bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morning Hypertension Determined by Self‐Measurement at Home Predicts Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Patients Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Terawaki Hiroyuki , Shoda Toru , Ogura Makoto , Mitome Jun , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Yokoyama Keitaro , Hosoya Tatsuo
Published: March 2012

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between blood pressure (BP, mm Hg) measured by patients in the morning at home and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which is a strong predictor for morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). We recorded self‐measured morning BPs and BPs measured at hospital check‐ups (hospital BPs) in 33 patients undergoing CAPD (mean age, 64.0 years) and compared them with left ventricular mass (LVM) derived from echocardiographic examinations. The mean morning BP was 137/75, the mean hospital BP was 140/80, and the mean LVM (g/m2.7: corrected by height) was 61.8. Of the subjects, 72.7% had LVH (LVM > 51). The morning BP (systolic) was positively correlated with LVM (P = 0.0022, R = 0.508), and the hospital BP (systolic) was weakly correlated (P = 0.0534, R = 0.339). The adjusted odds ratio for LVH was significantly higher in patients with a morning BP (systolic) ≥ 135 (15.9; 95% CI, 1.3 to 198.5) than in patients with a morning BP (systolic) < 135. In conclusion, morning hypertension determined with self‐measured BP was positively correlated with LVH, therefore self BP monitoring could be a useful method to predict LVH in CAPD patients.
Deserts and pile-ups in the distribution of exoplanets due to photoevaporative disc clearing
Authors: Alexander R. D. , Pascucci I.
Published: March 2012

We present models of giant planet migration in evolving protoplanetary discs. We show that disc clearing by extreme-ultraviolet photoevaporation can have a strong effect on the distribution of giant planet semimajor axes. During disc clearing, planet migration is slowed or accelerated in the region where photoevaporation opens a gap in the disc, resulting in ‘deserts’ where few giant planets are found and corresponding ‘pile-ups’ at smaller and larger radii. However, the precise locations and sizes of these features are strong functions of the efficiency of planetary accretion, and therefore also strongly dependent on planet mass. We suggest that photoevaporative disc clearing may be responsible for the pile-up of ∼Jupiter-mass planets at ∼1 au seen in exoplanet surveys, and show that observations of the distribution of exoplanet semimajor axes can be used to test models of both planet migration and disc clearing.
Evidence of two unique variability classes from IGR J17091–3624
Authors: Pahari Mayukh , Bhattacharyya Sudip , Yadav J. S. , Pandey S. K.
Published: March 2012

IGR J17091−3624 is the second black hole X-ray binary after GRS 1915+105, which showed large and distinct variabilities. The study of these variability classes can be useful to understand the accretion—ejection mechanisms of accreting black holes, and hence to probe the strong gravity regime. We report the discovery of two new variability classes (C1 and C2) from IGR J17091−3624 from the 2011 outburst Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer data. These unique classes will be useful to have complete details about the source, and to learn new aspects about variabilities. For example, the C1 class shows that the intensity and period of oscillations, energy spectrum and power spectrum can clearly evolve in tens of seconds. Moreover, in such a small time-scale, soft-lag becomes hard-lag. The C2 class shows that the variability and the non-variability can occur at similar energy spectrum, and a soft state is not required for variability to happen.
The Chemical Tuning of a Weak Zinc Binding Motif for Histone Deacetylase Using Electronic Effects
Authors: McCarren Patrick , Hall Michelle L. , Whitehead Lewis
Published: March 2012

The hydroxamic acid moiety is an effective metal‐binding warhead for a variety of metalloenzyme targets of interest in drug‐discovery. For the zinc‐containing histone deacetylase enzymes in particular, this chemical group has been widely incorporated and studied in the clinic. An alternative chemical functionality for binding zinc is the α‐aminocarbonyl motif, which has been shown to bind to histone deacetylase enzymes. The current article explores the minimal binding site theoretical approach combined with structural knowledge to explore the ideal chemical substitution pattern of the α‐aminocarbonyl motif within HDAC8. The metal‐binding strength of the group is predicted to be highly tunable to chemical substitution at the carbonyl and the α‐amino carbon. A fixed receptor model approach with a dispersion‐corrected density functional, clearly discerned the effect of different substituents at both these positions using either a flexible or partially fixed ligand optimized in the presence of a fixed receptor model of the HDAC8 binding site. An electron donating substituent such as methyl at the Cα in combination with NMe2 substitution at the carbonyl position, similar to observed crystal structures, result in the optimal energetic profile for binding the zinc atom in the HDAC8 enzyme.
Challenges to Deflationary Theories of Truth
Authors: Armour‐Garb Bradley
Published: March 2012

In this paper, I address some of the chief challenges, or problems, for Deflationary Theories of Truth, viz., the Generalization Problem, the Conservativeness Argument, and the Success Argument.
Non‐Traditional Factors in Judgments about Knowledge
Authors: Buckwalter Wesley
Published: March 2012

