bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐injurious behaviour in intellectual disability syndromes: evidence for aberrant pain signalling as a contributing factor
Authors: Peebles K. A. , Price T. J.
Published: September 2011

Background  In most individuals, injury results in activation of peripheral nociceptors (pain‐sensing neurons of the peripheral nervous system) and amplification of central nervous system (CNS) pain pathways that serve as a disincentive to continue harmful behaviour; however, this may not be the case in some developmental disorders that cause intellectual disability (ID). Moreover, individuals affected by ID disorders may initiate self‐injurious behaviour to address irritating or painful sensations. In normal individuals, a negative feedback loop decreases sensation of pain, which involves descending inhibitory neurons in the CNS that attenuate spinal nociceptive processing. If spinal nociceptive signalling is impaired in these developmental disorders, an exaggerated painful stimulus may be required in order to engage descending anti‐nociceptive signals.

Methods  Using electronic databases, we conducted a review of publications regarding the incidence of chronic pain or altered pain sensation in ID patients or corresponding preclinical models.

Results  There is a body of evidence indicating that individuals with fragile X mental retardation and/or Rett syndrome have altered pain sensation. These findings in humans are supported by mechanistic studies using genetically modified mice harbouring mutations consistent with the human disease. Thus, once self‐injurious behaviour is initiated, the signal to stop may be missing. Several developmental disorders that cause ID are associated with increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause severe visceral pain. Individuals affected by these disorders who also have GERD may self‐injure as a mechanism to engage descending inhibitory circuits to quell visceral pain. In keeping with this hypothesis, pharmacological treatment of GERD has been shown to be effective for reducing self‐injurious behaviour in some patients. Hence, multiple lines of evidence suggest aberrant nociceptive processing in developmental disorders that cause ID.

Conclusions  There is evidence that pain pathways and pain amplification mechanisms are altered in several preclinical models of developmental disorders that cause ID. We present hypotheses regarding how impaired pain pathways or chronic pain might contribute to self‐injurious behaviour. Studies evaluating the relationship between pain and self‐injurious behaviour will provide better understanding of the mechanisms underlying self‐injurious behaviour in the ID population and may lead to more effective treatments.
Bruxism, oral parafunctions, anamnestic and clinical findings of temporomandibular disorders in children
Authors: EMODI‐PERLMAN A. , ELI I. , FRIEDMAN‐RUBIN P. , GOLDSMITH C. , REITER S. , WINOCUR E.
Published: September 2011

Summary  The reported prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) present during childhood and adolescence ranges between 7% and 68%. The range of the reported prevalence of sleep bruxism in children is also wide. The purpose of the current study was threefold: (i) determine the prevalence of oral parafunctions, sleep bruxism and of anamnestic and clinical findings of TMD among Israeli children with primary or mixed dentition; (ii) to establish whether the parafunctional activities are associated with anamnestic and clinical findings of TMD in this population and (iii) to examine the possible impact of stressful life events on the prevalence of bruxism, oral parafunctions, and anamnestic and clinical findings of TMD in children. A total of 244 children (183 girls and 61 boys) aged 5–12 years were included in the study. Each participant underwent a full TMD examination. Parents, in collaboration with their children, completed a questionnaire on TMD symptoms, oral parafunctions and stressful life events in their children’s life. Most participants (78·8%) reported at least one oral habit. Of these, only ‘jaw play’ was associated with TMD anamnestic and clinical findings. Stressful life events were associated only with the performance of multiple oral habits. These findings indicate that the performance of oral parafunctions is commonplace during childhood, with younger children exhibiting fewer oral parafunctions than adolescents. Stressful life events are related with an increase in the performance of multiple oral parafunctions in children but the later are not necessarily associated with anamnestic and clinical findings of TMD in the paediatric population.
Quality improvement in long‐term mental health: results from four collaboratives
Authors: STRATING M. M. H. , BROER T. , VAN ROOIJEN S. , BAL R. A. , NIEBOER A. P.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

Overall, the four collaboratives lead to significant improvement in most objective outcomes, such as health, loneliness, and clients' problem areas.

With respect to perceived effectiveness significant differences between the four collaboratives were found. Team members participating in the Social Psychiatric Care collaborative scored significantly lower than team members in the other three collaboratives. The Recovery‐Oriented Care collaborative scored weakly higher.

Multilevel regression analyses indicated that innovation attributes, appropriate measures, usable data collection tools, and an innovative team culture could explain variation in perceived effectiveness.

The results supported the notion that a layered approach is necessary to achieve improvements in quality of care.

