce sensitization on its own. When varenicline and nicotine were repeatedly administered sequentially, varenicline blocked the development and expression of nicotine‐induced sensitization. Acute varenicline blocked the expression of nicotine‐induced sensitization in a dose‐dependent manner. Acute varenicline did not significantly increase locomotor activity, nor did it attenuate nicotine‐induced sensitization. However, varenicline did cross‐sensitize to the effects of nicotine, and vice versa. The present study showed that varenicline produced a dose‐dependent bidirectional cross‐sensitization with nicotine. Taken together, these findings provide pre‐clinical evidence that varenicline is able to attenuate the effects of nicotine, yet simultaneously ‘substitutes’ for the effects of nicotine in the rat. Longitudinal studies would be needed to see if similar effects are seen in the clinical setting, and whether such effects contribute to the actions of varenicline as a smoking cessation aid.
New and emerging immune‐targeted drugs for the treatment of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Palmer Alan M.
Published: November 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease with a major inflammatory component that constitutes the most common progressive and disabling neurological condition in young adults. Injectable immunomodulatory medicines such as interferon drugs and glatiramer acetate have dominated the MS market for over the past two decades but this situation is set to change. This is because of: (i) patent expirations, (ii) the introduction of natalizumab, which targets the interaction between leukocytes and the blood–CNS barrier, (iii) the launch of three oral immunomodulatory drugs (fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide), with another (laquinimod) under regulatory review and (iv) a number of immunomodulatory monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, daclizumab and ocrelizumab) about to enter the market. Current and emerging medicines are reviewed and their impact on people with MS considered.
Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling in anaesthesia
Authors: Gambús Pedro L. , Trocóniz Iñaki F.
Published: November 2013

Anaesthesiologists adjust drug dosing, administration system and kind of drug to the characteristics of the patient. They then observe the expected response and adjust dosing to the specific requirements according to the difference between observed response, expected response and the context of the surgery and the patient.

The approach above can be achieved because on one hand quantification technology has made significant advances allowing the anaesthesiologist to measure almost any effect by using noninvasive, continuous measuring systems. On the other the knowledge on the relations between dosing, concentration, biophase dynamics and effect as well as detection of variability sources has been achieved as being the benchmark specialty for pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modelling.

The aim of the review is to revisit the most common PKPD models applied in the field of anaesthesia (i.e. effect compartmental, turnover, drug–receptor binding and drug interaction models) through representative examples. The effect compartmental model has been widely used in this field and there are multiple applications and examples. The use of turnover models has been limited mainly to describe respiratory effects. Similarly, cases in which the dissociation process of the drug–receptor complex is slow compared with other processes relevant to the time course of the anaesthetic effect are not frequent in anaesthesia, where in addition to a rapid onset, a fast offset of the response is required. With respect to the characterization of PD drug interactions different response surface models are discussed. Relevant applications that have changed the way modern anaesthesia is practiced are also provided.
Modelling the time course of antimalarial parasite killing: a tour of animal and human models, translation and challenges
Authors: Patel Kashyap , Simpson Julie A. , Batty Kevin T. , Zaloumis Sophie , Kirkpatrick Carl M.
Published: November 2013