One recent trend in contemporary epistemology is to study the way in which the concept of knowledge is actually applied in everyday settings. This approach has inspired an exciting new spirit of collaboration between experimental philosophers and traditional epistemologists, who have begun using the techniques of the social sciences to investigate the factors that influence ordinary judgments about knowledge attribution. This paper provides an overview of some of the results these researchers have uncovered, suggesting that in addition to traditionally considered factors like evidence and justification, a number of important non‐truth‐conducive factors play significant roles in determining when people ascribe knowledge. The present review focuses on four non‐traditional factors: pragmatic load (in relation to contextualism and interest‐relative invariantism), moral judgment, performance errors, and demographic variation.
Asset or burden? Informed consent and the role of the family: law and practice
Authors: Gilbar Roy
Published: March 2012

The paper discusses the issue of family involvement in the process of obtaining consent to treatment. Legally, doctors have a duty to inform the patient, and the patient has a right to be informed before making a decision. In this context, however, there is no requirement to involve relatives or to take into account their interests or requests. Yet, findings from in-depth interviews with NHS general practitioners presented in the paper indicate that in reality relatives have a substantial impact on the process of informed consent. Their presence may lead the doctor to provide more information to the patient and help the patient better understand the information conveyed by the doctor. Ultimately, the relatives' involvement enhances the patient's ability to make an informed decision, even though in some cases – when the relative is dominant – this may have a negative impact on the channel of communication between doctor and patient. These findings reflect a relational approach to patient autonomy. They lead the author to suggest that the current doctor-patient partnership model in English medical law would benefit by the addition of relatives as an integral component of the decision making team. Such a significant shift in the legal approach requires changes in the type of information conveyed by the doctor to the patient; in the means to increase the patient's understanding; and lastly at the point when decisions are actually made.
A normative approach to the criminalisation of cartel activity
Authors: Wardhaugh Bruce
Published: March 2012

Although cartel behaviour is almost universally (and rightly) condemned, it is not clear why cartel participants deserve the full wrath of the criminal law and its associated punishment. To fill this void, I develop a normative (or principled) justification for the criminalisation of conduct characteristic of ‘hard core’ cartels. The paper opens with a brief consideration of the rhetoric commonly used to denounce cartel activity, eg that it ‘steals from’ or ‘robs’ consumers. To put the discussion in context, a brief definition of ‘hard core’ cartel behaviour is provided and the harms associated with this activity are identified. These are: welfare losses in the form of appropriation (from consumer to producer) of consumer surplus, the creation of deadweight loss to the economy, the creation of productive inefficiency (hindering innovation of both products and processes), and the creation of so-called X-inefficiency. As not all activities which cause harm ought to be criminalised, a theory as to why certain harms in a liberal society can be criminalised is developed. It is based on JS Mill's harm to others principle (as refined by Feinberg) and on a choice of social institutions using Rawls's ‘veil of ignorance.’ The theory is centred on the value of individual choice in securing one's own well-being, with the market as an indispensable instrument for this. But as applied to the harm associated with cartel conduct, this theory shows that none of the earlier mentioned problems associated with this activity provide sufficient justification for criminalisation. However, as the harm from hard core cartel activity strikes at an important institution which permits an individual's ability to secure their own well-being in a liberal society, criminalisation of hard core cartel behaviour can have its normative justification on this basis.
Using the institutional grammar tool to understand regulatory compliance: The case of Colorado aquaculture
Authors: Siddiki Saba , Basurto Xavier , Weible Christopher M.
Published: March 2012

What is the relationship between the design of regulations and levels of individual compliance? To answer this question, Crawford and Ostrom's institutional grammar tool is used to deconstruct regulations governing the aquaculture industry in Colorado, USA. Compliance with the deconstructed regulatory components is then assessed based on the perceptions of the appropriateness of the regulations, involvement in designing the regulations, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. The findings suggest that levels of compliance with regulations vary across and within individuals regarding various aspects of the regulatory components. As expected, the level of compliance is affected by the perceived appropriateness of regulations, participation in designing the regulations, and feelings of guilt and fear of social disapproval. Furthermore, there is a strong degree of interdependence among the written components, as identified by the institutional grammar tool, in affecting compliance levels. The paper contributes to the regulation and compliance literature by illustrating the utility of the institutional grammar tool in understanding regulatory content, applying a new Q‐Sort technique for measuring individual levels of compliance, and providing a rare exploration into feelings of guilt and fear outside of the laboratory setting.
Identifying signature whistles from recordings of groups of unrestrained bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Janik Vincent M. , King Stephanie L. , Sayigh Laela S. , Wells Randall S.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have individually distinctive signature whistles. Each individual dolphin develops its own unique frequency modulation pattern and uses it to broadcast its identity. However, underwater sound localization is challenging, and researchers have had difficulties identifying signature whistles. The traditional method to identify them involved isolating individuals. In this context, the signature whistle is the most commonly produced whistle type of an animal. However, most studies on wild dolphins cannot isolate animals. We present a novel method, SIGnature IDentification (SIGID), that can identify signature whistles in recordings of groups of dolphins recorded via a single hydrophone. We found that signature whistles tend to be delivered in bouts with whistles of the same type occurring within 1–10 s of each other. Nonsignature whistles occur with longer or shorter interwhistle intervals, and this distinction can be used to identify signature whistles in a recording. We tested this method on recordings from wild and captive bottlenose dolphins and show thresholds needed to identify signature whistles reliably. SIGID will facilitate the study of signature whistle use in the wild, signature whistle diversity between different populations, and potentially allow signature whistles to be used in mark‐recapture studies.
Impact of delay in diagnosis on survival to head and neck carcinomas: a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Seoane J. , Takkouche B. , Varela‐Centelles P. , Tomás I. , Seoane‐Romero J.M.
Published: March 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 99–106

