bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evil, Sin, or Doubt? : The Dramas of Clerical Child Abuse
Authors: Cullingford Elizabeth
Published: July 2010

John Patrick Shanley’s popular “well-made play” Doubt: A Parable (2004) uses a conventional structure to provide an unconventional perspective on the question of child abuse in the Catholic Church. Staging the unresolved struggle of a possibly abusive, possibly gay, and certainly liberal priest against an impossibly dogmatic and conservative nun, it confounds the expectations of audiences prepared for straightforward anti-clerical satire. After establishing the cultural context of the scandals, wrestling with the problem of statistics, and laying out the contradictory ideological responses of liberal Catholics, feminists, anti-homophobic theorists, and clerical conservatives, this essay approaches Doubt through interwoven questions about genre and sexuality. It contrasts the play with Amy Berg’s documentary film Deliver Us from Evil (2006) and Michael Murphy’s verbatim drama Sin (A Cardinal Deposed) (2004), two texts that locate responsibility for the scandal primarily in the hierarchy and structure of the Catholic Church and reject the stereotypical association between child abuse and homosexuality. Despite the current vogue for cinematic documentary and documentary theatre, the essay argues that Doubt, the least factual of these three works, is also the most challenging: it permits the audience to imagine a positive relationship between a priest and a queer child. A fictional drama, with its absence of forensic evidence or victim testimony, freedom to embrace contradictions, and dynamically fluctuating engagement with different audiences, may be generically better suited than documentary to perform the ambiguities of this religious and sexual catastrophe.
Toga Plays and Tableaux Vivants: Theatre and Painting on London’s Late-Victorian and Edwardian Popular Stage
Authors: Barrow Rosemary
Published: July 2010

This essay examines the relationship between the representation of antiquity in popular theatre and painting in late-Victorian and Edwardian London. While there is a long tradition of theatrical and visual interchange, the nineteenth century witnessed an increased merging of cultural categories. Classics, traditionally associated with an educated elite, entered the popular arena through the appropriation of high-art academic images. In toga plays, a decadent Rome provided sensational plot lines and an array of familiar heroes and villains, while pictorial detail was privileged in the quest for theatrical spectacle. At the same time, tableaux vivants staged in variety theatres legitimized a display of the female body through imitations of Greek-subject paintings. If Roman melodramas may have been criticized for historical inaccuracies, notional nudity found in tableaux involved these shows in the much more controversial issue of distinctions between art and obscenity. Classicizing performance brought indicators of exclusivity into a much wider arena, and in doing so found itself at the heart of major debates surrounding gender, class, and culture.
IgG4-Bestimmungen gegen Nahrungsmittel werden nicht zur Diagnostik empfohlen: Positionspapier der European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)1 / Testing for IgG4 against foods is not recommended as a diagnostic tool: EAACI Task Force report
Authors: Stapel Steven O. , Asero Ricardo , Ballmer-Weber Barbara K. , Knol Edward F. , Strobel Stephan , Vieths Stefan , Kleine-Tebbe Jörg
Published: July 2010

Serologische Tests zur Immunglobulin-G4-(IgG4-) Bestimmung gegen Nahrungsmittel werden weiterhin für die Diagnose einer nahrungsmittelbedingten Überempfindlichkeit beworben. Da viele Patienten ohne diagnostische Bestätigung eines kausalen Zusammenhanges davon überzeugt sind, dass ihre Symptome mit der Nahrungsmittelzufuhr zusammenhängen, stellen Tests auf nahrungsmittelspezifisches IgG4 einen wachsenden Markt dar. Die Bestimmung von IgG4 im Blut gegen verschiedene Nahrungsmittel wird anhand eines umfangreichen Screenings auf Hunderte von Nahrungsmitteln mit Enzymimmunoassays (EIA) und Radioallergosorbenttests (RAST) bei Kleinkindern, Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen durchgeführt. Viele Serumproben zeigen allerdings positive IgG4-Ergebnisse ohne korrespondierende klinische Symptome. In Verbindung mit dem Mangel an überzeugenden Hinweisen auf histaminfreisetzende Eigenschaften von IgG4 beim Menschen und dem Fehlen jeglicher kontrollierter Studien zum diagnostischen Wert der IgG4-Bestimmung bei Nahrungsmittelallergie rechtfertigen diese Befunde nicht die Hypothese, dass nahrungsmittelspezifisches IgG4 Reaktionen einer Nahrungsmittelüberempfindlichkeit auslöst. Im Gegensatz zu den kritisierten Hypothesen ist die Anwesenheit von IgG4 gegen Nahrungsmittel ein Hinweis auf die wiederholte Exposition des Organismus gegenüber den Nahrungsmittelbestandteilen, die als Fremdproteine vom Immunsystem erkannt worden sind. Vor-handenes IgG4 sollte keineswegs als Auslöser für eine Überempfindlichkeit angesehen werden, sondern als Indikator für immunologische Toleranz, die auf aktivierten regulatorischen T-Zellen beruht. Zusammenfassend zeigt nahrungsmittelspezifisches IgG4 keine (drohende) Nahrungsmittelallergie oder -unverträglichkeit an, sondern stellt eine physiologische Reaktion des Immunsystems nach Kontakt mit Nahrungsmittelbestandteilen dar. Daher wird die Bestimmung von IgG4 gegen Nahrungsmittel als irrelevant für die Labordiagnostik einer Nahrungsmittelallergie oder -intoleranz angesehen und sollte bei Symptomen, die im Zusammenhang mit der Nahrungsaufnahme auftreten, nicht durchgeführt werden.
Testalternativen zum Tuberkulin-Hauttest / Alternative assays to the tuberculin skin test
Authors: Meier Thomas , Enders Martin
Published: July 2010

