bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential role of IL-13 in neuroprotection and cortical excitability regulation in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rossi S , Mancino R , Bergami A , Mori F , Castelli M , De Chiara V , Studer V , Mataluni G , Sancesario G , Parisi V , Kusayanagi H , Bernardi G , Nucci C , Bernardini S , Martino G , Furlan R , Centonze D
Published: November 2011

Background: Inflammation triggers secondary neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives: It is unclear whether classical anti-inflammatory cytokines have the potential to interfere with synaptic transmission and neuronal survival in MS.

Methods: Correlation analyses between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contents of anti-inflammatory cytokines and molecular, imaging, clinical, and neurophysiological measures of neuronal alterations were performed.

Results: Our data suggest that interleukin-13 (IL-13) plays a neuroprotective role in MS brains. We found, in fact, that the levels of IL-13 in the CSF of MS patients were correlated with the contents of amyloid-β1-42. Correlations were also found between IL-13 and imaging indexes of axonal and neuronal integrity, such as the retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and the macular volume evaluated by optical coherence tomography. Furthermore, the levels of IL-13 were related to better performance in the low-contrast acuity test and Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite scoring. Finally, by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation, we have shown that GABAA-mediated cortical inhibition was more pronounced in patients with high IL-13 levels in the CSF, as expected for a neuroprotective, anti-excitotoxic effect.

Conclusions: The present correlation study provides some evidence for the involvement of IL-13 in the modulation of neuronal integrity and synaptic function in patients with MS.
The psychosocial and cognitive impact of longstanding ‘benign’ multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sayao Ana-Luiza , Bueno Anna-Marie , Devonshire Virginia , Tremlett Helen ,   the UBC MS Clinic Neurologists
Published: November 2011

Background: Benign multiple sclerosis (BMS) is typically defined using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), which relies heavily on ambulation. We set out to examine important psychosocial and cognitive outcomes in patients with longstanding BMS compared with patients who had recently progressed to ‘no longer benign’ (NLB).

Methods: A previously reported cohort of BMS (EDSS ≤3 at 20 years disease duration) were re-assessed 25–30 years post-onset. Patients remaining benign (EDSS ≤3 at re-assessment) were compared with those NLB for: depression (Beck Depression Inventory), fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale), health-related quality of life (MSQoL-54), cognition (Rao’s Neuropsychological Screening Battery), and employment status.

Results: A total of 75% (66/88) of the original cohort were located. A total of 61 patients were re-assessed. Twenty-five patients (41%) had progressed in EDSS and were NLB. Compared with benign patients, those NLB were more likely to have: significant fatigue (15/36 [42%] vs. 18/25 [72%], p = 0.019); poorer physical functioning (mean MSQoL-54 = 67.30 vs. 50.89, p = 0.002); an MS-related negative change in employment status (13/36 [36%] vs. 21/25 [84%], p < 0.0001) and cognitive impairment (3/28 [11%] vs. 5/19 [26%]; trend only, p = 0.317). Depression and mental health quality if life differed little between the benign and NLB patients ( p > 0.6).

Conclusions: Despite remaining benign for 20 years, a significant proportion of patients progressed with further follow up. While neither depression nor patient-reported mental health quality of life was associated with EDSS progression, patients with longstanding ‘benign’ MS (EDSS ≤3 for 25+ years) had less fatigue, better physical quality of life and employment outcomes and infrequent cognitive impairment. Remaining benign over the long term, as defined by the EDSS, carried some advantages beyond ambulation.
Multiple sclerosis and depression
Authors: Feinstein Anthony
Published: November 2011

Clinically significant depression can affect up to 50% of patients with multiple sclerosis over the course of their lifetime. It is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality and is regarded by patients as one of the main determinants of their quality of life. This review summarizes current perspectives relating to diagnosis, the utility of self report screening questionnaires, warning signs of suicidal intent and the biological and psychosocial variables implicated in mood change. In particular, the association between depression and structural brain abnormalities, including those derived from diffusion tensor imaging, is highlighted. Depression is treatable, as the results from randomized controlled trials of antidepressant medication, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness therapy, reveal. These positive findings are offset by data showing that depression in a neurological setting is often overlooked and under treated.
CEO demographics and accounting fraud: Who is more likely to rationalize illegal acts?
Authors: Troy Carmelita , Smith Ken G. , Domino Madeline A.
Published: November 2011

This article proposes that key CEO demographic factors reflect alternative modes of rationalizing the choice to engage in and/or facilitate accounting fraud. Specifically the authors theorize that younger, less functionally experienced CEOs and CEOs without business degrees will be more likely to rationalize accounting fraud as an acceptable decision. Based on a sample of 312 fraud-committing and control firms, the study finds support for the authors’ predictions. It also finds that CEO stock options (a form of executive equity incentive) also predict fraud, and that this relationship is not moderated by CEO demographics. The study thus extends upper echelon theory by demonstrating how key demographic variables influence CEO decisions to rationalize accounting fraud.
The information value of R&D alliances: The preference for local or distant ties
Authors: Hagedoorn John , Letterie Wilko , Palm Franz
Published: November 2011