Objective:  To address the contradictory information on the role of delay in diagnosis on head and neck cancer survival.

Study design:  Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Search strategy:  Search on MEDLINE (1966 to March 2011), EMBASE (1980 to March 2011) and ISI proceedings (from inception to March 2011). The terms used were (‘Head and neck cancers’) AND (‘delay’OR‘prognostic’OR‘survival’) both in MeSH terms and free‐text words. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also revised manually to identify other potentially relevant papers. All searches were independently undertaken by two clinicians and one epidemiologist, and the results merged.

Setting:  Primary and specialised care levels.

Participants:  Meta‐analysis of data from papers on the subject published from 1966 to 2011.

Main outcome measures:  Survival.

Methods:  After search in Medline and other databases, we computed pooled relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) from the 10 studies retrieved.

Results:  The estimate of the relative risk of mortality related to any diagnostic delay (either patient or professional delay) was 1.34 (95%CI 1.12–1.61). Referral delay was associated with a three‐fold increase in mortality. Total delay was marginally related to mortality (RR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.01–1.07). By anatomic location, pharynx cancer shows the highest association (RR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.22–2.31).

Conclusions:  Diagnostic delay is a moderate risk factor of mortality from head and neck cancer. However, part of the effect observed may be due to residual confounding (confounding from unknown variables that are not eliminated by adjustment).
Authentication of Pure Camellia Oil by Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Pattern Recognition Techniques
Authors: Li Shuifang , Zhu Xiangrong , Zhang Juhua , Li Gaoyang , Su Donglin , Shan Yang
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Total of 4 pattern recognition methods for the authentication of pure camellia oil applying near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy were evaluated in this study. Total of 115 samples were collected and their authenticities were confirmed by gas chromatography (GC) in according to China Natl. Standard (GB). A preliminary study of NIR spectral data was analyzed by unsupervised methods including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). Total of 2 supervised classification techniques based on discriminant analysis (DA) and radical basis function neural network (RBFNN) were utilized to build calibration model and predict unknown samples. In the wavenumber range of 6000 to 5750 cm−1, correct classification rate of both supervised and unsupervised solutions all can reach 98.3% when smoothing, first derivative, and autoscaling were used. The good performance showed that NIR spectroscopy with multivariate calibration models could be successfully used as a rapid, simple, and nondestructive method to discriminate pure camellia oil.
Effect of Chemico‐Physical Parameters on the Histidine Decarboxylase (HdcA) Enzymatic Activity in Streptococcus thermophilus PRI60
Authors: Tabanelli Giulia , Torriani Sandra , Rossi Franca , Rizzotti Lucia , Gardini Fausto
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  In this study the activity of the histidine decarboxylase (HdcA) of Streptococcus thermophilus PRI60 was determined during growth and in crude enzyme preparations to evaluate its hazardousness in dairy products. The effect of different pH values, lactose availability, NaCl concentration, and growth temperature on histamine production was evaluated in M17 medium during 168 h incubation. In each case, the production of histamine increased concomitantly with the cell number with a relatively small further rise during the stationary phase. In all cultures the maximum histamine levels were reached at the end of active growth. Histamine was detectable (10 to 55 mg/L) even when growth was strongly inhibited. The HdcA enzyme in crude cell‐free extracts was mostly active at acidic pH values common in dairy products. NaCl concentrations lower than 5% did not affect its activity. The enzyme was quite resistant to heat treatments resembling low pasteurization, but was inactivated at 75 °C for 2 min. Given the features of the enzyme studied, efforts must be dedicated to a thorough risk analysis and development of strategies to contrast the presence of histaminogenic S. thermophilus strains in products from raw or mildly heat‐treated milk.