This multiple case study evaluates four quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) in long‐term mental health care focusing on social psychiatric care, recovery oriented care, social participation and somatic co‐morbidity of psychiatric patients. The aim is to explore (1) effectiveness in terms of objective outcome indicators and impact of changes as perceived by team members; and (2) associations between collaborative‐, organizational‐ and team‐level factors and perceived effectiveness. Most objective outcomes, such as health, loneliness and clients' problem areas, showed significant improvement. Because of the diversity in content no single measure for objective effectiveness could be computed across the four collaboratives. Perceived effectiveness of team members was used as an indicator of the overall impact. In all, 55 of the 94 participating team leaders and 117 remaining team members completed a written survey at the end of each quality improvement collaborative. Multilevel regression analyses indicated that innovation attributes, appropriate measures, usable data collection tools and an innovative team culture could explain variation in perceived effectiveness. In conclusion, overall positive changes for clients were realized as demonstrated by objective outcomes and team members' perceptions of improvements in care processes. The results supported the notion that a layered approach is necessary to achieve improvements in quality of care.
Ganoderma boninense basidiospores in oil palm plantations: evaluation of their possible role in stem rots of Elaeis guineensis
Authors: Rees R. W. , Flood J. , Hasan Y. , Wills M. A. , Cooper R. M.
Published: September 2011

Basidiospores are implicated in the distribution and genetic diversity of Ganoderma boninense, cause of basal stem rot (BSR) and upper stem rot (USR) of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). Measurement of aerial basidiospores within plantations in Sumatra showed continuous and high production over 24 h (range c. 2–11 000 spores m−3) with maximum release during early evening. Basidiospores applied to cut surfaces of fronds, peduncles and stems germinated in situ. Equivalent, extensive wounds are created during plantation harvesting and management and represent potential sites for formation of infective heterokaryons following mating of haploid basidiospore germlings. Use of spore‐sized micro‐beads showed that basidiospores could be pulled up to 10 cm into severed xylem vessels, where they are relatively protected from dehydration, UV irradiation and competing microflora. Diversity of isolates from five locations on two plantations was assessed by RAMS fingerprinting. Isolates from within individual palms with USR were identical and represent single infections, but different USR infections had unique band patterns and revealed separate infections. Some BSR‐affected trees contained more than one isolate, and thus had multiple infections. There was one example of adjacent BSR palms with the same isolate, indicating vegetative spread, but there were no identical genets from BSR infections and adjacent fallen palms. Isolate diversity was as great within a plantation as between plantations. It is evident that basidiospores play a major role in spread and genetic variability of G. boninense. Evidence for direct basidiospore infection via cut fronds, indirectly through roots via colonized debris and less frequently, infection by vegetative, clonal spread is considered.
Airway Angiogenesis in Stable and Exacerbated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kristan S. S. , Marc M. M. , Kern I. , Flezar M. , Suskovic S. , Kosnik M. , Korosec P.
Published: September 2011

Angiogenesis is a prominent feature of structural tissue remodelling that occurs in chronic airway diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the airway levels of VEGF, angiogenin, IL‐8 and TNF‐α in patients with COPD during the stable phase and during acute exacerbation of the disease. We analysed induced sputum samples from 28 patients with COPD. Thirteen of these patients were followed up and second samples of sputum were obtained during acute exacerbation of the disease. The two control groups consisted of 12 healthy smokers and seven healthy non‐smokers, all with normal lung function tests. Concentrations of VEGF, angiogenin, IL‐8, TNF‐α and bFGF were measured by cytometric bead array. In the induced sputum of patients with stable COPD, concentrations of VEGF (P < 0.001, P = 0.02), angiogenin (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001), IL‐8 (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0021) and TNF‐α (P < 0.001, P = 0.03) were significantly elevated in comparison with healthy smokers and non‐smokers. No additional elevation of angiogenic factors was demonstrated at the time of exacerbation. There was a significant negative correlation between FEV1 and VEGF (P < 0.05, r = −0.38), angiogenin (P < 0.0001, r = −0.68) and IL‐8 (P < 0.001, r = −0.54) among smokers (smoking COPD patients and healthy smokers). No significant differences were observed between groups of healthy smokers and non‐smokers. These results showed increased airway angiogenesis in patients with COPD. Moreover, VEGF, IL‐8 and angiogenin negatively correlated with pulmonary function, which suggests their important role in COPD airway remodelling. However, no additional angiogenic activation was found during exacerbation of COPD.
The durability of bioclastic sediments and implications for coral reef deposit formation
Authors: FORD MURRAY R. , KENCH PAUL S.
Published: September 2011

The generation and composition of carbonate sediment within tropical carbonate settings is controlled by the skeletal production of CaCO3 in conjunction with physical, biological and chemical processes which act to break down and disperse skeletal remains. Using the results of detailed tumbling barrel experiments, this paper discusses the role the physical durability of common constituents of reef sediment plays in the composition of coral reef deposits. The durability of the skeletal remains of six reef sediment constituents was determined experimentally using tumbling barrels. Results indicate that constituent durability varies considerably amongst common reef sediment constituents. Calcareous algae Halimeda was the least durable constituent tested, followed by larger benthic foraminifera Baculogypsina sphaerulata and Marginopora vertebralis and the pelecypod Fragum fragum. Two species of branching coral (Acropora sarmentosa and Acropora nasuta) were found to be the most resistant to physical destruction. These findings provide increased power to interpret reef and island deposits and the potential role skeletal durability plays in the retention of constituent skeletons within coral reef associated sedimentary systems.
Arabidopsis is Susceptible to Rice stripe virus Infections
Authors: Sun Feng , Yuan Xia , Zhou Tong , Fan Yongjian , Zhou Yijun
Published: September 2011