Using a Bayesian learning model, the authors provide a formal understanding of the strategic implications of a firm’s R&D alliance activity through its local or distant ties. A major advantage of the model is that it facilitates an explicit analysis of the factors that determine a firm’s potential to learn from its R&D alliances. The article’s theoretical approach shows how technological uncertainty, information redundancy and heterogeneity of information accuracy jointly affect the formation of inter-firm alliance ties.
The nerve injury and the dying neurons: diagnosis and prevention
Authors: Terenghi G. , Hart A. , Wiberg M.
Published: November 2011

Following distal nerve injury significant sensory neuronal cell death occurs in the dorsal root ganglia, while after a more proximal injury, such as brachial plexus injury, a sizeable proportion of spinal motoneurons also undergo cell death. This phenomenon has been undervalued for a long time, but it has a significant role in the lack of functional recuperation, as neuronal cells cannot divide and be replaced, hence the resulting nerve regeneration is usually suboptimal. It is now accepted that this cell death is due to apoptosis, as indicated by analysis of specific genes involved in the apoptotic signalling cascade. Immediate nerve repair, either by direct suturing or nerve grafting, gives a degree of neuroprotection, but this approach does not fully prevent neuronal cell death and importantly it is not always possible. Our work has shown that pharmacological intervention using either acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) or N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) give complete neuroprotection in different types of peripheral nerve injury. Both compounds are clinically safe and experimental work has defined the best dose, timing after injury and duration of administration. The efficacy of neuroprotection of ALCAR and NAC can be monitored non-invasively using MRI, as demonstrated experimentally and more recently by clinical studies of the volume of dorsal root ganglia. Translation to patients of this pharmacological intervention requires further work, but the available results indicate that this approach will help to secure a better functional outcome following peripheral nerve injury and repair.
Historical perspectives on tumor necrosis factor and its superfamily: 25 years later, a golden journey
Authors: Aggarwal Bharat B. , Gupta Subash C. , Kim Ji Hye
Published: November 2011

Although activity that induced tumor regression was observed and termed tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as early as the 1960s, the true identity of TNF was not clear until 1984, when Aggarwal and coworkers reported, for the first time, the isolation of 2 cytotoxic factors: one, derived from macrophages (molecular mass 17 kDa), was named TNF, and the second, derived from lymphocytes (20 kDa), was named lymphotoxin. Because the 2 cytotoxic factors exhibited 50% amino acid sequence homology and bound to the same receptor, they came to be called TNF-α and TNF-β. Identification of the protein sequences led to cloning of their cDNA. Based on sequence homology to TNF-α, now a total of 19 members of the TNF superfamily have been identified, along with 29 interacting receptors, and several molecules that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of these receptors. The roles of the TNF superfamily in inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and morphogenesis have been documented. Their roles in immunologic, cardiovascular, neurologic, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases are becoming apparent. TNF superfamily members are active targets for drug development, as indicated by the recent approval and expanding market of TNF blockers used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohns disease, and osteoporosis, with a total market of more than US $20 billion. As we learn more about this family, more therapeutics will probably emerge. In this review, we summarize the initial discovery of TNF-α, and the insights gained regarding the roles of this molecule and its related family members in normal physiology and disease.
Inhibition of PPARγ in myeloid-lineage cells induces systemic inflammation, immunosuppression, and tumorigenesis
Authors: Wu Lingyan , Yan Cong , Czader Magdalena , Foreman Oded , Blum Janice S. , Kapur Reuben , Du Hong
Published: November 2011

Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is an anti-inflammatory molecule. To study its biologic function in myeloid cells, dominant-negative PPARγ (dnPPARγ) was overexpressed in a myeloid-specific bitransgenic mouse model. In this bitransgenic system, overexpression of the dnPPARγ-Flag fusion protein in myeloid-lineage cells abnormally elevated frequencies and total numbers of IL-7Rα−Lin−c-Kit+Sca-1−, Lin−/Scal+/c-Kit+, common myeloid, and granulocyte-monocyte progenitor populations in the BM. dnPPARγ overexpression led to up-regulation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα in the blood plasma. As a result, CD11b+Ly6G+ cells were systemically increased in association with activation of Stat3, NF-κB, Erk1/2, and p38 molecules. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) inhibited the proliferation and lymphokine production of wild-type CD4+ T cells in vitro. CD4+ T cells from doxycycline-treated bitransgenic mice displayed reduced proliferation and lymphokine release. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations were decreased in doxycycline-treated bitransgenic mice. Multiple forms of carcinoma and sarcoma in the lung, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes were observed in doxycycline-treated bitransgenic mice. BM transplantation revealed that a myeloid-autonomous defect was responsible for MDSC expansion, immunosuppression, and tumorigenesis in these mice. These studies suggest that anti-inflammatory PPARγ in myeloid-lineage cells plays a key role in controlling pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis, MDSC expansion, immunosuppression, and the development of cancer.
Characteristics of autism spectrum disorders in a sample of egyptian and saudi patients: transcultural cross sectional study
Authors: Hussein Hanan , Taha Ghada RA , Almanasef Afrah
Published: November 2011

Background

Autism is a biological disorder with clearly defined phenomenology. Studies from the Middle East on this topic have been particularly rare. Little is known about the influence of culture on clinical features, presentations and management of autism. The current study was done to compare characteristics of autism in two groups of Egyptian as well as Saudi children.

