bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Vitamin C, Myeloperoxidase, and Oral Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Netto Bárbara Dal Molin , Moreira Emilia Addison Machado , Patiño Juliana Sedrez Reis , Benincá Jucélia Pizzetti , Jordão Alceu Afonso , Fröde Tânia Silvia
Published: February 2012

Background Bariatric surgery influences the intake and absorption of nutrients, which, when associated with vomiting, can damage the oral cavity. The serum concentrations of vitamin C and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and oral clinical manifestations were examined in patients 2 years after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Methods Clinical prospective study with control group (CG; n = 26), assessed only once, and the bariatric group (BG; n = 26), assessed in the basal period and at 12 and 24 months after surgery. The mean ages in the CG and BG were 37.8 ± 1.51 and 39.6 ± 1.93 years, respectively, and their body mass indices were 22.07 ± 0.29 and 45.62 ± 1.46 kg/m2, respectively. Results At 12 months after surgery, increased episodes of vomiting (P < .001) and dental hypersensitivity (P = .012) were observed, with a reduction in the saliva‐buffering capacity of 21.3% ± 2.9% (P = .004). At 24 months after RYGB, a significant reduction in serum vitamin C was detected (32.9% ± 5.3%, P < .001), and MPO values were higher than in the basal period (P = .032). With regard to oral hygiene habits, 92.3% of patients reported frequent tooth brushing and 96.1% used fluoride, which were similar across the 2 years. However, dental hypersensitivity (P = .048) was significantly increased than baseline. Conclusions The results demonstrated that vitamin C deficiency and increased vomiting after gastric bypass for morbid obesity may contribute to increased periodontal disease. The fact that it is impossible to determine which factor or factors (diet, poor compliance with supplementation, vomiting, poor oral hygiene) contributed to the dental problems in these patients is a shortcoming of the report.
HIV Medications
Authors: Hester E. Kelly
Published: February 2012

In the past 30 years, medical advances for those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have reduced morbidity and mortality to extend life with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and with the continued development of new therapies. With this success, HIV is being managed chronically, but other health issues of an aging HIV‐infected population have emerged. The challenges of treating HIV infection have shifted from AIDS‐related mortality improvements to drug‐induced disease from HAART, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and bone health. Prolonged use of antiretroviral therapy maintaining immune restoration appears to represent additional, ongoing risk factors for the development of these metabolic complications. These drug‐related problems continue to challenge patients and clinicians in the management of HIV disease, as well as ongoing research for drug development improvements to minimize these risks. These health risks imposed by HAART must be vigilantly monitored and aggressively addressed to improve the overall health of those treated for HIV infection.
Effect of chemical blowing agent on the hygroscopic behavior of HDPE/rice husk flour composites
Authors: Kord Behzad
Published: February 2012

The effect of chemical blowing agent on the cell morphology and long-term water absorption and thickness swelling of composites based on high-density polyethylene/rice husk flour were studied in this research. Composite materials containing high-density polyethylene, rice husk flour, chemical blowing agent and coupling agent were melt compounded using twin-screw extruder. Then, the samples were foamed via batch process using a compression molding machine. The results showed that the water absorption, thickness swelling, cell size and average cell density of composites increased by addition of chemical blowing agent. The mechanism of water absorption of the foamed wood plastic composites under study followed the kinetics of a Fickian diffusion process. Furthermore, adding the chemical blowing agent had effect on water diffusion coefficients and swelling rate parameter ( KSR) of composites.
Interactive retinal blood flow estimation from fluorescein angiograms
Authors: Cañas Rubiel Vargas , Liatsis Panos
Published: February 2012

It is well-known that age-related macular degeneration is the main cause of visual impairment in industrialised countries affecting around 239,000 people in UK while demonstrating an increasing trend. Fluorescein angiography is the most widely used technique in the diagnosis, prognosis and in following up the development of the disease. The interpretation of fluorescein angiograms depends upon the detection of abnormal fluorescence and clinical assessment of the functional integrity of retinal circulation, which is primarily based on subjective evaluation of the dye transit-time. This study presents a prototype system for quantitative analysis of the retinal haemodynamics. It analyses retinal blood flow based on the estimation of parameters such as mean transit-time, arteriovenous passage time and mean dye velocity. These parameters are estimated using densitometry and analysis of the vascular response. The prototype system consists of three main stages: vessel segmentation, image registration and blood flow estimation. The performance of the system is demonstrated on a comprehensive dataset, which contains images of normal retinas and retinas with pathologies such as wet age-related macular degeneration and branch retinal vein occlusion. The presented framework aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility for automated extraction of retinal blood flow parameters and contributes towards the development of a clinically proven computer vision system for quantitative analysis of fluorescein angiograms to assist NHS clinicians in the early diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration.
Effect of cracks and pitting defects on gear meshing
Authors: Rincon Alfonso Fernandez del , Viadero Fernando , Iglesias Miguel , de-Juan Ana , Garcia Pablo , Sancibrian Ramon
Published: February 2012