Malaria remains a global public health concern and current treatment options are suboptimal in some clinical settings. For effective chemotherapy, antimalarial drug concentrations must be sufficient to remove completely all of the parasites in the infected host. Optimized dosing therefore requires a detailed understanding of the time course of antimalarial response, whilst simultaneously considering the parasite life cycle and host immune elimination. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the development of mathematical models for understanding better antimalarial drug resistance and management. Other international groups have also suggested that mechanistic pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) models can support the rationalization of antimalarial dosing strategies. At present, artemisinin‐based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended as first line treatment of falciparum malaria for all patient groups. This review summarizes the PK–PD characterization of artemisinin derivatives and other partner drugs from both preclinical studies and human clinical trials. We outline the continuous and discrete time models that have been proposed to describe antimalarial activity on specific stages of the parasite life cycle. The translation of PK–PD predictions from animals to humans is considered, because preclinical studies can provide rich data for detailed mechanism‐based modelling. While similar sampling techniques are limited in clinical studies, PK–PD models can be used to optimize the design of experiments to improve estimation of the parameters of interest. Ultimately, we propose that fully developed mechanistic models can simulate and rationalize ACT or other treatment strategies in antimalarial chemotherapy.
Schema‐Based Sensemaking of the Decision to Participate and its Effects on Job Performance
Authors: Morandin Gabriele , Bergami Massimo
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the development and testing of an iterative framework, based on a situated cognition perspective, for uncovering cognitive schemas that people enact in sensemaking processes. The research investigated the cognitive schemas of 167 employees participating in a call center through the elicitation of interpretations and the justifications for those interpretations. Data were analyzed by using a laddering methodology based on means‐end analysis in order to disclose declarative (i.e., concepts) and procedural (i.e., relations between concepts) knowledge. A cognitive cause map and its main indexes were derived, following principles from social network analysis. The results demonstrate how specific contents of cognitive schemas that arise during sensemaking (e.g., fulfillment) are related to job performance. In addition, the schema connecting skills development to improving career prospects and to personal growth was significant, revealing the prominent influence exerted by procedural knowledge in enacting sensemaking and motivating greater performance.
Out‐of‐pocket and catastrophic expenditure on treatment of haemophilia by Indian families
Authors: Dharmarajan S. , Phadnis S. , Gund P. , Kar A.
Published: November 2013

In low‐income countries, haemophilia treatment is not supported by national health services. Data on the burden of out‐of‐pocket (OOP) expenditure on households are unavailable from these countries. This study measured the OOP expenditure on treatment of haemophilia by Indian households. We used 20 weeks of follow‐up data of 24 haemophilia A patients to estimate the annual bleeding rate for each patient and the actual OOP expenditure on treatment. We used this observational data to calculate the annual OOP expenditure on treatment if all bleeding episodes were to be treated with clotting factor concentrate. Using previously published methodology, we estimated if the expenditure was catastrophic to households or not. The observed monthly expenditure on treatment ranged from 1.5% to 12% of monthly income as not all bleeding episodes were treated with clotting factor concentrate. The estimated monthly expenditure if all bleeding episodes occurring over 1 year were to be treated would range from 21 to 314 times the monthly income of families. Nearly 68% of households would have experienced catastrophic expenditure. Treatment for haemophilia results in significant OOP expenditure for households, which is avoided by not providing standard treatment to patients. There is a need to mobilize prevention and care services for haemophilia in India and other low‐income countries to mitigate the suffering due to lack of affordable treatment.
An approach to outreach patients with von Willebrand disease in Egypt by targeting women with heavy menstrual bleeding and/or bleeding symptoms
Authors: Sherif N. , Goubran H. , Hassan A. , Burnouf T. , El‐Ekiaby M.
Published: November 2013

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is frequently ignored as a cause of menorrhagia. We investigated Egyptian women complaining of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and/or other bleeding symptoms to detect potential VWD cases. Seventy‐five female patients complaining of HMB and/or bleeding symptoms and 38 age‐matched healthy female controls went through a family history questionnaire, a physical examination and were evaluated for bleeding score, pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC), complete blood count, serum ferritin, blood group, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, factor VIII (FVIII) activity, von Willebrand factor (VWF) ristocetin cofactor (RCo) activity, antigen (Ag), and RCo/Ag ratio. Sixty‐eight of 75 patients presented with HMB, out of which 46 had no organic pathology and 7 presented other bleeding symptoms. Six patients were diagnosed with VWD, three with HMB, two with other bleeding symptoms and one with family history of VWD. Two related VWD patients were diagnosed in the control group. There were significant differences in bleeding and PBAC scores, ferritin level, FVIII activity, VWF:RCo and VWF:Ag between VWD patients and controls. This study indicated a high prevalence of VWD among patients with HMB without organic pathology (6.5%) and demonstrated the sensitivity of diagnostic parameters of VWD patients in an outreach campaign. The inexpensive bleeding and PBAC scoring systems are valuable to exclude cases without objective bleeding symptoms. Raising gynaecologists awareness about hereditary bleeding disorders is important to ensure a proper diagnosis and possible referral of these patients. Management of these patients with comprehensive medical care services under a multidisciplinary team would be ideal.
Healing complications of traumatized permanent teeth in pediatric patients: a longitudinal study
Authors: Soares Thais R. C. , Luiz Ronir R. , Risso Patricia A. , Maia Lucianne C.
Published: November 2013