Methods

The sample included 48 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They were recruited from the Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt and Al-Amal Complex for Mental Health, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They were grouped into an Egyptian group (n = 20) and a Saudi group (n = 28). They were assessed both clinically and psychometrically using the GARS, the Vineland adaptive behavioral scale, and the Stanford Binnet IQ test.

Results

Typical autism was more prevalent than atypical autism in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical variables like regression, hyperactivity, epilepsy or mental retardation. Delayed language development was significantly higher in the Egyptian group while delay in all developmental milestones was more significant in the Saudi group. The Vineland communication subscale showed more significant severe and profound communication defects in the Saudi group while the Gilliam developmental subscale showed significantly more average scores in the Egyptian group. Both groups differed significantly such that the age of noticing abnormality was younger in the Saudi group. The age at diagnosis and at the commencement of intervention was lower in the Egyptian group. The Saudi group showed a higher percentage of missing examinations, older birth order and significantly higher preference to drug treatment, while the Egyptian group showed a high preference to behavioral and phoniatric therapies, higher paternal and maternal education, higher employment among parents and higher family concern.

Conclusion

Cultural context may significantly influence the age of noticing abnormality, the age of starting intervention, developmental and perinatal problems, family concerns about managing the problem as well as familial tendency for neurodevelopmental disorders, all of which have important impact on clinical symptomatology and severity of autism. Culture also influences significantly the ways of investigating and treating autism.
Regulation of chemotropic guidance of nerve growth cones by microRNA
Authors: Han Liang , Wen Zhexing , Lynn Rachel C , Baudet Marie-Laure , Holt Christine E , Sasaki Yukio , Bassell Gary J , Zheng James Q
Published: November 2011

Background

The small non-coding microRNAs play an important role in development by regulating protein translation, but their involvement in axon guidance is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of microRNA-134 (miR-134) in chemotropic guidance of nerve growth cones.

Results

We found that miR-134 is highly expressed in the neural tube of Xenopus embryos. Fluorescent in situ hybridization also showed that miR-134 is enriched in the growth cones of Xenopus spinal neurons in culture. Importantly, overexpression of miR-134 mimics or antisense inhibitors blocked protein synthesis (PS)-dependent attractive responses of Xenopus growth cones to a gradient of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, miR-134 mimics or inhibitors had no effect on PS-independent bidirectional responses of Xenopus growth cones to bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7). Our data further showed that Xenopus LIM kinase 1 (Xlimk1) mRNA is a potential target of miR-134 regulation.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate a role for miR-134 in translation-dependent guidance of nerve growth cones. Different guidance cues may act through distinct signaling pathways to elicit PS-dependent and -independent mechanisms to steer growth cones in response to a wide array of spatiotemporal cues during development.
The validity of the canadian triage and acuity scale in predicting resource utilization and the need for immediate life-saving interventions in elderly emergency department patients
Authors: Lee Ju Young , Oh Sang Hoon , Peck Eun Hee , Lee Jung Min , Park Kyu Nam , Kim Soo Hyun , Youn Chun Song
Published: November 2011

Background

We evaluated the validity of the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) in elderly emergency department (ED) patients. In particular, we examined the sensitivity and specificity of the CTAS for identifying elderly patients who received an immediate life-saving intervention in the ED.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of consecutive patients who were 65 years of age or older and presented to a single academic ED within a three-month period. The CTAS triage scores were compared to actual patient course, including disposition, discharge outcome and resource utilization. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the CTAS triage for identifying patients who received an immediate intervention.

Results

Of the 1903 consecutive patients who were ≥ 65 years of age, 113 (5.9%) had a CTAS level of 1, 174 (9.1%) had a CTAS level of 2, 1154 (60.6%) had a CTAS level of 3, 347 (18.2%) had a CTAS level of 4, and 115 (6.0%) had a CTAS level of 5. As a patient's triage score increased, the severity (such as mortality and intensive care unit admission) and resource utilization increased significantly. Ninety-four of the patients received a life-saving intervention within an hour following their arrival to the ED. The CTAS scores for these patients were 1, 2 and 3 for 46, 46 and 2 patients, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of a CTAS score of ≤ 2 for identifying patients for receiving an immediate intervention were 97.9% and 89.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

The CTAS is a triage tool with high validity for elderly patients, and it is an especially useful tool for categorizing severity and for recognizing elderly patients who require immediate life-saving intervention.
Small Molecule Inhibition of the Steroid Receptor Coactivators, SRC-3 and SRC-1
Authors: Wang Ying , Lonard David M. , Yu Yang , Chow Dar-Chone , Palzkill Timothy G. , O'Malley Bert W.
Published: November 2011

