bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possessive Nominalization in Kove
Authors: Sato Hiroko
Published: January 2010

Kove, an Oceanic language of Papua New Guinea, has both direct and indirect possessive constructions. Indirect possession is expressed with two different possessive markers, a and le , depending upon the relation between the possessor and the possessee. These morphemes mark a distinction between active and passive possession. Active possession, where a possessor is the agent in the event or the notional subject of a nominalized verb, is expressed by le- type, while passive possession, where a possessor is the patient in the event or the notional direct object of a nominalized verb, is expressed by a . The le- type and the a- type markers cannot stand next to one another. However, they can cooccur at different structural levels if the erstwhile direct object is a lexical noun phrase, and the le- type marker has in its scope the possessive construction that contains the a- type marker.
Effects of long-term continuous positive airway pressure on body composition and IGF1
Authors: Münzer Thomas , Hegglin Andrea , Stannek Tobias , Schoch Otto D , Korte Wolfgang , Büche Daniel , Schmid Christoph , Hürny Christoph
Published: January 2010

Objective

To investigate the long-term effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on body composition (BC) and IGF1.

Design

Observational study.

Subjects

Seventy-eight (11 females and 67 males) OSAS patients who were compliant with CPAP (age 51±1.1 years) participated in the study. We assessed body mass index (BMI), total body mass (TBM), total body fat (TBF; kg) and lean body mass (LBM; kg), abdominal subcutaneous (SC) and visceral (V) fat (cm2), and waist circumference (WC; cm) by magnetic resonance imaging, and IGF1 (ng/ml) before and after 7.8±1.3 months of CPAP use of an average of 5.9±1.2 h.

Results

Women had a higher BMI, WC; TBM, TBF, and more SC fat. Men had a higher LBM and more V fat. CPAP increased WC (+2.8±9.6 cm,P=0.02) and LBM (2.2±0.5 kg,P=0.006), but not IGF1. In men, CPAP increased BMI (0.5±0.2 kg/m2,P=0.02), WC (1.7±6.9 cm,P=0.002), TBM (1.7±0.4 kg,P=0.0001), LBM (1.5±0.4 kg,P=0.0003), SC fat (12.9±5.1 cm2,P=0.02), and IGF1 (13.6±4.2 ng/ml,P=0.002).

Compliance with CPAP increased LBM in men aged <60 years, but not in those aged >60 years, and IGF1 increased in men aged 40–60 years only.

Conclusions

Long-term CPAP increased LBM in both sexes and IGF1 in men, while fat mass remained unchanged, suggesting a sexually dimorphic response of IGF1 to CPAP. The role of the GH axis activity and age to this response is unclear. The metabolic consequences of changes in LBM are still to be determined. Future studies on the effects of CPAP on BC should include LBM as an outcome.
The Placenta: The Lost Neuroendocrine Organ
Authors: Pasca Anca M. , Penn Anna A.
Published: February 2010

The placenta long has been underappreciated and understudied by the scientific community. Improper function of this critical organ causes fetal abnormalities, preterm labor, and the most common disease of pregnancy, preeclampsia. Despite the importance of the placenta, understanding of its role in fetal development, especially at a molecular level, is crude. Sadly, understanding of placental function may be compared with the knowledge of kidney function 50 years ago in that researchers can describe the anatomy but not the biology. As an endocrine organ, the placenta produces a wide array of hormones that affect both mother and fetus as well as the development of the placenta itself. Most research on placental endocrinology has focused either on parameters of fetal growth or placentally induced changes in maternal physiology that support pregnancy. The possibility that placental hormones may have direct effects on the developing fetus deserves increased attention. Placental endocrine function can be disrupted by abnormal gene expression, infection, or prematurity, resulting in long-term damage from loss of the normal hormonal milieu. In this review, we focus on placental endocrine function related to fetal well-being, particularly neurodevelopment. Better understanding of this function may open new avenues to therapeutic treatments to improve developmental outcome in fetuses and infants at high risk of developmental brain damage.
Projected Costs, Risks, and Benefits of Expanded Newborn Screening for MCADD
Authors: Prosser Lisa A. , Kong Chung Yin , Rusinak Donna , Waisbren Susan L.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of newborn screening for medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) incorporating quality-of-life effects for false-positive newborn screens and recommended dietary treatment.

METHODS:

A computer simulation model was developed to predict costs and health outcomes for expanded newborn screening for MCADD compared with clinical identification. The modeled target population was a hypothetical cohort of 100 000 newborns in the United States. Probabilities, costs, and quality-of-life weights were derived from a long-term follow-up study of newborn screening compared with clinical identification, primary data collection, published data, and expert opinion. We used a lifetime time horizon and the societal perspective. The main outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Secondary outcomes included averted deaths and hospitalizations.

RESULTS:

Using base-case assumptions, the cost-effectiveness of newborn screening for MCADD was $21 273 per QALY gained. The cost-effectiveness ratio increased to $21 278/QALY when the loss in quality of life associated with false-positive test results was incorporated and to $27 423/QALY when the quality of life associated with lifelong dietary recommendations for treating MCADD was incorporated. Results were sensitive to the false-positive rate for the newborn screening test and the cost of the initial screen.