Practical Application:  During its growth Streptococcus thermophilus can produce histamine over a wide range of conditions encountered in cheesemaking and cheese ripening. The histidine‐decarboxylase is even more active in cell‐free extract and histamine can be accumulated independently of cell viability.
Industry Challenge to Best Practice Risk Communication
Authors: McEntire J. , Boateng A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Effective food safety and food defense risk communication helps to inform consumers without causing panic and alarm. The Risk Communication Team of the Natl. Center for Food Protection and Defense has developed a list of 11 best practices recommended for effective risk communication. These practices, designed for a food defense crisis, are currently applied to food safety issues, since fortunately a food defense crisis has yet to occur. IFT examined the utility of these best practices and the limitations on their use during food safety and food defense crises by academics, trade associations, and the government. It was hypothesized that legal and business considerations as well as the nature of the event would determine the implementation of the best practices. Through the use of focus group meetings, it was discovered that there was a low level of awareness of the best practices. However, stakeholders practiced some aspects of the recommended practices. Participants felt some of the practices were related and could be consolidated. They also agreed that a food defense event will increase the urgency of the communication and include players not typically involved in food safety issues. The challenges reported by the stakeholders varied, but legal liability, as well as the impact their communications could have on an industry, were often cited. From the government perspective, their need to act within their authorities drove some of their actions with respect to communication. Determining the differences in communication limitations during food safety against food defense events can provide key information to further developing and refining risk communications and specific messages targeted for a food defense incident.

Practical Application:  Effective food safety and food defense risk communication helps to inform consumers without causing panic and alarm. Determining the differences in communication limitations during food safety against food defense events can provide key information to further developing and refining risk communications and specific messages targeted for a food defense incident.
Tamoxifen Subcellular Localization; Observation of Cell‐Specific Cytotoxicity Enhancement by Inhibition of Mitochondrial ETC Complexes I and III
Authors: Theodossiou Theodossis Athanassios , Yannakopoulou Konstantina , Aggelidou Chrysie , Hothersall John Stephen
Published: March 2012

Recently, a nongenomic cytotoxic component of the chemotherapeutic agent tamoxifen (TAM) has been identified that predominantly triggers mitochondrial events. The present study delineates the intracellular fate of TAM and studies its interaction with a spectrum of cell homeostasis modulators primarily relevant to mitochondria. The subcellular localization of TAM was assessed by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The effect of the modulators on TAM cytotoxicity was assessed by standard MTT assays. Our findings show that in estrogen receptor positive MCF7 breast adenocarcinoma cells and DU145 human prostate cancer cells, TAM largely accumulates in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, but not lysosomes. Our results further demonstrate that in MCF7, but not in DU145 cells, mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I and III inhibitors exacerbate TAM toxicity with an order of potency of myxothiazol ≥ stigmatellin > rotenone > antimycin A, suggesting a cell‐specific cytotoxic interplay between mitochondrial complex I and III function and TAM action.
Sulfide Remobilisation from Sulfide Ore at High Temperatures and Differential Stresses: An Experimental Approach
Authors: ZHENG Yuanchuan , GU Lianxing , TANG Xiaoqian , WANG Zijiang , WU Changzhi , ZHANG Wenlan , WU Xueyi
Published: March 2012

We conducted experiments to simulate sulfide remobilisation from sulfide ore. The starting material was from the Hongtoushan massive sulfide deposit, NE China, and is composed of pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, quartz, and silicate minerals. The ore was immersed in a solution of 20 wt.% NaCl for 260 h, and then was mounted in a Changjiang 500 triaxial rock stress machine. After the experiments were performed for 13 h at temperatures of 362, 464, 556 and 682°C, with corresponding confining and axial pressures, the samples were cooled at room temperatures. Our results from all the runs indicate that sulfides can be remobilised both mechanically and chemically, and that remobilisation is enhanced at higher temperatures. Mechanical remobilisation can only take place over limited distances and results in minor differentiation between various sulfide minerals. Distant external remobilisation to form new orebodies is most likely caused by chemical remobilisation. In contrast to plastically deformed areas, space resulting from cataclastic deformation could provide conduits for fluid transport and space for metal precipitation. Remobilised iron sulfides will precipitate as pyrrhotite at high temperatures, but as pyrite when temperature decreases. Furthermore, chalcopyrite is more easily remobilised than sphalerite under the conditions of the present experiments. Remobilisation accompanying deformation and metamorphism may add epigenetic features to syngenetic deposits.
Petrology, Geochemistry, and Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry of Sphalerite from the Laloki and Federal Flag Strata‐Bound Massive Sulfide Deposits, Papua New Guinea: Implications for Gold Mineralization
Authors: NOKU Shadrach K. , MATSUEDA Hiroharu , ESPI Joseph O. , AKASAKA Masahide
Published: March 2012