Overexpression of steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)-1 and SRC-3 is associated with cancer initiation, metastasis, advanced disease, and resistance to chemotherapy. In most of these cases, SRC-1 and SRC-3 have been shown to promote tumor cell growth by activating nuclear receptor and multiple growth factor signaling cascades that lead to uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Up until now, most targeted chemotherapeutic drugs have been designed largely to block a single pathway at a time, but cancers frequently acquire resistance by switching to alternative growth factor pathways. We reason that the development of chemotherapeutic agents against SRC coactivators that sit at the nexus of multiple cell growth signaling networks and transcriptional factors should be particularly effective therapeutics. To substantiate this hypothesis, we report the discovery of 2,2′-bis-(Formyl-1,6,7-trihydroxy-5-isopropyl-3-methylnaphthalene (gossypol) as a small molecule inhibitor of coactivator SRC-1 and SRC-3. Our data indicate that gossypol binds directly to SRC-3 in its receptor interacting domain. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, gossypol selectively reduces the cellular protein concentrations of SRC-1 and SRC-3 without generally altering overall protein expression patterns, SRC-2, or other coactivators, such as p300 and coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1. Gossypol reduces the concentration of SRC-3 in prostate, lung, and liver cancer cell lines. Gossypol inhibits cell viability in the same cancer cell lines where it promotes SRC-3 down-regulation. Additionally, gossypol sensitizes lung and breast cancer cell lines to the inhibitory effects of other chemotherapeutic agents. Importantly, gossypol is selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells, whereas normal cell viability is not affected. This data establish the proof-of-principle that, as a class, SRC-1 and SRC-3 coactivators are accessible chemotherapeutic targets. Given their function as integrators of multiple cell growth signaling systems, SRC-1/SRC-3 small molecule inhibitors comprise a new class of drugs that have potential as novel chemotherapeutics able to defeat aspects of acquired cancer cell resistance mechanisms.
Enhancement characteristics of lymphomatous lymph nodes of the mediastinum
Authors: Hagtvedt Trond , Aaløkken Trond Mogens , Smith Hans-Jørgen , Graff Bjørn Anton , Holte Harald , Kolbenstvedt Alf
Published: November 2011

Background

Previous studies of CT enhancement of lymphomatous lymph nodes (LLN) of the neck showed that the LLN had lower enhancement values than normal lymph nodes.

Purpose

To elucidate the contrast medium enhancement curves of LLN in the mediastinum by comparing the curves of LLN with those of normal lymph nodes, and to compare the present enhancement curves of LLN of the mediastinum with the curves of LLN of the neck from a previous similar investigation.

Material and Methods

Twenty-four consecutive patients with LLN in the mediastinum (9 with Hodgkin's lymphoma [HL]) and 23 control patients with sarcomas and thus presumably normal mediastinal nodes underwent dynamic CT examinations. The previous, similar investigation of lymph nodes of the neck comprised 28 patients with LLN and 20 control patients.

Results

The enhancement curves of the mediastinal LLN had significantly lower values than those of the mediastinal control nodes. The LLN of the mediastinum had lower mean peak contrast values than the corresponding nodes of the neck from a previous investigation.

Conclusion

The comparison of enhancement curves of mediastinal LLN with mediastinal control nodes showed a marked similarity with and substantiates our previous findings in lymph nodes of the neck.
The use of therapeutic hypothermia in the management of amniotic fluid embolism
Authors: Barriuso Valeria , Pombar Xavier , Bankowski Heather A
Published: November 2011

Background:

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare peripartum obstetric emergency where patients seldom survive neurologically intact. The exact pathophysiology is not completely understood and treatment remains mainly supportive.

Case:

A 34-year-old African American woman gravida 1, para 0-0-0-0 at 38 weeks and four days induced for chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia experienced an AFE during labour. Supportive treatment included early use of therapeutic hypothermia resulting in a normal neurological outcome.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the timely use of therapeutic hypothermia in a patient surviving an AFE and suffering no neurological sequelae. Therapeutic hypothermia should be considered in the supportive treatment of AFE.
From Business Intelligence to Competitive Intelligence: Inferring Competitive Measures Using Augmented Site-Centric Data
Authors: Zheng Zhiqiang (Eric) , Fader Peter , Padmanabhan Balaji
Published: November 2011

Managers routinely seek to understand firm performance relative to the competitors. Recently, competitive intelligence (CI) has emerged as an important area within business intelligence (BI) where the emphasis is on understanding and measuring a firm's external competitive environment. A requirement of such systems is the availability of the rich data about a firm's competitors, which is typically hard to acquire. This paper proposes a method to incorporate competitive intelligence in BI systems by using less granular and aggregate data, which is usually easier to acquire. We motivate, develop, and validate an approach to infer key competitive measures about customer activities without requiring detailed cross-firm data. Instead, our method derives these competitive measures for online firms from simple “site-centric” data that are commonly available, augmented with aggregate data summaries that may be obtained from syndicated data providers. Based on data provided by comScore Networks, we show empirically that our method performs well in inferring several key diagnostic competitive measures—the penetration, market share, and the share of wallet—for various online retailers.
Accurate placement of a pelvic binder improves reduction of unstable fractures of the pelvic ring
Authors: Bonner T. J. , Eardley W. G. P. , Newell N. , Masouros S. , Matthews J. J. , Gibb I. , Clasper J. C.
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of placement of pelvic binders and to determine whether circumferential compression at the level of the greater trochanters is the best method of reducing a symphyseal diastasis.