Rice stripe virus (RSV), a member of the genus Tenuivirus, causes rice stripe disease in East Asia and is one of the most economically important rice pathogens. The pathogenesis of RSV and the molecular basis of plant responses to the pathogen are poorly understood. We investigated the process of RSV infection in Arabidopsis thaliana which is highly susceptible to the virus. A simple inoculation method using viruliferous small brown planthoppers was developed to infect A. thaliana plants with RSV. The symptoms were developed within 2 weeks of inoculation. One month after inoculation, all infected plants showed stunted growth and vein chlorosis in newly emerged leaves. Forty‐five days after inoculation, RSV‐infected plants showed severely stunted growth and distorted flower stalks. RSV replication in A. thaliana was confirmed using a dot immunobinding assay, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and a protein gel blot assay. RSV infection strongly induced PR1, PR2 and GST1 but not PDF1.2 expression, indicating that the pathogen activated salicylic acid‐dependent basal defence mechanism, which is consistent with the characteristics of plant RNA virus. This Arabidopsis–RSV pathosystem provides an approach for analysing interactions between RSV and plants.
Neurodegeneration in familal amyloidotic polyneuropathy
Authors: Gasperini Robert J , Small David H
Published: September 2011

1. Familial amyloid polyneuropathies (FAP) constitute a group of inherited amyloidoses that affect peripheral nerves. One common form of FAP is caused by transthyretin (TTR) misfolding and deposition in the peripheral nervous system, leading to neuronal toxicity and death.

2. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this toxicity are unclear; however, there is good biochemical and histopathological evidence that the toxicity of TTR mutations is correlated to their aggregation state. In addition, neuronal calcium dysregulation is a mechanism that has been suggested to drive the pathogenesis of FAP.

3. Amyloidogenic TTR mutations cause significant calcium influx via L‐type calcium channels in neuronal cell lines, while in primary sensory neurons, TTR mediates a calcium influx via a novel mechanism of transient receptor potential melanostatin (TRPM8) and voltage‐gated sodium and calcium channel activation.

4. Significantly, calcium dysregulation is a pathological hallmark of other neurodegenerative diseases involving amyloidosis, for example Alzheimer’s disease, and this mechanism could explain the molecular events that drive amyloid toxicity in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Role of intrahepatic tumor control in the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and extrahepatic metastases
Authors: Jung Seung Min , Jang Jeong Won , You Chan Ran , Yoo Sun Hong , Kwon Jung Hyun , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Yoon Seung Kew , Chung Kyu Won , Kay Chul Seung , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: September 2011

Background and Aim:  There has been little information about the long‐term outcome and prognostic factors in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extrahepatic metastases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical factors affecting survival after extrahepatic metastasis and to determine the survival benefit of controlling intrahepatic HCC.

Methods:  Between 2004 and 2009, a total of 240 consecutive patients with HCC and extrahepatic metastasis were recruited. Based on tumor extent, performance, and hepatic function, the patients underwent locoregional and/or systemic treatments. The treatment response of the intrahepatic tumor after extrahepatic metastasis and other prognostic parameters were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:  During the mean follow up of 276 days, 222 patients died; the median survival time was 146 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that Child–Pugh class A, smaller hepatic tumor size, absence of portal venous invasion, single metastatic organ involvement, and objective treatment response of the intrahepatic tumor were the favorable prognostic factors for survival. Of the 183 evaluable patients, 24 achieved complete or partial response for intrahepatic tumors after treatment. The overall survival for the 24 responders was significantly improved, with a median of 521 days, as compared to 170 days for the remaining 159 patients without objective tumor response. The leading cause of death was progressive intrahepatic tumor.

Conclusions:  Intrahepatic tumor status and hepatic reserve are among the significant predictors of survival in patients with HCC and extrahepatic metastases. This study indicates that even in patients with metastases from advanced HCC, therapeutic approaches to control intrahepatic tumors are important in improving patient survival.
Impact of endoscopic submucosal dissection for the therapeutic strategy of large colorectal tumors
Authors: Hotta Kinichi , Saito Yutaka , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Ikehara Hisatomo , Ikematsu Hiroaki , Kobayashi Nozomu , Sakamoto Naoto , Takeuchi Yoji , Uraoka Toshio , Yamaguchi Yuichiro
Published: September 2011

Background and Aims:  The change of therapeutic strategy for large colorectal tumors after the introduction of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of ESD as an initial treatment strategy.

Methods:  A questionnaire was administered to nine expert panelists in colorectal ESD. The questionnaire used retrospective data from consecutive case series. Forty‐seven cases of early colorectal tumors (≥ 20 mm) were included. Endoscopic growth types were 25 laterally‐spreading tumors (LST) of granular type (G), 15 LST of non‐granular types (NG), and seven protruded types. Pathological diagnoses included 15 adenomas (Ad), 18 intramucosal cancers (M), three submucosally‐shallow invasive cancers (< 1000 µm) (SMs), and 11 submucosally‐deep invasive cancers (≥ 1000 µm) (SMd). The expert panelists completed questionnaires about recommended initial treatment under suppositions of before and after the introduction of ESD. Over‐surgery was defined as surgery for Ad, M, and SMs. Non‐curative endoscopic resection (ER) was defined as ER for SMd.