Background

Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) can affect soft and hard dental tissues and supporting structures in different ways and severity.

Aim

This study describes the complications associated with health in traumatized permanent teeth (TPT) over a 12‐month period and assesses the relationships between TDI, involved tissues, and root development (RD).

Design

The study enrolled 294 patients with 548 TPT. Data were collected on the TDI, RD, and the healing complication (HC) and when they were examined (03, 06, and 12 months). Frequencies are described and analyzed using the chi‐squared test, relative risk (RR), and Mantel–Haenszel analysis (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

Healing complications were present in 201 (36.68%) teeth and were more frequently diagnosed 3 months (63.68%) after the TDI. Pulp necrosis was the most common HC (38.3%), and it was significantly associated with avulsion (P = 0.023). Teeth with complete RD showed a tendency of developing HC over time, independent of TDI (P = 0.05). HC in teeth with complete RD related to support tissue trauma (P = 0.005) and avulsion (P < 0.001) appeared more frequently after 3 months.

Conclusion

Healing complications are more common in teeth that have suffered trauma in supporting tissues and avulsion, especially in teeth with complete RD. The HC occur more frequently in the first 3 months, and a necrotic pulp was the most common complication.
Exergame Use as a Gateway to the Adoption of and Adherence to Sport‐Specific and General Physical Activity
Authors: Jenney Colin T. , Wilson Judy R. , Swanson Jeffrey N. , Perrotti Linda I. , Dougall Angela Liegey
Published: November 2013

To explore methods of promoting physical activity, research was conducted to determine whether exergame use could serve as a gateway to future physical activity and to test its efficacy as an intervention. Undergraduates (n = 103) received introductory training during weeks 0–4 through a racquetball videogame (exergame), traditional training, or no‐exposure (control group). All groups then participated in the same, traditional training for weeks 5–8. No differences existed between the exergame and traditional training groups for most outcomes. Both groups increased over time in most outcomes and showed greater skills test performance at post‐intervention assessments than the control group. However, baseline physical activity moderated these outcomes. These results provide partial support for a gateway mechanism and guidelines for future research.
Hepatocarcinogenesis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in Japan
Authors: Tokushige Katsutoshi , Hashimoto Etsuko , Kodama Kazuhiko
Published: November 2013

In Japan, there has been a gradual increase in cases of non‐viral chronic liver diseases, including non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), occurring with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). First, a national survey investigating the etiology of HCC in Japan was performed. Among HCCs based on non‐viral disease, alcoholic liver disease with HCC accounted for 7.2% of all HCCs, followed by chronic liver disease of unknown etiology with HCC (5.1%) and NAFLD with HCC (2.0%). The clinical characteristics of these three HCC groups were clearly different. In our second analysis, the HCC development rates among liver cirrhosis with NAFLD, alcoholic cirrhosis, and cirrhosis with hepatitis C virus (HCV) were compared. HCC development rates were 11.3%/5 years in NAFLD cirrhosis, 30.5%/5 years in HCV cirrhosis, and 12.5%/5 years in alcoholic cirrhosis, suggesting that the hepatocarcinogenesis in NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease were similar but were lower than that in HCV.

