bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injury Patterns at a Large Western United States Ski Resort With and Without Snowboarders
Authors: Rust David A. , Gilmore C. Jan , Treme Gehron
Published: January 2013

Background:

Differences in injury patterns among alpine skiers and snowboarders have previously been recognized, and controversy remains about the safety implications that snowboarding may pose to a ski resort. A change of policy at Taos Ski Valley provides a unique and modern perspective on the effect that snowboarders have on ski resort injuries.

Hypothesis:

The addition of snowboarders to a large ski resort may result in a significant change in both the rate and pattern of injuries treated.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Patient records from the Mogul Medical Clinic at Taos Ski Valley were reviewed from the 2006-2007 ski season through the 2009-2010 season (approximately 2 years before and after snowboarding was allowed) and recorded for age, sex, diagnosis, body region, anatomic location, injury type, and sport (skiing, snowboarding). The total numbers of mountain visits for the time periods with and without snowboarding were used to determine injury rates.

Results:

The overall rate of persons injured increased from 206.7 per 100,000 mountain visits without snowboarders to 233.8 with snowboarders. The relative risk ratio was 1.131, also represented as a 13.1% increased risk of injury (IRI) (statistically significant; 95% CI, 3.5%-23.6%). Increases were seen in the rate of upper extremity injuries (IRI, 39.1%; 95% CI, 14.3-69.4) and head/neck injuries (IRI 30.8%; not significant), while lower extremity and trunk/pelvis injuries remained relatively constant. Distal radius fractures, closed head injuries, and acromioclavicular separations showed statistically significant increases with the addition of snowboarding. The most frequent injuries among snowboarders were distal radius fractures, wrist sprains, closed head injuries, and acromioclavicular separations. The most frequent injuries among skiers were anterior cruciate ligament tears, knee sprains, closed head injuries, and gastrocnemius tears. The median age of injured persons decreased from 39 years (range, 4-100 years) without snowboarders to 31 years (range, 4-99 years) with snowboarders, and this was significant. Approximately 45% of injured persons were female, and this did not change with the addition of snowboarders.

Conclusion:

In this study, there was a small but statistically significant increase in the likelihood of injury with the addition of snowboarding to a large ski resort. It is likely that factors such as younger demographic, elevated risk-taking behavior, or increased mountain crowding are involved. The difference in injuries is largely because of a significant increase in distal radius fractures, closed head injuries, and acromioclavicular separations. On mountain safety precautions such as widening of runs and streamlining of high traffic areas, training medical providers to recognize and treat sport-specific injuries, and promoting the use of wrist guards and helmets may be useful in reducing the effect that snowboarders have on ski resort injuries.
Comparative studies on melt processable polyimides derived from 2,3,3′,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 2,3,3′,4′-thioetherdiphthalic anhydride
Authors: Zeng Hongling , Pei Xueliang , Chen Guofei , Cao Lujie , Chen Liang , Fang Xingzhong
Published: January 2013

Two thermoplastic polyimides were controllably synthesized with similar molecular weight from 2,3,3′,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (3,4′-ODPA) or 2,3,3′,4′-thioetherdiphthalic anhydride (3,4′-TDPA) with 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA) by a one-step method of m-cresol. The solubility and mechanical properties of these polymers were investigated for comparison. The thermal and melt processable properties of these polymers were examined carefully by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheometer and melt index, and so on. It was found that the glass transition temperature ( Tg) of 3,4′-TDPA/ODA was about 15°C lower than that of 3,4′-ODPA/ODA, the melt indices of 3,4′-TDPA/ODA at different temperatures were higher than those of 3,4′-ODPA/ODA, while the minimum melt viscosity of 3,4′-TDPA/ODA was lower than those of 3,4′-ODPA/ODA. Furthermore, TGA results showed that 3,4′-TDPA/ODA had different degradation mechanism in air compared with 3,4′-ODPA/ODA. The long-term thermooxidative stability results showed that 3,4′-TDPA/ODA had better thermal oxidative stability than 3,4′-ODPA/ODA at 410°C for 6 h in air, which could be associated with the results of apparent activation energy ( Ea) of polymers calculated by TGA dynamics. The natural bond orbital charge of ethero atoms (S or O), and energy gap of the corresponding model compounds were also obtained by computational simulation to correlate with polymer properties.
Moving Beyond Disciplinary Differences in Group Research
Authors: Beck Stephenson J.
Published: January 2013

