bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Simple Shoulder Test to Spanish
Authors: Arcuri Francisco , Barclay Fernando , Nacul Ivan
Published: January 2015

Background:

The validation of widely used scales facilitates the comparison across international patient samples.

Objective:

The objective was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Simple Shoulder Test into Argentinian Spanish.

Methods:

The Simple Shoulder Test was translated from English into Argentinian Spanish by two independent translators, translated back into English and evaluated for accuracy by an expert committee to correct the possible discrepancies. It was then administered to 50 patients with different shoulder conditions.Psycometric properties were analyzed including internal consistency, measured with Cronbach´s Alpha, test-retest reliability at 15 days with the interclass correlation coefficient.

Results:

The internal consistency, validation, was an Alpha of 0,808, evaluated as good. The test-retest reliability index as measured by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.835, evaluated as excellent.

Conclusion:

The Simple Shoulder Test translation and it´s cultural adaptation to Argentinian-Spanish demonstrated adequate internal reliability and validity, ultimately allowing for its use in the comparison with international patient samples.
Prone Elbow Arthroscopy
Authors: Larrain Mario , Rocco Eduardo Di , Riatti Patricio , Vallone Martín , Ferreyra Facundo , Cianciosi Sebastián
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

In the last years the elbow arthroscopy reports have increased. It is very important to perform meticulous portals technique, appropriate selection thereof, and precise diseases treatments. The surgical technique has been described in different decubitus (dorsal, lateral and ventral). According to F. Savoie and L. Field, we believe that the prone position allows anterior and posterior access simultaneously, comprising the entire joint. The aim of the study is to describe our experience in the prone position in the last 10 years, analyzing indications, patient satisfaction and complications.

Material and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed case series of surgeries in the last 10 years. We performed 31 elbow arthroscopies, 24 men and 7 women, the most common sport was rugby followed tennis.

Results:

The most common pathology was anterior and posterior post-traumatic joint stiffness (12 cases), 7 epicondylitis with joint involvement, 7 articular fractures, five loose bodies with osteochondral lesions. One year after surgery, 95% of patients were satisfied with the outcome. Complications, transient palsy in 2 patients, which recovered ad integrum, due to compression secondary to high cuff tire pressure.

Conclusion:

We believe the prone position elbow arthroscopy technique is ideal for solving most of the surgical indications. Although the high potential of complications ought to important structures proximity, a profound anatomical knowledge and skill arthroscopic make it a safe and reproducible technique.
Arthroscopically Assisted Percutaneous Screwing of Patellar Fractures
Authors: Sel Guillermo Del , Máspero Guillermo , Sel Nicolás Del , Russo Leonardo , Sel Juan Del
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

Restore patellar anatomy and function of extensor mechanism. Reduction of surgical time, improval of rehabilitation and reduce complications of open surgery.

Methods:

37 patients with transverse patella fracture operated from June 2004 to April 2012. Inclusion criterion: Both sexes, age 20 to 65 years. Less than 10 days since fracture. Transverse fractures. Exclusion criterion: Comminuted , longitudinal and open fractures. More than 10 days since fracture. Fractures classified with AO and Watson Jones classifications. In all cases close reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis with conic,canulated, compressive, full threaded screws of 3,5 and/or 5 mm diameter under fluoroscopic and arthroscopic assistance, was performed. Medium follow-up was 31 months (range 24-46) Comparative clinical evaluation of both knees was done: physical exam, X-rays and functional scales ( IKDC ; Lisholm Score, Knee Society score ).

Results:

Excellent results were achieved in 34 of 37 cases (91.9%). Three patients that had minor complications referred good and fair results: 1 case complain of occasional mild pain, another patient had 110 degrees of flexion compared to 145º on the normal knee and 1 patient had a 3mm step but remains asymptomatic. They were no infections and non needed screw removal.

Conclusion:

Percutaneous surgery under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic assistance , showed to be a simple and beneficial method for transverse patellar fractures. It takes shorter surgical and hospitalization time. Diminishes complications, morbidity, and achieves earlier range of motion.
Simultaneous reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with autologous graft and of medial collateral ligament (MCL) with allograft
Authors: Aparicio José Luis , Nardin Lisandro , Savá Matías S.
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

Over the last years, the incidence of multiple ligament injuries has increased significantly due to the rising number of traffic accidents in relation to their kinetics and due to higher sports demands. Among their various combinations, one of them is the lesion of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which is associated to medial collateral ligament responsible for them in a 13 %. Nowadays several techniques to the reconstruction of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) are applied. Therefore, for the last three years, we have carried out the simultaneous reconstruction of ACL with autologous graft and of MCL with allograft. Benefits include avoidance of morbidity in multiple donor areas, a safe bone-to-bone fixation in the case of Achilles tendon grafting; tiny incisions in the skin , and anatomical reconstruction. Throughout the years, the use of allografts has been very frequent. This is due to their safety factors, accessibility and their functional outcomes in the long term.

Objectives:

Show our surgical technique and experience in the combined reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament with autologous graft and of medial collateral ligament with allograft.