The Laloki and Federal Flag deposits are two of the many (over 45) polymetallic massive sulfide deposits that occur in the Astrolabe Mineral Field, Papua New Guinea. New data of the mineralogical compositions, mineral textures, and fluid inclusion studies on sphalerite from Laloki and Federal Flag deposits were investigated to clarify physiochemical conditions of the mineralization at both deposits. The two deposits are located about 2 km apart and they are stratigraphically hosted by siliceous to carbonaceous claystone and rare gray chert of Paleocene–Eocene age. Massive sulfide ore and host rock samples were collected from each deposit for mineralogical, geochemical, and fluid inclusion studies. Mineralization at the Laloki deposit consists of early‐stage massive sulfide mineralization (sphalerite‐barite, chalcopyrite, and pyrite–marcasite) and late‐stage brecciation and remobilization of early‐stage massive sulfides that was accompanied by late‐stage sphalerite mineralization. Occurrence of native gold blebs in early‐stage massive pyrite–marcasite‐chalcopyrite ore with the association of pyrrhotite‐hematite and abundant planktonic foraminifera remnants was due to reduction of hydrothermal fluids by the reaction with organic‐rich sediments and seawater mixing. Precipitation of fine‐grained gold blebs in late‐stage Fe‐rich sphalerite resulted from low temperature and higher salinity ore fluids in sulfur reducing conditions. In contrast, the massive sulfide ores from the Federal Flag deposit contain Fe‐rich sphalerite and subordinate sulfarsenides. Native gold blebs occur as inclusions in Fe‐rich sphalerite, along sphalerite grain boundaries, and in the siliceous‐hematitic matrix. Such occurrences of native gold suggest that gold was initially precipitated from high‐temperature, moderate to highly reduced, low‐sulfur ore fluids. Concentrations of Au and Ag from both Laloki and Federal Flag deposits were within the range (<10 ppm Au and <100 ppm Ag) of massive sulfides at a mid‐ocean ridge setting rather than typical arc‐type massive sulfides. The complex relationship between FeS contents in sphalerite and gold grades of both deposits is probably due to the initial deposition of gold on the seafloor that may have been controlled by factors such as Au complexes, pH, and fO2 in combination with temperature and sulfur fugacity.
Does Indonesia's REDD+ moratorium on new concessions spare imminently threatened forests?
Authors: Sloan Sean , Edwards David P. , Laurance William F.
Published: March 2012

In May 2010, Indonesia signed a $1‐billion partnership with Norway to reduce deforestation and prepare for a global REDD+ scheme (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation). A pillar of the pact is a moratorium on new agricultural and logging licenses in ∼535,294 km2 of species‐rich dryland forest and ∼153,984 km2 of carbon‐rich peatlands. A critical question is whether these moratorium areas constitute "additional" conservation. We test whether dryland forests and peatlands within moratorium areas differ from unprotected forest and recently cleared forest on a range of biophysical, economic, and agricultural attributes indicative of forest threat. Compared to other forests, dryland moratorium forests are significantly more marginal economically, less physically accessible, more removed from forest disruption, and more sheltered from encroachment, such that their "conservation" achieves little additional prevention of forest loss and carbon emissions. Peatland moratorium areas are, however, a conservation success insofar as they are indistinguishable from unprotected peatland and encompass the majority of remaining peatland area, much of which is vulnerable to future conversion.
Do pathogen spillover, pesticide use, or habitat loss explain recent North American bumblebee declines?
Authors: Szabo Nora D. , Colla Sheila R. , Wagner David L. , Gall Lawrence F. , Kerr Jeremy T.
Published: March 2012

Several North American bumblebee species have recently undergone dramatic declines. The use of managed, pathogen‐carrying bumblebees for pollination of greenhouse crops began shortly before these declines, and wild bumblebees near greenhouses now have high pathogen loads. This has led to speculation that pathogen spillover from commercial bumblebees caused declines of these species. We test this hypothesis using a large dataset of bumblebee occurrence records and agricultural census data. We find support for the pathogen spillover hypothesis for two species but no evidence that pathogen spillover caused the near disappearance of the previously widespread Bombus affinis. Furthermore, we show that pesticide use and habitat loss are unlikely to be major causes of decline for any of the Bombus species examined. Collectively, our analyses underscore that there remains an urgent need to identify causes of pollinator population losses.
Spontaneous Contractile Activity of the Detrusor Muscle and Its Role in the Pathogenesis of Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Authors: AKINO Hironobu
Published: March 2012

There is accumulated evidence that spontaneous contractions (SCs) in the bladder wall are associated with afferent nerve firing in the bladder. The role of the urothelium in bladder sensation might be restricted to pathological conditions, such as interstitial cystitis or chemical cystitis in which the release of urothelium‐derived mediators such as adenosine triphosphate is increased. Recent publications imply that SCs in bladders with detrusor overactivity due to spinal cord injury or bladder outlet obstruction are modulated by intracellular signal transduction mechanisms such as the RhoA/Rho‐kinase pathway, denervation‐supersensitivity to acetylcholine, changes in ion channel activity, enhanced gap‐junctional intercellular communication, alterations in interstitial cells of Cajal, the actions of local mediators in the detrusor and the influence of the urothelium. Spontaneous contractions and possible consequent afferent nerve firing might participate in the generation of overactive bladder syndrome.
Metabolic Syndrome and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Epidemiological Study
Authors: YOON Hana
Published: March 2012