The development of vibration-based condition monitoring techniques, especially those focused on prognosis, requires the development of better computational models that enable the simulation of the vibratory behaviour of mechanical systems. Gear transmission vibrations are governed by the so-called gear mesh frequency and its harmonics, due to the variable stiffness of the meshing process. The fundamental frequency will be modulated by the appearance of defects which modify the meshing features. This study introduces an advanced model to assess the consequences of defects such as cracks and pitting on the meshing stiffness and other related parameters such as load transmission error or load sharing ratio. Meshing forces are computed by imposing the compatibility and complementarity conditions, leading to a non-linear equation system with inequality constraints. The calculation of deformations is subdivided into a global and a local type. The former is approached by a finite element model and the latter via a non-linear Herztian-based formulation. This procedure enables a reduced computational effort, in contrast to conventional finite element models with contact elements. The formulation used to include these defects is described in detail and their consequences are assessed by a quasi-static analysis of a transmission example.
Evaluation of cytotoxicity of a new hemostatic agent Ankaferd Blood Stopper® using different assays
Authors: Mihmanli A , Ulker Z , Alpsoy L , Ezirganli S
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS), on cell viability, cytotoxicity, and erythrocyte numbers in in vitro cultured human blood cells. We studied the cytotoxic effects of the ABS using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, cell proliferation (WST-1) assay and hemolytic assay. The cytotoxicity increased when cells were treated with ABS dilutions of 5%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50% ( p < 0.05). Moreover, treatment of the cells with the same concentrations significantly elevated the cell number at 24 and 48 h ( p < 0.05). ABS causes a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in the hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes and hemolytic activity increases with increase in ABS concentrations. The red blood cell aggregation and cell membrane disruption during the coagulation process lead to induction of hemolytic activity and increase of LDH level in cell culture medium. In addition, ABS has proliferative effects on human leukocytes. Based on these results, ABS can be used as an alternative blood stopping agent safely.
Metastatic Mammary Carcinoma With DCIS-Like Morphology
Authors: Coyne John
Published: February 2012

Two cases of breast carcinoma with lymph node metastases are presented. In each case the metastases demonstrated the unusual phenomenon of resembling either cribriform or comedo DCIS. Furthermore both cases had the additional rare feature of demonstrable lymphatic involvement by DCIS-like carcinoma.
Protein Z Concentrations in Patients With Acute Leukemia
Authors: Galar Marzenna , Piszcz Jaroslaw , Bolkun Lukasz , Szumowska Anna , Kloczko Janusz
Published: February 2012

Protein Z (PZ) deficiency may induce bleeding as well as thrombosis. The aim of our study was to estimate the concentration of PZ in patients with acute leukemia. Plasma levels of PZ were determined in 76 patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia ([AML], n = 50; acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], n = 26) and 62 healthy participants. In the patients, mean plasma concentrations of PZ were statistically lower than in healthy individuals: AML (1.24 ± 0.11 μg/mL vs 1.58 ± 0.05 μg/mL P = .01) and ALL (1.19 ± 0.16 μg/mL vs 1.58 ± 0.05 μg/mL P = .01). Levels of PZ below the fifth percentile (0.873 μg/mL) of normal value distribution in control participants were found in 30% of patients with AML and ALL and in 3% of controls ( P < .0001). In this AML subgroup, we found statistically significant correlation between episodes of bleeding and PZ level ( P = .01). There was no such correlation in ALL group. The results suggest that PZ can be a cofactor associated with an increased bleeding tendency in patients with AML.
Detection of tPA-Induced Hyperfibrinolysis in Whole Blood by RapidTEG, KaolinTEG, and Functional FibrinogenTEG in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Genét Gustav Folmer , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Sørensen Anne Marie , Johansson Pär Ingemar
Published: February 2012

Background: Rapid identification of clinically relevant coagulopathies in, acute coagulopathy of trauma shock (ACOTS) has led to the development of faster point-of-care viscoelastic whole-blood-based tests like rapid thrombelastography (RapidTEG). The sensitivity of RapidTEG to detect hyperfibrinolysis, as compared to standard KaolinTEG, is unknown. To investigate this, the ability of RapidTEG, KaolinTEG, and functional fibrinogenTEG (FFTEG) to detect tPA-induced (tissue plasminogen activator) lysis in whole blood from healthy individuals was investigated. Our hypothesis was that the initial powerful clot formation in the RapidTEG assay would reduce the sensitivity as compared to the normally used KaolinTEG assay. We also evaluated the FFTEG assay. Methods: In vitro comparison of the sensitivity of RapidTEG, KaolinTEG, and FFTEG to 1.8 nmol/L tPA in citrated whole blood (299 ± 23 ng/mL plasma) induced hyperfibrinolysis in 10 healthy individuals and duplicate titration of the tPA whole blood (WB) concentration from 0.09 to 7.2 nmol/L (14-1144 ng/mL plasma) in 1 healthy donor. Results: At 1.8 nmol/L tPA, KaolinTEG, RapidTEG, and FFTEG all detected fibrinolysis but with different sensitivities. In the titration study, KaolinTEG and FFTEG displayed a continuous dose–response association and RapidTEG also displayed a dose-dependent response but only for higher levels of tPA, thus yielding a smaller “dose-sensitive range” compared to KaolinTEG and FFTEG. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that KaolinTEG, RapidTEG, and FFTEG all were able to detect lysis at 1.8 nmol/L tPA but with a difference in sensitivity. Furthermore, KaolinTEG and FFTEG showed a continuous dose dependence related to the tPA concentration, whereas RapidTEG only detected lysis at higher tPA concentrations.
Code-Switching Patterns in the Writing-Related Talk of Young Emergent Bilinguals
Authors: Gort Mileidis
Published: February 2012