Methods:

Fourteen (14) patients, with an average age of 29, were evaluated after they had undergone a reconstruction of ACL and MCL with autologous graft and allograft respectively. Average follow-up was 19.6 months. With respect to the surgical technique, it comprises two small incisions placing the anatomical femoral and tibial insertion for the MCL, and arthroscopically the anatomical location of the LCA. Later, some corresponding holes are made to be fixed with blunt Titanium screws following the same procedure. Mobility, joint laxity and subjective functionality were evaluated by means of Lysholm scores and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC).

Results:

The Average Lysholm knee score was 93, while all the patients were classified A/B according to the IKDC and were able to return to their normal sport and daily activity. Their range of motion remained stable.

Conclusion:

In multiple ligament knee injury, the use of allografts or in combination with autologous graft has become a valid resource. The lower risk of morbidity from the donor zone, the lower exposure of tissues, the lower postoperative pain with the MCL allograft at a low cost and greater security with ACL autologous graft have turned this surgical technique in a viable option for multi-ligament injured knee reconstruction.
Long head of the biceps tendon pathology
Authors: Ibáñez Maximiliano , Calvo Ana Belén , Alvarez Victoria , Lepore Salvador , Ibañez Federico , Reybet Juan , Vedova Franco Della , Aeschlimann Mauro , Taborro Betina
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

Disorders of the long head of the biceps tendon can exist in conjunction with other shoulder pathologies. It was proposed as a cause of pain in patients with rotator cuff injury. A detailed history, thorough physical examination and radiographical evaluation are necessary for a correct diagnosis. The aim of our study was to describe the surgical technique and analyze the results obtained in patients based on the same.

Materials and Methods:

Were included in this retrospective study 70 patients who had lesions in the long head of the biceps tendon, diagnosed with MRI treated at our institution with arthroscopic biotenodesis technique of the tendon with interference screw in the lower portion of the bicipital groove since January 2009 to January 2012. Functional clinical evaluation was performed with the appropriate scores for the disease (ASES, Rowe, Simple Shoulder Test, Constant Murley). Pain was evaluated using Visual Analog Scale.

Results:

The Rowe score was 86 points, 81 points ASES, SST 9 points, Constant and Murley 87 points. The VAS showed poor post surgical pain. At the time, no associated deformity similar to a Popeye sign was observed.

Discussion:

The decision to perform a surgical management of the long head of the biceps pathology depends on the clinical presentation, thorough physical examination with specific test, the presence of associated pathologies and failure of nonsurgical treatment.
Osteochondral lesions of the talus: clinical and functional assessment of conservative vs scope treatment
Authors: Ibáñez Maximiliano , Calvo Ana Belén , Alvarez Victoria , Lépore Salvador
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

Osteochondral injuries involving the ankle joint are unusual (incidence of 0.09% according to Berndt and Harty), third in frequency after knee and elbow location. They are described as a cause of chronic pain after ankle sprains in the active population (thought to occur in 2-6% of sprains). MRI is the gold standard diagnostic method. Therapeutic strategies include both conservative and surgical treatment. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus treated in our department between January 2007 and December 2012. Sixty per cent were male with an average age of 42 years. Eleven patients were treated conservatively, one of them had clear surgical indication (LOC G III, as classified by Ferkel and Sgaglione) but refused to perform the procedure. Nine patients underwent arthroscopic surgery (debridement and microfracture), one of the procedures was a review of an arthroscopy performed in another service. No open surgery was performed. Clinical and functional evaluation was performed using the AOFAS score, Freiburg and VAS Score System.

Results:

Non-surgical treatment group had a pretreatment average AOFAS score of 58, which improved to 74.8 points; a Freiburg Score System that ranged from 65 to 79.3 points and a VAS average of 5,4. AOFAS surgical treatment group improved from 54.3 to 84.8 points, Freiburg Score System ranged from 60.6 to 81.4 points and VAS average was of 5,8.

Discussion:

It is difficult to compare our results with other series of patients, because we made a comparison between conservative versus artrhoscopic treatment, while other authors show results obtained when performing certain surgical technique Although surgical treatment has better results, we agree with the literature that conservative treatment presents acceptable results and should always be considered as the first option.
The MRI appearance of a polyurethane meniscal substitute worsens if it matches articular cartilage lesions of the knee
Authors: Gelber Pablo E. , Petrica Alexandru , Marí-Molina Raquel , Erquicia Juan I. , Pelfort Xavier , Abat Ferran , Monllau Juan Carlos
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

To evaluate the influence of chondral lesions of the knee in function and appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the meniscal implant Polyurethane (Actifit®).

Material and Methods:

48 patients were implanted with Actifit® by postmeniscectomía syndrome. The chondral status of their respective compartment was graded at arthroscopy with ICRS scale. Were evaluated functionally Womet, IKDC, Kujala, EVA and satisfaction (0-4). The implant characteristics were evaluated with MRI scale Genovese, assessing its correlation with the degree of chondral damage and functional outcome

Results:

Mean follow-up of 38 months (25-75). 16 patients had no chondral lesion, 14 had lesion grade II, 10 grade III and IV grade 9. Womet, Kujala improved IKDC and 36.2 ± 7.6, 32.3 ± 13.5 and 39.2 ± 8.1 to 75.8 ± 12.9 (p = 0.02), 75.5 ± 15.4 (p = 0.03) and 85.6 ± 13.4 (0.042), respectively. No relationship between the degree of chondral damage and functional outcome was observed. The shape and size of the implant in RM was worse with higher levels of chondral lesion (p = 0.023). A post-hoc analysis showed that this was only due to the difference between patients without chondral injury versus those with ICRS II-IV. The satisfaction was 3.6 ± 0.8 points.