CONCLUSIONS:

Expanded newborn screening for MCADD is cost-effective compared with well-accepted pediatric health interventions. Losses in quality of life associated with dietary treatment for MCADD, however, may offset some of the gains in QALYs from newborn screening. Consideration of new disorders for expanded newborn screening panels should include the potential reduction in quality of life associated with treatments.
Calibration of TRMM Derived Rainfall Over Nepal During 1998-2007
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Das Someshwar , Uyeda Hiroshi
Published: February 2010

In this study rainfall is calculated from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Version 6 (V6) 3B42 datasets and calibrated with reference to the observed daily rainfall by rain-gauge collected at 15 locations over Nepal during 1998-2007. In monthly, seasonal and annual scales TRMM estimated rainfalls follow the similar distribution of historical patterns obtained from the rain-gauge data. Rainfall is large in the Southern parts of the country, especially in the Central Nepal. Day-to-day rainfall comparison shows that TRMM derived trend is very similar to the observed data but TRMM usually underestimates rainfall on many days with some exceptions of overestimation on some days. The correlation coefficient of rainfalls between TRMM and rain-gauge data is obtained about 0.71. TRMM can measure about 65.39% of surface rainfall in Nepal. After using calibration factors obtained through regression expression the TRMM estimated rainfall over Nepal becomes about 99.91% of observed data. TRMM detection of rainy days is poor over Nepal; it can approximately detect, under-detect and over-detect by 19%, 72% and 9% of stations respectively. False alarm rate, probability of detection, threat score and skill score are calculated as 0.30, 0.68, 0.53 and 0.55 respectively. Finally, TRMM data can be utilized in measuring mountainous rainfall over Nepal but exact amount of rainfall has to be calculated with the help of adjustment factors obtained through calibration procedure. This preliminary work is the preparation of utilization of Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) data to be commencing in 2013.
One-Day vs Two-Day Epidural Analgesia for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Corbett Corbett , Reichmann William M. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Beagan Carolyn , Corsello Paul , Ghazinouri Roya , Dang Bachyen , Mikulinsky Regina , Losina Elena , Wright John
Published: February 2010

Introduction:

Over 500,000 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) are performed annually in the US, yet postoperative pain management varies widely. In patients managed with epidural analgesia, the epidural catheter is generally removed on the second postoperative day. We compared in-hospital outcomes associated with removing the epidural catheter on postoperative day 1 (POD1-group) vs on postoperative day 2 (POD2-group) among patients undergoing TKA.

Methods:

We identified 89 patients who had TKA performed by a single surgeon from January through July 2007, and who were managed with epidural analgesia. This study took advantage of a change of policy from removing the epidural on the second postoperative day prior to March 2007 (n = 34) to removing the epidural on the first postoperative day thereafter (n = 55). Data were obtained by medical record review and analyzed with bivariate and multivariate techniques. Outcomes included knee range of motion (ROM), pain (0-10 scale), distance walked, narcotic usage, and length of stay.

Results:

The mean patient age was 68 ± 10 years. We did not identify clinically important differences in preoperative characteristics across groups. Patients in the POD1- group had a shorter length of stay (median of 3vs4 days in the POD2-group, p<0.001). The POD1-group also walked a greater distance on the second postoperative day (mean of 38 feet vs 9 feet in the POD2-group, p < 0.002). We did not observe a difference between the two groups with respect to change in passive ROM, pain on the second postoperative day, or narcotic usage. The POD1-group had more restricted continuous passive motion settings on the second postoperative day than the POD2-group (50°vs65°, p = 0.031), and the POD1-group had somewhat worse passive range of motion at discharge (e.g. passive flexion 82°vs76° in the POD2- group, p = 0.078).

Conclusion:

The balance between a shorter hospital stay and earlier walking achievement with the POD1 -strategy--vsbetter ROM at the time of discharge with the POD2-strategy-- should be considered when planning TKA pain management. These results should be confirmed with longer term studies and randomized designs.

Evidence Level III:

Retrospective comparative study.
The Role of Different Hyaluronic Acids in the Articular Cartilage of Rabbit
Authors: Sánchez Lázaro Jaime Antonio , Coronel Granado Pilar , del Sol Mercedes Gimeno , Medina Ana González , Díaz Gállego Luis , González-Arabio Sandoval Daniel , Prieto Fernández Julio Gabriel
Published: February 2010

Purpose:

To elucidate if the differences found in the physico-chemical and rheological behaviour of Hyaluronic Acids result in differentin vivoactivity. For this purpose two Hyaluronic Acids (HA), HA-1 and HA-2, with similar molecular weight but different percentage of concentration variation, were compared through an osteoarthritis model.