This qualitative study examined code-switching patterns in the writing-related talk of 6 emergent Spanish-English bilingual first-grade children. Audio recordings, field notes, and writing artifacts documenting participant activities and language use in Spanish and English writing workshops were gathered over the course of 6 months and analyzed for code-switching prevalence, form, content, and purpose in relation to the writing process. The percentage distribution of oral code switching across the two linguistic contexts suggests a sociolinguistic imbalance between the two languages, wherein English played a prevalent role in the creation of Spanish texts, but Spanish did not appear to have the same utility in the development of English texts. Four general categories of code-switching functions emerged, indicating emergent bilingual writers’ (a) evaluation and self-regulation skills, (b) sociolinguistic and sociocultural competence, (c) metalinguistic insights, and (d) use of code switching to indicate a shift in topic, person, or syntactic form. These findings intimate children’s capacity to exploit their developing bilingual linguistic repertoire for a variety of academic and social purposes and illuminate the potential of code switching as a cognitive and linguistic resource in the process of writing.
Putting theory of mind in its place: psychological explanations of the socio-emotional-communicative impairments in autistic spectrum disorder
Authors: Boucher Jill
Published: February 2012

In this review, the history of the theory of mind (ToM) theory of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is outlined (in which ToM is indexed by success on false belief tasks), and the explanatory power and psychological causes of impaired ToM in ASD are critically discussed. It is concluded that impaired ToM by itself has only limited explanatory power, but that explorations of the psychological precursors of impaired ToM have been fruitful in increasing understanding of mindreading impairments in ASD (where ‘mindreading’ refers those abilities that underlie triadic interaction as well as ToM). It is argued that early explanations of impaired mindreading are untenable for various reasons, but that impairments of dyadic interaction in ASD that could lead to impaired ability to represent others’ mental states may be the critical psychological cause, or causes, of impaired ToM. The complexity of causal routes to impaired ToM is emphasized.
Parent and child perspectives on the nature of anxiety in children and young people with autism spectrum disorders: a focus group study
Authors: Ozsivadjian Ann , Knott Fiona , Magiati Iliana
Published: February 2012

Anxiety disorders are common among children and young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite growing knowledge about the prevalence, phenomenology and treatment of anxiety disorders, relatively little is understood about the nature and impact of anxiety in this group and little is known about autism-specific factors that may have a role in the increased prevalence of anxiety disorders. In this exploratory study, we report on a series of five focus groups with 17 parents of children and adolescents with ASD and anxiety. Across groups, parents gave strikingly similar descriptions of the triggers and behavioural signs associated with anxiety. Another consistent finding was that many parents reported that their children had great difficulty expressing their worries verbally and most showed their anxiety through changes in their behaviour. The impact of anxiety was reported to often be more substantial than the impact of ASD itself. The implications of the focus group findings are discussed in relation to existing literature.
Approaching non-western consumer cultures from a historical perspective: The case of early modern Ottoman consumer culture
Authors: Karababa Eminegül
Published: February 2012

A very common but futile practice in scientific research investigating non-western consumer cultures and markets is the imposition of concepts that are derived from a single historical trajectory of western modernization. This paper aims to show that there are alternative historical trajectories in the early modern period which have formed today’s multiple modern consumer cultures. The particularities of the Ottoman context, which shaped the development of an alternative early modern consumer culture, are examined as an example. Islamic ethics, fluid social structure, wakf institutions, the negotiability of market institutions, and a public sphere formed by aesthetic, emotional, and playful communicative action are among the particularities discussed in this study.
Optical, thermal and run-up performance of reflector compact fluorescent lamp
Authors: Feng X , Hu Y , Cheng Y
Published: February 2012