Conclusion:

Implementing a Actifit® led to significant pain and functional improvement after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The size and morphological MRI appearance of meniscal replacement polyurethane was better in patients without chondral lesions. No relationship between the degree of chondral damage and functional outcome was observed.
Right angle to make posteromedial corner tunnels with concomitant posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. CT evaluation in a cadaveric model
Authors: Gelber Pablo E. , Masferrer Àngel , Erquicia Juan I. , Abat Ferran , Pelfort Xavier , Monllau Juan Carlos
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

The surface medial collateral ligament (LCMs) and the posterior oblique ligament (POL) are sometimes concomitantly reconstructed with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The objective was to determine the most appropriate angle of the femoral tunnel.

Material and Methods:

8 cadaveric knees. Bifascicular LCP tunneling performed arthroscopically. Tunnels LCMs and LOP at 0 ° and 30 ° in axial / coronal planes (0A / 30A // 0C / 0C). Were studied by CT and valued intercondylar relationship, PCL ,and tunnels. A 25mm tunnel was the least considered sufficient

Results:

The LCMs tunnels 30A / 30C and 30A / 0C measured 31.8 ± 3.2 and 32.2 ± 2.8 mm, respectively, without encroaching on the LCP and 17.4 ± 4 and 17.67 ± 3.8mm intercondylar ceiling. The LCMs 0A / 0C and 0A / 30C tunnels were 5.8 ± 5.2 and 7.2 ± 4.7 of intercondilo respectively, without invasion of the PCL. The LCMs tunnels 0A / 30C in 4 cases ended intraarticulararmente. The LOP 30A / 0C and 30A / 30C measured 33 ± 2.7 and 32.3 ± 3mm, without invasion of the PCL and 16.2 ± 5.7 and 19.3 ± 4.6mm of intercondilo. The LOP 0A / 0C and 0A / 30C tunnels were 6.50 ± 3.9 and 2.9 ± 5.3mm of intercondilo. The LOP tunneled 0A / 30C invaded in 3 cases the PCL tunnels and ended intraarticularly on 7 occasions.

Conclusions:

The angulation of the femoral tunnels LCMs and POL have versatility although the LCP is rebuild concomitantly. LCMs tunnels and POL axially oriented at 0° and 30° in coronal planes have high risk of puncturing the joint and in the case of POL also invade LCP tunnels.
Recurrent Dislocation of the Patella
Authors: Benítez Gustavo
Published: January 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate results of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction associated with lateral release and advancement of vastus medialis in recurrent dislocation of the patella.

Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients with a mean follow-up of 19 months. Mean age was 23, mainly women. We did MPFL reconstruction with semitendinosus or gracilis tendon depending on BMI, associated with advancement of vastus medialis and lateral release.

Results:

Mean Kujala score improved from 46,54 pts. preoperative to 88,36 postoperative. Our main complication was 1 patient with rigid knee, who required movilization under anesthesia and arthroscopic arthrolisis to improve her outcome.

Conclusion:

The combination of this techniques are a good alternative to treat patients with recurrent patella disclocation, with good short and mid-term results. Biomechanic intra and postop complications of MPFL reconstruction are related to patellar fixation, anatomic positioning of femoral tunnel and knee position of the graft fixation.
Chondroid Metaplasia as a complication of A.C.L reconstruction with patellar tendon
Authors: Batista Jorge , Maestu Rodrigo , Logioco Lucas , Roncolato Diego , Patthauer Luciano
Published: January 2015

Objective:

The anatomic ACL reconstruction technique is a safe and effective method, and it has a low complication rate. We are about to present seven Chondroid Metaplasia cases, with pain and restricted extension between 10° and 30° at mediate post-operative, as a procedure complication.

Method and Material:

During 2009 and 2013 we have performed 544 ACL reconstructions with anatomical Patellar Graft technique, making notchplastia in only 30% of cases. In all cases, the MRI presented extensive pre-neoligament fibrosis, that showed heterogeneous appearance. Surgical toilette was performed, and the sample was sent for pathologic analysis.

Results:

The histological analysis reported Chondroid Metaplasia in 100% of cases, presenting a complete symptomatology remission in just six of them, with continuous and sufficient neoligament in the whole cases. Pain persisted in just one patient at post-toilette, regaining full extension.

