bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic approaches to treatment of achalasia
Authors: Stavropoulos Stavros N. , Friedel David , Modayil Rani , Iqbal Shahzad , Grendell James H.
Published: December 2012

Endoscopic therapy for achalasia is directed at disrupting or weakening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The two most commonly utilized endoscopic interventions are large balloon pneumatic dilation (PD) and botulinum toxin injection (BTI). These interventions have been extensively scrutinized and compared with each other as well as with surgical disruption (myotomy) of the LES. PD is generally more effective in improving dysphagia in achalasia than BTI, with the latter reserved for infirm older people, and PD may approach treatment results attained with myotomy. However, PD may need to be repeated. Small balloon dilation and endoscopic stent placement for achalasia have only been used in select centers. Per oral endoscopic myotomy is a newer endoscopic modality that will likely change the treatment paradigm for achalasia. It arose from the field of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and represents a scarless endoscopic approach to Heller myotomy. This is a technique that requires extensive training and preparation and thus there should be rigorous accreditation and monitoring of outcomes to ensure safety and efficacy.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Knee
Authors: Hash Thomas W.
Published: December 2012

Context:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) affords high-resolution visualization of the soft tissue structures (menisci, ligaments, cartilage, etc) and bone marrow of the knee.

Evidence Acquisition:

Pertinent clinical and research articles in the orthopaedic and radiology literature over the past 30 years using PubMed.

Results:

Ligament tears can be accurately assessed with MRI, but distinguishing partial tears from ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be challenging. Determining the extent of a partial tear is often extremely difficult to accurately assess. The status of the posterolateral corner structures, menisci, and cartilage can be accurately evaluated, although limitations in the evaluation of certain structures exist. Patellofemoral joint, marrow, tibiofibular joint, and synovial pathology can supplement physical examination findings and provide definitive diagnosis.

Conclusions:

MRI provides an accurate noninvasive assessment of knee pathology.
Sialolithiasis
Authors: Kirkendall Jessalynn
Published: December 2012

Sialolithiasis is a rare condition characterized by the presence of stones within the salivary gland or duct. Salivary duct stones have an incidence of 1% at autopsy, but only 50 in 1,000,000 present symptomatically per year. Possible signs and symptoms include an upper neck or jaw mass that enlarges and recedes following meals and xerostomia, or dry mouth. Sonography has been used along with a number of other imaging modalities to diagnose this condition. The use of real-time sonographic imaging allows for identification and confirmation of the presence of stones within the salivary gland. Treatment of sialolithiasis generally begins conservatively but can result in surgery if not resolved. This case report demonstrates the use of sonography as an effective method of diagnosing sialolithiasis in a patient with classic symptoms.
Retroaortic Left Renal Vein
Authors: Aichroth JoAnn , Fox Traci
Published: December 2012

A retroaortic left renal vein (RLRV) is an uncommon condition in which the left renal vein passes posterior to the abdominal aorta and anterior to the vertebrae. Retroaortic left renal vein may lead to left renal vein hypertension syndrome, also known as the nutcracker syndrome, a condition in which extrinsic compression of the left renal vein causes hypertension within the vessel. Retroaortic left renal vein and nutcracker syndrome are vascular anomalies considered to be of clinical importance, particularly during surgical procedures involving the renal vasculature directly or, in many cases, the abdominal aorta.
Down-regulation of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (Long Form) contributes to apoptosis induced by Hsp90 inhibition in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Wang Qilin , Sun Wendong , Hao Xuexi , Li Tianliang , Su Ling , Liu Xiangguo
Published: December 2012

Background

Cellular FLICE-Inhibitory Protein (long form, c-FLIPL) is a critical negative regulator of death receptor-mediated apoptosis. Overexpression of c-FLIPL has been reported in many cancer cell lines and is associated with chemoresistance. In contrast, down-regulation of c-FLIP may drive cancer cells into cellular apoptosis. This study aims to demonstrate that inhibition of the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) either by inhibitors geldanamycin/17-N-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (GA/17-AAG) or siRNA technique in human lung cancer cells induces c-FLIPL degradation and cellular apoptosis through C-terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP)-mediated mechanisms.

Methods

Calu-1 and H157 cell lines (including H157-c-FLIPL overexpressing c-FLIPL and control cell H157-lacZ) were treated with 17-AAG and the cell lysates were prepared to detect the given proteins by Western Blot and the cell survival was assayed by SRB assay. CHIP and Hsp90 α/β proteins were knocked down by siRNA technique. CHIP and c-FLIPL plasmids were transfected into cells and immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to testify the interactions between c-FLIPL, CHIP and Hsp90.

Results

c-FLIPL down-regulation induced by 17-AAG can be reversed with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, which suggested that c-FLIPL degradation is mediated by a ubiquitin-proteasome system. Inhibition of Hsp90α/β reduced c-FLIPL level, whereas knocking down CHIP expression with siRNA technique inhibited c-FLIPL degradation. Furthermore, c-FLIPL and CHIP were co-precipitated in the IP complexes. In addition, overexpression of c-FLIPL can rescue cancer cells from apoptosis. When 17-AAG was combined with an anti-cancer agent celecoxib(CCB), c-FLIPL level declined further and there was a higher degree of caspase activation.