Methods and Materials:

Osteoarthritis was induced in white New Zealand rabbits by anterior cruciate ligament section. After the induction period, the animals were allocated to receive HA-1 or HA-2 intra-articularly in one knee whereas the contralateral knee was used as Operated Control. An additional group of non-operated animals was used as Healthy Controls. Samples of cartilage were taken for different measures: apoptosis, nitric oxide (nitrites) and hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid.

Results:

The administration of HA-1 had a significant inhibitor effect on apoptosis of the chondrocytes compared to operated untreated animals (p = 0.0089), whereas this difference was not observed in the HA-2 knees. Levels of nitrites determined by HPLC in the HA-1 knees were similar to those in the Healthy group (p = 0.6551) whereas they were significantly higher in Operated Control and HA-2 groups (p = 0.0001). The comparison between HA-1 and HA-2 also revealed significantly lower levels of nitrites in the HA-1 knees (p = 0.0001). Values of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid did not show statistical differences between the different study groups.

Conclusions:

HA-1 and HA-2 showed different physico-chemical characteristics and these differences have resulted in differentin vivobehaviour. As a consequence, not all the HA with similar molecular weight can be considered as equivalent.
Towards a Patent Pool for HIV Medicines: The Background
Authors: Childs Michelle
Published: February 2010

Recent WHO guidelines for antiretroviral therapy recommend switching to less toxic, but more expensive medicines for first-line and second-line ART, raising questions about the financial sustainability of many AIDS treatment programmes. At the same time, many key generic producing countries such as India now grant pharmaceutical product patents so competition between multiple manufacturers will not be able to play the role it has in bringing down the price of newer drugs.

Overcoming these patent barriers will require a range of solutions, such as restricting patentability criteria, or compulsory licensing. One additional systematic solution is provided by the patent pool, a collective solution to the management of patent rights, initially presented by Médecins Sans Frontières to the French Foreign Ministry and subsequently the UNITAID Executive Board in 2006.

A patent pool must not be implemented at any costs, but answer medical needs, be based on economic realities and meet the access needs of the developing world, including middle-income countries.
Amazonia!: An Online Resource to Google and Visualize Public Human whole Genome Expression Data
Authors: Le Carrour Tanguy , Assou Said , Tondeur Sylvie , Lhermitte Ludovic , Lamb Ned , Reme Thierry , Pantesco Veronique , Hamamah Samir , Klein Bernard , De Vos John
Published: February 2010

Available transcriptome data accumulate in public repositories, individual web pages or as various supplemental data, but these published data cannot be routinely accessed. We have developed the web based tool Amazonia! to overcome this hurdle and provide the possibility to query and to visualize the expression of a given gene in representative and selected human transcriptome datasets. This expression atlas provides expression bar plots for single genes, across samples selected from a wide range of normal tissues and malignancies, including pluripotent stem cells. When produced by the same platform type, datasets were renormalized and combined in order to generate series of several hundreds samples. Samples types are colored and ordered, and grouped in thematic pages for ease of navigation. We also integrated gene lists provided by original publications describing these microarray data, allowing the scientific community to challenge the expression of genes in datasets other than those for which they were initially published. To illustrate the powerfulness of this simple tool, we show how Amazonia! reveals the specific expression of the tight junction protein Claudin 6 in human embryonic stem cells and human induced stem cells (iPS), or the tissue specific expression of some chemokines and their receptors such as CCL16 in liver and CX3CR1 in central nervous system samples. Thus, Amazonia! advantageously complements large public repositories by providing a simple way to query a compilation of selected human transcriptome data.

The tool is freely available at http://www.amazonia.transcriptome.eu/
Non-Bayesian Learning
Authors: Epstein Larry G , Noor Jawwad , Sandroni Alvaro
Published: January 2010

A series of experiments suggest that, compared to the Bayesian benchmark, people may either underreact or overreact to new information. We consider a setting where agents repeatedly process new data. Our main result shows a basic distinction between the long-run beliefs of agents who underreact to information and agents who overreact to information. Like Bayesian learners, non-Bayesian updaters who underreact to observations eventually forecast accurately. Hence, underreaction may be a transient phenomenon. Non-Bayesian updaters who overreact to observations eventually forecast accurately with positive probability but may also, with positive probability, converge to incorrect forecasts. Hence, overreaction may have long-run consequences.
Employing a Mechanistic Model for the Mapk Pathway to Examine the Impact of Cellular all or None Behavior on Overall Tissue Response
Authors: Luke Nicholas S. , DeVito Michael J. , Portier Christopher J. , El-Masri Hisham A.
Published: January 2010