This forum investigates two questions: How can scholars use comments outside their discipline to enhance their research? How can scholars from different disciplines integrate methodological differences to enhance group research?
Learning to Appreciate (Methodological) Comments From the Scientific Out-Group
Authors: Meyer Bertolt
Published: January 2013

In this invited contribution to Beck’s forum, I explain how comments from members of other scientific subdisciplines can be useful for advancing one’s own research.
Effort Intentions in Teams
Authors: Hüffmeier Joachim , Dietrich Hilke , Hertel Guido
Published: January 2013

Theoretical models of individual motivation in groups represent overt effort intentions as precursors of observable effort expenditure in a group context. We examined established triggers of group motivation gains in a scenario-based paradigm, exploring which of these triggers are already manifested at the level of effort intentions. We expected higher effort intentions during teamwork as compared with individual work when teamwork enabled one of the following processes: social compensation, social comparison, or social indispensability. Fifty-seven basketball players (Study 1) and 97 adolescents (Study 2) were asked to imagine individual and team sports situations and to indicate their intended effort in these situations. Features of the team situations were manipulated following a 2 (task demands: conjunctive vs. additive) × 4 (partner performance: inferior, equally strong, moderately superior, very superior) design. Results showed that social compensation, social comparison, and social indispensability were already at work at the level of overt effort intentions.
Writing a Mixed Methods Report in Social Work Research
Authors: Bronstein Laura R. , Kovacs Pamela J.
Published: January 2013

This article briefly chronicles the development of mixed methods research and its use in social work. We then move onto a discussion of terms and designs, reasons for (and for not) using mixed methods. Drawing upon exemplars, we address how to write up a mixed methods study when (1) the sample is single; single for one part, with a subset for the other; or, there is more than one sample; (2) the timing is concurrent or sequential; and (3) the priority or weighting is equal or weighted toward one method or the other (qualitative or quantitative). In addition we address the Discussion section of a mixed-methods article as an opportunity to integrate the qualitative and quantitative data for readers.
Therapeutic Showering in Labor
Authors: Stark Mary Ann
Published: January 2013

While showering is thought to be an effective coping strategy during labor, research on this comfort measure is lacking. The purpose of this study was to measure effectiveness of therapeutic showering on pain, coping, tension, anxiety, relaxation, and fatigue in labor. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest single group design was conducted in a community hospital. Participants were women who had singleton, uncomplicated pregnancies and were in active labor at term ( N = 24). After completing pretest measures, participants took a 30 min shower where they were encouraged to be seated but could choose positions of comfort. There were significant reductions in tension and anxiety and increased relaxation and coping. Showering may be a safe and effective comfort measure for healthy, laboring women who are experiencing tension or anxiety, or having difficulty relaxing or coping with labor. Further research is needed to test the maternal and neonatal outcomes of this nonpharmacologic comfort measure.
On anisotropic elasticity damage mechanics
Authors: Jarić J , Kuzmanović D , Šumarac D
Published: January 2013

The anisotropic elasticity damage mechanics is considered within the framework of the classical theory of elasticity. Starting from the principle of strain equivalence and notion of isotropic group, damage tensor components are derived in terms of elastic parameters of undamaged (virgin) material in closed-form solution. The procedure was applied for several symmetries that are important for applications.
Sunitinib, a Small-Molecule Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Suppresses Neointimal Hyperplasia in Balloon-Injured Rat Carotid Artery
Authors: Ishii So , Okamoto Yoshihisa , Katsumata Harumi , Egawa Seiko , Yamanaka Daisuke , Fukushima Makoto , Minami Shiro
Published: January 2013

The migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced by growth factors play a critical role in in-stent stenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The present study tested the hypothesis that sunitinib malate (sunitinib), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor of multiple receptors for growth factors, can reduce neointimal formation after arterial injury in vivo and sought to reveal the underlying mechanism in vitro. Male Wistar rats with balloon-injured carotid arteries were administered either sunitinib or a vehicle orally for 2 weeks. Sunitinib significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia relative to control by reducing active cell proliferation. In cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs), sunitinib significantly inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced increases of DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and migration relative to controls as evaluated by [3H] thymidine incorporation, cell number, and the Boyden chamber assay, respectively. Immunoblot analyses showed that sunitinib suppressed phosphorylation of PDGF-BB inducible extracellular signal-regulated kinase and autophosphorylation of PDGF β-receptor, which are the key signaling steps involved in HASMC activation. These results indicate that sunitinib inhibits neointimal formation after arterial injury by suppressing VSMC proliferation and migration presumably through inactivation of PDGF signaling. As such, it may be a potential therapeutic agent, which targets arterial restenosis after PCI.
Antithrombotic Medication Use and Bleeding Risk in Medically Ill Patients After Hospitalization
Authors: Mahan Charles E. , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Fisher Maxine D. , Fields Larry E. , Mills Roger M. , Stephenson Judith J. , Fu An-Chen , Klaskala Winslow
Published: January 2013

Background:

Hospitalized medically ill patients receiving antithrombotic medications experience increased risk of bleeding. We examined antithrombotic use, bleeding rates, and associated risk factors at 30 days post discharge.

Methods:

This retrospective database analysis included nonsurgical patients aged ≥40 years hospitalized for ≥2 days during 2005 to 2009. Previously cited, validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for major bleeding were used to define clinically relevant bleeding.

Results:

Of the 327,578 patients, 9.1% received antithrombotic medications, of which 3.7% were anticoagulants. Rates of major and minor bleeding were 1.8% and 7.1%, respectively. Preindex gastroduodenal ulcer, thromboembolic stroke, blood dyscrasias, liver disease, and rehospitalization were the strongest predictors of major bleeding. Other risk factors included increasing age, male gender, and hospital stay of ≥3 days.

Conclusions:

Careful consideration of these demonstrated bleed-associated comorbidities before initiating anticoagulation or combining antithrombotic medications in medically ill patients may improve strategies for prevention of postdischarge thromboembolism.
Quality of Golden papaya stored under controlled atmosphere conditions
Authors: Martins Derliane Ribeiro , de Resende Eder Dutra
Published: January 2013

This work evaluated physicochemical parameters of Golden papaya stored under refrigeration in controlled atmospheres. The fruits were kept at 13 ℃ in chambers containing either 3 or 6% O2 combined with 6%, 10% or 15% CO2. Moreover, a normal atmosphere was produced with 20.8% O2 and 0.03% CO2 with ethylene scrubbing, and a control treatment was used with ambient conditions. Evaluations were performed at the following times: before storage, after 30 days of storage in controlled atmosphere, and after removal from controlled atmosphere and storage for 7 days in the cold room. At the lower O2 levels and higher CO2 levels, the ripening rate was decreased. The drop in pulp acidity was avoided after 30 days of storage at 3% O2, but the fruits reached normal acidity after removal from controlled atmosphere and storage for 7 days in the cold room. The reducing sugars remained at a higher concentration after 30 days under 3% O2 and 15% CO2 even 7 days after removal from controlled atmosphere and storage in the cold room. This atmosphere also preserved the content of ascorbic acid at a higher level.
Workshop Proceedings
Authors: Stagg Nicola J. , Ghantous Hanan N. , Ladics Gregory S. , House Robert V. , Gendel Steven M. , Hastings Kenneth L.
Published: January 2013

A workshop entitled “Challenges and Opportunities in Evaluating Protein Allergenicity across Biotechnology Industries” was held at the 51st Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology (SOT) in San Francisco, California. The workshop was sponsored by the Biotechnology Specialty Section of SOT and was designed to present the science-based approaches used in biotechnology industries to evaluate and regulate protein allergenicity. A panel of experts from industry and government highlighted the allergenicity testing requirements and research in the agricultural, pharmaceutical/biopharma, and vaccine biotechnology industries and addressed challenges and opportunities for advancing the science of protein allergenicity. The main learning from the workshop was that immunoglobulin E-mediated allergenicity of biotechnology-derived products is difficult to assess without human data. The approaches currently being used to evaluate potential for allergenicity across biotechnology industries are very different and range from bioinformatics, in vitro serology, in vivo animal testing, in vitro and in vivo functional assays, and “biosimilar” assessments (ie, biotherapeutic equivalents to innovator products). The challenge remains with regard to the different or lack of regulatory requirements for allergenicity testing across industries, but the novel approaches being used with bioinformatics and biosimilars may lead to opportunities in the future to collaborate across biotechnology industries.
Julia Kristeva, ‘woman’s primary homosexuality’ and homophobia
Authors: Gambaudo Sylvie
Published: January 2013