Conclusion

We have elucidated c-FLIPL degradation contributes to apoptosis induced by Hsp90 inhibition, suggesting c-FLIP and Hsp90 may be the promising combined targets in human lung cancer treatment.
Two-dimensional ultrathin gold film composed of steadily linked dense nanoparticle with surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Wang Long-De , Zhang Tong , Zhu Sheng-Qing , Zhang Xiao-Yang , Wang Qi-Long , Liu Xuefeng , Li Ruo-Zhou
Published: December 2012

Background

Noble metallic nanoparticles have prominent optical local-field enhancement and light trapping properties in the visible light region resulting from surface plasmon resonances.

Results

We investigate the optical spectral properties and the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of two-dimensional distinctive continuous ultrathin gold nanofilms. Experimental results show that the one- or two-layer nanofilm obviously increases absorbance in PEDOT:PSS and P3HT:PCBM layers and the gold nanofilm acquires high Raman-enhancing capability.

Conclusions

The fabricated novel structure of the continuous ultrathin gold nanofilms possesses high surface plasmon resonance properties and boasts a high surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement factor, which can be a robust and cost-efficient SERS substrate. Interestingly, owing to the distinctive morphology and high light transmittance, the peculiar nanofilm can be used in multilayer photovoltaic devices to trap light without affecting the physical thickness of solar photovoltaic absorber layers and yielding new options for solar cell design.
Genomic organization, evolution, and expression of photoprotein and opsin genes in Mnemiopsis leidyi: a new view of ctenophore photocytes
Authors: Schnitzler Christine E , Pang Kevin , Powers Meghan L , Reitzel Adam M , Ryan Joseph F , Simmons David , Tada Takashi , Park Morgan , Gupta Jyoti , Brooks Shelise Y , Blakesley Robert W , Yokoyama Shozo , Haddock Steven HD , Martindale Mark Q , Baxevanis Andreas D
Published: December 2012

Background

Calcium-activated photoproteins are luciferase variants found in photocyte cells of bioluminescent jellyfish (Phylum Cnidaria) and comb jellies (Phylum Ctenophora). The complete genomic sequence from the ctenophoreMnemiopsis leidyi, a representative of the earliest branch of animals that emit light, provided an opportunity to examine the genome of an organism that uses this class of luciferase for bioluminescence and to look for genes involved in light reception. To determine when photoprotein genes first arose, we examined the genomic sequence from other early-branching taxa. We combined our genomic survey with gene trees, developmental expression patterns, and functional protein assays of photoproteins and opsins to provide a comprehensive view of light production and light reception inMnemiopsis.

Results

TheMnemiopsisgenome has 10 full-length photoprotein genes situated within two genomic clusters with high sequence conservation that are maintained due to strong purifying selection and concerted evolution. Photoprotein-like genes were also identified in the genomes of the non-luminescent spongeAmphimedon queenslandicaand the non-luminescent cnidarianNematostella vectensis, and phylogenomic analysis demonstrated that photoprotein genes arose at the base of all animals. Photoprotein gene expression inMnemiopsisembryos begins during gastrulation in migrating precursors to photocytes and persists throughout development in the canals where photocytes reside. We identified three putative opsin genes in theMnemiopsisgenome and show that they do not group with well-known bilaterian opsin subfamilies. Interestingly, photoprotein transcripts are co-expressed with two of the putative opsins in developing photocytes. Opsin expression is also seen in the apical sensory organ. We present evidence that one opsin functions as a photopigmentin vitro, absorbing light at wavelengths that overlap with peak photoprotein light emission, raising the hypothesis that light production and light reception may be functionally connected in ctenophore photocytes. We also present genomic evidence of a complete ciliary phototransduction cascade inMnemiopsis.

Conclusions

This study elucidates the genomic organization, evolutionary history, and developmental expression of photoprotein and opsin genes in the ctenophoreMnemiopsis leidyi, introduces a novel dual role for ctenophore photocytes in both bioluminescence and phototransduction, and raises the possibility that light production and light reception are linked in this early-branching non-bilaterian animal.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Norwegian dairy goats
Authors: Stormoen Marit , Tharaldsen Jorun , Hopp Petter
Published: December 2012

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is a major problem for the sheep industry as it may cause reproduction problems. The importance of T. gondii in Norwegian goat herds is uncertain, but outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in dairy goat farms have been recorded. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of T. gondii infection in Norwegian dairy goats by using serology.

Findings

Goat serum originally collected as part of two nationwide surveillance and control programmes between 2002 and 2008 were examined for T. gondii antibodies by using direct agglutination test. In total, 55 of 73 herds (75%) had one or more serologically positive animals, while 377 of 2188 (17%) of the individual samples tested positive for T. gondii antibodies.