Using Cox hazards analysis, older age, higher serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase level, and higher Child–Pugh score as risk factors of HCC were identified. Finally, clinical data of NAFLD‐HCC with the data for HCC with HCV (HCV‐HCC) were compared. The percentage of NAFLD‐HCC patients with des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin‐positive was higher than that with α‐fetoprotein‐positive. The 5‐year survival and recurrence rates for NAFLD‐HCC were almost similar to those for HCV‐HCC. In Asian countries, the prevalence of NAFLD is increasing. Therefore, elucidating the pathogenesis and clinical features of HCC in patients with NAFLD is indeed an urgent problem.
Osteoblast‐osteocyte transformation. A SEM densitometric analysis of endosteal apposition in rabbit femur
Authors: Pazzaglia Ugo E. , Congiu Terenzio , Sibilia Valeria , Quacci Daniela
Published: November 2013

Transformation of osteoblasts into osteocytes is marked by changes in volume and cell shape. The reduction of volume and the entrapment process are correlated with the synthesis activity of the cell which decreases consequently. This transformation process has been extensively investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) but no data have yet been published regarding osteoblast‐osteocyte dynamic histomorphometry. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) densitometric analysis was carried out to determine the osteoblast and open osteocyte lacunae density in corresponding areas of a rabbit femur endosteal surface. The lining cell density was 4900.1 ± 30.03 n mm−2, the one of open osteocyte lacunae 72.89 ± 22.55 n mm−2. This corresponds to an index of entrapment of one cell every 67.23 osteoblasts (approximated by defect). The entrapment sequence begins with flattening of the osteoblast and spreading of equatorial processes. At first these are covered by the new apposed matrix and then also the whole cellular body of the osteocyte undergoing entrapment. The dorsal aspect of the cell membrane suggests that closure of the osteocyte lacuna may be partially carried out by the same osteoblast‐osteocyte which developed a dorsal secretory territory. A significant proportion of the endosteal surface was analysed by SEM, without observing any evidence of osteoblast mitotic figures. This indicates that recruitment of the pool of osteogenic cells in cortical bone lamellar systems occurs prior to the entrapment process. No further additions occurred once osteoblasts were positioned on the bone surface and began lamellar apposition. The number of active osteoblasts on the endosteal surface exceeded that of the cells which become incorporated as osteocytes (whose number was indicated by the number of osteocyte lacunae). Therefore such a balance must be equilibrated by the osteoblasts' transformation in resting lining cells or by apoptosis. The current work characterised osteoblast shape changes throughout the entrapment process, allowing approximate calculation of an osteoblast entrapment index in the rabbit endosteal cortex.
Why Beautify the Plaza? Reproducing Community in Decentralized Neoliberal Peru
Authors: Vincent Susan
Published: November 2013

Peruvian development and government analysts criticize communities for irrationally using local development funds deriving from recently instituted political decentralization to beautify their villages rather than to improve infrastructural services, education and health, or to alleviate poverty. This paper challenges this critique by explaining why such cosmetic improvements are of interest to rural people. Using a case study of the peasant community of Allpachico, I argue that these projects encourage the return of pensioners and visits from migrants. Residents and migrants are mutually dependent as a result of livelihood strategies based on agriculture and the foreign‐controlled resource extraction sector over the past 80 years. The relative position of these two groups in the social reproduction of the vernacular community has changed with the Peruvian political economy. Currently, in the neoliberal resource extraction economy, residents pragmatically opt to maintain relations with those who have stable wage or pension incomes.
Comparison of Biomechanical Properties of Single‐ and Two‐segment Fusion for Denis Type B Spinal Fractures
Authors: Su Yun‐shan , Ren Dong , Wang Peng‐cheng
Published: November 2013

Objective

To compare the biomechanical properties of single‐ and two‐segment fusion for Denis type B spinal fracture.

Methods

Two female patients with Denis type B L1 vertebral fractures were studied. Both patients had achieved intervertebral fusion by 1 year postoperatively, at which time CT data were collected, including data of one patient before and after removal of pedicle screws and of another whose pedicle screws were not removed. The data were imported into Mimics software and T11‐L2 three dimensional models established. After construction of the models, they were imported into ANSYS software. An axial load (260 N) and 10 Nm torque were loaded to simulate the flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation of the spine, respectively.