This article offers a critical reading of what Julia Kristeva calls ‘woman’s primary homosexuality’ and discusses homophobia in Kristeva’s work. If we are to draw conclusions on the merits and limitations of Kristeva’s theories of sexuality, homophobia needs to be assessed within the aesthetic and ethical contexts that typify Kristeva’s overall oeuvre. The article shows that we can apply Kristeva’s semiotic/symbolic model of signification to sexuality and argues for the construction of ‘primary homosexuality’ as the manifestation of resistance to authorized sexual identity. The article also shows why the political demands to recognize lesbianism as a valid form of sexuality and especially as an intelligible lifestyle go against Kristeva’s understanding of what resistance entails.
A guide to facilitate the early treatment of patients with idiopathic demyelinating disease (multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica)
Authors: Carroll WM , Saida T , Kim HJ , Kira J , Kermode AG , Tsai CP , Fujihara K , Kusunoki S , Tanaka M , Kim KK , Bates D
Published: January 2013

Definite diagnosis of inflammatory demyelinating disease (multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO)) may require time, but early treatment offers the opportunity to maximize patient outcomes. The purpose of this report is to provide guidance to facilitate early treatment decisions for patients with inflammatory demyelinating disease, before definitive diagnosis. Neurology experts reviewed the existing literature and clinical evidence. A treatment decision pathway was developed, defining patients for whom first-line MS disease-modifying therapies (a) are unlikely to be effective, (b) may be effective but require careful monitoring and (c) are likely to provide benefit. This algorithm seeks to ensure that patients, particularly those in Asia, receive appropriate treatment early in inflammatory demyelinating disease.
Rare MEFV variants are not associated with risk to develop multiple sclerosis and severity of disease
Authors: Pauwels Ine , Cosemans Leentje , Boonen Steven , Dubois Bénédicte , Goris An
Published: January 2013

Background:

Recent studies suggest an association between rare variants in Mediterranean fever (MEFV), the gene underlying the auto-inflammatory disorder Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), the risk to develop multiple sclerosis (MS) and severity of MS.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to investigate these findings in a Belgian MS population and to test for association with additional clinical parameters such as treatment response.

Methods:

MEFV was sequenced in a cohort of MS patients ( N=94) suffering from auto-inflammatory symptoms, systemic side-effects upon interferon-beta (IFN-β) treatment, or patients in whom glatiramer acetate was started as first choice due to severe fatigue. Five rare non-synonymous variants were detected in this cohort and subsequently genotyped in 915 MS patients and 763 healthy controls.

Results:

We observed no association between these alleles and susceptibility to MS ( p-value=0.99) or disease severity ( p-value=0.78). However, we did observe a correlation between carrying an MEFV variant and the development of systemic side-effects upon IFN-β treatment ( p-value=0.022).

Conclusion:

In contrast to recent smaller studies, we did not find an association between carrying a rare variant in the MEFV gene and the risk to develop MS or disease severity. However, carrying rare variants in MEFV was associated with the development of severe systemic side-effects upon IFN-β treatment.
Coping styles in decision-making among men and women diagnosed with malignant melanoma
Authors: Hajdarevic Senada , Schmitt-Egenolf Marcus , Sundbom Elisabet , Isaksson Ulf , Hörnsten Åsa
Published: January 2013

Early care seeking is important for prognosis of malignant melanoma. Coping styles in decision-making to seek care can relate to prognosis since avoidant strategies could delay care seeking. The aim of this study was to compare self-reported coping styles in decision-making between men and women diagnosed with malignant melanoma. We used the Swedish version of the Melbourne Decision-Making Questionnaire to assess coping styles. Men generally scored higher in buck-passing while women and those living without a partner scored higher in hypervigilance. This knowledge could be used in the development of preventive programmes with intention to reach those who delay care seeking.
Future temporal reference in the bilingual repertoire of Anglo-Montrealers: A twin variable
Authors: Blondeau Hélène , Dion Nathalie , Michel Zoe Ziliak
Published: January 2013