The optical, thermal and run-up characteristics of reflector compact fluorescent lamps are investigated to optimise lamp designs for performance improvements. The efficiency of the burner/reflector assembly is studied to reduce reflection and absorption losses. When the reflector shape is changed from parabolic to elliptical, the light output is increased as well as the luminous intensity on the central axis. Light intensity in the whole half-space can be further improved by reducing the reflective coating height. The thermal load on the plastic base and the ballast components are minimised using designs with a heat dissipation cover. The plastic base temperature can be reduced by 20–30℃ compared to that without any protection. The run-up time can be shortened by optimising the indium amount in the indium flag, the flag position, and the mercury composition in Bi-In-Hg amalgam. The indium amount and the indium flag position will influence the run-up time due to a different releasing velocity of mercury from the flag. A Hg composition of about 4.5% in the Bi-In-Hg amalgam is best to shorten the run-up time and get a high, stable light output.
Flicker can be perceived during saccades at frequencies in excess of 1 kHz
Authors: Roberts JE , Wilkins AJ
Published: February 2012

When driving at night, flickering automobile LED tail lights can appear as multiple images. The perception of a flickering source of light was therefore studied during rapid eye movements (saccades) of 20–40° amplitude in an otherwise dark room (<1 lux). The temporal modulation appeared as a spatial pattern known as a ‘phantom array’ during the saccade. The appearance of the pattern enabled the discrimination of flicker from steady light at frequencies that in 11 observers averaged 1.98 kHz. At a frequency of 120 Hz, the intrasaccadic pattern was perceptible when the contrast of the flicker exceeded 10%. It is possible that intrasaccadic stimulation interferes with ocular motor control.
The Informal Caregivers' Perception of Wandering
Authors: Houston Amy M. , Brown Lisa M. , Rowe Meredeth A. , Barnett Scott D.
Published: February 2012

Although the term wandering is routinely used by clinicians, researchers, and informal caregivers (ICs), the meaning of this term varies depending on the source of the definition and the context in which it is used. The purpose of this study was to examine the terms ICs used to describe different scenarios that have been identified in literature as “wandering,” determine their perception of risk, and compare their definitions of wandering with the perspectives of researchers. Structured interviews were conducted with 128 ICs of older adults with dementia. Informal Caregivers rarely used the term wandering to label different scenarios that had been previously identified in the literature as wandering. Responses to a survey of 17 wandering experts did not reflect agreement on a definition for wandering. These findings suggest that a broad set of terms should be used to describe this potentially dangerous behavior when health care providers communicate with ICs.
Palliative Care for Advanced Dementia
Authors: Kuhn Daniel R. , Forrest Jeannine M.
Published: February 2012

This article describes a pilot project involving training, case consultations, and administrative coaching over a period of 1 year aimed at introducing palliative care in 2 nursing homes among 31 residents with advanced dementia. Resident outcomes that examined numerous clinical measures were assessed at 3 points in time. Changes in the knowledge and attitudes of 80 staff members and 33 family members who participated in the multimodal intervention were also assessed at 3 points in time. Limited improvements were demonstrated on measures for residents, staff members, and family members at the first nursing home (site 1) and significant improvements were demonstrated at the other nursing home (site 2). Top leadership turned over 3 times at site 1 which limited the integration of palliative care, whereas leadership of site 2 remained stable. Implications for implementing a program of palliative care in nursing homes are discussed.
Turnaround Time and Timeliness of Physician Interpretation in the Vascular Laboratory
Authors: Satiani Bhagwan , Kiser Dennis , Mason Thomas
Published: February 2012

The overall turnaround time (TAT) and the physician interpretation interval (PII) for vascular laboratory (VL) tests are not often reported in the literature. Objective: To audit the TAT and PI on weekdays (WDs) and weekends/holidays (WE). Methods: The first available wait time (WT), the type of test, and the PII for weekday versus weekends/holidays for all patients was noted. Results: The mean WT for inpatients between order and performance of the VL test was 12.48 and 9.81 hours for WD, respectively. The mean PII was 3.23 hours. There was a significant difference in PII between WD (mean 2.30 hours) and WE (16.60 hours; P < .0001). Ninety-nine percent of tests on WD were read within 24 hours compared to 76.5% on WE ( P < .0001). Conclusions: Process improvement of the TAT should lead to better customer satisfaction, improve access to test results, and be a part of quality assurance in the VL.
The Use of Antithrombotic Therapies in Reducing Synthetic Small-Diameter Vascular Graft Thrombosis
Authors: Tatterton Mark , Wilshaw Stacy-Paul , Ingham Eileen , Homer-Vanniasinkam Shervanthi
Published: February 2012

Background. Thrombosis of synthetic small-diameter bypass grafts remains a major problem. The aim of this article is to review the antithrombotic strategies that have been used in an attempt to reduce graft thrombogenicity. Methods. A PubMed/MEDLINE search was performed using the search terms “vascular graft thrombosis,” “small-diameter graft thrombosis,” “synthetic graft thrombosis” combined with “antithrombotic,” “antiplatelet,” “anticoagulant,” “Dacron,” “PTFE,” and “polyurethane.” Results. The majority of studies on antithrombotic therapies have used either in vitro models or in vivo animal experiments. Many of the therapies used in these settings do show antithrombotic efficacy against synthetic graft materials. There is however, a distinct lack of human in vivo studies to further delineate the performance and limitations of therapies displaying good antithrombotic characteristics. Conclusion. Very few antithrombotic therapies have translated into clinical use. More human in vivo studies are required to assess the efficacy and safety of such therapies.
The Relationships Between Attribution Styles, LMX, and Perceptions of Abusive Supervision
Authors: Martinko Mark J. , Sikora David , Harvey Paul
Published: February 2012