Conclusions

This is the first prevalence study of T. gondii infection in Norwegian goats. The results show that Norwegian goat herds are commonly exposed to T. gondii. Nevertheless, the majority of goat herds have a low prevalence of antibody positive animals, which make them vulnerable to infections with T. gondii during the gestation period.
RNA-seq based identification and mutant validation of gene targets related to ethanol resistance in cyanobacterial Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Wang Jiangxin , Chen Lei , Huang Siqiang , Liu Jie , Ren Xiaoyue , Tian Xiaoxu , Qiao Jianjun , Zhang Weiwen
Published: December 2012

Background

Fermentation production of biofuel ethanol consumes agricultural crops, which will compete directly with the food supply. As an alternative, photosynthetic cyanobacteria have been proposed as microbial factories to produce ethanol directly from solar energy and CO2. However, the ethanol productivity from photoautotrophic cyanobacteria is still very low, mostly due to the low tolerance of cyanobacterial systems to ethanol stress.

Results

To build a foundation necessary to engineer robust ethanol-producing cyanobacterial hosts, in this study we applied a quantitative transcriptomics approach with a next-generation sequencing technology, combined with quantitative reverse-transcript PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, to reveal the global metabolic responses to ethanol in model cyanobacterial Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The results showed that ethanol exposure induced genes involved in common stress responses, transporting and cell envelope modification. In addition, the cells can also utilize enhanced polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) accumulation and glyoxalase detoxication pathway as means against ethanol stress. The up-regulation of photosynthesis by ethanol was also further confirmed at transcriptional level. Finally, we used gene knockout strains to validate the potential target genes related to ethanol tolerance.

Conclusion

RNA-Seq based global transcriptomic analysis provided a comprehensive view of cellular response to ethanol exposure. The analysis provided a list of gene targets for engineering ethanol tolerance in cyanobacterium Synechocystis.
The influence of liver and pancreas surgery on the thyroid function
Authors: Wojciechowska-Durczynska Katarzyna , Zygmunt Arkadiusz , Durczynski Adam , Strzelczyk Janusz , Lewinski Andrzej
Published: December 2012

Background

Nowadays, the increasing number of oncologic patients with liver or pancreatic tumours are subjected to surgical treatment, as it can provide a long-term survival or sometimes cure. As a result, numerous new clinical questions regarding metabolic disturbances in these patients have been arisen. Among others, the impact of the pancreas and liver surgery extent in relation to the thyroid function remains to be elucidated.

Materials and methods

The study comprised 51 patients (25 men and 26 women, mean age ± SD 61.6 ± 10.4 yrs, mean ± SD) with pancreatic or liver tumours, qualified for abdominal operation. Serum levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH were measured on the day before (time “0”) and on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day after surgery in two (2) subgroups reflecting the extent of surgery: twenty seven (27) patients (14 men and 13 women, mean age ± SD 61.5 ± 11.8 yrs) after major surgery (Whipple’s surgery, right and left hemihepatectomy, segmentectomy of the liver, distal pancreatectomy, total duodenopancreatectomy) and twenty four (24) patients (11 men and 13 women, mean age ± SD 61.8 ± 8.9 yrs) after minor, palliative surgery (exploratory laparotomy, gastroenterostomy, triple by-pass, liver tumour embolization, hepaticojejunostomy). Additionally, the obtained results were analyzed in relation to the type of the disease (pancreatic surgery vs liver surgery).

Results

Mean serum FT3 level decreased significantly during the study in major and minor surgery subgroups (p<0.001, in both) in comparison to the baseline values, accompanied by stable serum concentrations of TSH (NS) and FT4 (NS). The above decreasing tendency in FT3 concentrations was similar in both subgroups (NS), the same as were unchanged levels of TSH (NS) and FT4 (NS). Mean FT4 concentration on the 3rd and 5th day after major surgery was lower in pancreatic tumour patients in comparison to liver tumour patients (p=0.002, p=0.032, respectively). Similarly, mean FT3 concentration on the 3rd day in minor surgery subgroup was lower in pancreatic tumour patients in comparison to liver tumour patients (p=0.015).

Discussion

Our findings have confirmed essential reduction of FT3 values after abdominal surgery, independently of surgery extent. Additionally, pancreatic tumour patients are more likely to have lower FT3 and FT4 levels after surgery when compared to liver tumour patients.
Enhancing resolution of nonstationary seismic data by molecular-Gabor transform
Authors: Wang Lingling , Gao Jinghuai , Zhao Wei , Jiang Xiudi
Published: December 2012

We propose an adaptive spectrum-broadening method (ASBM) to improve the resolution of nonstationary seismic data. This method assumes that a seismic trace can be split into segments, each of which can be considered as approximately stationary. We construct a set of specific windows, called molecular-Gabor (MG) windows, by solving an optimization problem, such that the seismic trace in each of the MG windows is stationary. A time-frequency (t-f) transform, called MG transform, can be obtained from a MG frame constructed using the MG windows. For a seismic trace, we first transform it into the t-f domain, then spectrum-broadening and/or amplitude compensation are performed in each of the MG windows. Subsequently, a high-resolution version of the nonstationary seismic trace will be obtained after the inverse MG transform. Applications of this method to synthetic and field data show that the ASBM works well for a general earth [Formula: see text]-model that varies with traveltime. It can restore the attenuated energy and expand the frequency bandwidth of a nonstationary seismic trace effectively. One significant advantage of our method is that it automatically estimates all the parameters that are optimal for each trace.
Optimized finite-difference operator for broadband seismic wave modeling
Authors: Zhang Jin-Hai , Yao Zhen-Xing
Published: December 2012