Patients were identified by a retrospective review of all pelvic radiographs performed at a military hospital over a period of 30 months. We analysed any pelvic radiograph on which the buckle of the pelvic binder was clearly visible. The patients were divided into groups according to the position of the buckle in relation to the greater trochanters: high, trochanteric or low. Reduction of the symphyseal diastasis was measured in a subgroup of patients with an open-book fracture, which consisted of an injury to the symphysis and disruption of the posterior pelvic arch (AO/OTA 61-B/C).

We identified 172 radiographs with a visible pelvic binder. Five cases were excluded due to inadequate radiographs. In 83 (50%) the binder was positioned at the level of the greater trochanters. A high position was the most common site of inaccurate placement, occurring in 65 (39%). Seventeen patients were identified as a subgroup to assess the effect of the position of the binder on reduction of the diastasis. The mean gap was 2.8 times greater (mean difference 22 mm) in the high group compared with the trochanteric group (p < 0.01).

Application of a pelvic binder above the level of the greater trochanters is common and is an inadequate method of reducing pelvic fractures and is likely to delay cardiovascular recovery in these seriously injured patients.
Forced-air warming and ultra-clean ventilation do not mix
Authors: McGovern P. D. , Albrecht M. , G. Belani K. , Nachtsheim C. , Partington P. F. , Carluke I. , Reed M. R.
Published: November 2011

We investigated the capacity of patient warming devices to disrupt the ultra-clean airflow system. We compared the effects of two patient warming technologies, forced-air and conductive fabric, on operating theatre ventilation during simulated hip replacement and lumbar spinal procedures using a mannequin as a patient. Infection data were reviewed to determine whether joint infection rates were associated with the type of patient warming device that was used.

Neutral-buoyancy detergent bubbles were released adjacent to the mannequin’s head and at floor level to assess the movement of non-sterile air into the clean airflow over the surgical site. During simulated hip replacement, bubble counts over the surgical site were greater for forced-air than for conductive fabric warming when the anaesthesia/surgery drape was laid down (p = 0.010) and at half-height (p < 0.001). For lumbar surgery, forced-air warming generated convection currents that mobilised floor air into the surgical site area. Conductive fabric warming had no such effect.

A significant increase in deep joint infection, as demonstrated by an elevated infection odds ratio (3.8, p = 0.024), was identified during a period when forced-air warming was used compared to a period when conductive fabric warming was used. Air-free warming is, therefore, recommended over forced-air warming for orthopaedic procedures.
Warfarin management in patients on continuous anticoagulation therapy undergoing total knee replacement
Authors: Chana R. , Salmon L. , Waller A. , Pinczewski L.
Published: November 2011

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of total knee replacement in patients receiving continuous warfarin therapy.

We identified 24 consecutive patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy who underwent total knee replacement between 2006 and 2008 and compared them with a group of age- and gender-matched patients not on long-term anticoagulation. Primary observations were changes in haemoglobin, transfusion rates and complications. Secondary observations were fluctuations in the international normalised ratio (INR) and post-operative range of movement.

There was no significant difference between the two groups in pre- or post-operative haemoglobin, incidence of transfusion or incidence of post-operative complications. There were no surgical delays due to a high INR level. The mean change in INR during the peri-operative phase was minimal (mean 0.4; sd 0.7). There was no significant difference in the range of movement between the two groups after day two post-operatively.

Current American College of Chest Physicians guidelines recommend bridging therapy for high-risk patients receiving oral anticoagulation and undergoing major orthopaedic procedures. We have shown that a safe alternative is to continue the steady-state warfarin peri-operatively in patients on long-term anticoagulation requiring total knee replacement.
Forearm lengthening by distraction osteogenesis in children
Authors: Hill R. A. , Ibrahim T. , Mann H. A. , Siapkara A.
Published: November 2011

We present our experience of forearm lengthening in children with various conditions performed by a single surgeon between 1995 and 2009. A total of 19 children with a mean age of 9.8 years (2.1 to 15.9) at the time of surgery had 22 forearm lengthenings using either an Ilizarov/spatial and Ilizarov circular frame or a monolateral external fixator. The patients were divided into two groups: group A, in whom the purpose of treatment was to restore the relationship between the radius and the ulna, and group B, in whom the objective was to gain forearm length. The mean follow-up after removal of the frame was 26 months (13 to 53).