Der Tuberkulin-Hauttest (THT) wird seit über einem Jahrhundert zum indirekten Nachweis einer Infektion mit Erregern der Tuberkulose eingesetzt. Seit wenigen Jahren stehen nun mit den Interferon-γ-release-assays (IGRAs) alternative Blutteste für das klinische Labor zur Verfügung. Die beiden IGRAs T-SPOT.TB und QuantiFERON-TB Gold in-Tube zeigen im Vergleich zum THT bei mindestens vergleichbarer Sensitivität eine deutlich höhere Spezifität. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil der IGRAs ist, dass sie im Gegensatz zum THT nicht durch eine BCG-Impfung im Sinne eines falsch-positiven Ergebnisses beeinflusst werden. Die IGRAs stellen einen bedeutenden Fortschritt in der Diagnostik der latenten Tuberkulose dar und ermöglichen eine zuverlässigere Indikationsstellung der Chemoprävention bei Umgebungsuntersuchungen. Bei Verdacht auf das Vorliegen einer aktiven Tuberkulose sind die mikrobiologischen und molekularbiologischen Nachweismethoden weiterhin vorrangig. Jedoch können die IGRAs das Methodenspektrum zur Diagnostik der pulmonalen und extrapulmonalen Tuberkulose sinnvoll ergänzen.
Lipoprotein-assoziierte Phospholipase A2: ein neuer Marker für kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen / Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2: a novel marker of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Siekmeier Rüdiger , Grammer Tanja B. , Scharnagl Hubert , Stojakovic Tatjana , König Wolfgang , März Winfried
Published: July 2010

Aufgrund von Erkenntnissen der letzten Jahre wird die Atherosklerose heute auch als eine entzündliche Erkrankung gesehen. Die hochsensitive Bestimmung des C-reaktiven Proteins (hsCRP) wird bereits seit einigen Jahren dazu herangezogen, zusätzliche Informationen zum individuellen kardiovaskulären Risiko zu gewinnen. Weniger bekannt ist die Bestimmung der Lipoprotein-assoziierten Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), die vor allem spezifische Aussagen zur Stabilität der atherosklerotischen Plaque, dem pathologischen Korrelat der Atherosklerose ermöglichen soll.
Data-Mining in klinischen Datensätzen – Bericht der Arbeitsgruppe Bioinformatik der DGKL
Authors: Hoffmann Georg , Zapatka Marc , Findeisen Peter , Wörner Stefan , Martus Peter , Neumaier Michael
Published: July 2010

Data-Mining-Programme helfen, Erkenntnisse aus großen Datenmengen zu extrahieren. In der Laboratoriumsmedizin gewinnt das Thema trotz jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung mit Profildiagnostik erst jetzt im Zuge hoch-paralleler Analysentechniken (Genomik, Proteomik u.a.) praktische Bedeutung. Entscheidend für den Erfolg von Data-Mining-Projekten ist die fachgerechte Datenaufbereitung, insbesondere die Normalisierung der Messwerte. Am Beispiel von Routineaufnahmedaten eines Krankenhauses wird demonstriert, wie man mit einer explorativen Clusteranalyse klinisch bedeutsame Wertemuster identifizieren kann. Aufbauend auf dieser Machbarkeitsstudie fördert die DGKL ein Forschungs- und Softwareentwicklungsprojekt.
Shear Wave Measurements Using Bender Elements in Argillaceous Rocks
Authors: Arroyo Marcos , Pineda Jubert A. , Romero Enrique
Published: July 2010

The bender element technique for the measurement of the small strain shear stiffness of soils is here extended to measurements in very stiff argillaceous rocks that will be subject to artificially induced weathering. Moduli between 3 and 17 GPa are thus determined in natural samples of two different intact materials: Lilla claystone and Opalinus clay. It is explained how practical difficulties related to bender insertion and high frequency testing were overcome. Theoretical difficulties, particularly those related with possible near field noise, are examined in detail. Travel time is established by the first break technique by jointly examining the output from several input signals of different characteristics. The error associated with the technique is bounded by making similar measurements in several dummy samples of materials (aluminum and Lucite) whose well-known elastic properties lie in a similar range to that of the tested geomaterials. The effect of suction on the small strain stiffness of the homogenous Lilla clay samples is shown to be similar to that previously observed—at a lower suction range—in unsaturated compacted soils.
Spermatogenesis in house mouse in a Robertsonian polymorphism zone
Authors: Sans-Fuentes Ma Assumpció , García-Valero José , Ventura Jacint , López-Fuster Ma José
Published: July 2010