High-resolution image and waveform inversion of small-scale targets requires the handling of high-frequency seismic wavefields. However, conventional finite-difference (FD) methods have strong numerical dispersions in the presence of high-frequency components. To reduce these numerical dispersions, we optimized the constant coefficients of the FD operator by maximizing the wavenumber coverage within a given error limitation. We set up three general criteria to enhance the convergence of the algorithm and reduce the optimization effort. We selected the error limitation to be 0.0001, this being the smallest in the literature, which led to perfect agreement between theoretical analyses and numerical experiments. The accuracy of our optimized FD methods can even reach that of much higher order unoptimized FD methods, which means great savings of computational efforts and memory demand. These advantages become even more apparent with 3D modeling, especially for saving memory demand.
A thrombospondin in the anthozoan Nematostella vectensis is associated with the nervous system and upregulated during regeneration
Authors: Tucker Richard P. , Hess John F. , Gong Qizhi , Garvey Katrina , Shibata Bradley , Adams Josephine C.
Published: December 2012

Thrombospondins are multimeric extracellular matrix glycoproteins that play important roles in development, synaptogenesis and wound healing in mammals. We previously identified four putative thrombospondins in the genome of the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. This study presents the first analysis of these thrombospondins, with the goals of understanding fundamental roles of thrombospondins in the Eumetazoa. Reverse transcriptase PCR showed that each of the N. vectensis thrombospondins (Nv85341, Nv22035, Nv168100 and Nv30790) is transcribed. Three of the four thrombospondins include an RGD or KGD motif in their thrombospondin type 3 repeats at sites equivalent to mammalian thrombospondins, suggesting ancient roles as RGD integrin ligands. Phylogenetic analysis based on the C-terminal regions demonstrated a high level of sequence diversity between N. vectensis thrombospondins. A full-length cDNA sequence was obtained for Nv168100 (NvTSP168100), which has an unusual domain organization. Immunohistochemistry with an antibody to NvTSP168100 revealed labeling of neuron-like cells in the mesoglea of the retractor muscles and the pharynx. In situ hybridization and quantitative PCR showed that NvTSP168100 is upregulated during regeneration. Immunohistochemistry of the area of regeneration identified strong immunostaining of the glycocalyx, the carbohydrate-rich matrix coating the epidermis, and electron microscopy identified changes in glycocalyx organization during regeneration. Thus, N. vectensis thrombospondins share structural features with thrombospondins from mammals and may have roles in the nervous system and in matrix reorganization during regeneration.
Myomegalin is necessary for the formation of centrosomal and Golgi-derived microtubules
Authors: Roubin Régine , Acquaviva Claire , Chevrier Véronique , Sedjaï Fatima , Zyss Déborah , Birnbaum Daniel , Rosnet Olivier
Published: December 2012

The generation of cellular microtubules is initiated at specific sites such as the centrosome and the Golgi apparatus that contain nucleation complexes rich in γ-tubulin. The microtubule growing plus-ends are stabilized by plus-end tracking proteins (+TIPs), mainly EB1 and associated proteins. Myomegalin was identified as a centrosome/Golgi protein associated with cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. We show here that Myomegalin exists as several isoforms. We characterize two of them. One isoform, CM-MMG, harbors a conserved domain (CM1), recently described as a nucleation activator, and is related to a family of γ-tubulin binding proteins, which includes Drosophila centrosomin. It localizes at the centrosome and at the cis-Golgi in an AKAP450-dependent manner. It recruits γ-tubulin nucleating complexes and promotes microtubule nucleation. The second isoform, EB-MMG, is devoid of CM1 domain and has a unique N-terminus with potential EB1-binding sites. It localizes at the cis-Golgi and can localize to microtubule plus-ends. EB-MMG binds EB1 and affects its loading on microtubules and microtubule growth. Depletion of Myomegalin by small interfering RNA delays microtubule growth from the centrosome and Golgi apparatus, and decreases directional migration of RPE1 cells. In conclusion, the Myomegalin gene encodes different isoforms that regulate microtubules. At least two of these have different roles, demonstrating a previously unknown mechanism to control microtubules in vertebrate cells.
Interplay between a Wnt-dependent organiser and the Notch segmentation clock regulates posterior development in Periplaneta americana
Authors: Chesebro John E. , Pueyo Jose Ignacio , Couso Juan Pablo
Published: December 2012