The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is a three-tiered phosphorylation cascade that is ubiquitously expressed among eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to propagate signals from cell surface receptors to various cytosolic and nuclear targets. Recent studies have demonstrated that the MAPK cascade exhibits an all-or-none response to graded stimuli. This study quantitatively investigates MAPK activation in Xenopus oocytes using both empirical and biologically-based mechanistic models. Empirical models can represent overall tissue MAPK activation in the oocytes. However, these models lack description of key biological processes and therefore give no insight into whether the cellular response occurs in a graded or all-or-none fashion. To examine the propagation of cellular MAPK all-or-none activation to overall tissue response, mechanistic models in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulations are employed. An adequate description of the dose response relationship of MAPK activation in Xenopus oocytes is achieved. Furthermore, application of these mechanistic models revealed that the initial receptor-ligand binding rate contributes to the cells' ability to exhibit an all-or-none MAPK activation response, while downstream activation parameters contribute more to the magnitude of activation. These mechanistic models enable us to identify key biological events which quantitatively impact the shape of the dose response curve, especially at low environmentally relevant doses.
Computed tomographic evaluation of cerebral ventricular size in clinically normal calves
Authors: Lee Ki-Ja , Lee Young-Won , Choi Ho-Jung , Kishimoto Miori , Shimizu Junichiro , Iwasaki Toshiroh , Miyake Yoh-Ichi , Yamada Kazutaka
Published: February 2010

Objective—To evaluate lateral ventricular size in clinically normal calves by use of computed tomography and to examine the relationships between ventricular height (Vh), ventricular area (VA), and ventricular volume (VV).

Animals—14 Holstein calves.

Procedures—14 calves underwent computed tomography of the head with transverse images acquired from the rostral aspect of the frontal lobe continuing caudally to the level of the foramen magnum. Hemispheric height, Vh, VA, and hemispheric area were measured on images obtained at the level of the interventricular foramen. Ventricular volume was calculated by multiplying the sum of VAs measured on each transverse image by the total slice thickness. The left Vh-to-right Vh ratio was calculated to determine the degree of ventricular asymmetry, which was categorized as normal (ie, symmetric) to minimally asymmetric, mildly asymmetric, or severely asymmetric.

Results—Mean ± SD values for Vh and the Vh-to-hemispheric height ratio were 4.96 ± 1.56 mm and 7.47%, respectively. The mean VA was 114.29 ± 47.68 mm2, and the mean VV was 2,443.50 ± 1,351.50 mm3. Normal to minimally asymmetric ventricles were identified in 13 calves, and mildly asymmetric ventricles were identified in 1 calf. Significant correlations were found between Vh and VA and between Vh and VV.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—These results establish reference values for ventricular size in clinically normal calves and suggest that Vh measurement may be a simple and useful technique for examining size of the cerebral ventricles in calves.
Molecular and histologic evaluation of idiopathic hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in adult llamas
Authors: Reed Shannon K. , Semevolos Stacy A.
Published: February 2010

Objective—To determine the molecular and histologic characteristics of hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints in adult llamas.

Animals—12 adult llamas (6 with bilateral hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints [affected] and 6 age- and sex-matched clinically normal control llamas).

Procedures—Llamas were euthanized, and specimens of superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and suspensory ligament were obtained from 4 areas and snap frozen in liquid nitrogen or suspended in neutral-buffered 10% formalin. Histologic evaluation of collagen fiber orientation, elastin content, and proteoglycan content was performed by use of Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, Verhoeff, and Alcian blue stains. Total RNA was isolated from frozen suspensory ligament specimens. Gene expression of collagen types I and III, lysyl oxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 was evaluated with a real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay.

Results—Gene expression of collagen types I and III, lysyl oxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in suspensory ligaments was similar between affected and control llamas. Collagen orientation and elastin content of the flexor tendons and suspensory ligaments were also similar between the groups. Proteoglycan content was low in most specimens but was focally increased in discrete lesions of suspensory ligaments in 2 affected and 2 control llamas.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints in llamas did not appear to be caused by degeneration or inflammation of the suspensory ligament. Although focal proteoglycan accumulation existed in the suspensory ligaments of 2 affected llamas, widespread abnormal connective tissue proteoglycan accumulation was not found.
Assessment of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity in geriatric cats with variable plasma creatinine concentrations with and without azotemia
Authors: Jepson Rosanne E. , Vallance Charlene , Syme Harriet M. , Elliott Jonathan
Published: February 2010

Objective—To validate a nonautomated technique for the measurement of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity in cats and assess the correlation between NAG index, plasma creatinine concentration, and proteinuria.

Animals—197 client-owned cats (≥ 9 years old; 119 neutered males and 78 neutered females) of which 103 had previously been determined to have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Procedures—Preliminary assay validation was performed for a nonautomated colorimetric technique for quantification of NAG activity. The effect of storage of samples was examined. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess urinary NAG index in cats with variable plasma creatinine concentrations and with proteinuria, as quantified by use of the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UP:C).