Results:  After the introduction of ESD, the reduction in the over‐surgery rate was estimated at 10.8% for Ad, M, and SMs, and the increase in the non‐curative ER rate was estimated at 27.2% for SMd. By endoscopic growth type, the reduction of over‐surgery rates for LST–NG, LST–G, and protruded type was 15.5%, 10.5%, and 2.2%, respectively.

Conclusions:  The endoscopists changed their therapeutic strategy for large colorectal tumors to reduce over‐surgery, especially in LST–NG, demonstrating the impact of ESD.
Endoscopic ultrasonography for the diagnosis and selecting treatment of esophageal leiomyoma
Authors: Xu Guo‐Qiang , Qian Jing‐Jing , Chen Miao‐Hui , Ren Guo‐Ping , Chen Hong‐Tan
Published: September 2011

Background and Aim:  To investigate the clinical value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) with miniature ultrasonic probes (MUP) for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal leiomyoma.

Methods:  A total of 229 patients with esophageal leiomyoma, diagnosed using EUS, with 12‐MHz MUP and a double‐cavity electronic endoscope, were enrolled. The clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed, and those who had therapeutic indications received endoscopic resection or surgical excision. Postoperative histological diagnostic results were compared with the preoperative diagnosis of EUS. All patients, including those with or without endoscopic resection or surgical excision were periodically followed up with EUS.

Results:  Of the 229 patients, 118 received endoscopic resection, and seven received surgical excision. Postoperative histology showed that 110 patients were completely consistent with the preoperative diagnosis of EUS, and the diagnostic accuracy of EUS was 88.6%. No treatment‐related complications occurred among the patients who received endoscopic resection or surgical excision, and no recurrence was observed during the follow‐up examinations.

Conclusions:  Esophageal leiomyoma is a benign tumor of the esophagus. EUS is a useful technique for the diagnosis of esophageal leiomyoma and for making treatment‐related decisions.
Efforts to promote vaginal delivery after a previous cesarean section
Authors: Hamai Yoko , Imanishi Yukio
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to examine the results of vaginal delivery in patients with a past history of cesarean section.

Methods:  The type of delivery, interventions during delivery, and the prognoses of the mothers and babies were examined in 145 women with a history of cesarean section over the 10‐year period from January 2000 to December 2009.

Results:  A scheduled cesarean section was performed in 27 cases. Vaginal delivery was recommended in 118 cases and the success rate was 94.9% (112/118). Uterine rupture was observed in one patient who experienced a natural rupture at home and whose previous cesarean section was an inverse T incision. No cases required a blood transfusion or hysterectomy.

Conclusions:  The prognoses of both mothers and babies were good and the vaginal delivery success rate was 94.9%. Uterine rupture was observed in one case. Vaginal delivery with previous cesarean section should be considered in cases with expectation and informed consent.
Human papillomavirus vaccine: What are women most concerned about?
Authors: Chan Karen K. L. , Kwan Tracy T. C. , Yao Tzy‐Jyun , Tam Kar Fai , Cheung Annie N. Y. , Ngan Hextan Y. S.
Published: September 2011

Aim:  This study aims to investigate the areas of concerns that women have regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Material and Methods:  A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in a convenience sample of 1450 women attending outpatient family planning clinics in Hong Kong to assess women's concerns regarding HPV vaccination. The associations between each demographic characteristics and the importance of various issues concerning the vaccine, such as short and long‐term side‐effects, side‐effect affecting appearance, number of women who have had it, effectiveness, effect duration and cost were explored using χ2 tests for comparison of proportions. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was applied to further identify independent demographic characteristics which were significantly associated with each of these issues.

Results:  The top three factors that most women felt very important were vaccine effectiveness (45.4%), effect duration (44.0%) and long‐term side‐effects (43.7%). Education level significantly affected the degree of concerns in these areas (OR = 1.15, P < 0.001, 1.14, P < 0.001 and 1.09, P = 0.006, respectively) while income was significantly inversely associated with the importance of cost (OR = 0.92, P < 0.001) and effectiveness (OR = 0.95, P = 0.047).

Conclusion:  The above issues should be specifically addressed when vaccine information is given, bearing in mind the particular concerns in women with different socio‐economic backgrounds.
Inhibin‐A levels between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation in Thai women
Authors: Promsonthi Patama , Panburana Panyu , Kadegasem Praguywan , Chaemsaithong Piya , Preechapornprasert Domerudee , Chanrachakul Boonsri
Published: September 2011

Aim:  To construct a normal value for inhibin‐A concentrations at 14–20 weeks of gestation for a Thai population.

Material and Methods:  Inhibin‐A concentrations from pregnant women without Down's syndrome at 14–20+6 weeks of gestation were measured. Maternal serum inhibin‐A levels were analyzed according to the gestational age.