Sequential addition of segments in the posteriorly growing end of the embryo is a developmental mechanism common to many bilaterians. However, posterior growth and patterning in most animals also entails the establishment of a ‘posterior organiser’ that expresses the Caudal and Wnt proteins and has been proposed to be an ancestral feature of animal development. We have studied the functional relationships between the Wnt-driven organiser and the segmentation mechanisms in a basal insect, the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Here, posteriorly-expressed Wnt1 promotes caudal and Delta expression early in development to generate a growth zone from which segments will later bud off. caudal maintains the undifferentiated growth zone by dampening Delta expression, and hence Notch-mediated segmentation occurs just outside the caudal domain. In turn, Delta expression maintains Wnt1, maintaining this posterior gene network until all segments have formed. This feedback between caudal, Wnt and Notch-signalling in regulating growth and segmentation seems conserved in other arthropods, with some aspects found even in vertebrates. Thus our findings not only support an ancestral Wnt posterior organiser, but also impinge on the proposals for a common origin of segmentation in arthropods, annelids and vertebrates.
Egg-share donors’ and recipients’ knowledge, motivations and concerns: clinical and policy implications
Authors: Gürtin Zeynep B , Ahuja Kamal K , Golombok Susan
Published: December 2012

This paper reports the results of a survey study examining the knowledge, motivations and concerns of egg-share donors and recipients, and assesses the clinical and policy implications of these findings. The survey, combining quantitative and qualitative items, was completed by 48 donors and 38 recipients who took part in an egg-sharing scheme at the London Women's Clinic between 2007 and 2009. Although the most important motivation for all egg-sharers was to have a baby, both donors and recipients displayed multiple motivations, including elements of self-interest and altruism. Many viewed egg-sharing as a reciprocal process in which two women with different needs help one another. The results are reassuring from an ethical and policy perspective: they suggest that if information about egg-sharing was more widely available (especially through general practitioners), more women may consider becoming egg-share donors, gaining swift access to their own treatment and reducing the UK's egg donor shortage.
Preventable Hospital Mortality: Learning from Retrospective Case Record Review
Authors: Sorinola Olanrewaju O , Weerasinghe Chamindri , Brown Ruth
Published: December 2012

Summary

Objective

To determine the proportion of hospital deaths associated with preventable problems in care and how they can be reduced.

Design

A two phase before and after evaluation of a hospital mortality reduction programme.

Setting

A district general hospital in Warwickshire, England.

Participants

In Phase 1, 400 patients who died in 2009 at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust had their case notes reviewed. In Phase 2, Trust wide measures were introduced across the whole Trust population to bring about quality improvements.

Main outcome measures

To reduce the crude mortality and in effect the risk adjusted mortality index (RAMI) by 45 in the three years following the start of the programme, from 145 in 2009 to 100 or less in 2012.

Results

In total, 34 (8.5%) patients experienced a problem in their care that contributed to death. The principal problems were lack of senior medical input (24%), poor clinical monitoring or management (24%), diagnostic errors (15%) and infections (15%). In total, 41% (14) of these were judged to have been preventable (3.5% of all deaths). Following the quality improvement programme, crude mortality fell from 1.95% (2009) to 1.56% (2012) while RAMI dropped from 145 (2009) to 87 (2012).

Conclusion

A quality improvement strategy based on good local evidence is effective in improving the quality of care sufficiently to reduce mortality.
Fitting the Pht/Mt/s/c Time-Dependent Departure Process for Use in Tandem Queueing Networks
Authors: Nasr Walid W. , Taaffe Michael R.
Published: December 2012

This paper considers time-dependent Pht/Mt/s/c queueing nodes and small tandem networks of such nodes. We examine characteristics of the departure processes from a multiserver queueing node; in particular, we focus on solving for the first two time-dependent moments of the departure-count process. A finite set of partial moment differential equations is developed to numerically solve for the departure-count moments over specified intervals of time [ti, ti + τi). We also present a distribution fitting algorithm to match these key characteristics with a [Formula: see text] process serving as the approximate departure process. A distribution fitting algorithm is presented for time-dependent point processes where a two-level balanced mixture of Erlang distribution is used to serve as the approximating process. We then use the [Formula: see text] approximating departure process as the approximate composite arrival process to downstream node(s) in a network of tandem queues.
Critical Appraisal of Translational Research Models for Suitability in Performance Assessment of Cancer Centers
Authors: Rajan Abinaya , Sullivan Richard , Bakker Suzanne , van Harten Wim H.
Published: December 2012

Background.

Translational research is a complex cumulative process that takes time. However, the operating environment for cancer centers engaged in translational research is now financially insecure. Centers are challenged to improve results and reduce time from discovery to practice innovations. Performance assessment can identify improvement areas that will help reduce translational delays. Currently, no standard method exists to identify models for use in performance assessment. This study aimed to critically appraise translational research models for suitability in performance assessment of cancer centers.

Methods.

We conducted a systematic review to identify models and developed a set of criteria based on scientometrics, complex adaptive systems, research and development processes, and strategic evaluation. Models were assessed for linkage between research and care components, new knowledge, systems integration, performance assessment, and review of other models.

Results.

Twelve models were identified; six described phases/components for translational research in different blocks (T models) and six described the process of translational research (process models). Both models view translational research as an accumulation of new knowledge. However, process models more clearly address systems integration, link research and care components, and were developed for evaluating and improving the performance of translational research. T models are more likely to review other models.