Increasing evidence from clinical and epidemiological studies has shown associations between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and major chronic medical diseases. Recent epidemiological studies have revealed that, to a large extent, lifestyle factors associated with metabolism, such as obesity, physical activity, blood glucose, and diet, contribute substantially to the development of these conditions. Multiple studies have demonstrated strong independent associations between LUTS and components of metabolic syndrome. Therefore, modification of lifestyle factors may lower the risk of LUTS. Prevalence of MS is age‐dependent with gender differences, and LUTS have different manifestations in men and women. LUTS‐associated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have multiple evidence of correlation with MS factors; however, results were inconsistent in their correlation among prostate volume and prostate‐specific antigen. There is limited data on female LUTS or other diseases such as urinary incontinence or overactive bladder and MS. Further research is required to understand their connection in the pathogenesis of LUTS and to establish a more effective prevention and a therapeutic model.
Potential Biomarkers Utilized to Define and Manage Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Authors: KUO Hann‐Chorng
Published: March 2012

Clinical diagnosis of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome has great variation and usually can only be based on subjective symptoms. Measurement of urgency severity score in adjunct with voiding diary may reflect the occurrence of OAB and incontinence severity in daily life. Urodynamic study can detect detrusor overactivity (DO), but not in all OAB patients. A more objective way and less invasive tool to diagnose and assess therapeutic outcome in OAB patients is needed. Recent investigations of the potential biomarkers for OAB include urinary and serum biomarkers and bladder wall thickness. Evidence has also shown that urinary proteins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels increase in patients with OAB, bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and DO. Patients with OAB have significantly higher urinary NGFlevels and urinary NGF levels decrease after antimuscarinic therapy and further decrease after detrusor botulinum toxin injections. However, the sensitivity of single urinary protein in the diagnosis of OAB is not high and several lower urinary tract diseases may also have elevated urinary NGF levels. Searching for a group of inflammatory biomarkers by microsphere‐based array in urine might be a better method in differential diagnosis of OAB from interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infection (UTI) or urolithiasis. Bladder wall thickness has been widely investigated in the diagnosis of BOO and pediatric voiding dysfunction.The role of bladder wall thickness in the diagnosis of OAB, however, has not reach a consistent conclusion. We hereby review the latest medical advances in this field.
Ischemia, Hypoxia and Oxidative Stress in Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Bladder Overdistention Injury
Authors: LIN Alex Tong Long , JUAN Yung‐Shun
Published: March 2012

Ischemia and the accompanied hypoxia significantly impair the function of the urinary bladder, which is further damaged by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury following the re‐establishment of the blood supply. Current evidences have confirmed that blood flow of the bladder is decreased by bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and acute overdistention and that functional impairment of the urinary bladder following chronic BOO and acute overdistention might partly come from tissue ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Antioxidants, free radical scavengers or substances inhibiting I/R injury may reduce bladder damages caused by BOO or overdistention.
Low‐Dose Anticholinergic Combination Therapy in Male Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients with Overactive Bladder Symptoms
Authors: PARK Won Hee , GON KIM Hyeong
Published: March 2012

Most men with lower urinary tract symptoms have both storage and voiding symptoms. Overactive bladder symptoms occur in 50–75% of men with benign prostatic obstruction. Alpha‐blockers are usually the first option in medical therapy. Even though voiding symptoms are alleviated by the use of medicines or transurethral resection of the prostate, storage symptoms continue in 30–65% of patients. Combination therapy with an alpha1‐receptor antagonist and an anticholinergic agent in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with overactive bladder symptoms significantly alleviates symptoms and improves quality of life. In clinical practice, the efficacy and safety of anticholinergic combination therapy may not be comparable with well‐controlled studies. Overactive bladder symptoms usually require long‐term treatment, and benign prostatic hyperplasia tends to progress with time. When male LUTS patients are treated with anticholinergic combination therapy, there are still some concerns about the development of acute urinary retention, voiding difficulty, and other anticholinergic side‐effects. If the drug is prescribed in a relatively low dosage, however, this approach could be appealing regarding adverse effects. There is a relatively small number of clinical reports about low‐dose combination therapy, which is in its early stages. Promising results are being reported, though the level of evidence is low. We await the final results.
Autologous Bone Marrow‐Derived Cells Regenerate Urethral Sphincters
Authors: IMAMURA Tetsuya , ISHIZUKA Osamu , NISHIZAWA Osamu
Published: March 2012

Regenerative medicine based on tissue engineering and/or stem cell therapy techniques has the potential to improve irreversibly damaged tissues. Surgical injury to the lower urinary tract can occur as a result of radical prostatectomy or bladder neck surgery. Regeneration of urethral sphincters could be an effective treatment for post‐surgical intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD)‐related urinary incontinence. The replacement, enhancement, and/or recovery the urethral sphincter striated and smooth muscles could increase urethral closure pressure to help patients regain continence. Stem cells from muscle‐derived satellite or adipose‐derived mesenchymal cells provide temporary improvement in urethral closure pressure but do not reconstruct the muscle layer structures. Our strategy to accomplish regeneration of urethral sphincters is the utilization of autologous bone marrow‐derived cells. We have developed a freeze injury model of ISD in rabbits. Freezing of the urinary sphincter causes loss of the majority of striated and smooth muscle cells, and causes a significant decrease in leak point pressure. In this review, we show that the autologous bone marrow‐derived cells implanted within the freeze‐injured sphincters differentiate into striated or smooth muscle cells. These cells then develop to reconstitute muscle layer structures within the sphincter. Furthermore, the leak point pressure of cell‐implanted rabbits is significantly higher than that of cell‐free injected controls. We conclude that implantation of autologous bone marrow‐derived cells could be an effective treatment for human post‐surgical ISD‐related urinary incontinence.
Posterior Monteggia Fractures in Adults with and Without Concomitant Dislocation of the Elbow
Authors: Shore Brett I. , Guitton Thierry G. , Ring David
Published: March 2012