There were ten patients (11 forearms) in group A with a mean radioulnar discrepancy of 2.4 cm (1.5 to 3.3) and nine patients (11 forearms) in group B. In group A, the mean lengthening achieved was 2.7 cm (1.0 to 5.5), with a lengthening index of 11.1 weeks/cm. Equalisation or overcorrection of the discrepancy was achieved in seven of 11 forearms, but lengthening was only partially successful at preventing subluxation or dislocation of the radial head. In group B, the mean lengthening achieved was 3.8 cm (1.9 to 6.8), with a lengthening index of 7.25 weeks/cm. Common complications in both groups were pin-site infection and poor regenerate formation.

Forearm lengthening by distraction osteogenesis is a worthwhile procedure in children that can improve cosmesis and function, particularly in patients with shortening of both radius and ulna.
Extra-articular techniques in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Dodds A. L. , Gupte C. M. , Neyret P. , Williams A. M. , Amis A. A.
Published: November 2011

This annotation considers the place of extra-articular reconstruction in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. Extra-articular reconstruction has been employed over the last century to address ACL deficiency. However, the technique has not gained favour, primarily due to residual instability and the subsequent development of degenerative changes in the lateral compartment of the knee. Thus intra-articular reconstruction has become the technique of choice. However, intra-articular reconstruction does not restore normal knee kinematics. Some authors have recommended extra-articular reconstruction in conjunction with an intra-articular technique.

The anatomy and biomechanics of the anterolateral structures of the knee remain largely undetermined. Further studies to establish the structure and function of the anterolateral structures may lead to more anatomical extra-articular reconstruction techniques that supplement intra-articular reconstruction. This might reduce residual pivot shift after an intra-articular reconstruction and thus improve the post-operative kinematics of the knee.
The influenza virus PB1-F2 protein has interferon antagonistic activity
Authors: Dudek Sabine E. , Wixler Ludmilla , Nordhoff Carolin , Nordmann Alexandra , Anhlan Darisuren , Wixler Viktor , Ludwig Stephan
Published: November 2011

PB1-F2 is a nonstructural protein of influenza viruses encoded by the PB1 gene segment from a +1 open reading frame. It has been shown that PB1-F2 contributes to viral pathogenicity, although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Induction of type I interferon (IFN) and the innate immune response are the first line of defense against viral infection. Here we show that influenza A viruses (IAVs) lacking the PB1-F2 protein induce an enhanced expression of IFN-β and IFN-stimulated genes in infected epithelial cells. Studying molecular mechanisms underlying the PB1-F2-mediated IFN antagonistic activity showed that PB1-F2 interferes with the RIG-I/MAVS protein complex thereby inhibiting the activation of the downstream transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3. These findings were also reflected in in vivo studies demonstrating that infection with PR8 wild-type (wt) virus resulted in higher lung titers and a more severe onset of disease compared with infection with its PB1-F2-deficient counterpart. Accordingly, a much more pronounced infiltration of lungs with immune cells was detected in mice infected with the PB1-F2 wt virus. In summary, we demonstrate that the PB1-F2 protein of IAVs exhibits a type I IFN-antagonistic function by interfering with the RIG-I/MAVS complex, which contributes to an enhanced pathogenicity in vivo.
S-Glucuronidation of 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin by human UDP glycosyltransferases in genetically engineered fission yeast cells
Authors: Buchheit Daniela , Schmitt Ellen I. , Bischoff Daniel , Ebner Thomas , Bureik Matthias
Published: November 2011

Human UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play an important role in xenobiotic detoxification. They increase the solubility of their substrates by adding a sugar moiety (such as glucuronic acid) to different functional entities (such as hydroxyl groups). The aim of this study was to investigate how glucuronidation of a standard substrate is affected by a change of the hetero­atom at the conjugation site. For this purpose, we compared the in vitro glucuronidation rates of 4-methylumbelliferone and 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin, respectively. Human liver microsomes catalyzed the S-glucuronidation of 7-mercapto-4-­methylcoumarin almost as efficient as the O-glucuronidation of 4-methylumbelliferone. When testing isoenzyme specificity by whole cell biotransformation with fission yeast strains that recombinantly express all 19 human members of the UGT1 and UGT2 families, it was found that 13 isoenzymes were able to glucuronidate 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin, with five of them being specific for this substrate and the other eight also converting 4-methylumbelliferone under these conditions. The remaining six UGTs did not accept either substrate. Out of the eight isoenzymes that glucuronidated both substrates, four catalyzed both reactions approximately to the same extent, while three displayed higher conversion rates towards 4-methylumbelliferone and one preferred 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin. These data suggest that 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin is a convenient new standard substrate for monitoring S-glucuronidation.
Transparent Conducting Oxides
Authors: Ginley David S. , Bright Clark
Published: November 2011