Robertsonian (Rb) translocations can be important in speciation as a mechanism of postzygotic isolation between populations. Meiotic non-disjunction, gametogenic impairment, and association of impaired autosomal segments with sex chromosomes have been postulated as mechanisms responsible for reducing fertility in Rb mice. Quantitative histological studies needed to understand the role of Rb fusions in gametogenic impairment are scarce. Most research on Rb mice has analyzed meiotic non-disjunction of laboratory and wild-derived strains, which have complex or simple structural heterozygosity with large numbers of fusions. Using histological multilevel sampling, we examined spermatogenesis in mice from the Rb polymorphism area of Barcelona. We studied four chromosomal groups having: a) one Rb heterozygote fusion and 2n=39, b) one Rb heterozygote fusion and 2n=31, c) three Rb heterozygote fusions without monobrachial homology and with diploid number ranging from 2n=29 to 2n=37, and d) only Rb homozygote fusions with diploid number ranging from 2n=28 to 2n=30. Standard mice from the area surrounding the Rb zone were used as control. We analyzed morphological variables of the testes, relative frequency of stages in the seminiferous epithelium cycle, the ‘round spermatids:primary spermatocytes’ ratio, and other derived parameters. Our results reveal that structural homozygote mice and simple heterozygote mice having as few as one to three Rb fusions undergo greater germ cell death (GCD) than standard mice, suggesting that Rb fusions are related to increased GCD (in both the heterozygous and homozygous state) and may be the main cause of decreased gene flow between mice populations from this area.
Microvolt T-wave alternant: pathomechanism and evaluation of a new marker of arrhythmia risk
Authors: Lőrincz István , Szánthó Eszter , Simkó József , Szabó Zoltán , Barta Kitti , Füzi Márta , Szigeti Gyula
Published: July 2010

A mikrovolt T-hullám-alternáns, angolul microvolt T-wave alternant (µV-TWA), a T-hullám amplitúdójának ütésről ütésre történő mikrovoltszinten mérhető váltakozása. Mivel ez a változás igen kicsi, csak finom, érzékeny digitális jelfeldolgozó technikával mérhető. Jelenlegi álláspont szerint a µV-TWA megjelenése előre jelezheti a letális, malignus kamrai tachyarrythmiák kialakulásának valószínűségét, a hirtelen szívhalál bekövetkeztét. Az elmúlt tíz évben experimentális és klinikai vizsgálatok próbálták magyarázni a µV-TWA kialakulásának patomechanizmusát és a mögöttes sejtszintű folyamatokat. Azonban a mai napig nem sikerült a µV-TWA-t kialakító celluláris folyamatokat megfelelően tisztázni. Összefoglaló tanulmányunkban áttekintjük azokat a témával foglalkozó közleményeket, amelyek a folyamatban szerepet játszó akciós potenciál repolarizációjában fontosak voltak és áttörést jelentettek az elmúlt években. Részletezzük az akciós potenciál és ionáram-fluktuáció, a citoplazmatikus kalciumkoncentráció-szabályozás, a béta-adrenerg receptorok, valamint a connexinek szerepét a µV-TWA és a következményes kamrai tachyarrhythmiák kialakításában. Ismertetjük továbbá a µV-TWA detektálására jelenleg alkalmazott technikákat, azok felhasználási lehetőségeit a hirtelen szívhalál veszélyeztetettségének felmérésében.
Foco de criptas aberrantes e câncer da junção colorretal: análise da presença de lesões precoces microscópicas na periferia do câncer colorretal e correlação com a expressão da β-catenina e Ki-67
Authors: Ogata Daniel Cury , Greca Fernando Hintz , Luz Murilo de Almeida , Ioshii Sérgio Ossamu , Tomasich Flávio Daniel Saavedra
Published: July 2010

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de foco de criptas aberrantes (FCA) em mucosa macroscopicamente normal, localizada na periferia de um câncer colorretal (CCR) e correlacionar a progressão tumoral destes FCA para o CCR, por meio da expressão da β-catenina e o Ki-67. MÉTODOS: Utilizou-se 21 espécimes cirúrgicos contendo adenocarcinoma de junção retossigmóide. Foram coletadas amostras localizadas a 1 e 5 cm proximal e distal ao tumor, quando possível, bem como um fragmento da neoplasia. Os FCA foram selecionados. Subseqüentemente foi realizado estudo imunoistoquímico com os anticorpos β-catenina e o Ki-67. RESULTADOS: A expressão nuclear da β-catenina nos adenocarcinomas, revelou freqüência de 81%. O Ki-67 apresentou a mesma freqüência. Apesar disso o coeficiente Kappa revelou fraca concordância entre estes anticorpos. Foram observados 20 FCA, sendo que 13 destes focos localizavam-se nas proximidades do tumor. Nenhum dos FCA apresentou expressão da β-catenina nuclear, tampouco para o Ki-67. CONCLUSÃO: Nas áreas situadas a 1 cm da neoplasia colorretal, foi observada maior concentração de FCA em relação às áreas situadas a 5 cm do tumor. No entanto, não se observou correlação entre a expressão da β-catenina e ki-67 nos colonócitos das criptas aberrantes das áreas estudadas, com as células neoplásicas do adenocarcinoma.
Avaliação das fibras colágenas de meniscos frescos e preservados em glicerina: estudo experimental em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Vilela Liana M. , Del Carlo Ricardo J. , Silva João Carlos P. da , Matta Sérgio Luís P.Da , Rodrigues Mauricio Correia D. , Reis Amanda Maria S.
Published: July 2010