Background

The present study comprised a retrospective review aiming to identify the differences between patients with a posterior Monteggia injury with and without concomitant dislocation of the elbow.

Methods

Forty-nine consecutive adult patients with 50 posterior Monteggia fractures were identified that had operative treatment. Demographics and injury characteristics were recorded for the entire cohort (13 with and 36 without ulnohumeral dislocation) and final motion was recorded in 29 patients (10 with and 19 without dislocation) that had more than 10 months of follow-up.

Results

Fractures with concomitant elbow dislocation occur in younger patients (45 years versus 56 years; p = 0.046); are associated with higher-energy injuries (54% versus 21%, p = 0.037); are more likely to have a Regan-Morrey type 2 (85% versus 26%, p = 0.003)/Mayo type 1 coronoid fractures (85% versus 21%; p < 0.001); and are more likely to have a Mason type 2 radial head fracture (61% versus 30%; p = 0.046).

Conclusions

Patients with a posterior Monteggia fracture and concomitant elbow dislocation have smaller coronoid fractures and worse ultimate ulnohumeral motion than patients without anelbow dislocation.
Stiffness after Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: Incidence, Management and Classification
Authors: Monga Puneet , Raghallaigh Holly N. , Funk Lennard
Published: March 2012

Background

Stiffness after arthroscopic shoulder surgery is of significant concern to the patient, surgeon and therapist. The present study aimed to investigate the natural history of stiffness after shoulder arthroscopic procedures.

Methods

Postoperative recovery of range of motion (ROM) in patients who underwent 234 consecutive arthroscopic procedures over a 1-year period was reviewed. The time needed to regain full ROM was recorded for every patient. Stiffness was graded from 0 to 3 depending on the loss of movements as compared to the opposite side.

Results

Postoperative ROM returned to normal in 63% of patients within 3 months, 94% of patients within 6 months, 96% of patients within 9 months and 97% of patients within 1 year after surgery. Stiffness was graded as a loss of ROM compared to the contralateral shoulder, with less than a third loss as grade 1, one third to two-thirds loss as grade 2 and more than two thirds loss as grade 3. Some 85% patients with Grade 1 stiffness recovered complete ROM at 6 months, whereas only 43% of grade 2/3 stiffness returned to normal at 6 months. Only four patients required further active intervention for recovery from stiffness. Risk of developing stiffness was related to the pre-operative diagnosis.

Conclusions

Although, minor (grade 1) stiffness after shoulder surgery occurs commonly despite early mobilization rehabilitation protocols; it resolves rapidly without further surgical intervention in a majority of the patients.
Diagnostic value of autofluorescence bronchoscopy in lung cancer
Authors: Zaric Bojan , Perin Branislav , Carapic Vladimir , Stojsic Vladimir , Matijasevic Jovan , Andrijevic Ilija , Kopitovic Ivan
Published: March 2012

The role of autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) was primarily investigated in regard to the detection of precancerous lesions of bronchial mucosa. Most of the results confirmed higher sensitivity for the detection of precancerous bronchial lesions, when compared to white light bronchoscopy (WLB) alone. However, it is commonly known that the specificity of AFB remains low. Our findings agree in terms of the detection of premalignant bronchial lesions and early lung cancer, but regarding the detection of synchronous lesions or in the evaluation of lung cancer extension, the specificity of AFB is significantly higher. There is still an ongoing debate in the scientific community whether or not autofluorescence should be used as a screening tool for lung cancer. Results of the majority of published series did not support the general use of AFB as a screening tool for lung cancer; however, these results suggest its use in groups of patients with a high risk of lung cancer. Despite this, some authors still do not recommend its use even in high‐risk cases. In recent years, the indications for AFB have been widening and this tool may find its place in routine bronchoscopy. With new indications for AFB, such as the evaluation of tumor extension or follow up after surgical resection, bronchoscopists may make use of this tool more often. A sharp learning curve and a clear distinction between healthy and pathologically altered mucosa make this technology acceptable for inexperienced bronchoscopists. We also investigate new hardware and software improvements in AFB. The addition of backscattered light analysis, ultraviolet spectra, fluorescence‐reflectance or dual digital systems could improve the diagnostic yield of this technology.
AN APPLICATION OF SEQUENTIAL REGRESSION MULTIPLE IMPUTATION ON PANEL DATA
Authors: VON MALTITZ MICHAEL JOHAN , VAN DER MERWE ABRAHAM JOHANNES
Published: March 2012