Discussion:

The anatomical technique of A.C.L. reconstruction with patellar tendon is a very good option, presenting a low complication rate. In patients with limited extension, it must be required control MRI in order to diagnose and treat these complications at time.
Percutaneous MCL reconstruction technique in acute anterior medial knee instability using cadaveric grafts
Authors: Batista Jorge , Maestu Rodrigo , Teper Sebastián , Ocampo Manuel , Antúnez German , Giménez Martin
Published: January 2015

Purpose:

There are several alternatives described for the treatment of acute injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL ) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee. We present the result of the combined ACL reconstruction and MCL in the same surgical procedure using only percutaneous cadaveric graft in the reconstruction of the MCL ligament.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 30 patients with acute anterior and medial knee instability surgically treated between August 2007 and September 2013. 27 men and 3 women , mean age 30.53 years (range 18-46 ) The level of pre and post surgical activity was determined by the Tegner score , while the function was evaluated using the Lysholm score and IKDC grade

Results:

The average follow-up was 43 months (range 12-84 months). The mean Lysholm score was 91 (R, 61-100 ) . Only 19 of 30 (63.3 %) patients returned and kept the pre -injury level sports ; 26 patients IKDC : A (normal knee ), 3 patients IKDC : B (slightly abnormal knee ) and 1 patient IKDC C ( Knee abnormal) with limitation of 15 degrees of extension that had to be reoperated.

Conclusion:

The use of cadaveric tendons for reconstruction of MCL in combination with ACL reconstruction surgeries resulted in less postoperative pain, good functional results, and a high rate of return to competitive sport. The result of this study shows that the percutaneous reconstruction of LCM cadaveric graft is a viable option.
Zinc oxide nanowire gas sensors: Fabrication, functionalisation and devices
Authors: Tiwale N.
Published: January 2015

With the progress in the synthesis of high quality ZnO nanowires, their implementation as gas sensors has gained popularity. Relying on the surface ionosorption, these devices have demonstrated exquisite sensitivity with further improvement achieved through various functionalisation methods. Both resistive and transistor based methodologies are employed for gas sensing while integration of micro-heaters has also been attempted for portability of the devices. In order to achieve successful inclusion amongst semiconductor fabrication processes, top-down approaches are being explored along with conventional bottom-up synthesis routes. Major challenge of low selectivity can be overcome by Electronic Nose systems. This article reviews the progress in synthesis, functionalisation, and device implementation of ZnO nanowire gas sensors, concluding with remarks on associated challenges and future prospects.
Microstructure evolution and interfacial reaction of TiAl–Si alloy solidified in alumina crucible
Authors: Fan J. , Guo J. , Wang S. , Tian S. , Su Y. , Liu J. , Fu H.
Published: January 2015

The microstructure evolution of Ti–43Al–3Si (at-) alloy solidified in alumina crucible was investigated by directional solidification technology. After directional solidification, the microstructure of the alloy is consisted of γ-TiAl, α2-Ti3Al, ξ-Ti5Si3 phases and Al2O3 particles. There are three morphologies of ξ phases formed in the alloy, namely, long rod-like, cluster-like with eutectic morphology, and needle-like shape. The volume fraction of ξ phases decreases with increasing growth rates. Al2O3 particles broke from the crucible and enter into the melt by the thermal physical erosion. Al2O3 particles enrich in the liquid phase with the moving of solid-liquid interface, and are captured or entrapped by dendrites during solidification. The Al2O3 particles mainly distributed in the interdendritic region, and some particles exist in dendrites.
Structure and properties of Ni–P–graphite (Cg)–TiO2 composite coating
Authors: Liu S. , Bian X. , Liu J. , Yang C. , Zhao X. , Fan J. , Zhang K. , Bai Y. , Xu H. , Liu Y. , Guo T.
Published: January 2015

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphite (Cg) particles were co-deposited with nickel–phosphorous (Ni–P) coatings through electroless deposition process. Surface morphology of the coatings was analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to detect the structure of the coatings. Microhardness of Ni–P–Cg–TiO2 composite coating showed a moderate hardness between Ni–P–Cg and Ni–P–TiO2 composite coating. DSC thermograms indicated that the thermostability of Ni–P coating could not be affected by TiO2 and/or Cg particles. Moreover, the friction coefficient and corrosion rate of Ni–P–TiO2 composite coating could be decreased by the addition of graphite particles.
Electrochemical boriding of molybdenum in molten borax
Authors: Feridun O. Kahvecioglu , Sista V. , Eryilmaz O. L. , Erdemir A.
Published: January 2015

In this study, molybdenum plates (99·5% purity) were subjected to electrochemical boriding in a molten borax electrolyte in order to synthesise molybdenum boride phases on exposed surfaces. Electrochemical boriding was carried out at temperatures of 900, 950 and 1000°C for a duration of 30–180 min at a current density of 0·5 A cm−2. Cross-sectional microscopic examination of the plates indicated formation of 20 to 50 μm thick boride layers, depending on process temperature and duration. These layers consisted of two distinct boride phases: Mo2B4·027 and Mo2B5. The boride layer cross-sectional hardness was in the range of 1900–3250 HV with 50 g load. The adhesion of the boride coating to the molybdenum substrate was determined by a Rockwell C indentation adhesion test machine. The boride layers produced due to the electrochemical boriding technique were thick, hard, dense, and homogeneous.
Regeneration of high-silica zeolites after sulfamethoxazole antibiotic adsorption: a combined in situ high-temperature synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and thermal degradation study
Authors: Leardini L. , Martucci A. , Braschi I. , Blasioli S. , Quartieri S.
Published: January 2015