Prior abusive supervision research focuses on subordinates’ perceptions of abusive supervision. Recent research suggests that a variety of factors may be related to these perceptions, including subordinates’ self-esteem, personality traits, and negative affectivity, as well as supervisors’ perceptions of justice and breaches of psychological contracts. In this article, the authors propose and argue that a significant proportion of the variance in members’ perceptions of abuse by their leaders can be explained by the interactions of leaders’ and members’ attribution styles and that abuse perceptions may be considered to be a subset of subordinates’ perceptions of the quality of their leader–member exchange relationships. The authors also make the case that attribution styles affect the likelihood of abusive supervisory behavior as well as the perception of such behaviors.
Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy Under Near Real-Time Three-Dimensional Surgical Navigation With C-Arm Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Nozaki Tetsuo , Iida Yasuhiro , Morii Akihiro , Fujiuchi Yasuyoshi , Fuse Hideki
Published: February 2012

Objective. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the advantages of C-arm cone beam computed tomography for imaging guidance of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). Methods. Four patients referred to the authors’ institution for LRN were included in this study. To visualize the renal vascular anatomy, the Iopamiron 300 contrast agent was injected intravenously. The surgeon could adjust the viewing angle of the images and rotate the reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) image manually by using a mouse-like controller. Using the near real-time 3D navigation images, the surgeon was able to recognize the renal vascular anatomy, and more easily perform the LRN. Results. All procedures were successfully performed with a satisfactory diagnostic yield or therapeutic effect without procedure-related complications. Conclusion. This novel technology has great potential for application in LRN because it enables accurate depiction of the renal vessels and increases surgeon confidence.
Evaluation of a suspected peri-prosthetic infection by joint aspiration using a novel technique
Authors: Cronin Kevin C , Kiely Paul D , Curtin William A
Published: February 2012

Background: Investigation of a suspected peri-prosthetic infection post joint arthroplasty typically involves an index of clinical suspicion and the use of inflammatory markers, radiological assessment and joint aspiration. Joint aspiration remains the gold standard, but the risk of false positives limits its accuracy. We describe a novel technique of joint aspiration that addresses its inherent shortcomings by limiting the exposure to contamination by skin commensals. Methods: In a laminar airflow theatre, a spinal needle is introduced into the joint space via a truncated 5 ml syringe, (with the plunger removed). The trajectory and position of the advancing spinal needle is confirmed using intermittent anteroposterior (AP) fluoroscopy.Results: The technique described here isolates the aspirating needle and the subsequent sample(s) obtained from the skin flora, thus it also has the advantage of isolating the joint in the same manner. This technique has the added advantages of being simple, cost effective, easy to employ and easy to teach. As it is based on a simple principle it can also be modified for use in prosthetic knee aspirations or in cases where septic arthritis is suspected.Conclusions: Joint aspiration is a useful technique in providing a diagnostic sample to assist in the diagnosis of suspected joint infections. Its sensitivity is affected owing to the risk of sample contamination when obtaining the sample. This technique aims to address the shortcomings of traditional joint aspiration by isolating the aspirating needle and the subsequently obtained sample from the surrounding skin.
Obesity, Asthma, and Allergies; the Inflammatory Connection
Authors: Loomis Theresa Ann , Viola Danielle
Published: February 2012

Rates of obesity have increased dramatically in the past 30 years. This epidemic has been found to be associated with excessive screen time, consumption of calorically dense foods and drinks, increased portion sizes, frequent eating outside of the home, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables, and inadequate exercise. There has been a concurrent rise in allergies, atopic dermatitis, and asthma that parallels this rise in obesity, which is thought to be the result of an increased inflammatory response. Obesity and inflammation can have a long-lasting influence on cardiovascular health. Further studies are needed to determine if a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate obesity and its associated inflammatory conditions.
Two Types of Value-Affirmation
Authors: Burson Aleah , Crocker Jennifer , Mischkowski Dominik
Published: February 2012

The authors tested the hypothesis that affirming self-transcendent values attenuates negative consequences of self-threat better than affirming self-enhancement values. If value-affirmation buffers against threat because it bolsters the self, then affirming either a self-transcendent or self-enhancement value should similarly prevent typical decreased self-control after exclusion. However, if value-affirmations buffer the effects of threat because they promote self-transcendence, then affirming values related to self-transcendence should provide a better buffer against decreased self-control after exclusion. Ninety-two undergraduate students received either intentional or unintentional social exclusion. Participants then affirmed either a self-transcendent or self-enhancement value, or wrote about their daily routine. Consistent with predictions, participants ate more cookies when they were intentionally rather than unintentionally excluded; this effect was attenuated by affirming an important value, especially a self-transcendent value. This suggests that value-affirmation may be a particularly effective method of coping with self-threats when it increases self-transcendence.
Life Regrets and the Need to Belong
Authors: Morrison Mike , Epstude Kai , Roese Neal J.
Published: February 2012