Results—Interassay coefficients of variance (CVs) in cats with low (mean, 0.64 U/L), medium (mean, 4.38.U/L), and high (mean, 8.48 U/L) urine NAG activity were 25.9%, 14.4%, and 25.1%, respectively, but intra-assay CVs were < 20%. Urine NAG activity was stable for 4 freeze-thaw cycles and for storage at −20°C. There was no significant difference in log NAG index when cats (n = 197) were grouped according to plasma creatinine concentration, but a moderate positive correlation was found between log NAG index and log UP:C (r2 = 0.259).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity can be quantified in feline urine by use of a nonautomated colorimetric technique. However, data should be interpreted cautiously because of high interassay CVs. The NAG index in cats with CKD may be indicative of ongoing lysosomal activity rather than active proximal tubular cell damage.
On equivalences of derived and singular categories
Authors: Baranovsky Vladimir , Pecharich Jeremy
Published: February 2010

Let X and Y be two smooth Deligne-Mumford stacks and consider a pair of functions f: X → $$
\mathbb{A}^1
$$, g:Y → $$
\mathbb{A}^1
$$. Assuming that there exists a complex of sheaves on X × $$
\mathbb{A}^1
$$
Y which induces an equivalence of D
b(X) and D
b(Y), we show that there is also an equivalence of the singular derived categories of the fibers f
−1(0) and g
−1(0). We apply this statement in the setting of McKay correspondence, and generalize a theorem of Orlov on the derived category of a Calabi-Yau hypersurface in a weighted projective space, to products of Calabi-Yau hypersurfaces in simplicial toric varieties with nef anticanonical class.
A deformation of commutative polynomial algebras in even numbers of variables
Authors: Zhao Wenhua
Published: February 2010

We introduce and study a deformation of commutative polynomial algebras in even numbers of variables. We also discuss some connections and applications of this deformation to the generalized Laguerre orthogonal polynomials and the interchanges of right and left total symbols of differential operators of polynomial algebras. Furthermore, a more conceptual re-formulation for the image conjecture [18] is also given in terms of the deformed algebras. Consequently, the well-known Jacobian conjecture [8] is reduced to an open problem on this deformation of polynomial algebras.
Effect of mitochondrial toxins on evoked somatosensory activity in rats
Authors: Takács Szabolcs , Bankó Sarolta , Papp András
Published: February 2010

Mitochondrial toxins represent an interesting group of neurotoxicants related both to causation and modelling of central nervous damage. 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), a neurotoxin of herbal and microfungal origin, inhibits succinate dehydrogenase leading thereby to various biochemical and morphological alterations in the brain. Experimental animals treated by 3NP are used to model Huntington’s disease. Manganese, often present in occupational settings and as environmental pollutant, inhibits complex II and III of the mitochondria and is known to cause Parkinson-like CNS damage. In this work, rats were administered a single acute dose of Mn (50 mg Mn2+/kg body weight) or 3-NP (20 mg/kg b.w.) and the alterations of the somatosensory cortical evoked potential elicited by stimulation of the whisker pad and the tail base were observed, together with the changes of the action potential in the tail nerve. Latency and amplitude of the two cortical responses changed in parallel, while those of the tail nerve response remained more or less unaltered. The two mitochondrial toxins studied seem to exert their action centrally, primarily on synaptic transmission, rather than peripherally. Recording of evoked activity could be used to follow-up the nervous system effects of mitochondrial toxins, but it requires further investigation.
Narrow band imaging technology and argon plasma coagulation in treatment of preneoplastic lesions in a 45-year-old male
Authors: Keser Dragan , Zukić Edin , Jusufović Edin , Santic Zarko , Radovic Svjetlana , Hukić Ajna
Published: January 2010

Early detection and treatment of preneoplastic lesions represents an obvious option to reduce morbidity and mortality from lung malignancies. Until now, radiological detection, sputum cytology, and autofluorescence have shown limited effectiveness as screening methods. Novel technologies such as Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) are showing promising results, but new studies are still needed to evaluate their use as screening methods. Together with early detection, adequate methods of lesion treatment, such as argon plasma coagulation, are needed. This case report concerns a 45-year-old man who was referred for bronchoscopy after his annual checkup. Using NBI technology, a preneoplastic lesion was identified, and treated using argon plasma coagulation. Our experience has shown us that both NBI screening and argon plasma coagulation are very promising, easily implemented, methods.
Lower Extremity Injuries: Is It Just About Hip Strength?
Authors: Heiderscheit Bryan C.
Published: January 2010

Patellofemoral pain and iliotibial band syndromes continue to puzzle and oftentimes frustrate both patients and clinicians alike. While a myriad of treatments, including footwear, orthoses, bracing, patellar taping, and quadriceps strengthening, have been traditionally promoted and sometimes shown to be moderately effective, improvements in symptoms and function are not universal. In recent years, a trend toward consideration of more proximal influences on knee injuries (ie, lumbopelvic and hip regions) has continued to grow as insights are gained into this potential mechanism. However, the specific cause-effect relationship is not as clear as we might anticipate. This special issue of the Journal provides a compilation of papers focused on further defining the contribution of proximal factors to knee/lower extremity injury. Collectively, we hope these papers will provide direction to both patient care and patient-related research. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(2):39–41. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.0102
The Architectural Design of the Gluteal Muscle Group: Implications for Movement and Rehabilitation
Authors: Ward Samuel R. , Winters Taylor M. , Blemker Silvia S.
Published: January 2010