Results:  Serum specimens from 727 Thai women were analyzed. Inhibin‐A levels decreased from 14 to 17+4 weeks and then gradually rose thereafter, giving a U‐shape pattern.

Conclusion:  The data of inhibin‐A concentration at 14–20 weeks of gestation for normal Thai pregnant women fitted well with quadratic regression.
Sticky predators: a comparative study of sticky glands in harpactorine assassin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Zhang Guanyang , Weirauch Christiane
Published: September 2011

Zhang, G. and Weirauch, C. 2011. Sticky predators: a comparative study of sticky glands in harpactorine assassin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 00: 1–10.

For more than 50 years, specialized dermal glands that secrete sticky substances and specialized setae have been known from the legs of New World assassin bugs in the genus Zelus Fabricius (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae). The gland secretions and specialized ‘sundew setae’ are involved in enhancing predation success. We here refer to this predation strategy as ‘sticky trap predation’ and the specialized dermal glands as ‘sticky glands’. To determine how widespread sticky trap predation is among Reduviidae, we investigated taxonomic distribution of sticky glands and sundew setae using compound light microscopical and scanning electron microscopical techniques and sampling 67 species of Reduviidae that represent 50 genera of Harpactorini. We found sticky glands in 12 genera of Harpactorini and thus show that sticky trap predation is much more widespread than previously suspected. The sticky glands vary in shape, size and density, but are always located in a dorsolateral position on the fore tibia. Sundew setae are present in all taxa with sticky glands with the exception of Heza that instead possesses unique lamellate setae. The sticky trap predation taxa are restricted to the New World, suggesting a New World origin of this unique predation strategy.
Monophyly, candidate species and vicariance in Biomphalaria snails (Mollusca: Planorbidae) from the Southern Andean Altiplano
Authors: Collado Gonzalo A. , Vila Irma , Méndez Marco A.
Published: September 2011

Collado, G. A., Vila, I. & Méndez, M. A. (2011). Monophyly, candidate species and vicariance in Biomphalaria snails (Mollusca: Planorbidae) from the Southern Andean Altiplano. —Zoologica Scripta, 40, 613–622.

The landscape of the Neotropical southern Andean Altiplano is characterized by a succession of closed basins originated from the Miocene to the Holocene. In this region, the number of species and phylogenetic relationships among freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria are uncertain. Here we obtained sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I from 17 Altiplano populations, including topotypes of three nominal species, which were analyzed together with published sequences of the genus using different methods of phylogenetic reconstruction and a species of Helisoma as outgroup. The Altiplano populations conform a monophyletic group whose sister group is the Neotropical species Biomphalaria peregrina. Within this clade we recovered four main lineages well supported and congruent with geographical distributions. One clade includes topotypes restricted exclusively to the Ascotán basin, the type locality of the nominal species Biomphalaria crequii. A second clade includes sequences that correspond to topotypes restricted to the Isluga and Carcote basins, the type localities of the nominal species Biomphalaria aymara and Biomphalaria costata, respectively. Two monophyletic groups clustered snails restricted to several aquatic systems within the Caquena and Lauca basins, which may represent candidate species. The branching pattern of the sequences suggests that in the diversification of these snails, events of vicariance inferred in the Pleistocene have predominated over dispersal phenomena.
Surgical outcomes of robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Benway Brian M. , Bhayani Sam B.
Published: September 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy has been established as a safe and effective approach for nephron‐sparing surgery. Early oncological and functional outcomes appear to be on a par with other established approaches.

This review provides an up‐to‐date overview of contemporary experience with robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy. We also discuss techniques which may help to optimize outcomes of the procedure.

Robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has emerged as a viable technique for nephron‐sparing surgery.

In this article, we review the outcomes of RAPN in its current iteration, with attention to operative, oncological, and functional outcomes. In addition, we highlight techniques that may serve to enhance outcomes.
Advances in urogynaecological robotic surgery
Authors: Swan Kimberly , Advincula Arnold P.
Published: September 2011

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Robotic‐assisted laparoscopy is currently utilized in the treatment of urogynecological disorders. Multiple papers are available detailing the technique and outcomes of robotic‐assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Recently robotic‐assisted laparoscopy has been used to treat pelvic fistulas.

This paper is an overview of the currently published literature pertaining to robotic‐assisted laparoscopy in the treatment of urogynecologic disorders.

Urogynaecology is a subspecialty practiced by both urologists and gynaecologists specialised in treating women with pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence.

While urogynaecology covers a vast range of disorders, two disorders frequently managed by urogynaecologists are pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and pelvic fistulae.

Surgical intervention is often the treatment option for both POP and pelvic fistulae after all conservative options have been attempted. The daVinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) has applications for the minimally invasive surgical management of POP and pelvic fistulas.

The following review will address the development and current state of robotic assistance in treating these disorders.
Automated identification of miscoded and misclassified cases of diabetes from computer records
Authors: Sadek A.‐R. , van Vlymen J. , Khunti K. , de Lusignan S.
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 410–414 (2012)

Aims  To develop a computer processable algorithm, capable of running automated searches of routine data that flag miscoded and misclassified cases of diabetes for subsequent clinical review.