The relatively new sequential regression multiple imputation (SRMI) method is introduced, with the process of SRMI laid out in detail. The Project for Statistics on Living Standards and Development and the follow‐up KwaZulu‐Natal Income Dynamics Study provide the real panel data on which the methods reviewed are applied. The SRMI process is used to create multiple datasets completed with values imputed for data originally missing, and using the error component model estimation procedures and Rubin's rules, inferences on the panel data are made. Conclusions are drawn as to the applicability of the SRMI process to these data and as to the results of the regression analyses completed.
LIQUIDITY CREATION IN SOUTH AFRICAN BANKS UNDER STRESSED ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Authors: ESTERHUYSEN JA'NEL , VUUREN GARY VAN , STYGER PAUL
Published: March 2012

The financial crisis placed severe pressure on global bank liquidity. Many banks were unable to create sufficient liquidity and had to receive government support or face default. This paper attempts to determine the impact of the financial crisis on liquidity creation within South African banks using a model previously applied to US banks. Four measures of liquidity creation are discussed and applied to data spanning 2004‐2009. Although created, liquidity decreases steeply from 2007, liquidity levels in 2009 remain about 45% higher than those of 2004. The four large South African banks created about 80% of the total market liquidity. The authors are aware that the liquidity measures discussed in this paper may not accurately reflect the manner in which South African banks created liquidity before and during the financial crisis as the period under review was characterised by various other factors. These factors include the concurrent rise in securitisation, considerable changes in the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) stance on monetary policy, historic low‐interest rates during the period and severe curtailing of local inter‐bank dealing. It remains possible that these factors may have had an impact on the way in which South African banks created and disseminated liquidity. This possibility will be the subject of future research.
REGIONAL VARIATION IN LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES IN MALAWI
Authors: HATLEBAKK MAGNUS
Published: March 2012

We identified livelihood strategies at the household level as a function of assets held using survey data from Malawi. We only included endowments that we expected to be predetermined. As expected, land, household size, age and primary education are important determinants of livelihood strategies. It also turned out to be significant regional variation in livelihood strategies, with more diversification in the southern region, and with regional variation in the role of ethnic and religious identity as determinants of livelihood strategies. In particular, we found that households from the Chewa community have more livelihood opportunities in the south, where they are in a minority.
STOCHASTIC FRONTIER ANALYSIS OF SPECIALIST SURGEON CLINICS
Authors: KOCH STEVEN F. , SLABBERT JEAN D.
Published: March 2012

Stochastic frontier analysis was used to estimate the technical efficiency of specialist surgeon practices based in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The analysis was conducted for both single and multiple output production functions, while efficiency was allowed to depend upon surgeon and practice characteristics. Multiple output models, due to an increase in the number of observations, can be more precisely estimated and, as there are multiple observations per surgeon, can be estimated with fixed effects. The results of the analyses suggest that efficiency averages around 50% for this sample and is convex in years of surgical experience. The benefit of multiple output analysis – improved precision – obtains, while surgeon‐level fixed effects alleviate some concerns related to unobserved heterogeneity.
PRICE ELASTICITIES AND PRICING POWER IN EMERGING MARKETS: THE CASE OF PETROCHEMICAL‐DERIVED PLASTICS IN SOUTH AFRICA1
Authors: FEDDERKE JOHANNES W. , SIMBANEGAVI WITNESS
Published: March 2012

This paper examines whether there necessarily exists a conflict between allocative and productive efficiency in small open economy markets. That productive efficiency favours market concentration is not in dispute, and the sole question we face is whether allocative efficiency suffers under high market concentration. We proceed theoretically and econometrically. We find that the conflict between productive and allocative efficiency is not necessarily as stringent as the international competition policy literature suggests should be the case. In particular, we note that the strategic interaction between the large domestic producer and its competitors makes feasible a range of alternative price elasticities of demand, and empirically that all price elasticities of demand are less than or equal to unity. Nevertheless, the impact of market structure is such as to render feasible a wide range of possible levels of pricing power.
Synchronous bilateral pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland
Authors: Huang Jian Tao , Li Wei , Chen Xiao Qing , Shi Rong Hua , Zhao Yun Fu
Published: March 2012

Bilateral pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland are extremely rare, accounting for less than 0.2% of all parotid gland tumors. We present a rare case of a patient with synchronous bilateral pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland. A 27‐year‐old woman presented with a 5‐month history of a slowly‐growing, painless swelling of the right parotid gland. After a thorough bilateral parotid examination and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation, bilateral tumors of the parotid gland were found. The patient underwent surgical excision of the bilateral tumors in one surgical setting. Histopathological examination showed that both tumors were pleomorphic adenomas. The patient has been followed for 24 months without recurrence of tumors. Careful preoperative examination and radiological evaluation of bilateral parotid glands might be necessary for the early diagnosis of synchronous bilateral tumors. We suggest that treatment be individualized depending on the sizes and locations of tumors, and the surgical and neurological risks.