This article focuses on the development of sociolinguistic competence in a second language, (here, French being acquired by young Anglo-Montrealers) in a naturalistic context where the target language is part of daily life. Sociolinguistic competence is assessed through analysis of Anglo-Montrealers’ use of a morphosyntactic variable, Future Temporal Reference (FTR), in both French and English. Variationist analyses reveal that Anglo-Montrealers possess distinct FTR variation systems for each of the languages of their linguistic repertoire. Results show that substantial contact with native speakers is a necessary condition for detailed and complete mastery of target sociolinguistic variation, in particular because the rules that govern it are rarely, if ever, explicitly taught.
Changing the output: The logic of amendment success in the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee
Authors: Hurka Steffen
Published: January 2013

This study tests three hypotheses on factors driving the success and failure of amendments in the European Parliament’s ENVI committee. The hypotheses, which are derived from different theories of legislative organization, are tested with an original dataset containing 550 amendments from 55 ENVI members. Contrary to existing empirical evidence on the structure of political conflict in plenary, the results suggest that a committee member’s general ideological orientation on the left-right dimension is not decisive for his prospects to change the committee output. Instead, it seems like ENVI members with ties to green interest groups play a greater role in the formulation of environmental policies than committee members without comparable affiliations. Finally, the empirical evidence indicates that rapporteurs are only rarely challenged successfully by competing amendments. However, they are often willing to accept compromises.
‘It’s not written on their skin like it is ours’: Greek letter organizations in the age of the multicultural imperative
Authors: Hunter Joanna S. , Hughey Matthew W.
Published: January 2013

Today’s students wrestle with the continued salience of racial identity on campuses that encourage the celebration of ‘diversity’ while at once digesting messages that the USA is now largely ‘post-racial’. Based on data collected through fieldwork observation, focus groups and in-depth interviews with a local Multicultural Greek Council for fraternities and sororities, we argue that ‘multicultural’ student organizations engage in a variety of racial identity tactics that simultaneously constrain and enable the perception of their racial identities. By relying on the two cultural narratives of multiculturalism – abstract and organizational – members of Greek organizations that do not conform to the White/Black binary can construct identities and a movement understood as rational, progressive and generally innocuous. Yet, in practice, the dominant expectations to perform ‘multiculturalism’ were manifest in narrow, essentialist and singular expressions of ethnic pride as an oppositional identity to Anglo-conformity and color-blindness, rather than an embrace of pluralism and multiculturalism per se. By highlighting how members of multicultural student organizations navigate this troubling paradox, our study raises important questions about the concept of multiculturalism, especially as it is constructed and enacted by the millennial generation.
Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool Version Two: Development of a tool to inform preparation for care planning and delivery in families and care staff
Authors: Toye Christine , Lester Leanne , Popescu Aurora , McInerney Fran , Andrews Sharon , Robinson Andrew L.
Published: January 2013

Care for the person with dementia requires understanding of the person’s perspective and preferences, integrated with knowledge of dementia’s trajectory and appropriate care. Version One of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool addressed such knowledge in care workers; Version Two is for families as well as staff. Content validity was established during development. Revisions addressed clarity, time for completion, and reliability. When 671 staff completed Version One before an education intervention, internal consistency reliability estimates exceeded 0.70. Validity was supported by higher scores in professional versus nonprofessional staff and following the education. Version Two was used with 34 family carers and 70 staff members. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) was promising (0.79, both groups). Completion was within 15 minutes. Median correct responses (from 21) were 14 for families (range 4–20) and 16 for the staff (range 3–21). Eighteen staff members (26%) and two family carers (6%) reported substantive dementia education. Inclusion of the person with dementia in care planning is often limited because of a late diagnosis and the progressive impacts of the condition. Establishing a shared staff–family understanding of the dementia trajectory and care strategies likely to be helpful is therefore critical to embarking upon the development and implementation of collaborative long term and end-of-life care plans. Version Two can help establish needs for, and outcomes of, education programs and informational resources in a way that is feasible, minimises burden, and facilitates comparisons across family and staff carer groups.
Complexity theory and planning: Examining ‘fractals’ for organising policy domains in planning practice
Authors: Chettiparamb Angelique
Published: January 2013