Method  Anonymized computer data from the Quality Improvement in Chronic Kidney Disease (QICKD) trial (n = 942 031) were analysed using a binary method to assess the accuracy of data on diabetes diagnosis. Diagnostic codes were processed and stratified into: definite, probable and possible diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Diagnostic accuracy was improved by using prescription compatibility and temporally sequenced anthropomorphic and biochemical data. Bayesian false detection rate analysis was used to compare findings with those of an entirely independent and more complex manual sort of the first round QICKD study data (n = 760 588).

Results  The prevalence of definite diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes were 0.32% and 3.27% respectively when using the binary search method. Up to 35% of Type 1 diabetes and 0.1% of Type 2 diabetes were miscoded or misclassified on the basis of age/BMI and coding. False detection rate analysis demonstrated a close correlation between the new method and the published hand‐crafted sort. Both methods had the highest false detection rate values when coding, therapeutic, anthropomorphic and biochemical filters were used (up to 90% for the new and 75% for the hand‐crafted search method).

Conclusions  A simple computerized algorithm achieves very similar results to more complex search strategies to identify miscoded and misclassified cases of both Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. It has the potential to be used as an automated audit instrument to improve quality of diabetes diagnosis.
Platelet activation in obesity and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Santilli F. , Vazzana N. , Liani R. , Guagnano M. T. , Davì G.
Published: September 2011

Obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome (MS) identifies substantial additional cardiovascular risk beyond the individual risk factors, and is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular events even regardless of body mass index, thus suggesting a common downstream pathway conferring increased cardiovascular risk. Platelet hyper‐reactivity/activation plays a central role to accelerate atherothrombosis and is the result of the interaction among the features clustering in obesity and MS: insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction. Interestingly, the same pathogenic events largely account for the less‐than‐expected response to antiplatelet agents, namely low‐dose aspirin. The proposed explanations for this phenomenon, besides underdosing of drug and/or reduced bioavailability, subsequent to excess of adipose tissue, include enhanced platelet turnover, leading to unacetylated COX‐1 and COX‐2 in newly formed platelets as a source of aspirin‐escaping thromboxane formation; extraplatelet sources of thromboxane, driven by inflammatory triggers; and enhanced lipid peroxidation, activating platelets with a mechanism bypassing COX‐1 acetylation or limiting COX‐isozyme acetylation by aspirin. This review will address the complex interactions between platelets and the pathogenic events occurring in obesity and MS, trying to translate this body of mechanistic information into a clinically relevant read‐out, in order to establish novel strategies in the prevention/treatment of atherothrombosis.
Is Cooperation with Competitors a Good Idea? An Example in Practice
Authors: Peng Tzu‐Ju Ann , Pike Stephen , Yang Johnson Chung‐Hsin , Roos Göran
Published: September 2011

Coopetition has become a heated issue in the last decade. In this study, a scrutinized review of previous research on coopetition is presented to clarify the research stream on coopetition, from which the implications are derived and a framework to analyse the phenomenon is proposed. Given the complex nature of coopetition, an in‐depth case study was undertaken to investigate the competition–cooperation relationship and coopetition performance over a 15‐year period in a Taiwanese supermarket network, which was formed by a focal company and its competitors. Performance was analysed before and after launching the coopetition strategy, in which 31 indicators were examined. The findings imply that competition (Yang) and cooperation (Yin) are reciprocally rooted in and mutually promoted by each other. The findings also confirmed that cooperation with competitors did lead to better performance, at least over a period, in two ways. The first was that the adoption of coopetition permitted the attainment of performance levels beyond what would otherwise have been possible; the second was that the adoption of coopetition changed the timeframe, permitting earlier achievement of higher performance levels. This study contributes to and extends knowledge of the dynamics and consequences of cooperation with competitors and demonstrates that coopetition has a significant temporary advantage.
Landlord and Entrepreneur: The Shifting Roles of the State in Norwegian Oil and Gas Policy
Authors: AUSTVIK OLE GUNNAR
Published: September 2011

This article discusses the shifting roles of the Norwegian state as landlord and entrepreneur in developing and maintaining its national oil and gas industry. Drawing from endogenous‐growth and small‐state theories, the article discusses the roles of the Norwegian state as infant industry developer, mature industry controller, and national company owner. The Norwegian petroleum experience shows how a nation‐state expressed clear visions and goals for an industrial sector, and took the role as leader of industrial and economic developments itself. The case argues that for a strategic national industry to be competitively developed and retained and social goals reached, a strong, comprehensive, and dynamic interaction between the state and industry, led by the state, may be necessary.
Land reclamation using reservoir sediments in Tigray, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Gebreyohannes , Nyssen J. , Poesen J. , Bauer H. , Merckx R. , Haile M. , Deckers J.
Published: September 2011