Results

There was no significant difference in the average displacement of the spine motion between the two‐segment and single‐segment fusion patients without removal of pedicle screws. However, for all motion forms, the average displacement of the single‐segment fusion patient' spine after removal of pedicle screws was significantly greater than that before removal of pedicle screws and that of the two‐segment fusion patient. The average Von Mises stress of T11–12 intervertebral disc of two‐segment fusion patient was significantly greater than that of the one‐segment fusion patient. Moreover, the average Von Mises stress of T11–12 intervertebral disc of single‐segment fusion patient was greater before than after removal of pedicle screws.

Conclusion

Provided there is satisfactory interbody fusion, removal of pedicle screws after one‐segment fusion can increase spinal motion, reduce the stress on adjacent intervertebral discs and delay disc degeneration.
Reverse Posterior Interosseous Artery Flap for Reconstruction of the Wrist and Hand after Sarcoma Resection
Authors: Wang Jia‐Qiang , Cai Qi‐Qing , Yao Wei‐Tao , Gao Song‐Tao , Wang Xin , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2013

Objective

To report our experience of posterior interosseous artery flap reconstruction of the wrist and hand after soft tissue sarcoma resection.

Methods

Thirteen patients who presented to our institution for treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the wrist and hand from February 2007 to January 2009 were prospectively enrolled. After tumor resection, the soft tissue defects were covered with posterior interosseous artery flaps. Relevant patient characteristics, results of creation of flap and functional outcomes were reviewed. Relevant clinical characteristics were recorded prior to surgery. The size, pedicle length and thickness of flaps were measured intraoperatively and complications evaluated two weeks after surgery. Functional outcomes and aesthetic results were evaluated 6 to 24 months after surgery, using Enneking's Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) 93 functional scoring system.

Results

The patients' ages ranged from 14 to 82 years (54.92 ± 19.09 years), including six aged >65 years. Flap sizes varied from 5 cm × 3 cm to 8 cm × 5 cm. Flap survival rate was 100%. One patient had partial necrosis of the Z‐shaped incision, which healed with routine wound care. Mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional score was 27.31 ± 3.68. Eleven patients were alive and disease‐free at a mean follow‐up of 36 months. One patient died of pulmonary metastases 18 months after surgery. One patient developed recurrence and underwent amputation 12 months after surgery.

Discussion

Reverse posterior interosseous flaps are reliable flaps for reconstruction of the wrist and hand after soft tissue sarcoma resection. They are suitable for elderly patients. The one‐stage surgery and primary healing allow for timely postoperative adjuvant therapy following this type of reconstruction.
Clinical use of pulse oximetry: Official guidelines from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Pretto Jeffrey J. , Roebuck Teanau , Beckert Lutz , Hamilton Garun
Published: November 2013

Pulse oximetry provides a simple, non‐invasive approximation of arterial oxygenation in a wide variety of clinical settings including emergency and critical‐care medicine, hospital‐based and ambulatory care, perioperative monitoring, inpatient and outpatient settings, and for specific diagnostic applications. Pulse oximetry is of utility in perinatal, paediatric, adult and geriatric populations but may require use of age‐specific sensors in these groups. It plays a role in the monitoring and treatment of respiratory dysfunction by detecting hypoxaemia and is effective in guiding oxygen therapy in both adult and paediatric populations. Pulse oximetry does not provide information about the adequacy of ventilation or about precise arterial oxygenation, particularly when arterial oxygen levels are very high or very low. Arterial blood gas analysis is the gold standard in these settings. Pulse oximetry may be inaccurate as a marker of oxygenation in the presence of dyshaemoglobinaemias such as carbon monoxide poisoning or methaemoglobinaemia where arterial oxygen saturation values will be overestimated. Technical considerations such as sensor position, signal averaging time and data sampling rates may influence clinical interpretation of pulse oximetry readings.
Variance Components Testing in ANOVA‐Type Mixed Models
Authors: Li Zaixing , Chen Fei , Zhu Lixing
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this article is threefold. First, variance components testing for ANOVA‐type mixed models is considered, in which response may not be divided into independent sub‐vectors, whereas most of existing methods are for models where response can be divided into independent sub‐vectors. Second, testing that a certain subset of variance components is zero. Third, as normality is often violated in practice, it is desirable to construct tests under very mild assumptions. To achieve these goals, an adaptive difference‐based test and an adaptive trace‐based test are constructed. The test statistics are asymptotically normal under the null hypothesis, are consistent against all global alternatives and can detect local alternatives distinct from the null at a rate as close to n − 1 ∕ 2 as possible with n being the sample size. Moreover, when the dimensions of variance components in different sets are bounded, we develop a test with chi‐square as its limiting null distribution. The finite sample performance of the tests is examined via simulations, and a real data set is analysed for illustration.
Perspectives on the German Energiewende: Culture and Ecology in German Instruction
Authors: Berg Bartell M.
Published: November 2013