The present research documents a link between regret and the need to belong. Across five studies, using diverse methods and samples, the authors established that regrets involving primarily social relationships (e.g., romance and family) are felt more intensely than less socially based regrets (e.g., work and education). The authors ruled out alternative explanations for this pattern and found that it is best explained by the extent to which regrets are judged to constitute threats to belonging. Threats to belonging at the regret level and the need to belong at the individual level were strong predictors of regret intensity across multiple regret domains. These findings highlight the central role social connectedness plays in what people regret most.
B cell–intrinsic deficiency of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) causes severe abnormalities of the peripheral B-cell compartment in mice
Authors: Recher Mike , Burns Siobhan O. , de la Fuente Miguel A. , Volpi Stefano , Dahlberg Carin , Walter Jolan E. , Moffitt Kristin , Mathew Divij , Honke Nadine , Lang Philipp A. , Patrizi Laura , Falet Hervé , Keszei Marton , Mizui Masayuki , Csizmadia Eva , Candotti Fabio , Nadeau Kari , Bouma Gerben , Delmonte Ottavia M. , Frugoni Francesco , Fomin Angela B. Ferraz , Buchbinder David , Lundequist Emma Maria , Massaad Michel J. , Tsokos George C. , Hartwig John , Manis John , Terhorst Cox , Geha Raif S. , Snapper Scott , Lang Karl S. , Malley Richard , Westerberg Lisa , Thrasher Adrian J. , Notarangelo Luigi D.
Published: February 2012

Wiskott Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is caused by mutations in the WAS gene that encodes for a protein (WASp) involved in cytoskeleton organization in hematopoietic cells. Several distinctive abnormalities of T, B, and natural killer lymphocytes; dendritic cells; and phagocytes have been found in WASp-deficient patients and mice; however, the in vivo consequence of WASp deficiency within individual blood cell lineages has not been definitively evaluated. By conditional gene deletion we have generated mice with selective deficiency of WASp in the B-cell lineage (B/WcKO mice). We show that this is sufficient to cause a severe reduction of marginal zone B cells and inability to respond to type II T-independent Ags, thereby recapitulating phenotypic features of complete WASp deficiency. In addition, B/WcKO mice showed prominent signs of B-cell dysregulation, as indicated by an increase in serum IgM levels, expansion of germinal center B cells and plasma cells, and elevated autoantibody production. These findings are accompanied by hyperproliferation of WASp-deficient follicular and germinal center B cells in heterozygous B/WcKO mice in vivo and excessive differentiation of WASp-deficient B cells into class-switched plasmablasts in vitro, suggesting that WASp-dependent B cell–intrinsic mechanisms critically contribute to WAS-associated autoimmunity.
How I treat with anticoagulants in 2012: new and old anticoagulants, and when and how to switch
Authors: Schulman Sam , Crowther Mark A.
Published: February 2012

Two novel oral anticoagulants, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, have recently been approved. They differ in many ways from warfarin, including rapid onset of action, shorter half-life, fewer drug-drug interactions, lack of need for monitoring, and no need for titration or dose adjustments. These novel agents represent a landmark shift in anticoagulant care; however, many aspects of their use will be unfamiliar to practicing clinicians, despite the imminent widespread use of these agents in the community. The management of these anticoagulants when transitioning from or back to warfarin, around surgery or in case of major hemorrhage, requires knowledge of their pharmacokinetics and mechanism of action. Unfortunately, there is a limited evidence base to inform decisions around management of these agents. We present our practice in these settings supported, where available, with literature evidence.
Function and biotechnology of extremophilic enzymes in low water activity
Authors: Karan Ram , Capes Melinda D , DasSarma Shiladitya
Published: February 2012

Enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms usually catalyze chemical reactions in non-standard conditions. Such conditions promote aggregation, precipitation, and denaturation, reducing the activity of most non-extremophilic enzymes, frequently due to the absence of sufficient hydration. Some extremophilic enzymes maintain a tight hydration shell and remain active in solution even when liquid water is limiting, e.g. in the presence of high ionic concentrations, or at cold temperature when water is close to the freezing point. Extremophilic enzymes are able to compete for hydration via alterations especially to their surface through greater surface charges and increased molecular motion. These properties have enabled some extremophilic enzymes to function in the presence of non-aqueous organic solvents, with potential for design of useful catalysts. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of extremophilic enzymes functioning in high salinity and cold temperatures, focusing on their strategy for function at low water activity. We discuss how the understanding of extremophilic enzyme function is leading to the design of a new generation of enzyme catalysts and their applications to biotechnology.
Study of Ultrathin Films of P3HT/PCBM by Means of Highly Sensitive Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Yaguchi Kaori , Furube Akihiro , Katoh Ryuzi
Published: February 2012

Ultrathin films of P3HT and P3HT/PCBM prepared on glass and ITO glass substrates by spin-coating were studied by means of highly sensitive absorption spectroscopy. For pristine P3HT films, we discuss the morphology and electronic structure at the interface between the substrate and the P3HT layer. For P3HT/PCBM films, we found that phase separation could be controlled by changing the concentration of the solutions used to prepare the films.
Relationships between muscle size and hardness of the medial gastrocnemius at different ankle joint angles in young men
Authors: Akagi Ryota , Chino Kentaro , Dohi Michiko , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: February 2012

Background

Measurement of muscle hardness is important for objective evaluation of the muscle condition. Muscle hardness may be related to muscle size, but this relationship has not yet been examined.