The thermal regeneration of sulfamethoxazole (SMX)-loaded Y and ZSM-5 zeolites was studied using a combined in situ high-temperature synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and thermal degradation study. The evolution of the structural features was monitored in real time in the 30–575°C temperature range by full-profile Rietveld analysis. SMX thermal degradation pathways into high-silica zeolite antibiotic adducts, as well as the release of evolved species are similar to those for pure SMX. The adsorption/desorption process occurs without any significant loss of zeolite crystallinity, though slight deformations to the channel apertures are observed. Regenerated zeolites regain almost perfectly ‘bare’ (i.e. unloaded) material unit-cell parameters and only a slight memory effect, in terms of structural deformations induced by the process, is registered in the channel geometry. Interestingly, these changes do not affect the adsorption properties of the regenerated samples, which are able to re-adsorb comparable amounts of antibiotic molecules as in the first adsorption cycle.
The crystal structure of rabejacite, the Ca2+-dominant member of the zippeite group
Authors: Plášil J. , Dušek M. , Čejka J. , Sejkora J.
Published: January 2015

The crystal structure of rabejacite from Jáchymov, ideally Ca2[(UO2)4O4(SO4)2](H2O)8, was solved by charge flipping from single-crystal data and refined to R1 = 11.94% for 1422 unique observed reflections [I > 3σ(I)]. According to single-crystal X-ray data, rabejacite is triclinic, space group P, with a = 8.7434(11), b = 8.309(3), c = 8.8693(10) Å , a = 77.86(2), b = 104.635(11), g = 82.935(18)°, V = 598.8(3) A˚3and Z = 1, with Dcalc= 4.325 g cm–3. The structure refinement proved that rabejacite is related to the zippeite group of minerals, as it is based upon the structural sheets of the zippeite topology of composition [(UO2)4O4(SO4)2]4–. Located in the interlayer between the sheets, which are stacked perpendicular to [010], are Ca2+cations and H2O groups. Ca2+ions are [7]-coordinated, by three uranyl O atoms from adjacent sheets and four H2O groups. An additional H2O group, which is not bonded directly to any cation, is located in the interlayer. Along with rabejacite, its Cu-rich variety was found in the specimens examined and characterized structurally. Its crystal structure (R1= 10.15% for 1049 reflections with I > 3s(I)) is practically the same as that of rabejacite, but there is an additional Cu2+site located in between pairs of Ca polyhedra. The structural formula is (Ca1.56Cu0.40)Σ1.90[(UO2)4O4(SO4)2](H2O)8, Z = 1. Its existence suggests a greater diversity in zippeite crystal chemistry than was thought previously and also the possibility of a new Cu2+-dominant zippeite mineral besides pseudojohannite.
Hloušekite, (Ni,Co)Cu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2(H2O)9, a new member of the lindackerite supergroup from Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Authors: Plášil J. , Sejkora J. , Škoda R. , Novák M. , Kasatkin A. V. , Škácha P. , Veselovský F. , Fejfarová K. , Ondruš P.
Published: January 2015

Hloušekite, (Ni,Co)Cu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2(H2O)9, is a new supergene arsenate mineral from the Geister vein (Rovnost mine), Jáchymov (St Joachimsthal), Western Bohemia, Czech Republic. It was found along with veselovský ite, pradetite, lavendulan, arsenolite, babánekite and gypsum on the surface of strongly altered ore fragments containing dominant tennantite and chalcopyrite. Hloušekite forms thin, lath-like crystals, locally elongated reaching up to 3 mm across. It is transparent, has a pale green colour with vitreous lustre, has a greyish-white streak and it is very brittle with an uneven fracture. It does not fluoresce under shortwave or longwave ultraviolet radiation. Cleavage on {010} is perfect; the Mohs hardness is 2–3. The calculated density is 3.295 g cm–3. Hloušekite is optically biaxial with α’ = 1.653(2) and γ’ = 1.73. The estimated optical orientation is γ’ vs. elongation (c) = 14(1)°. In larger grains it is weakly to moderately pleochroic (α = colourless, γ = pale green to green). Hloušekite is triclinic, space group P, a = 6.4010(6), b = 8.0041(6), c = 10.3969(14) Å , α = 85.824(8), β = 79.873(9), γ = 84.655(7)° and V = 521.23(10) Å3, with Z = 1, a:b:c = 0.800:1:1.299. The eight strongest lines in the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern [d in Å (I)(hkl)] are 10.211(100)(001), 7.974(9)(010), 3.984(6)(020), 3.656(5)(12), 3.631(5)(01), 3.241(5)(022), 3.145(5)(200) and 3.006(5)(210). Chemical analysis by electron microprobe yielded MgO0.20, FeO0.10, NiO 5.79, CoO1.80, CuO29.53, ZnO 0.66, Al2O3 0.14, P2O5 0.11, As2O5 45.01, H2O 17.71 (calc.), for a total of 101.05 wt.%. The resulting empirical formula, calculated by stoichiometry (9H2O + 2OH), obtained from the crystal structure, is (Ni0.79Co0.25)Σ1.04(Cu3.78Zn0.08Mg0.05Al0.03Fe0.01)Σ3.95 (AsO4 )1.98(PO4 )0.02(AsO3OH)2.00(H2O)9.00 . The ideal endmember formula , NiCu4(AsO4)2(AsO3OH)2(H2O)9.00, requires NiO7.23, CuO30.81, As2O5 44.51, H2O17.45, total 100.00 wt.%. The crystal structure of hloušekite was solved by charge flipping from single-crystal XRD data and refined to R1 = 0.0599 for 1441 reflections with [Iobs > 3σ(I)]. Hloušekite is a new member of the lindackerite group (also including lindackerite, pradetite and veselovský ite) of the lindackerite supergroup. The ondrušite group of the lindackerite supergroup includes ondrušite, chudobaite, geigerite and klajite. The establishment of these two groups reflects the difference between the crystal structures of their members, mainly in the coordination environment of the Me cations.
Self-reported race/ethnicity in the age of genomic research: its potential impact on understanding health disparities
Authors: Mersha Tesfaye B , Abebe Tilahun
Published: January 2015