Conclusion.

Process models seem to be more suitable for performance assessment of cancer centers than T models. The most suitable process models (the Process Marker Model and Lean and Six Sigma applications) must be thoroughly tested in practice.
Briefing: Combined heat and power plants – a reality?
Authors: Shevloff Damian
Published: December 2012

With the drive to become more energy efficient, organisations across all industry sectors need to consider their energy use. This is not only in order to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon dioxide emissions, but also to reduce their own costs against the modern background of price fluctuations and energy uncertainty. This paper discusses how energy can be derived from the recycling loop, by looking at the potential that combined heat and power solutions offer for turning waste into clean energy.
Briefing: Renewables obligations certificates – understanding risks
Authors: Bradshaw Craig
Published: December 2012

There is a clear commitment to increasing the role of renewable energy in meeting the UK’s future energy needs, with renewables obligation certificates forming a key part of this strategy. However, with a growing number of private and public sector organisations embracing renewable energy initiatives such as combined heat and power plants, suppliers and clients must identify and address the wider commercial risks at an early stage.
Changing restoration rules: Exotic bivalves interact with residence time and depth to control phytoplankton productivity
Authors: Lucas Lisa V. , Thompson Janet K.
Published: December 2012

Non‐native species are a prevalent ecosystem stressor that can interact with other stressors to confound resource management and restoration. We examine how interactions between physical habitat attributes and a particular category of non‐native species (invasive bivalves) influence primary production in aquatic ecosystems. Using mathematical models, we show how intuitive relationships between phytoplankton productivity and controllable physical factors (water depth, hydraulic transport time) that hold in the absence of bivalves can be complicated—and even reversed—by rapid bivalve grazing. In light‐limited environments without bivalves, shallow, hydrodynamically “slow” habitats should generally have greater phytoplankton biomass and productivity than deeper, “faster” habitats. But shallower, slower environments can be less productive than deeper, faster ones if benthic grazing is strong. Moreover, shallower and slower waters exhibit a particularly broad range of possible productivity outcomes that can depend on whether bivalves are present. Since it is difficult to predict the response of non‐native bivalves to habitat restoration, outcomes for new shallow, slow environments can be highly uncertain. Habitat depth and transport time should therefore not be used as indicators of phytoplankton biomass and production where bivalve colonization is possible. This study provides for ecosystem management a particular example of a broad lesson: abiotic ecosystem stressors should be managed with explicit consideration of interactions with other major (including biotic) stressors. We discuss the applicability and management implications of our models and results for a range of aquatic system types, with a case study focused on the Sacramento‐San Joaquin Delta (California, USA). Simple mathematical models like those used here can illuminate interactions between ecosystem stressors and provide process‐based guidance for resource managers as they develop strategies to augment valued populations, restore habitats, and manipulate ecosystem functions.
Loss of Consciousness in Injuries of the Extremities is an Alert to a Higher Probability of Death
Authors: Sanches José Eduardo Arantes , Godoy José Maria Pereira de , Baitello André Luciano , Chueire Alceu Gomes
Published: December 2012

Background:

There are many published studies about loss of consciousness related to general trauma however works on loss of consciousness in respect to orthopedic injuries are scarce.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether loss of consciousness worsens the prognosis of patients with orthopedic injuries.

Method:

A retrospective cohort study of orthopedic traumas was performed in the university Hospital of Base in São José do Rio Preto. All accident victims with injuries of the extremities classified as Score 3 or 4 by the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) were included in this observational quantitative study. Patients with minor injuries and injuries that did not involve the extremities were not included. The association of loss of consciousness at the scene of the accident with evolution to death was investigated. The t-test, chi-squared and Fisher exact tests, and relative risk were used for statistical analysis. An alpha error of 5% (p-value ≤ 0.05) was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 245 patients with ages between 13 and 98 years old and a mean of 45.4 years had extremity AIS scores of 3 or 4. Of these, significantly more men (170 - p< 0.001) suffered this type of injury than women (71). Thirty-six (14.94%) of these patients lost consciousness compared to 205 (85.06%) who did not lose consciousness. The total death rate in this group of patients was 5.39%; 9 (25%) of the 36 patients who lost consciousness and 4 (1.95%) of the 205 who did not lose consciousness died (Fisher exact test: p-value = 0.0001 and relative risk = 12,813 – 95% confidence index: 4,166 to 39,408).