No presente estudo foi avaliado o efeito da glicerina 98% sobre as fibras colágenas, arquitetura tecidual e o tamanho de meniscos mediais de coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia. Os meniscos foram separados em três grupos: (1) Grupo MF com meniscos frescos (grupo controle), (2) Grupo MG com meniscos preservados em glicerina 98% por 30 dias, e (3) Grupo MR com meniscos preservados em glicerina 98% por 30 dias e reidratados em NaCl 0,9%, por 12 horas. Os cortes histológicos foram corados com sirius red para identificação dos tipos de colágenos e observados em microscópio de luz polarizada, avaliando-se a concentração total de colágeno Tipo I e III e a disposição das fibras. Os meniscos frescos apresentaram significativamente maior concentração de fibras colágenas Tipo I e menor concentração de fibras colágenas Tipo III que os meniscos preservados (MG e MR); isto ocorreu devido à perda de água e conseqüente redução do tamanho dos meniscos e retração das fibras colágenas dos meniscos dos Grupos MG e MR; isto pode ter feito com que as fibras Tipo I, mais espessas e em maior quantidade, se tornassem mais evidentes do que as fibras colágenas Tipo III, que são mais delgadas e frágeis (fibrilas). Nos três grupos estudados, as fibras colágenas apresentaram-se de forma circunferencial, interpostas por fibras orientadas radialmente. Entretanto, nos grupos tratados (MG e MR) foi observado, em pequenas áreas, leve desorganização das fibras colágenas, o que correspondeu a 42,8% e 14,3% dos meniscos, respectivamente. O grupo de meniscos em glicerina apresentou redução significativa (p<0,05) no tamanho em relação ao Grupo MF. No Grupo MR, 85,7% dos meniscos retornaram ao seu tamanho inicial após a reidratação. A glicerina 98% é eficaz na preservação de meniscos, mantendo o tamanho, a arquitetura estrutural, a integridade e percentagem do colágeno dos meniscos preservados semelhante à de meniscos frescos, desde que sejam reidratados em NaCl 0,9% após preservação.
Considerations of a horizontal axis tidal turbine
Authors: O’Doherty Tim , Mason-Jones Allan , O’Doherty Daphne M. , Evans Paul S. , Wooldridge Chris , Fryett Ian
Published: July 2010

This paper considers the performance of a horizontal axis tidal turbine, at two sites off the Welsh coast of the UK, one in the Severn estuary and the second off Anglesey. Acoustic Doppler current profiler surveys were performed to investigate local velocity profiles. A small water plane area twin hull (Swath) bathymetric survey established the local bathymetry of the area. Energy extraction from a three-bladed 10 m diameter turbine was studied using a quasi-static computational fluid dynamics model and velocity profile data from the acoustic Doppler current profiler surveys. The acoustic Doppler current profiler data were rescaled allowing further insight to the attenuation of power density through the water column at a higher tidal velocity. The velocity profile has a significant effect on power attenuation reducing the extracted power to 30–40% of peak power. The turbine performance calculation is highly dependent on the velocity used; the velocity should be monitored around five turbine diameters upstream, at the depth of its axis of rotation. The axial load on the turbine peaks at the freewheeling velocity dropping to 88% at peak power. It is suggested that the velocity at the Severn estuary site is, unlike the Anglesey site, unlikely to provide a suitable level of power to be viable.
2. Hilbert-Type Integral Inequalities with Multi-Parameters
Authors: Yang Bicheng
Published: July 2010

In this chapter, we build some Hilbert-type integral inequalities with two pairs of conjugate
exponents and an independent parameter, and consider their operator characterizations. The equivalent
forms and the reverses are also given. Some sufficient conditions of bounded operator are established
and a number of particular inequalities are deduced. The proofs of some basic theorems are used the
limit theorems in the theory of Lebesgue integrals and the technique of real analysis.
5 Multiple Hilbert-Type Integral Inequalities
Authors: Yang Bicheng
Published: July 2010

In this chapter, we establish some lemmas and obtain two equivalent multiple
Hilbert-type integral inequalities with the homogeneous kernels of real number-degree and the
reverses, which are the best extensions of the corresponding results in Chapter 2. As
applications, two equivalent multiple integral inequalities with the non-homogeneous kernels,
two classes of multiple Hardy-type integral inequalities and some particular examples are also
considered.
Volunteered Geographic Information and Crowdsourcing Disaster Relief: A Case Study of the Haitian Earthquake
Authors: Zook Matthew , Graham Mark , Shelton Taylor , Gorman Sean
Published: July 2010

This paper outlines the ways in which information technologies (ITs) were used in the Haiti relief effort, especially with respect to web‐based mapping services. Although there were numerous ways in which this took place, this paper focuses on four in particular: CrisisCamp Haiti, OpenStreetMap, Ushahidi, and GeoCommons. This analysis demonstrates that ITs were a key means through which individuals could make a tangible difference in the work of relief and aid agencies without actually being physically present in Haiti. While not without problems, this effort nevertheless represents a remarkable example of the power and crowdsourced online mapping and the potential for new avenues of interaction between physically distant places that vary tremendously.
Living‐Unrelated Kidney Selling in Pakistan: Can Organ Transplantation Law and Social Action Create a New Model for Developing Countries?
Authors: Akhtar Faheem , Bari Omar H
Published: July 2010

Pakistan made its name as one of the leading kidney markets during the last 15 years because of the availability of willing organ donors. A major motivating factor is poverty, which induces the underprivileged to proffer their organs to the marketplace. Vendors (i.e., people selling their kidneys) hope that compensated kidney donation will lead to a better life that is debt‐free and without despair. By engaging kidney brokers, private hospitals have commercialized the milieu and set aside misgivings about abusing the poor for profit. Contributing factors to this practice are analyzed in this article. The administration in Pakistan must assuage the predicament of the deprived, and in addition must strengthen and stringently enforce both the organ transplant law and compensated organ donations to curtail a recalcitrant and unethical kidney trade.
Geographical Disparity in Access to Organ Transplant in the United States and Other Western Countries: A Prolegomenon to A Solution
Authors: Koizumi Naoru
Published: July 2010