This review explores the limitations of self-reported race, ethnicity, and genetic ancestry in biomedical research. Various terminologies are used to classify human differences in genomic research including race, ethnicity, and ancestry. Although race and ethnicity are related, race refers to a person’s physical appearance, such as skin color and eye color. Ethnicity, on the other hand, refers to communality in cultural heritage, language, social practice, traditions, and geopolitical factors. Genetic ancestry inferred using ancestry informative markers (AIMs) is based on genetic/genomic data. Phenotype-based race/ethnicity information and data computed using AIMs often disagree. For example, self-reporting African Americans can have drastically different levels of African or European ancestry. Genetic analysis of individual ancestry shows that some self-identified African Americans have up to 99% of European ancestry, whereas some self-identified European Americans have substantial admixture from African ancestry. Similarly, African ancestry in the Latino population varies between 3% in Mexican Americans to 16% in Puerto Ricans. The implication of this is that, in African American or Latino populations, self-reported ancestry may not be as accurate as direct assessment of individual genomic information in predicting treatment outcomes. To better understand human genetic variation in the context of health disparities, we suggest using “ancestry” (or biogeographical ancestry) to describe actual genetic variation, “race” to describe health disparity in societies characterized by racial categories, and “ethnicity” to describe traditions, lifestyle, diet, and values. We also suggest using ancestry informative markers for precise characterization of individuals’ biological ancestry. Understanding the sources of human genetic variation and the causes of health disparities could lead to interventions that would improve the health of all individuals.
PIK3CA Mutations Are Associated With Decreased Benefit to Neoadjuvant Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Targeted Therapies in Breast Cancer
Authors: Majewski Ian J. , Nuciforo Paolo , Mittempergher Lorenza , Bosma Astrid J. , Eidtmann Holger , Holmes Eileen , Sotiriou Christos , Fumagalli Debora , Jimenez Jose , Aura Claudia , Prudkin Ludmila , Díaz-Delgado Maria Carmen , de la Peña Lorena , Loi Sherene , Ellis Catherine , Schultz Nikolaus , de Azambuja Evandro , Harbeck Nadia , Piccart-Gebhart Martine , Bernards René , Baselga José
Published: January 2015

Purpose

We investigated whether mutations in the gene encoding the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit (PIK3CA) correlates with response to neoadjuvant human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –targeted therapies in patients with breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Baseline tissue biopsies were available from patients with HER2-positive early breast cancer who were enrolled onto the Neoadjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimization trial (NeoALTTO). Activating mutations in PIK3CA were identified using mass spectrometry–based genotyping.

Results

PIK3CA mutations were identified in 23% of HER2-positive breast tumors, and these mutations were associated with poorer outcome in all of the treatment arms. Patients treated with a combination of trastuzumab and lapatinib who had wild-type PIK3CA obtained a total pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of 53.1%, which decreased to 28.6% in patients with tumors that carried PIK3CA activating mutations (P = .012).

Conclusion

Activating mutations in PIK3CA predicted poor pCR in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapies that target HER2. Consequently, the combination of anti-HER2 agents and PI3K inhibitors is being investigated.
Intrinsic Subtypes, PIK3CA Mutation, and the Degree of Benefit From Adjuvant Trastuzumab in the NSABP B-31 Trial
Authors: Pogue-Geile Katherine L. , Song Nan , Jeong Jong-Hyeon , Gavin Patrick G. , Kim Seong-Rim , Blackmon Nicole L. , Finnigan Melanie , Rastogi Priya , Fehrenbacher Louis , Mamounas Eleftherios P. , Swain Sandra M. , Wickerham D. Lawrence , Geyer Charles E. , Costantino Joseph P. , Wolmark Norman , Paik Soonmyung
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Considerable molecular heterogeneity exists among human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) –positive breast cancer regarding gene expression and mutation profiling. Evidence from preclinical, clinical neoadjuvant, and metastatic clinical trials suggested that PIK3CA mutational status and PAM50 intrinsic subtype of a tumor were markers of response to anti-HER2 therapies. We evaluated the predictive value of these two biomarkers in the adjuvant setting using archived tumor blocks from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) trial B-31.

Patients and Methods

Expression data for 49 genes using the nCounter platform were used to generate PAM50 intrinsic subtypes for 1,578 archived tumor blocks from patients in the B-31 trial. Six PIK3CA hotspot mutations were examined by mass spectrometry of the primer extension products in a randomly selected subset (n = 671). We examined the heterogeneity of trastuzumab treatment effect across different subsets defined by each marker using Cox regression and disease-free survival as the end point.