In the interim between the conception of this issue of MRS Bulletin on transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) and its publication, the remarkable applications dependent on these materials have continued to make sweeping strides. These include the advent of larger flat-screen high-definition televisions (HDTVs), larger and higher-resolution screens on portable computers, the increasing importance of low emissivity (“low-e”) and electrochromic windows, a significant increase in the manufacturing of thin-film photovoltaics (PV), and a plethora of new hand-held and smart devices, all with smart displays.1-7 Coupled with the increased importance of TCO materials to these application technologies has been a renaissance over the last two years in the science of these materials. This has included new n-type materials, the synthesis of true p-type materials, and the theoretical prediction and subsequent confirmation of the applicability of codoping to produce p-type ZnO. Considering that over the last 20 years much of the work on TCOs was empirical and focused on ZnO and variants of InxSn1-xO2, it is quite remarkable how this field has exploded. This may be a function of not only the need to achieve higher performance levels for these devices, but also of the increasing importance of transition-metal-based oxides in electro-optical devices. This issue of MRS Bulletin is thus well timed to provide an overview of this rapidly expanding area. Included are articles that cover the industrial perspective, new n-type materials, new p-type materials, novel deposition methods, and approaches to developing both an improved basic understanding of the materials themselves as well as models capable of predicting performance limits.
Translatability of Speech Style in Court Interpreting
Authors: Lee Jieun
Published: November 2011

The court interpreter's job is particularly demanding because s/he has to provide immediate renditions as close as possible to the meaning and effect of the original utterances, while facing constraints imposed by the institutional setting of the courtroom. Based on naturalistic data from interpreter mediated courtroom examinations and constructed data, namely translations by experienced conference interpreters and translators, this paper puts to the test the feasibility of the norms of faithful rendition of speech style such as hesitations, repetitions, incoherence, inexplicitness, and non-standard language. The results demonstrate that faithful rendition of original utterances is highly demanding and the translatability of the stylistic features of spoken discourse may be limited under time pressures and cross-linguistic constraints. Furthermore, interpreted renditions are inevitably interpreters’ products based on their interpretation of the meaning and style of the original. Interviews with court interpreters and written feedback provided by conference interpreters and translators provide insights into the practical aspects of the faithful reproduction of speech styles from different perspectives.
The role of linguists and native speakers in language analysis for the determination of speaker origin: A response to Tina Cambier-Langeveld
Authors: Fraser Helen
Published: November 2011

Cambier-Langeveld (2010a) examines eight LADO case reports, attributing problems she finds in them to lack of native speaker competence on the part of the analysts, and uses the results to argue the legitimacy of a role for native speakers in LADO that is not currently allowed by the Guidelines (2004). The present article clarifies what the Guidelines say about analysts, and shows that the authors of the eight reports do not meet their requirements. It then argues that framing the important issues raised by Cambier-Langeveld in terms of a debate opposing ‘native speakers’ versus ‘linguists’ may not be the most helpful way forward, suggesting instead exploration of the question ‘Under what conditions can LADO judgements be produced which are reliable enough for the human rights and national security issues at stake?’. It ends with a call for the Guidelines to be updated in light of recent work by Cambier-Langeveld and others, then administered effectively, preferably by an independent international body.
LADO and the pressure to draw strong conclusions: A response to Tina Cambier-Langeveld
Authors: Verrips Maaike
Published: November 2011

This paper was written in response to Cambier–Langeveld (2010), ‘The role of linguists and native speakers in language analysis for the determination of speaker origin’ (abbreviated here as RoLaNS).1 As such its first focus is on a discussion of the main conclusion of RoLaNS and the arguments it puts forward. This discussion leads me to conclude that the conclusion that native speaker competence is required for reliable LADO is not justified. I take the view that the crucial issue is not whether an expert is flawless but how reliable the result of the expert's methods are. In the second half of the paper, I discuss some criteria for valid use of LADO, pointing out some current issues with the formulation of conclusions.
R v David Bain – a Unique Case in New Zealand Legal and Linguistic History
Authors: Innes Bronwen
Published: November 2011

In 2009 in New Zealand, an extraordinary case occupied the attention of the New Zealand public: the retrial of David Bain, who had been convicted on the charge of murdering his family in 1994. This article outlines the circumstances which led to the retrial, and the part which linguistics played in that. When Bain discovered his family had been killed, he telephoned the emergency services. Linguistics became involved when a dispute arose as to the content of a small part of that emergency call. Both the prosecution and the defence called expert linguistic evidence on this. The matter was resolved in a pre-trial application, the occurrence and outcome of which were suppressed until after Bain's acquittal. The case illustrates the well-known dangers of transcripts and interpretations prepared by people who are not trained in linguistics.
Improving the Consistency of Formant Measurement
Authors: Duckworth Martin , McDougall Kirsty , de Jong Gea , Shockey Linda
Published: November 2011