Conclusion:

Loss of consciousness in patients with orthopedic injuries of the extremities is associated to a higher death rate.
TGF Expression and Macrophage Accumulation in Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Gloviczki Monika L. , Keddis Mira T. , Garovic Vesna D. , Friedman Hanna , Herrmann Sandra , McKusick Michael A , Misra Sanjay , Grande Joseph P. , Lerman Lilach O. , Textor Stephen C.
Published: December 2012

Background and objectives

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) reduces renal blood flow and is a potential cause of chronic kidney injury, yet little is known regarding inflammatory pathways in this disorder in human participants. This study aimed to examine the hypothesis that reduced renal blood flow (RBF) in ARAS would be associated with tissue TGF-β activation and inflammatory cell accumulation.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This cross-sectional study of ARAS of varying severity compared transjugular biopsy specimens in patients with ARAS (n=12, recruited between 2008 and 2012) with tissue from healthy kidney donors (n=15) and nephrectomy specimens from individuals with total vascular occlusion (n=65). ARAS patients were studied under controlled conditions to measure RBF by multidetector computed tomography and tissue oxygenation by blood oxygen level–dependent magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Compared with the nonstenotic contralateral kidneys, RBF was reduced in poststenotic kidneys (242±149 versus 365+174 ml/min; P<0.01) as was single-kidney GFR (28±17 versus 41±19 ml/min; P<0.01), whereas cortical and medullary oxygenation were relatively preserved. Tissue TGF-β immunoreactivity was higher in ARAS patients compared with those with both normal kidneys and those with total occlusion (mean score 2.4±0.7 versus 1.5+1.1 in the nephrectomy group and versus 0±0 in donors; P<0.01). By contrast, the number of CD68+ macrophages was higher with greater disease severity (from 2.2±2.7 in normal to 22.4±18 cells/high-power field in nephrectomy samples; P<0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate robust stimulation of TGF-β associated with macrophage infiltration within the human kidney with vascular occlusive disease.
Use of the NeuroBalloon catheter for endoscopic third ventriculostomy
Authors: Guzman Raphael , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Zerah Michel , Sainte-Rose Christian
Published: December 2012

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has become the procedure of choice for treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. While patient selection is the most critical factor in determining the success of an ETV procedure, the technical challenge lies in the proper site of fenestration and the successful creation of a patent stoma. Positioning of a single balloon catheter at the level or below the floor of the third ventricle to achieve an optimal ventriculostomy can at times be challenging. Here, the authors describe the use of a double-barrel balloon catheter (NeuroBalloon catheter), which facilitates positioning across, as well as dilation of, the floor of the third ventricle. The surgical technique and nuances of using the NeuroBalloon catheter and the experience in more than 1000 cases are described. The occurrence of vascular injury was less than 0.1%, and the risk of balloon rupture was less than 2%. The authors found that the placement and deployment of this balloon catheter facilitate the creation of an adequate ventriculostomy in a few simple steps.
Characteristics and long-term outcome of 251 patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas in a defined population
Authors: Piippo Anna , Niemelä Mika , van Popta Jouke , Kangasniemi Marko , Rinne Jaakko , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , Hernesniemi Juha
Published: December 2012

Object

Management of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) has changed during the last decades due to increased knowledge of their pathophysiology and natural history as well as advances in treatment modalities. The authors describe the characteristics and long-term outcome of a large consecutive series of patients with DAVFs.

Methods

Altogether 251 patients with 261 DAVFs were treated in 2 of the 5 neurosurgery departments at Helsinki and Kuopio University Hospitals between 1944 and 2006. Clinical data and radiological examinations were reviewed to assess patients' overall long-term clinical outcome.

Results

The detection rate of DAVFs increased markedly in the 1970s and again in the 1990s when digital subtraction angiography was introduced. The incidence of DAVFs in a defined southern Finnish population was 0.51 per 100,000 individuals per year, which represents 32% of all the brain arteriovenous malformations. In the early part of the series, DAVFs were treated by proximal ligation of the feeding arteries. Later, most of the patients underwent preoperative embolization and subsequent craniotomy, and since 2000 stereotactic radiosurgery has been increasingly used in the treatment of DAVFs. Fifty-nine percent of the 261 fistulas were totally occluded. Treatment-related major complications were seen in 21 patients.

Conclusions

The advances in diagnostic methods (digital subtraction angiography, CT, and MRI) increased the detection rate of DAVFs, and as treatment modalities developed, the results of treatment and outcome of patients markedly improved with the introduction of endovascular techniques and stereotactic radiosurgery. Microsurgery is of limited use in DAVFs resistant to other treatment modalities.
A single center's experience with the bedside subdural evacuating port system: a useful alternative to traditional methods for chronic subdural hematoma evacuation
Authors: Safain Mina , Roguski Marie , Antoniou Alexander , Schirmer Clemens M. , Malek Adel M. , Riesenburger Ron
Published: December 2012

Object

The traditional methods for managing symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) include evacuation via a bur hole or craniotomy, both with or without drain placement. Because chronic SDH frequently occurs in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, the bedside approach afforded by the subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) is an attractive alternative method that is performed under local anesthesia and conscious sedation. The goal of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of SEPS as compared with traditional methods.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database of 23 chronic SDHs treated by bur hole or craniotomy and of 23 chronic SDHs treated by SEPS drainage at Tufts Medical Center was compiled, and a retrospective chart review was performed. Information regarding demographics, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, and outcome was collected. The volume of SDH before and after treatment was semiautomatically measured using imaging software.