This article examines selected methodological insights that complexity theory might provide for planning. In particular, it focuses on the concept of fractals and, through this concept, how ways of organising policy domains across scales might have particular causal impacts. The aim of this article is therefore twofold: (a) to position complexity theory within social science through a ‘generalised discourse’, thereby orienting it to particular ontological and epistemological biases and (b) to reintroduce a comparatively new concept – fractals – from complexity theory in a way that is consistent with the ontological and epistemological biases argued for, and expand on the contribution that this might make to planning. Complexity theory is theoretically positioned as a neo-systems theory with reasons elaborated. Fractal systems from complexity theory are systems that exhibit self-similarity across scales. This concept (as previously introduced by the author in ‘Fractal spaces in planning and governance’) is further developed in this article to (a) illustrate the ontological and epistemological claims for complexity theory, and to (b) draw attention to ways of organising policy systems across scales to emphasise certain characteristics of the systems – certain distinctions. These distinctions when repeated across scales reinforce associated processes/values/end goals resulting in particular policy outcomes. Finally, empirical insights from two case studies in two different policy domains are presented and compared to illustrate the workings of fractals in planning practice.
Leadership
Authors: Yammarino Francis
Published: January 2013

Leadership is omnipresent in research in the organizational sciences and related professional practice. In this essay, for an editors’ choice selection, leadership research is selectively reviewed, summarized, integrated, and speculated on using three broad time periods: antiquity to about 1900 (called the “past”), 1900 to the current time (called the “present”), and the next decade or so (called the “future”). Leadership theory, empirical research, and methodologies are considered.
Institutionalized Organizational Learning and Strategic Renewal
Authors: Lengnick-Hall Cynthia A. , Inocencio-Gray Jessica L.
Published: January 2013

Strategic renewal depends on achieving an appropriate balance between using what an organization has learned and continuing to gain new insights and solutions. The process of institutionalizing organizational learning is at the center of this tension since it occurs at the pivot point of exploitation and exploration. We apply a dynamic perspective of Perrow’s typology of work technologies to explore the relation between the number of exceptions and analyzability of the problems likely to be encountered in various work settings and institutionalized learning. We propose that the nature of what is learned and actions leading to institutionalization differ across work contexts because of the varying complexity of problems and solutions. We explore the interactions surrounding institutionalized learning, exploration, and exploitation and argue that strategic renewal is strongly influenced by the way institutionalized learning effects the dynamic tension between exploration and exploitation.
Suprapubic Single-Incision Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy With Intracorporeal Anastomosis
Authors: Dapri Giovanni , Carandina Sergio , Mathonet Perrine , Himpens Jacques , Cadière Guy-Bernard
Published: January 2013

Background. Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) has gained significance recently. The umbilicus has been the preferred access site for SIL. Suprapubic access site (SAS) can be an alternative, especially for a right hemicolectomy (RH). Methods. Between November 2011 and July 2012, 7 consecutive patients underwent suprapubic SIL RH (SSILRH). The median age was 53 years, and the median body mass index was 23.9 kg/m2. Indications for surgery included appendicular tumor (1) and adenocarcinoma of the right colon (6). Three reusable trocars were used, and the resection was performed through the SAS. An intracorporeal linear stapled anastomosis was performed, the mesenteric defect was closed, and the access site was used for specimen extraction. Results. No patient required additional trocars or conversion to an open surgery. The median laparoscopic time was 222 minutes, and the median final incision length was 50 mm. The median Visual Analogue Scale score (0-10) at 6, 18, 30, 42, 54, 66, and 78 postoperative hours was 6, 6, 2, 2, 2, 2, and 2, respectively. The median hospital stay was 4 days. Conclusions. SSILRH is useful because the SAS can be enlarged for extraction of the specimen without compromising the cosmetic outcome. The mesocolic and mesenteric dissections are on the same axis as the access site. The intracorporeal anastomosis can be performed without traction. Finally, positioning of the operative table improves exposure of the operative field and allows the surgeon to maneuver the colon and small bowel intracorporeally.
Recruiting a special sample with sparse resources: Lessons from a study of Gulf War veterans
Authors: Erickson Laura C , Ritchie Janis B , Javors Jennifer M , Golomb Beatrice A
Published: January 2013

Background

Recruitment is the most common failure point for clinical studies, with recruitment failure adversely affecting science, dollar costs, human capital, and the ethical risk–benefit trade-off to study participants. Added problems attend recruitment of special and/or challenging candidate populations, particularly in settings of sparse recruitment resources. Obstacles to study recruitment and participation of ill Gulf War veterans (GWVs) include health barriers, work and family obligations, mistrust of the medical/scientific community, and challenges to identifying/reaching potential participants.