Background: Disparities in access to and in outcome of organ transplantation are widely discussed topics among transplant researchers in many Western countries. Among various types of disparities examined in existing studies, “geographic disparity,” i.e., disparity due to a recipient's location, is most common. Despite a number of articles that acknowledge the existence of geographic disparities, the literature has been relatively silent about the historical and international efforts to address these issues. Literature discussing remedies or proposing analytical tools to identify remedies is even rarer. This paper investigates potential causes of geographic disparity and advocates possible methodological approaches to analyze and address the disparity. Methods: The paper conducts an in‐depth review of geographic disparity and the policy efforts to reduce the disparity in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The current organ allocation systems in these countries are also reviewed and compared. Possible causes of the disparity and future analytical approaches are discussed based on the findings of these reviews. Findings: Geographic disparity in organ transplant service is ubiquitous in all countries studied. Many Western countries have a similar organ allocation system with some difference in the degree of interregional and national‐level sharing enforced by the government. The organ allocation system in these countries tends to have some inherent mechanism to favor a “home region” where organs are harvested, implying that the locations of candidates matter in accessing a transplant. Geographic allocation boundaries prevalent in the United States were found to be another potential source of geographic disparity. Conclusions: Developing an equitable organ allocation system is a multifaceted problem. The allocation procedure needs to reflect priorities of urgent cases and some geographic areas, patient's severity level, waiting time, cold ischemia time (CIT) and associated travel distance, condition of and compatibility between organ and recipient, etc. Failing to reflect these factors adequately results in disparity of some sort. The implications of geographic boundaries in organ allocation need to be studied further. Utilization of relatively new methodological approaches, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and system dynamic modeling, would help develop a system that allocates organs more equitably.
Visible or Invisible Games? A Critique on the Future of the World Games
Authors: Hsu Li-Hong
Published: July 2010

Visible or Invisible Games? A Critique on the Future of the World Games

As the crowded calendar of world sport and the increasing competition between sporting festivals is likely to affect more second-tier global sporting festivals than the Olympic Games (Cashman 2004, p. 134), this paper attempts to answer a few questions concerning the future of the World Games, i.e. a multi-sport mega event. The first and primary question is whether it is worthwhile to host the World Games. In this paper reasoned justification will be provided with a critical eye. Furthermore, questions will be raised about the when and particularly about the where. The content of the World Games' programs will be briefly discussed and critically evaluated as well. As an example the author will use the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for discussion.
Introduction
Authors: Eastmond Marita
Published: July 2010

This special section of Focaal explores processes of social recovery and peace-building in the aftermath of radical violence and political upheaval. The articles draw on detailed ethnographic case studies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country that was shattered by war and ethnic cleansing in the 1990s, and raise issues of relevance to other post-conflict situations. Challenging “reconciliation” as a moral discourse with universalist claims, the articles highlight the dynamics of its localization in different contexts of intervention in post-war society. The four contributions explore different facets of this dynamic as it is played out in the key areas of justice, the return of refugees and internally displaced persons, and NGO peace-building activities. They illuminate what happens when the global paradigm of reconciliation encounters and filters through meanings and motivations of actors in local contexts. They also note that everyday interactions between former adversaries take place not as a moral engagement with reconciliation but as part of rebuilding a sense of normality. The findings point to the need to critically investigate the conditions under which such encounters may empower or prohibit the rebuilding of social relations and trust in post-war societies.
Microvascular decompression for elderly patients with trigeminal neuralgia: a prospective study and systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Sekula Raymond F. , Frederickson Andrew M. , Jannetta Peter J. , Quigley Matthew R. , Aziz Khaled M. , Arnone Gregory D.
Published: July 2010

Object

Because the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) increases with age, neurosurgeons frequently encounter elderly patients with this disorder. Although microvascular decompression (MVD) is the only etiological therapy for TN with the highest initial efficacy and durability of all treatments, it is nonetheless associated with special risks (cerebellar hematoma, cranial nerve injury, stroke, and death) not seen with the commonly performed ablative procedures. Thus, the safety of MVD in the elderly remains a concern. This prospective study and systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether MVD is a safe and effective treatment in elderly patients with TN.

Methods

In this prospectively conducted analysis, 36 elderly patients (mean age 73.0 ± 5.9 years) and 53 nonelderly patients (mean age 52.9 ± 8.8 years) underwent MVD over the study period. Outcome and complication data were recorded.

The authors also conducted a systematic review of the English literature published before December 2009 and providing outcomes and complications of MVD in patients with TN above the age of 60 years. Pooled complication rates of stroke, death, cerebellar hematoma, and permanent cranial nerve deficits were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-one elderly patients (86.1%) reported an excellent outcome after MVD (mean follow-up 20.0 ± 7.0 months). Twenty-five elderly patients with Type 1 TN were compared with 26 nonelderly patients with Type 1 TN, and no significant difference in outcomes was found (p = 0.046). Three elderly patients with Type 2a TN were compared with 12 nonelderly patients with Type 2a TN, and no significant difference in outcomes was noted (p = 1.0). Eight elderly patients with Type 2b TN were compared with 15 nonelderly patients with Type 2b TN, and no significant difference in outcomes was noted (p = 0.086). The median length of stay between cohorts was compared, and no significant difference was noted (2 days for each cohort, p = 0.33). There were no CSF leaks, no cerebellar hematomas, no strokes, and no deaths.