Synopsis

The organization of fibers within a muscle (architecture) defines the performance capacity of that muscle. In the current commentary, basic architectural terms are reviewed in the context of the major hip muscles and then specific illustrative examples relevant to lower extremity rehabilitation are presented. These data demonstrate the architectural and functional specialization of the hip muscles, and highlight the importance of muscle physiology and joint mechanics when evaluating and treating musculoskeletal disorders. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(2):95–102. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3302
The Influence of Abnormal Hip Mechanics on Knee Injury: A Biomechanical Perspective
Authors: Powers Christopher M.
Published: January 2010

Synopsis

During the last decade, there has been a growing body of literature suggesting that proximal factors may play a contributory role with respect to knee injuries. A review of the biomechanical and clinical studies in this area indicates that impaired muscular control of the hip, pelvis, and trunk can affect tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint kinematics and kinetics in multiple planes. In particular, there is evidence that motion impairments at the hip may underlie injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tears, iliotibial band syndrome, and patellofemoral joint pain. In addition, the literature suggests that females may be more disposed to proximal influences than males. Based on the evidence presented as part of this clinical commentary, it can be argued that interventions which address proximal impairments may be beneficial for patients who present with various knee conditions. More specifically, a biomechanical argument can be made for the incorporation of pelvis and trunk stability, as well as dynamic hip joint control, into the design of knee rehabilitation programs.

Level of Evidence

Aetiology/therapy, level 5. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(2):42–51. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3337
Feasibility of Using Proximity Tags to Locate Female Lion Panthera leo Kills
Authors: Tambling Craig J. , Belton Lydia E.
Published: February 2010

Global positioning system (GPS) based telemetry studies are becoming more popular in large carnivore research. Recent advancements include detection and prediction of kill sites from GPS collar data. Thus far, the majority of models to detect kill sites focus on the patterns generated by a single focal individual. The prediction of kill sites helps increase sample sizes for diet studies of carnivores, especially when continuous observation methods cannot be employed. We propose and report on the feasibility of using the spatial association of multiple individuals from a social carnivore group to locate kill sites, using female lions Panthera leo in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, as an example. Our feasibility study suggests that lionesses cluster in space while at a GPS cluster with a kill. Clustering appeared most strongly in the first two hours of a kill, whereafter a more random association between individuals in space is observed. Additionally we found no difference in the initial spatial clustering pattern for kills of different sizes. When clusters are not associated with a kill (i.e. resting), female lions exhibit the random spatial association similar to the later hours found at kill sites. We feel that based on the initial results, association of social carnivores in space in combination with current spatio‐temporal patterns of focal individuals can be used to improve kill‐site models, but further research and larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.
Group B Streptococcus colonization during pregnancy and maternal‐fetal transmission in Zimbabwe
Authors: MAVENYENGWA ROOYEN T. , AFSET JAN EGIL , SCHEI BERIT , BERG SYNNØVE , CASPERSEN TONE , BERGSENG HÅKON , MOYO SYLVESTER R.
Published: February 2010

Objective. To explore risk factors for group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization during pregnancy and at delivery, estimate the predictive value of early GBS colonization for colonization at delivery and in the newborn, and explore the relationship to adverse perinatal factors. Design and setting. Cohort study of pregnant women from three communities in Zimbabwe. Methods. Information collected by questionnaire at inclusion and from delivery records. Vaginal and rectal swabs collected for GBS culture at 20 and 26 weeks gestation, at delivery and from the newborn infant. Main outcome measures. GBS colonization in pregnancy, colonization of mother and newborn, and perinatal factors. Results. GBS culture results were obtained at one or more occasion for 780 (75.2%) of 1,037 women recruited. Altogether, 470/780 women (60.3%) tested positive for GBS, with colonization rates at 20, 26 weeks and delivery of 47%, 24.2% and 21%, respectively. Positive GBS culture at 20 and 26 weeks gestation had a low positive predictive value on colonization at delivery and in the newborn. Women living in rural areas were significantly more often colonized than those who lived in urban areas (p < 0.001). Other socio‐economic, demographic and obstetric factors were not statistically associated with GBS colonization. GBS transmission was not statistically significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusions. GBS colonization was common among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. Dwelling in a rural area was significantly associated with GBS colonization while other risk factors were not. Early GBS colonization had a low predictive value for colonization at delivery and colonization was not associated with adverse perinatal outcome.
Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the behavior of the mid‐urethra in healthy and stress incontinent women
Authors: RINNE KIRSI MARJA , KAINULAINEN SAKARI , AUKEE SINIKKA , HEINONEN SEPPO , NILSSON CARL GUSTAF
Published: January 2010