Results

Seven hundred forty-one (47.0%) of 1,578 tumors were classified as HER2-enriched (HER2E) subtype, and 166 (24.7%) of 671 tumors had PIK3CA mutations. Hazard ratios (HRs) for trastuzumab in HER2E and other subtypes were 0.44 (95% CI, 0.34 to 0.58; P < .001) and 0.47 (95% CI, 0.35 to 0.62; P < .001), respectively (interaction P = .67). HRs for trastuzumab in PIK3CA wild-type and mutated tumors were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.37 to 0.71; P < .001) and 0.44 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.82; P = .009), respectively (interaction P = .64).

Conclusion

Unlike results seen in the metastatic and neoadjuvant clinical trials, PIK3CA and PAM50 intrinsic subtypes were not predictive biomarkers for adjuvant trastuzumab in NSABP B-31. These data suggest that results from the metastatic and neoadjuvant setting may not be always applicable to the adjuvant setting.
Anterior Hypopituitarism in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers Treated With Cranial Radiotherapy: A Report From the St Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Chemaitilly Wassim , Li Zhenghong , Huang Sujuan , Ness Kirsten K. , Clark Karen L. , Green Daniel M. , Barnes Nicole , Armstrong Gregory T. , Krasin Matthew J. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Pui Ching-Hon , Merchant Thomas E. , Kun Larry E. , Gajjar Amar , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Sklar Charles A.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of and risk factors for growth hormone deficiency (GHD), luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone deficiencies (LH/FSHD), thyroid-stimulatin hormone deficiency (TSHD), and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (ACTHD) after cranial radiotherapy (CRT) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and assess the impact of untreated deficiencies.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective study in an established cohort of CCS with 748 participants treated with CRT (394 men; mean age, 34.2 years [range, 19.4 to 59.6 years] observed for a mean of 27.3 years [range, 10.8 to 47.7 years]). Multivariable logistic regression was used to study associations between demographic and treatment-related risk factors and pituitary deficiencies, as well as associations between untreated deficiencies and cardiovascular health, bone mineral density (BMD), and physical fitness.

Results

The estimated point prevalence was 46.5% for GHD, 10.8% for LH/FSHD, 7.5% for TSHD, and 4% for ACTHD, and the cumulative incidence increased with follow-up. GHD and LH/FSHD were not treated in 99.7% and 78.5% of affected individuals, respectively. Male sex and obesity were significantly associated with LH/FSHD; white race was significant associated with LH/FSHD and TSHD. Compared with CRT doses less than 22 Gy, doses of 22 to 29.9 Gy were significantly associated with GHD; doses ≥ 22 Gy were associated with LH/FSHD; and doses ≥ 30 Gy were associated with TSHD and ACTHD. Untreated GHD was significantly associated with decreased muscle mass and exercise tolerance; untreated LH/FSHD was associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, low BMD, and slow walking; and both deficits, independently, were associated with with abdominal obesity, low energy expenditure, and muscle weakness.

Conclusion

Anterior pituitary deficits are common after CRT. Continued development over time is noted for GHD and LH/FSHD with possible associations between nontreatment of these conditions and poor health outcomes.
Prediction of Serious Complications in Patients With Seemingly Stable Febrile Neutropenia: Validation of the Clinical Index of Stable Febrile Neutropenia in a Prospective Cohort of Patients From the FINITE Study
Authors: Carmona-Bayonas Alberto , Jiménez-Fonseca Paula , Virizuela Echaburu Juan , Antonio Maite , Font Carme , Biosca Mercè , Ramchandani Avinash , Martínez Jerónimo , Hernando Cubero Jorge , Espinosa Javier , Martínez de Castro Eva , Ghanem Ismael , Beato Carmen , Blasco Ana , Garrido Marcelo , Bonilla Yaiza , Mondéjar Rebeca , Arcusa Lanza María Ángeles , Aragón Manrique Isabel , Manzano Aránzazu , Sevillano Elena , Castañón Eduardo , Cardona Mercé , Gallardo Martín Elena , Pérez Armillas Quionia , Sánchez Lasheras Fernando , Ayala de la Peña Francisco
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To validate a prognostic score predicting major complications in patients with solid tumors and seemingly stable episodes of febrile neutropenia (FN). The definition of clinical stability implies the absence of organ dysfunction, abnormalities in vital signs, and major infections.

Patients and Methods

We developed the Clinical Index of Stable Febrile Neutropenia (CISNE), with six explanatory variables associated with serious complications: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥ 2 (2 points), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1 point), chronic cardiovascular disease (1 point), mucositis of grade ≥ 2 (National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria; 1 point), monocytes < 200 per μL (1 point), and stress-induced hyperglycemia (2 points). We integrated these factors into a score ranging from 0 to 8, which classifies patients into three prognostic classes: low (0 points), intermediate (1 to 2 points), and high risk (≥ 3 points). We present a multicenter validation of CISNE.