Accelerated soil erosion leads to sedimentation in reservoirs and a decline in their life span. As many reservoirs in northern Ethiopia are dry at the end of the dry season, we were able to evaluate the potential of using reservoir sediments for land reclamation. Stripped land from which construction material for the reservoirs had been excavated was covered with 0, 15 and 30 cm of sediment and planted with a local garlic cultivar (Allium sativum). The applied reservoir sediments had low to medium organic C and total N contents and were high in available P and exchangeable cations. The yield of garlic increased with additional available water and the application of sediments. The results show that total biomass and bulb yield were three times higher on the reclaimed plots than on the control ones (11.7 t/ha vs. 3.6 t/ha for the biomass; 7.7 t/ha vs. 2.0 t/ha for the yield). When sediment transport and labour costs were taken into account, plots with 15 cm of sediments had in the first cropping season a cost‐benefit ratio of 3, whilst those with 30 cm had a cost‐benefit ratio of 0.9. This study demonstrates that the use of relatively small quantities of reservoir sediments is an economically viable strategy for land reclamation. The result can be improvement in income for resource‐poor farmers by as much as 76%, and the life expectancy of the reservoirs is also increased.
Etyid crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda) from mid‐Cretaceous Reefal strata of Navarra, northern Spain
Authors: KLOMPMAKER ADIËL A. , ARTAL PEDRO , VAN BAKEL BARRY W. M. , FRAAIJE RENÉ H. B. , JAGT JOHN W. M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  All known etyid crabs (Crustacea, Decapoda) from the upper Albian – lower Cenomanian Aldoirar coralgal‐dominated patch reef (Albeniz Unit, Eguino Formation), as exposed at the disused Koskobilo quarry in Navarra, northern Spain, are described, discussed and illustrated. A new species, Xanthosia koskobiloensis, the first member of the genus on record from southern Europe, is erected, and a variety that appears closely related to this, Xanthosia cf. X. koskobiloensis, is recognised. This new taxon could be a forerunner of the early Palaeocene (Danian) Xanthosia gracilis from Fakse (Sjælland, eastern Denmark), with which it shares a morphologically closely similar carapace. On the basis of a revised overview here of all species assigned to it, the genus Xanthosia may have evolved in an environment dominated by deposition of siliciclastics, rather than chalks. In addition, Etyxanthosia fossa has been collected at Koskobilo, and as the distribution of all known specimens demonstrates, E. fossa inhabited various environments. Another new species, Caloxanthus paraornatus, is closely similar as well to a species from Fakse, Caloxanthus ornatus, and constitutes the first record of the genus for southern Europe.
Ichthyosauria from the Upper Lias of Strawberry Bank, England
Authors: CAINE HANNAH , BENTON MICHAEL J.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Eight remarkably preserved specimens of ichthyosaurs from the lower Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) of Strawberry Bank (Ilminster, Somerset, England) are described fully for the first time. Whereas previously these ichthyosaurs were assigned to one species, Stenopterygius hauffianus, our study shows there are two, Stenopterygius triscissus and Hauffiopteryx typicus. S. triscissus is a small‐ to medium‐sized ichthyosaur up to 3.5 m long, characterised by three apomorphies: long and slender rostrum, large elliptical supratemporal fenestra and bipartite pelvis. H. typicus is a small ichthyosaur up to 2.95 m long, with five apomorphies: short and extremely slender rostrum, very large orbit, small rounded supratemporal fenestra and tripartite pelvis, which is fused distally. Cladistic analysis is equivocal about their relationships, suggesting either that Hauffiopteryx and perhaps also Stenopterygius are members of a clade Eurhinosauria or that this clade does not exist, and both genera are members of a wider clade Thunnosauria. Further, the clade Stenopterygiidae, in which Hauffiopteryx had been located, is not identified. Most striking is that the specimens are all juveniles (five specimens) or infants (three specimens), ranging from one‐tenth to one‐half the normal adult length of the species.
S100‐Negative Indeterminate Cell Histiocytosis in an African American Child Responsive to Narrowband Ultraviolet B
Authors: Bard Susan , Torchia Daniele , Connelly Elizabeth A. , Duarte Ana M. , Badiavas Evangelos V. , Schachner Lawrence A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Indeterminate cell histiocytosis is a rare cutaneous disease characterized by the presence of dendritic cells that lack Birbeck granules and immunophenotypically shares features of both Langerhans cells and macrophages. We describe a case of a 4‐year‐old African American boy affected by a disseminated, exclusively mucocutaneous form of indeterminate cell histiocytosis. The eruption was successfully treated with narrowband ultraviolet B. The peculiar negativity of the Langerhans cell marker S100 is also discussed.
Reduced Cortical Thickness in Abstinent Alcoholics and Association with Alcoholic Behavior
Authors: Fortier Catherine B. , Leritz Elizabeth C. , Salat David H. , Venne Jonathan R. , Maksimovskiy Arkadiy L. , Williams Victoria , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E.
Published: September 2011

Background:  Chronic misuse of alcohol results in widespread damage to the brain. Prior morphometric studies have examined cortical atrophy in individuals with alcoholism; however, no previous studies have examined alcohol‐associated atrophy using cortical thickness measurements to obtain regional mapping of tissue loss across the full cortical surface.