Eight studies (1334 patients) met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. For none of the complications was the incidence significantly more frequent in elderly patients than in the nonelderly.

Conclusions

Although patient selection remains important, the authors' experience and the results of this systematic review with meta-analysis suggest that the majority of elderly patients with TN can safely undergo MVD.
Abnormalities in Plain X-Ray Findings of Lumbosacral Spine in Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Ansari Ayub , Mondle Md Shamsuzzaman , Hossain Mohammed Afzal
Published: July 2010

This study was done prospectively over 50 admitted patients in the department of Neurosurgery, BSMMU from July'05 to June'06. Age range was 19-70 years, majority of them was male (76%), 24% was female, male: female was 3.17:1. Predominant occupation was manual labor (42%), sedentary workers 24%, housewives 26% and students 04%. Out 50 patients 72% had right convexity and 28% had left convexity of the lumbosacral spine. Regarding lumbar lordosis 72% had straightened, 24% had maintained and the remaining had reversed curve. Others X-ray findings were narrowing of interverteral disc spaces (76%), osteophytes (52%), narrowing of intervertebral foramina (46%), sacralization (10%), and listhesis(10%). Out of that 57% had right sided prolapse and 38% had left and 5% had central. The percentages of disc displace at one or two lowers grouped in the study as either a disc bulge is disc protrusion is 58%. Disc bulge is more common than protrusion in this study with a prevalence of 42% compared to rest and the prevalence increases progressively caudally with the greatest number at L5/S1 level. DOI: 10.3329/medtoday.v22i1.5597 Medicine Today Vol.22(1) 2010.6-11
The Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding HBV Infection of Married Women in the Reproductive Age Group living in Different Districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Atiqur , Mannan Sultana Rokeya
Published: July 2010

The present study was conducted to know the knowledge, attitude and practices of 300 married women in the reproductive age group living in different districts of Bangladesh, regarding HBV infection. Only 20% of the women were found aware of the mode of transmission of HBV. However, 50% of the women were having the misconceptions regarding mode of transmission of HBV. 4% of women, 30% of children up to 5 years and 15% of children above 5 years were fully immunized with hepatitis B vaccine. 80% of children up to 5 years and 75% of children above 5 years were fully immunized as per universal immunization programme. Hence, the results of the study clearly indicated the low immunization rate with vaccine against HBV under universal immunization programme and this further potentiated the need to grow public awareness about vaccination against Hepatitis B by focusing the beneficial effect of early immunization through public electronic media. Key words: KAP; HBV; Immunization; Perinatal transmission DOI: 10.3329/medtoday.v22i1.5602 Medicine Today Vol.22(1) 2010. 29-31
A Clinical Study on PCOS Patients in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Anwary Shaheen Ara , Alfazzaman Md , Begum Nurjahan
Published: July 2010

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition characterized by menstrual abnormalities and clinical or biochemical features of hyperandrogenism and may manifest at any age. The present study was carried out at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from January 2008 to March 2009, on 50 women with PCOS which was diagnosed by three criteria: (1) oligo and/or anovulation, (2) hyperandrogenism and (3) polycystic ovaries, to evaluate their characteristics and laboratory investigation findings. Most common age was 2125 years (44%), mean BMI 27.10 kg/m2, menstrual cycle irregularity 80%, oligomenorrhoea 28%, dysmenorrhoea 18%, nulliparity 90%, history of abortion 10%, acne in 52%, hirsutism in 50%, and per vaginal findings were anteverted uterus 100%, free fornices 98% and healthy cervix 94%.  Laboratory findings were low (2.8 mIU/ml) serum FSH 2%, raised (>14.7 mIU/ml) serum LH 56%, raised (7.8 mmol/L) blood sugar (2hr after 75 g glucose load) 30%, raised (>25 ng/ml) serum prolactin 14%, raised (>4 ?IU/ml) serum TSH 2%, low <3.5 ng/dl), ultrasound of lower abdomen showed evidence of PCOS in 100% cases. Infertility in women with PCOS can be treated successfully in most women by diet and exercise, clomiphene citrate with or without metformin, laparoscopic ovarian diarthermy, or ovulation induction with gonadotrophins. Key words: PCOS; Infertility DOI: 10.3329/medtoday.v22i1.5604 Medicine Today Vol.22(1) 2010. 34-37
A Characterization of Farsightedly Stable Networks
Authors: Grandjean Gilles , Mauleon Ana , Vannetelbosch Vincent
Published: July 2010

We study the stability of social and economic networks when players are farsighted. We first provide an algorithm that characterizes the unique pairwise and groupwise farsightedly stable set of networks under the componentwise egalitarian allocation rule. We then show that this set coincides with the unique groupwise myopically stable set of networks but not with the unique pairwise myopically stable set of networks. We conclude that, if groupwise deviations are allowed then whether players are farsighted or myopic does not matter; if players are farsighted then whether players are allowed to deviate in pairs only or in groups does not matter.
Endocrine Disruptors and Obesity: An Examination of Selected Persistent Organic Pollutants in the NHANES 1999–2002 Data
Authors: Elobeid Mai A. , Padilla David W. , Brock David B. , Ruden Miguel A. , Allison Douglas M.
Published: July 2010