This study examines the inter-analyst robustness of formant frequency (F) measurements before and after agreeing a common measurement procedure. Three laboratories used the latest available version of the same formant extraction software to extract F1, F2 and F3 values from the same sets of high quality audio recordings of six repetitions of read utterances containing six target monophthongs,/i?, æ, ??, ??, ?, u?/. The subjects were two sets of twenty British males with a similar accent profile. Results are presented which show the extent to which analyst, methodology, vowel, and speaker affect the consistency of the values extracted. Agreeing the methodology reduced the extent of variation among the results from the three laboratories as might be expected. However, there remained some differences and even occasionally a greater disparity among the measurements. The paper suggests sources of these differences and makes proposals for a consistent logging of settings and times used when extracting F values. Further, it recommends that practitioners aim to establish an agreed protocol for forensic analysis of formants to facilitate the validation of evidence.
Statistical Authorship Attribution of Mexican Drug Trafficking Online Forum Posts
Authors: Rico-Sulayes Antonio
Published: November 2011

As Mexico's drug war violence escalates, there has recently been a proliferation of online forums about drug trafficking in this country. With considerable usage statistics, some of these forums show contributions from alleged law enforcement officers, soldiers, drug dealers, and regular citizens. In this paper I will show that state of the art statistical authorship attribution techniques can be successfully applied to the contributions of prolific users in these forums. The 99% diagnostic accuracy and 93% sensitivity obtained here are higher than previously achieved equivalent figures for the method employed. These results were obtained with the statistically relevant contribution of a number of novel discriminating features. A proposal for the standardization of results obtained with discriminant analysis (DA) in authorship attribution is also presented.
Further Considerations for the Analysis of ENF Data for Forensic Audio and Video Applications
Authors: Cooper Alan J.
Published: November 2011

The Electric Network Frequency (ENF) Criterion is becoming an established forensic analysis tool for determining the originating date and time of a recording and helping to authenticate digital audio and video evidence. To date, proposed comparison metrics for an automated approach have been based on variants of the mean squared error or the correlation coefficient. These algorithms are discussed and empirically compared in the context of ENF pattern matching. The operation of an electrical network under normal and adverse operating conditions is considered in relation to ENF behaviour, and the possible relationships between a network's ENF dynamics and a networks identity are discussed. This article compliments one previous by the author relating to the theory and practice in the use of an automated approach to the ENF Criterion.
Necessidade de saúde insatisfeita no Brasil: uma investigação sobre a não procura de atendimento
Authors: Osorio Rafael Guerreiro , Servo Luciana Mendes Santos , Piola Sérgio Francisco
Published: November 2011

Neste trabalho, a necessidade de saúde insatisfeita, definida pelos autores como a situação em que o indivíduo sente necessidade, mas não procura atendimento de saúde, é estudada a partir dos dados do suplemento de saúde das rodadas de 1998, 2003 e 2008 da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (Pnad). Constata-se que, de 1998 a 2008, a parcela da população brasileira com necessidade de saúde durante as duas semanas anteriores à pesquisa se manteve em torno de 17%, enquanto a parcela com necessidade de saúde insatisfeita caiu de 3,5% para 2,9%. Também mudou o perfil dos motivos que as pessoas escolhem para justificar não terem procurado atendimento de saúde. A porcentagem dos que alegavam falta de dinheiro se reduziu, embora ainda seja o motivo mais escolhido, aumentando as porcentagens dos que alegam limitações e falhas do sistema de saúde, como o tempo de espera e a falta de profissionais ou serviços. Baixa renda ou escolaridade, residência nas regiões mais pobres do país ou em área rural, ser negro, ser homem, ser adulto, estar ocupado, residir com outras pessoas com necessidade insatisfeita, não realizar consultas médicas há pelo menos um ano e não ter plano de saúde são, dentre outras, características que aumentam a propensão a não satisfazer a necessidade de saúde pela busca de atendimento.
Qualidade de vida e saúde bucal em crianças - Parte I: versão brasileira do Child Perceptions Questionnaire 8-10
Authors: Barbosa Taís de Souza , Vicentin Marcia Diaz Serra , Gavião Maria Beatriz Duarte
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi traduzir o instrumento Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10), relativo à qualidade de vida e saúde bucal, para a língua portuguesa e realizar a adaptação transcultural em crianças brasileiras. O instrumento foi submetido às seguintes etapas: duas traduções para o português brasileiro, tradução reversa, revisão por comitê e pré-teste. Para adaptação cultural, a cada uma das questões foi acrescentada a alternativa "não entendi". O questionário foi aplicado em uma amostra de 20 crianças selecionadas de escolas públicas de Piracicaba. Na tradução inicial, as duas versões foram similares, mas, na tradução reversa optou-se por juntar as duas versões, usar uma questão oriunda de uma versão ou até mesmo utilizar uma terceira alternativa. Após revisão pelo comitê, em algumas questões foram feitas substituições de termos por palavras sinônimas para melhor entendimento pela população avaliada. Os termos incompatíveis com o contexto cultural da população foram substituídos. No pré-teste, a versão brasileira do CPQ8-10 foi bem compreendida pela população estudada. A versão em português do CPQ8-10 mostrou ser de fácil compreensão pela população de crianças brasileiras.