Results

We prospectively recruited 1,133 patients with seemingly stable FN from 25 hospitals. Complication rates in the training and validation subsets, respectively, were 1.1% and 1.1% in low-, 6.1% and 6.2% in intermediate-, and 32.5% and 36% in high-risk patients; mortality rates within each class were 0% in low-, 1.6% and 0% in intermediate-, and 4.3% and 3.1% in high-risk patients. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves in the validation subset were 0.652 (95% CI, 0.598 to 0.703) for Talcott, 0.721 (95% CI, 0.669 to 0.768) for Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), and 0.868 (95% CI, 0.827 to 0.903) for CISNE (P = .002 for comparison between CISNE and MASCC).

Conclusion

CISNE is a valid model for accurately classifying patients with cancer with seemingly stable FN episodes.
The Possible Unemployment Cost of Average Inflation below a Credible Target
Authors: Svensson Lars E. O.
Published: January 2015

If inflation expectations become firmly anchored at the inflation target even when average inflation deviates from the target, the long-run Phillips curve becomes nonvertical. During 1997–2011, average inflation expectations in Sweden have been close to the inflation target of 2 percent, whereas average inflation has fallen short of the target by 0.6 percentage points. The estimates reported suggest that the slope of the long-run Phillips curve is about 0.75. Then the average unemployment rate has been about 0.8 percentage points higher than if average inflation had been on target. This is a large unemployment cost of undershooting the inflation target. (JEL D84, E24, E31, E52, E58)
Inflation in the Great Recession and New Keynesian Models
Authors: Del Negro Marco , Giannoni Marc P. , Schorfheide Frank
Published: January 2015

Several prominent economists have argued that existing DSGE models cannot properly account for the evolution of key macroeconomic variables during and following the recent Great Recession. We challenge this argument by showing that a standard DSGE model with financial frictions available prior to the recent crisis successfully predicts a sharp contraction in economic activity along with a protracted but relatively modest decline in inflation, following the rise in financial stress in 2008:IV. The model does so even though inflation remains very dependent on the evolution of economic activity and of monetary policy. (JEL E12, E31, E32, E37, E44, E52, G01)
Understanding the Great Recession
Authors: Christiano Lawrence J. , Eichenbaum Martin S. , Trabandt Mathias
Published: January 2015

We argue that the vast bulk of movements in aggregate real economic activity during the Great Recession were due to financial frictions. We reach this conclusion by looking through the lens of an estimated New Keynesian model in which firms face moderate degrees of price rigidities, no nominal rigidities in wages, and a binding zero lower bound constraint on the nominal interest rate. Our model does a good job of accounting for the joint behavior of labor and goods markets, as well as inflation, during the Great Recession. According to the model the observed fall in total factor productivity and the rise in the cost of working capital played critical roles in accounting for the small drop in inflation that occurred during the Great Recession. (JEL E12, E23, E24, E31, E32, E52)
Tight Approximations of Dynamic Risk Measures
Authors: Iancu Dan A. , Petrik Marek , Subramanian Dharmashankar
Published: January 2015

This paper compares two frameworks for measuring risk in a multiperiod setting. The first corresponds to applying a single coherent risk measure to the cumulative future costs, and the second involves applying a composition of one-step coherent risk mappings. We characterize several necessary and sufficient conditions under which one measurement always dominates the other and introduce a metric to quantify how close the two measures are. Using this notion, we address the question of how tightly a given coherent measure can be approximated by lower or upper bounding compositional measures. We exhibit an interesting asymmetry between the two cases: the tightest upper bound can be exactly characterized and corresponds to a popular construction in the literature, whereas the tightest lower bound is not readily available. We show that testing domination and computing the approximation factors are generally NP-hard, even when the risk measures are comonotonic and law-invariant. However, we characterize conditions and discuss examples where polynomial-time algorithms are possible. One such case is the well-known conditional value-at-risk measure, which we explore in more detail. Our theoretical and algorithmic constructions exploit interesting connections between the study of risk measures and the theory of submodularity and combinatorial optimization, which may be of independent interest.
The Benefit of Introducing Variability in Single-Server Queues with Application to Quality-Based Service Domains
Authors: Xu Ying , Scheller-Wolf Alan , Sycara Katia
Published: January 2015

We propose a static service differentiation policy for a single-server queueing system serving homogeneous customers. We show that by randomly assigning customers different service grades with different service rates, the average waiting time can be reduced without affecting the mean service time. Such differentiation introduces more service time variability, but it also creates information that enables the implementation of service rate-based scheduling, which mitigates the increased variance and may even reduce the total waiting time. We provide conditions under which our static service differentiation reduces waiting, and further derive closed-form expressions for the optimal differentiation policy, which shows that both optimal service rates and allocation probabilities form geometric sequences. We illustrate our policy in the context of quality-based service domains, in which customers value service time but dislike waiting. Numerically, we find that providing differentiated service can improve system performance by 5% without any additional capacity.
Myopic Bounds for Optimal Policy of POMDPs: An Extension of Lovejoy’s Structural Results
Authors: Krishnamurthy Vikram , Pareek Udit
Published: January 2015

This paper provides a relaxation of the sufficient conditions and an extension of the structural results for partially observed Markov decision processes (POMDPs) obtained by Lovejoy in 1987. Sufficient conditions are provided so that the optimal policy can be upper and lower bounded by judiciously chosen myopic policies. These myopic policy bounds are constructed to maximize the volume of belief states where they coincide with the optimal policy. Numerical examples illustrate these myopic bounds for both continuous and discrete observation sets.