This article addresses a dual desire for teaching units that (1) incorporate green issues into the language curriculum, (2) fulfill the need for comparative cultural studies in the language classroom, and (3) incorporate the ACTFL Standards for Foreign Language Learning. Included are a review of recent approaches to teaching culture in the German curriculum, the role of the Standards in culture instruction, and an instructional approach, Stationenlernen, that may be adaptable to teaching culture. After reflection on affective considerations and the intercultural stance, the article outlines a teaching unit for intermediate and early‐advanced German instruction. The exploration of the German Energiewende and cultural perspectives that underlie the resistance to atomic energy in Germany will appeal to instructors challenged with integrating environmental culture into the German curriculum.
World Englishes and international call centres
Authors: BOLTON KINGSLEY
Published: November 2013

Call centres (or telephone ‘contact centres’) of various kinds have become an increasing fact of life for many people in Europe, North America and other developed economies. Although telephone contact centres may be dated back to the 1960s and 1970s in the US, their intrusion into the lives of British and US consumers has grown exponentially since the 1980s. Since the early 2000s, however, a significant number of call centre operations have been outsourced to such destinations as India and the Philippines, thereby raising a number of issues relating to language and globalisation and the politics of English as an international language.
Evidence ofToxoplasma gondiiExposure in Boer Goat Herds in Missouri,USA
Authors: Yaglom H. D. , Rottinghaus A. A. , Pithua P.
Published: November 2013

Limited data currently exist on the prevalence of Toxoplasma infections in goats in theUSA. The objective of this pilot investigation was to determine the prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiantibodies in Boer goats raised in Missouri. Sera collected from 367 Boer goats in 24 herds were tested using a commercial latex agglutination assay. Evidence ofT. gondiiantibodies was present in 25 of the 367 goats, with titres of 1 : 32 in 4, 1 : 64 in 11, 1 : 128 in 5, 1 : 256 in 3 and 1 : 1024 in 2. Estimates for the apparent animal‐level and between‐herd prevalence were 6.8% (95%CI = 4.7–9.9%) and 41.7% (95%CI = 24.5–61.2%). These results confirm that Boer goats in Missouri are exposed toT. gondiiand may constitute a public health risks.
An Analytical Solution for Boundary Layer Flows Over a Moving-Flat Porous Plate With Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Toki C. J.
Published: November 2013

The problem of boundary layer flow of an incompressible fluid over a moving porous flat plate is investigated, by taking into account the heat due to viscous dissipation. The governing boundary layer equations of this flow field were solved analytically using the Laplace transform technique. These new exact analytical solutions for velocity and temperature were obtained with arbitrary Prandtl number and dissipation parameter (or Eckert number Ec). The corresponding solutions for nonporous plate are discussed. Applying numerical values into the analytical expressions of the temperature and heat transfer coefficient, we also discussed the effects of the dissipation parameter in the cases of water, gas, and ammonia flow. We can finally deduce that the fluid temperature of the present problem will increase in the case of viscous dissipation with positive Ec, but this temperature will decrease with negative Ec.
Nitric Oxide Signaling at the Heart of the Matter
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R.
Published: November 2013

Genetic mutations that affect the nitric oxide pathway and lead to accelerated clotting increase the risk of coronary heart disease.