Objectives. Support of the mid‐urethra is thought to be an essential element of urinary continence in the female. Our aim was to image the behavior of the mid‐urethra in healthy volunteers and in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) patients by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Design. Prospective study. Setting. Gynecology outpatient clinic association with Department of Radiology in University Hospital of Kuopio, Finland. Sample and methods. Fifteen healthy volunteers and 40 SUI women underwent dynamic MRI at rest, during pelvic floor muscle contraction, coughing and voiding with a bladder volume of 200 ml. Our aim was to determine the precise location and movement of the mid‐urethra during these activities. Main outcome measure. The co‐ordinate location and movement of the mid‐urethra. Results. Continent volunteers can elevate their mid‐urethra significantly higher than incontinent women. Moreover, the mid‐urethra of incontinent women rotated significantly more dorsocaudally during straining and coughing than in continent women. Conclusions. Elevation of the mid‐urethra was more marked in continent compared to urinary incontinent women on pelvic floor muscle contraction suggesting sufficient support of the urethra. Downward movement of the mid‐urethra was more significant in stress incontinent women than in continent volunteers.
“This Famous Duke of Milan of Whom So Often I Have Heard Renown”: William Hutt at the Stratford and New Burbage Festivals
Authors: Ormsby Robert
Published: January 2010

William Hutt left an indelible mark on Canadian theatre, representing for audience members and critics the epitome of a distinctly Canadian style of classical acting. It is this reputation, writes ROBERT ORMSBY, that the writers of the hit series, Slings and Arrows, played with to great effect when they cast Hutt as a King Lear-like character in the show's final season.
Becoming the “Star Wars” Man
Authors: Ross Charlie
Published: January 2010

CHARLIE ROSS has performed his One Man Star Wars show over 1,200 times on four continents and in over 225 cities. In this article, he recounts the story of his transformation from a small-town boy scout into an international stage sensation.
Stardom/Fandom: Celebrity and Fan Tribute Performance
Authors: Duchesne Scott
Published: January 2010

Celebrities cannot exist without their fans—and in the world of Science Fiction and Fantasy conferences, fans help to keep the images of their favourite stars and characters in circulation with their own Cosplay or tribute performances. SCOTT DUCHESNE analyzes two very different kinds of “Fan Tribute Performance” from Toronto's Fan Expo 2008.
Everybody's Elvis: Celebrity and the Church Social
Authors: Johnson Stephen
Published: January 2010

Elvis is alive and well and kicking in Collingwood. STEPHEN JOHNSON visits the fifteenth annual Collingwood Elvis Festival and discovers that love for the King runs deep in this small Ontario town.
My Life as a Celetoid: Reflections on Canadian Idol
Authors: Wilcox Richie
Published: January 2010

Theatre director RICHIE WILCOX got a taste of celebrity when he became one of eleven finalists in the inaugural season of Canadian Idol. Years later he reflects on the behind-the-scenes manipulations that transformed him from a regular guy into a readily identifiable “celetoid.”
Unfiltered
Authors: Greyeyes Michael
Published: January 2010

As a director, dancer, actor, and teacher, MICHAEL GREYEYES is in contact with many people. But he had no idea that he would gain thousands of new friends—the majority of whom were complete strangers—when he set up a Facebook page. In this piece, GREYEYES ponders how new social networking technology is changing the way fans relate to the performers they admire.
Celebrating Friendship (and Befriending a Celebrity): An Interview with Brooke Johnson on Trudeau Stories
Authors: Wilkinson Lydia
Published: January 2010

LYDIA WILKINSON interviews writer/actor Brooke Johnson about her solo show, Trudeau Stories, an elegiac exploration of Johnson's lengthy friendship with Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
Portrait of the Artist as Artist: The Celebration of Autobiography
Authors: Stephenson Jenn
Published: January 2010

TJ Dawe's hit Fringe play, Totem Figures, is an intricately structured solo show about the characters and artists who have influenced Dawe's own performing career. JENN STEPHENSON analyzes how this unique autobiographical play reworks the traditional divide between writer/performer and fictional narrator/protagonist, leaving the audience to decipher between fact and fiction.
Celebrity Musings: Brushes with Fame and Other Thoughts on Celebrity
Authors: McCutcheon Mark A. , Leduc Gilles , Kelly Diana Mady , Martin Sue Ann , Brooker Blake
Published: January 2010

Theatre scholars and artists from across the country reflect on their encounters with celebrity.
Views and Reviews: Celebrity as Fantasy Screen
Authors: Houston Andrew
Published: January 2010

Introduction to Views and Reviews: Celebrity as Fantasy Screen, by Andrew Houston

So They Think I Can Dance: A Reflection on Bluemouth Inc.'s Dance Marathon, by Melanie Bennett

From Dream, to Dream, to Dream (Review of Nevermore: The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe), by Heidi Bickis

Printemps du Lepage (Review of Marie Michaud and Robert Lepage, The Blue Dragon; Review of Sylvie Guillem, Robert Lepage, and Russell Maliphant, Éonnagata; Review of Frédérike Bédard, Carlos Belda, Rebecca Blankenship, Lise Castonguay, John Cobb, Nuria Garcia, Marie Gignac, Sarah Kemp, Robert Lepage, Rick Miller, and Hans Piesbergen, Lipsynch), by Lisa Wolford Wylam
Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks as the cause of subdural hematomas in elderly patients on anticoagulation
Authors: Schievink Wouter I. , Maya M. Marcel , Pikul Brian K. , Louy Charles
Published: February 2010