Methods:  We compared cortical thickness measures from 31 abstinent individuals with a history of prior alcohol abuse to 34 healthy nonalcoholic control participants (total sample size = 65). Cortical surface models were created from high‐resolution T1‐weighted images, and cortical thickness was then estimated as the distance between the gray matter/white matter boundary and the outer cortical surface.

Results:  Abstinent alcoholics showed reduced whole‐brain thickness as compared to nonalcoholic participants. Decreases in thickness were found bilaterally in (i) superior frontal, (ii) precentral, (iii) postcentral, (iv) middle frontal, (v) middle/superior temporal, (vi) middle temporal, and (vii) lateral occipital cortical regions. Decreased cortical thickness in the alcoholic group was associated with severity of alcohol abuse.

Conclusions:  These findings demonstrate widespread reduction in cortical thickness as a consequence of chronic alcoholism, with most severe reductions in frontal and temporal brain regions.
Prazosin Effects on Stress‐ and Cue‐Induced Craving and Stress Response in Alcohol‐Dependent Individuals: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Fox Helen C. , Anderson George M. , Tuit Keri , Hansen Julie , Kimmerling Anne , Siedlarz Kristen M. , Morgan Peter T. , Sinha Rajita
Published: September 2011

Background:  Stress, alcohol cues, and dysregulated stress responses increase alcohol craving and relapse susceptibility, but few pharmacologic agents are known to decrease stress‐ and cue‐induced alcohol craving and associated stress dysregulation in humans. Here we report findings from a preliminary efficacy study of the alpha‐1 receptor antagonist, prazosin, in modulating these relapse‐relevant factors in alcohol‐dependent individuals.

Methods:  Seventeen early abstinent, treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent individuals (12 men and 5 women) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 16 mg daily prazosin in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled manner over 4 weeks. During week 4, all patients participated in a 3‐day laboratory experiment involving 5‐minute guided imagery exposure to stress, alcohol cue, and neutral‐relaxing/control conditions, 1 exposure per day, on consecutive days in a random, counterbalanced order. Alcohol craving, anxiety, negative emotion, cardiovascular measures, and plasma hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA; cortisol, adenocorticotropic hormone) were assessed repeatedly in each session.

Results:  The prazosin group (n = 9) versus the placebo group (n = 8) showed significantly lower alcohol craving, anxiety, and negative emotion following stress exposure. The placebo group also showed significantly increased stress‐ and cue‐induced alcohol craving, anxiety, negative emotion, and blood pressure (BP), as well as a blunted HPA response relative to the neutral condition, while the prazosin group showed no such increases in craving, anxiety, negative emotion, and BP, and no blunted HPA response to stress and alcohol cue exposure.

Conclusions:  Prazosin appears efficacious in decreasing stress‐ and cue‐induced alcohol craving and may normalize the stress dysregulation associated with early recovery from alcoholism. Further research to assess the efficacy of prazosin in reducing alcohol craving and stress‐related relapse risk is warranted.
Defending the Conception of “Objective Risk”
Authors: Hermansson Helene
Published: September 2011

The notion of “objective risk” is frequently discussed within the risk literature. While some argue that risk analysis measures objective risk, others claim that there are no real, objective risks—only subjective descriptions of them. “Objectivity” in these discussions often presupposes value‐free, dispassionate, and impartial analysis. Feminist epistemology offers a different interpretation of “objectivity” that is more context‐bound. It is argued that even though every risk can be described in several different ways, and does involve value judgments and emotions, the objectivity ideal should not be abandoned.
Tax Incentives and Household Investment in Complementary Pension Insurance: Some Recent Evidence From the Italian Experience
Authors: Marino Immacolata , Pericoli Filippo , Ventura Luigi
Published: September 2011

Abstract

We show by a simple difference‐in‐difference methodology that, contrary to prior research, robustly raising the deductibility limit associated to pension fund holdings in Italy did not succeed in boosting households’ contributions to this form of savings. Some other empirical findings also suggest that this policy measure may have not even increased the average amount of first‐time contributors to such funds. In view of the specific features of the Italian market for complementary insurance (relatively young and less developed), these empirical results might be of interest to policymakers acting in countries with similar features (for instance, some of the more recent EU members).
The Practice of Waiting under Closure in Palestine
Authors: WICK LIVIA
Published: September 2011

Land and space in Palestine, engineered as they were through occupation, have fundamentally shaped experiences of mobility, households, work, and support systems of urban and rural dwellers. Within the various spaces of the Occupied Territories, Palestinians encounter the problems of intensified closure, deteriorating economic conditions but also opportunities for countering their marginalization. Based on the oral histories of midwives, nurses and new mothers in the Central West Bank, this article focuses on the practices of waiting everyday under the changing regime of the closure and mounting poverty. Complementing the literature dealing with structures of control I show how, amidst their disillusionment with politics and the collapse of networks of community‐based solidarity, some women are able to make do amidst an increasingly difficult system of restrictions on mobility by forming shifting alliances and identities as workers, mothers and women.