Recent evidence suggests that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may cause perturbations in endogenous hormonal regulation that predispose to weight gain. Using data from NHANES (1999–2002), we investigated the association between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) via multiple linear regressions. Consistent interaction was found between gender, ln oxychlordane and ln p,p’ DDT. Also, we found an association between WC and ln oxychlordane and ln hpcdd in subjects with detectable levels of POPs, whereas an association between WC and ln p,p’ DDT was observed in all subjects. Furthermore, ln Ocdd showed an increase with higher WC and BMI, whereas, ln trans-nonachlor decreased with higher BMI. Hence, BMI and WC are associated with POPs levels, making the chemicals plausible contributors to the obesity epidemic.
The Systemic and Pulmonary Immune Response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxins
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Ménoret Antoine , Ngoi Soo-Mun , Vella Anthony T.
Published: July 2010

In response to environmental cues the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus synthesizes and releases proteinaceous enterotoxins. These enterotoxins are natural etiologic entities of severe food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and acute diseases. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are currently listed as Category B Bioterrorism Agents by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. They are associated with respiratory illnesses, and may contribute to exacerbation of pulmonary disease. This likely stems from the ability of Staphylococcal enterotoxins to elicit powerful episodes of T cell stimulation resulting in release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we discuss the role of the immune system and potential mechanisms of disease initiation and progression.
NetB, a Pore-Forming Toxin from Necrotic Enteritis Strains of Clostridium perfringens
Authors: Keyburn Anthony L. , Bannam Trudi L. , Moore Robert J. , Rood Julian I.
Published: July 2010

The Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like toxin (NetB) is a recently discovered member of the β-barrel pore-forming toxin family and is produced by a subset of avian C. perfringens type A strains. NetB is cytotoxic for avian cells and is associated with avian necrotic enteritis. This review examines the current state of knowledge of NetB: its role in pathogenesis, its distribution and expression in C. perfringens and its vaccine potential.
Bcl-2 Expression Enhances Myoblast Sheet Transplantation Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kitabayashi Katsukiyo , Siltanen Antti , Pätilä Tommi , Mahar Muhammad Ali Asim , Tikkanen Ilkka , Koponen Jonna , Ono Masamichi , Sawa Yoshiki , Kankuri Esko , Harjula Ari
Published: July 2010

Myoblast sheet transplantation is a promising novel treatment modality for heart failure after an ischemic insult. However, low supply of blood and nutrients may compromise sheet survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mitochondria-protective Bcl-2-modified myoblasts in cell sheet transplantation therapy. In the Bcl-2-expressing rat L6 myoblast sheets (L6-Bcl2), increased expression of myocyte markers and angiogenic mediators was evident compared to wild-type (L6-WT) sheets. The L6-Bcl2 sheets demonstrated significant resistance to apoptotic stimuli, and their differentiation capacity in vitro was increased. We evaluated the therapeutic effect of Bcl-2-modified myoblast sheets in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sixty-four Wistar rats were divided into four groups. One group underwent AMI ( n = 22), another AMI and L6-WT sheet transplantation ( n = 17), and a third AMI and L6-Bcl2 sheet transplantation ( n = 20). Five rats underwent a sham operation. Echocardiography was performed after 3, 10, and 28 days. Samples for histological analysis were collected at the end of the study. After AMI, the Bcl-2-expressing sheets survived longer on the infarcted myocardium, and significantly improved cardiac function. L6-Bcl2 sheet transplantation reduced myocardial fibrosis and increased vascular density in infarct and border areas. Moreover, the number of c-kit-positive and proliferating cells in the myocardium was increased in the L6-Bcl2 group. In conclusion, Bcl-2 prolongs survival of myoblast sheets, increases production of proangiogenic paracrine mediators, and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of cell sheet transplantation.
Distribution, Differentiation, and Survival of Intravenously Administered Neural Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Mitrečić Dinko , Nicaise Charles , Gajović Srećko , Pochet Roland
Published: July 2010

The transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is a challenging therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To provide insight into the potential of the intravenous delivery of NSCs, we evaluated the delivery of NSCs marked with green fluorescent protein to the central nervous system (CNS) via intravenous tail vein injections in an ALS model. The injected cell fates were followed 1, 3, and 7 days after transplantation. The highest efficiency of cell delivery to the CNS was found in symptomatic ALS (up to 13%), moderate in presymptomatic ALS (up to 6%), and the lowest in wild-type animals (up to 0.3%). NSCs injected into ALS animals preferentially colonized the motor cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord, and their differentiation was characterized by a decrease of nestin expression and the appearance of MAP2-, GFAP-, O4-, and CD68-positive cells. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) administration increased the CNS delivery of transplanted cells in wild-type and presymptomatic, but not ALS symptomatic animals. Moreover, a TNF-related increase in NSC differentiation and survival was detected. Apoptosis was detected as the main cause of the loss of transplanted cells and it was influenced by TNF. Although 3 days after TNF treatment cell death was accelerated, TNF slowed down apoptosis after 7 days. This study provides elementary facts about the process occurring after NSCs leave the blood stream and enter the nervous tissue affected by inflammation/degeneration, which should help facilitate the planning of future bench-to-bedside translational projects.
Distinct Cell Death Programs in Monocytes Regulate Innate Responses Following Challenge with Common Causes of Invasive Bacterial Disease
Authors: Webster Steve J. , Daigneault Marc , Bewley Martin A. , Preston Julie A. , Marriott Helen. M. , Walmsley Sarah R. , Read Robert C. , Whyte Moira K. B. , Dockrell David H.
Published: July 2010