Purpose

To examine the relationship between the size and hardness of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG) at different ankle joint angles.

Material and Methods

Twelve young male subjects comprised the present study. Muscle thickness of the right MG (MTMG) was measured by ultrasonography as an index of muscle size. The MTMG was determined at 30% of the lower leg length from the popliteal crease to the lateral malleolus. At the same site, muscle hardness of the right MG (MHMG) was measured with ultrasound real-time tissue elastography. Both measurements were taken while each subject was instructed to lie in a prone position on a test bench. The right ankle was secured to a handmade apparatus by a non-elastic belt, with the hip and knee joints fully extended and the ankle positioned at +30°, 0° and –20° (0°: neutral position, positive values indicating plantar flexion).

Results

There were no significant differences in the MTMG among the ankle joint angles whereas the MHMG significantly increased as the ankle was moved from plantar flexion to dorsiflexion. As a result, there was a difference in the MTMG-MHMG relationship between the angles. The MTMG significantly correlated with the MHMG only at +30° (r = 0.635, P < 0.05) where passive torque around the ankle has been shown to be near zero in previous studies.

Conclusion

The hardness of the relaxed MG with no passive tension appears to depend on its size.
Complications of Endovenous Lasers
Authors: Dexter D , Kabnick L , Berland T , Jacobowitz G , Lamparello P , Maldonado T , Mussa F , Rockman C , Sadek M , Giammaria L E , Adelman M
Published: February 2012

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and radiofrequencey ablation have become the procedures of choice for the treatment of superficial venous insufficiency. Their minimally invasive technique and safety profile when compared with operative saphenectomy have led to this change. As EVLA has replaced saphenectomy as the procedure of choice, the distribution of complications has changed. We evaluated the most common and most devastating complications in the literature including burns, nerve injury, arteriovenous fistula (AVF), endothermal heat-induced thrombosis and deep venous thrombosis. The following review will discuss the most frequently encountered complications of treatment of superficial venous insufficiency using EVLA. The majority of the complications described can be avoided with the use of good surgical technique and appropriate duplex ultrasound guidance. Overall, EVLA has an excellent safety profile and should be considered among the first line for treatment of superficial venous reflux.
Importance of Patient-reported Outcomes in Chronic Venous Disorders
Authors: Guex J J
Published: February 2012

The assessment of outcomes following treatment for chronic venous disease has been greatly improved over the last three decades. The personal opinion of the physician based on assessment of his own results has been replaced by more objective assessment based on well-defined criteria. The author describes and compares a number of different methods currently in use for this purpose.
The Relevance of the Natural History of Varicose Veins and Refunded Care
Authors: Pannier F , Rabe E
Published: February 2012

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is one of the most common diseases in our population. Aside from venous symptoms like heaviness and pain, which are present in about 50% of the general population, signs of CVD include varicose veins (VVs), oedema, eczema, venous eczema, hyperpigmentation, white atrophy, lipodermatosclerosis and venous ulcers. The aim of this paper is to review current literature for the relevance of natural history of VVs in refunded care. Available papers on VVs, progression of the disease and complications were reviewed. Prevalence of VVs is high with more than 20% in the general population. Information on progression of uncomplicated VV to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is rare. However, most venous ulcers have a primary venous origin. The progression rate of VV to higher clinical stages reaches 4% per year. Among the risk factors are obesity and higher age. Quality of life (QOL) is also reduced in uncomplicated VV in C2 patients. In conclusion, there is evidence from the literature that a high proportion of patients with uncomplicated VVs in the clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathophysiological classification (CEAP Clinical Class 2) will progress to CVI if untreated. VVs have a negative impact on QOL and clinical symptoms. VV patients with CVI (C3–C6) as well as those C2 patients with severe clinical symptoms and impaired QOL due to CVD should be treated with ablation of the VVs in a refunded care system.
Open and Hybrid Deep Vein Reconstructions: To Do or Not to Do?
Authors: Gloviczki P , Kalra M , Duncan A A , Oderich G S , Vrtiska T J , Bower T C
Published: February 2012