Results

There was no significant difference in initial SDH volume (94.5 cm3 vs 112.6 cm3, respectively; p = 0.25) or final SDH volume (31.9 cm3 vs 28.2 cm3, respectively; p = 0.65) between SEPS drainage and traditional methods. In addition, there was no difference in mortality (4.3% vs 9.1%, respectively; p = 0.61), length of stay (11 days vs 9.1 days, respectively; p = 0.48), or stability of subdural evacuation (94.1% vs 83.3%, respectively; p = 0.60) for the SEPS and traditional groups at an average follow-up of 12 and 15 weeks, respectively. Only 2 of 23 SDHs treated by SEPS required further treatment by bur hole or craniotomy due to inadequate evacuation of subdural blood.

Conclusions

The SEPS is a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods of evacuation of chronic SDHs and should be considered in patients presenting with a symptomatic chronic SDH.
Radiographic and clinical outcome of syringomyelia in patients treated for tethered cord syndrome without other significant imaging abnormalities
Authors: Kulwin Charles G. , Patel Neal B. , Ackerman Laurie L. , Smith Jodi L. , Boaz Joel C. , Fulkerson Daniel H.
Published: December 2012

Object

The surgical management of patients with symptoms of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) who lack significant radiographic abnormalities is controversial. One potential MRI marker for TCS is a spinal cord syrinx or syringomyelia. Alternatively, a syrinx may be a benign and incidental finding. In this report the authors evaluated a highly selected cohort of patients with symptoms of TCS with minimal radiographic abnormalities other than syringomyelia. They analyzed clinical and radiographic outcomes after tethered cord release (TCR).

Methods

A retrospective review of data from 16 children who met the study inclusion criteria was performed. All patients had been surgically treated at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Indiana, between 2006 and 2011. All children had clinical symptoms of TCS as well as available pre- and postoperative MRI data.

Results

The most common presentation (12 [75%] of 16 patients) was urinary dysfunction, defined as symptoms of urgency or incontinence with abnormal urodynamic studies. Clinical follow-up data were available in 11 of these 12 patients. All 11 had improvement in symptoms at an average follow-up of 17 months. Seven (87.5%) of 8 patients presenting with back or leg pain had improvement. Three patients had progressive scoliosis; 2 had stabilization of the curve or mild improvement, and 1 patient had worsening deformity.

Radiographic follow-up data were obtained an average of 14.5 months after surgery. Twelve patients (75%) had stable syringomyelia after TCR. Four patients showed improvement, with 2 having complete radiographic resolution.

Conclusions

Highly selected patients with symptoms of TCS did very well clinically. Patients with abnormal urodynamic studies, pain, and gait disturbances showed a high rate of symptomatic improvement. However, a smaller percentage of patients had radiographic improvement of the syrinx. Therefore, the authors suggest that the decision to perform TCR should be based on clinical symptoms in this population. Symptomatic improvement was not necessarily related to radiographic resolution of the syrinx.
Preparation and characterization of polyaniline-silica composite material
Authors: Akhter US , Miran MS , Susan MABH , Mollah MYA , Rahman MM
Published: December 2012

Polyaniline-silica (PAni-silica) composite material with 40% silica was prepared by polymerization of aniline in a medium consisting of colloidal silica, freshly prepared by hydrolysis of sodium silicate at room temperature at pH 6.5. The physico-chemical properties of both PAni and the composite material, PAni-silica were studied by FT-IR and transmission electron microscopy and measurements of Brunauer- Emmett-Teller (BET) isotherms. PAni-silica composites showed inhomogeneous pore distribution, although PAni has no significant pores. Average pore size of PAni-silica was 280 and 175 Å during adsorption and desorption of nitrogen, respectively. The interactions of PAnisilica composite and PAni with saturated hydrocarbons were investigated by inverse gas chromatography. The composite material was found to be efficient for separation of a mixture of hydrocarbons, in the range of C5-C9, owing to large BET surface area. Enthalpy of adsorption of the individual hydrocarbons was evaluated from an analysis of the retention time and the flow rate of the carrier gas. For PAni, the enthalpy of adsorption was very low; however, the value for the composite material was found to be comparable to the enthalpy of evaporation of the individual hydrocarbons. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13055 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 249-256, 2012
Preparation and characterization of activated carbon from bio-diesel by-products (Jatropha seedcake) by steam activation
Authors: Islam MS , Rouf MA , Fujimoto S , Minowa T
Published: December 2012

Activated carbon was prepared using bio-diesel waste (Jatropha seedcake) by conventional carbonization followed by steam activation process on a laboratory scale. Preliminary tests were conducted to investigate the influences of different operating parameters, such as initial material size, pyrolysis temperature and hold time on the properties of pyrolized chars. To determine the optimum conditions for producing activated carbon, the effect of activation temperature and activation time have been studied. The maximum BET surface area of 613.43 m2/g and highest methylene blue adsorption capacity of 8.27 mg/g was obtained at a pyrolysis temperature of 600°C for hold time 1.5 hr followed by steam activation at a temperature of 800°C for a hold time of 1 hr. The produced activated carbon was almost like ash at 900°C. FT-IR and TG/DTA have been done in order to understand the structural changes during the process. The waste material was a suitable raw material for the production of good quality activated carbon. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v47i3.13056 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 47(3), 257-264, 2012