Peripheral blood monocytes represent the rapid response component of mononuclear phagocyte host defense, generating vigorous but finite antibacterial responses. We investigated the fate of highly purified primary human monocytes following phagocytosis of different bacteria. Exposure to high bacterial loads resulted in rapid loss of cell viability and decreased functional competence. Cell death typically involved classical apoptosis. Exposure to high numbers of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae induced nonapoptotic death with loss of cell membrane integrity, marked disruption of phagolysosomes, and caspase-1 activation, while a subset of cells also released caspase-1–regulated extracellular traps. Classical apoptosis increased if extracellular bacterial replication was reduced and decreased if intracellular ATP levels were reduced during these infections. Both classical apoptosis and the alternative forms of cell death allowed monocytes, whose functional competence was exhausted, to downregulate reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine responses. In contrast, sustained stimulation of glycolytic metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, with associated hypoxia inducible factor-1α upregulation, maintained intracellular ATP levels and prolonged monocyte functional longevity, as assessed by maintenance of phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species production, and proinflammatory cytokine generation. Monocyte innate responses to bacteria are short-lived and are limited by an intrinsic program of apoptosis, a response that is subverted by overwhelming infection with E. coli and K. pneumoniae or bacterial stimulation of cell metabolism. In this regard, the fate of monocytes following bacterial challenge more closely resembles neutrophils than macrophages.
Trpm4 Differentially Regulates Th1 and Th2 Function by Altering Calcium Signaling and NFAT Localization
Authors: Weber K. Scott , Hildner Kai , Murphy Kenneth M. , Allen Paul M.
Published: July 2010

Th cell subsets have unique calcium (Ca2+) signals when activated with identical stimuli. The regulation of these Ca2+ signals and their correlation to the biological function of each T cell subset remains unclear. Trpm4 is a Ca2+-activated cation channel that we found is expressed at higher levels in Th2 cells compared with Th1 cells. Inhibition of Trpm4 expression increased Ca2+ influx and oscillatory levels in Th2 cells and decreased influx and oscillations in Th1 cells. This inhibition of Trpm4 expression also significantly altered T cell cytokine production and motility. Our experiments revealed that decreasing Trpm4 levels divergently regulates nuclear localization of NFATc1. Consistent with this, gene profiling did not show Trpm4-dependent transcriptional regulation, and T-bet and GATA-3 levels remain identical. Thus, Trpm4 is expressed at different levels in Th cells and plays a distinctive role in T cell function by differentially regulating Ca2+ signaling and NFATc1 localization.
A triadic construct in Jubilees 30
Authors: Venter Pieter M.
Published: July 2010

Publications on Old Testament ethics often use triadic constructs to explain the moral impact of Biblical passages. In Genesis 11:27–50:26, Ezra 9:6–15, Nehemiah 7:72b–10:40, Damascus Document (CD) V:1, 2–6 and Jubilees 8–9 and 23, constructs of three interrelated concepts are used, all related to the issue of marriage. This paper investigates the story of Dinah’s ravishment in the book of Jubilees 30:1–25 and compares it to the original rendition in Genesis 33:18–34:31. The conclusion is drawn that both renditions use a construct of three interrelated concepts. Genesis uses a triad of progeny, marriage and land. The book of Jubilees uses an interrelated construction of Law, identity and marriage. In Jubilees the focus is shifted from the shame of Dinah’s rape to the shame of intermarriage between different groups in Jubilees. Here a cultic-oriented person links the laws revealed to Moses with his particular view on intermarriage and purity/impurity. His purpose is to propagate a new purified identity for the Jews of his day.
Estimating the maritime component of aerosol optical depth and its dependency on surface wind speed using satellite data
Authors: Lehahn Y. , Koren I. , Boss E. , Ben-Ami Y. , Altaratz O.
Published: July 2010

Abstract. Six years (2003–2008) of satellite measurements of aerosol parameters from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and surface wind speeds from Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E), and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I), are used to provide a comprehensive perspective on the link between surface wind speed and marine aerosol optical depth over tropical and subtropical oceanic regions. A systematic comparison between the satellite derived fields in these regions allows to: (i) separate the relative contribution of wind-induced marine aerosol to the aerosol optical depth; (ii) extract an empirical linear equation linking coarse marine aerosol optical depth and wind intensity; and (iii) identify a time scale for correlating marine aerosol optical depth and surface wind speed. The contribution of wind induced marine aerosol to aerosol optical depth is found to be dominated by the coarse mode elements. When wind intensity exceeds 4 m/s, coarse marine aerosol optical depth is linearly correlated with the surface wind speed, with a remarkably consistent slope of 0.009±0.002 s/m. A detailed time scale analysis shows that the linear correlation between the fields is well kept within a 12 h time frame, while sharply decreasing when the time lag between measurements is longer. The background aerosol optical depth, associated with aerosols that are not produced in-situ through wind driven processes, can be used for estimating the contributions of terrestrial and biogenic marine aerosol to over-ocean satellite retrievals of aerosol optical depth.