Subdural hematoma is a relatively common complication of long-term anticoagulation, particularly in the elderly. The combination of anticoagulation and cerebral cortical atrophy is believed to be sufficient to explain the subdural bleeding. The authors report a series of elderly patients who were on a regimen of anticoagulation and developed chronic subdural hematomas (SDHs) due to a spontaneous spinal CSF leak. They reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of a consecutive group of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension who were evaluated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Among 141 patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and spontaneous intracranial hypotension, 3 (2%) were taking anticoagulants at the time of onset of symptoms. The mean age of the 3 patients (1 woman and 2 men) was 74 years (range 68–86 years). All 3 patients had chronic SDHs measuring between 12 and 23 mm in maximal diameter. The SDHs resolved after treatment of the underlying spontaneous spinal CSF leak, and there was no need for hematoma evacuation. Epidural blood patches were used in 2 patients, and percutaneous placement of a fibrin sealant was used in 1 patient. The presence of an underlying spontaneous spinal CSF leak should be considered in patients with chronic SDHs, even among the elderly taking anticoagulants.
Zur Sensitivität der Risikoberechnung und Massnahmenbewertung von Naturgefahren | On the sensitivity of risk calculation and evaluation of mitigation measures against natural hazards
Authors: Schaub Yvonne , Bründl Michael
Published: January 2010

The Swiss population has had to cope with natural hazards for a long time and will have to do so in future as well. Since the rearrangement of the financial compensation, the effectiveness and efficiency of mitigation measures against natural hazards have to be assessed. Therefore, tools have been developed to calculate the risk of the area under analysis and to support the evaluation of planned mitigation measures (e.g. EconoMe). The parameters that influence the risk calculation are associated with uncertainties which in turn can have a direct impact on the planning of mitigation measures. Therefore, a sensitivity analysis of the risk calculation and the evaluation of measures was performed on the basis of case studies. The analysis was carried out with regard to the factors intensity, spatial probability of the process, mortality rate and vulnerability of objects. The outcome of this analysis showed that every parameter has an impact. However, the intensity is the factor with the highest influence, followed by vulnerability, spatial probability and mortality rate. Regarding the Swiss praxis, these results connote that a good quality of intensity maps is essential. Furthermore the existing uncertainties should be communicated by operating with the full range of estimated risks instead of absolute single values. Dealing with uncertainties, however, requires that priorisation of mitigation measures must be revised based on a cost-benefit analysis.
Windwurf und Borkenkäferepidemien im Alptal nach Vivian und Lothar | Windthrow and bark beetle attacks in the Alptal after the wind storms Vivian and Lothar
Authors: Scherstjanoi Marc , Gimmi Urs , Wolf Annett , Bugmann Harald
Published: January 2010

After the strong winter storms Vivian (1990) and Lothar (1999), many Swiss forests have been severely infested by bark beetles. Based on detailed forest management information from 28 forest compartments this study tested a set of potential explanatory variables as predictors for the occurrence of bark beetle damage in the Alptal valley (northern Swiss Prealps). For each storm we developed a separate multiple linear regression model. Bark beetle occurrence was measured as the sum of insect-damaged wood within five years after the winter storms. Two predictors (wind-damaged wood during a winter storm and occurrence of adult spruce) explained more than 50% of the variance of bark beetle occurrence. Our results support the idea that windthrow damage is highly conducive to subsequent bark beetle attack of the surrounding forests. Additionally, the occurrence of larger spruce trees (diameter at breast height > 40 cm) explains a significant fraction of the remaining variance of bark beetle occurrence, which underpins the importance of forest age structure for windthrow and insect damage as causes of tree death. Methodologically, our study highlights the value of historical forest management data in the context of ecological modeling.
Allometry and stilt root structure of the neotropical palm Euterpe precatoria (Arecaceae) across sites and successional stages
Authors: Avalos Gerardo , Fernández Otárola Mauricio
Published: January 2010

The lack of secondary meristems shapes allometric relationships of the palms, influencing species segregation according to their capacity to adjust form and function to spatial and temporal changes in environmental conditions. We examined the stem height vs. diameter allometry of Euterpe precatoria across environmental gradients and measured how terrain inclination and palm size affected stilt root structure at two sites in Costa Rica. We dissected the root cone into eight variables and used principal component analysis to summarize their correlation structure. The fit of the stem diameter–height relationship to the stress, elastic, and geometric similarity models was examined using data from 438 palms. Terrain inclination did not affect stilt roots, whose structure was determined by palm size. Palms under 1 m showed geometric similarity, whereas palms above 1 m had slope values that were one and a half times higher, independent of successional stage, and did not adjust to any mechanical model. Taller palms departed from these models when they were large because they had stilt root support. We conclude that height in E. precatoria is constrained by structural support at the base and that diameter at the base of the stem and stilt roots balances height increments over all the size ranges examined.