Endovascular reconstruction has become the standard treatment of chronic obstruction of large veins. Stenting is done with increasing frequency to treat iliac venous obstructions, with or without associated inferior vena caval or femoral vein occlusions. Open reconstruction with venous bypass is performed today in patients who fail attempts at venous stenting or who are not candidates for endovascular reconstructions. Patients with primary or secondary malignancies invading the vena cava undergo open caval reconstruction at the time of tumour excision. Open venous reconstructions are still preferred in patients with large vein injuries due to blunt or penetrating trauma or in those who suffer iatrogenic venous injuries. Hybrid reconstruction can be performed with endophlebectomy of the common femoral or femoral veins combined with iliofemoral stenting.
Thin-section CT findings of patients with acute Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia with and without concurrent infection
Authors: Okada F , Ando Y , Matsushita S , Ishii R , Nakayama T , Morikawa K , Ono A , Maeda T , Mori H
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the pulmonary thin-section CT findings of patients with acute Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia with and without concurrent infection.

Methods: The study group comprised 86 patients with acute S. pneumoniae pneumonia, 36 patients with S. pneumoniae pneumonia combined with Haemophilus influenzae infection, 26 patients with S. pneumoniae pneumonia combined with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and 22 patients with S. pneumoniae pneumonia combined with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection. We compared the thin-section CT findings among the groups.

Results: Centrilobular nodules and bronchial wall thickening were significantly more frequent in patients with pneumonia caused by concurrent infection (H. influenzae: p<0.001 and p<0.001, P. aeruginosa: p<0.001 and p<0.001, MSSA: p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) than in those infected with S. pneumoniae alone. Cavity and bilateral pleural effusions were significantly more frequent in cases of S. pneumoniae pneumonia with concurrent P. aeruginosa infection than in cases of S. pneumoniae pneumonia alone (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) or with concurrent H. influenzae (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) or MSSA infection (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusions: When a patient with S. pneumoniae pneumonia has centrilobular nodules, bronchial wall thickening, cavity or bilateral pleural effusions on CT images, concurrent infection should be considered.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: improvement of the therapeutic ratio with helical tomotherapy vs segmental multileaf collimator-based techniques
Authors: Chen A M , Yang C C , Marsano J , Liu T , Purdy J A
Published: February 2012

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare differences in dosimetric, clinical and quality-of-life end points among patients treated with helical tomotherapy (HT) and segmental multileaf collimator (SMLC)-based intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Methods: From June 2005 to August 2009, 30 consecutive patients were treated with IMRT for nasopharyngeal carcinoma to a dose of 70 Gy. 14 patients (47%) were treated using HT and 16 (53%) were treated using SMLC-based IMRT. 28 patients (93%) received concurrent chemotherapy. The patients were evenly balanced between the two radiotherapy groups with respect to clinical and pathological characteristics. Median follow-up was 30 months (range, 6–62 months).

Results: The 2-year estimates of overall survival, local–regional control and progression-free survival were 81%, 87% and 82%, respectively. There were no significant differences in any of these end points with respect to IMRT technique (p>0.05 for all). Dosimetric analysis revealed that patients treated by HT had significantly improved salivary sparing with respect to mean dose (27.3 vs 34.1 Gy, p=0.03) and volume receiving greater than or equal to 30 Gy (31.7% vs 47.3%, p=0.01) to the contralateral (spared) parotid gland. The incidence of Grade 3+ late xerostomia was 13 and 7% among patients treated with SMLC-based IMRT and HT, respectively (p=0.62). The corresponding proportion of patients who subjectively reported “too little” or “no” saliva at final follow-up was 38% and 7%, respectively (p=0.04).

Conclusion: The superior dosimetric outcome observed with HT appeared to translate into moderately improved clinical outcomes with respect to salivary sparing. Prospective trials are needed to validate this gain in the therapeutic ratio.
A novel correction factor based on extended volume to complement the conformity index
Authors: Jin F , Wang Y , Wu Y-Z
Published: February 2012

Objective: We propose a modified conformity index (MCI), based on extended volume, that improves on existing indices by correcting for the insensitivity of previous conformity indices to reference dose shape to assess the quality of high-precision radiation therapy and present an evaluation of its application.

Methods: In this paper, the MCI is similar to the conformity index suggested by Paddick (CIPaddick), but with a different correction factor. It is shown for three cases: with an extended target volume, with an extended reference dose volume and without an extended volume. Extended volume is generated by expanding the original volume by 0.1–1.1 cm isotropically. Focusing on the simulation model, measurements of MCI employ a sphere target and three types of reference doses: a sphere, an ellipsoid and a cube. We can constrain the potential advantage of the new index by comparing MCI with CIPaddick. The measurements of MCI in head–neck cancers treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric-modulated arc therapy provide a window on its clinical practice.

Results: The results of MCI for a simulation model and clinical practice are presented and the measurements are corrected for limited spatial resolution. The three types of MCI agree with each other, and comparisons between the MCI and CIPaddick are also provided.

Conclusion: The results from our analysis show that the proposed MCI can provide more objective and accurate conformity measurement for high-precision radiation therapy. In combination with a dose–volume histogram, it will be a more useful conformity index.