Purpose

We sought to identify and implement a minimal-cost multipronged recruitment approach for a small single-site (<50 participants) study of a special group, ill GWVs, with approaches substantially applicable to other recruitment settings and larger multisite studies.

Methods

Categories of recruitment approach included directed as well as general media, collaborations with support groups/interest groups, local free advertising resources (Craigslist and Backpage), physician outreach, Internet-based approaches, and referrals from study participants and screenees. We describe the subcategories and yield of each approach within each approach.

Results

Each approach contributed candidates to the final recruitment tally, with the largest fractional contribution by directed media (52%). Among the remainder, no other individual approach was clearly dominant (largest contribution: 13%).

Limitations

Special population subsamples present special challenges; all approaches cited may not be useful in all settings and subpopulations.

Conclusions

A multipronged suite of minimal-cost approaches led to successful recruitment to target for this single-site clinical trial for a special population with significant recruitment challenges. It additionally yielded a nation-wide corpus of several hundred individuals interested in participation in future studies of GWVs. While certain approaches produced disproportionate yield, it was not possible to predict these a priori. We suggest that this model, which incorporates a suite of approaches, and delineates backup approaches in the event of recruitment shortfall, may provide a template applicable to recruitment of other special samples in settings of limited resources and also is germane to cost-effective recruitment in studies more generally.
Reflections on Communication and Sport
Authors: Real Michael
Published: January 2013

In this essay, Michael Real reflects on why communication about sport is of cultural importance and worthy of critical study. The early part of the essay reflects on challenges faced in the development of the study of communication and sport and the author’s involvement in that development. The author reflects on his choice to focus on spectacle and mega-events, such as media treatment of the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games. The essay traces significant influences and “schools” of critical approaches to communication and sport, from small beginnings in the 1970s through rapid expansion of topics and methods in the 1980s and since. Key historic contributions that have influenced research on communication and sport are examined along with conflicts about how to best approach this subject. The focus section of the essay assesses a number of broad theoretical lenses that have value in studying mediated sport’s mega-events as spectacle. Considered here are a Geertz style approach to ritual analysis, Debord’s society of the spectacle, and Roche’s theory of mega-events. The essay closes with comment on the road ahead for scholarly research on communication and sport.
Reflections on Communication and Sport
Authors: Whannel Garry
Published: January 2013

In this essay, Garry Whannel reflects on why research on media and sport has often been disdained by traditional academia and liberal intelligentsia. The first section argues that mediated sports are an important constituent part of popular culture, making its discourses worthy of scholarly study. The second section considers how early studies of mediated sport set in the tradition of British cultural studies opened the door to a inquiry that has grown in importance in both critical sport and media studies. The central section focuses on the complexities of “sport analysis, snobbery, and anti-intellectualism.” Considered here is the early and continued resistance to the study of media and sport and its derogatory stigmatization as a “Mickey Mouse” subject even in the face of excellent scholarship that has developed around the cultural and political analysis of sport. The article closes with suggestions for future work and ways to change narrative constructions of the field.
Targeting the LYN/HS1 signaling axis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: ten Hacken Elisa , Scielzo Cristina , Bertilaccio Maria T. S. , Scarfò Lydia , Apollonio Benedetta , Barbaglio Federica , Stamatopoulos Kostas , Ponzoni Maurilio , Ghia Paolo , Caligaris-Cappio Federico
Published: January 2013

Key Points

HS1 protein activation is differentially regulated by LYN kinase in CLL subsets. Dasatinib targets cytoskeletal activity, BCR signaling and survival of a sizable portion of patients with activated LYN/HS1.
NK cell responses to cytomegalovirus infection lead to stable imprints in the human KIR repertoire and involve activating KIRs
Authors: Béziat Vivien , Liu Lisa L. , Malmberg Jenny-Ann , Ivarsson Martin A. , Sohlberg Ebba , Björklund Andreas T. , Retière Christelle , Sverremark-Ekström Eva , Traherne James , Ljungman Per , Schaffer Marie , Price David A. , Trowsdale John , Michaëlsson Jakob , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Malmberg Karl-Johan
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Clonal-like expansion of NK cells in response to CMV infection causes stable imprints in the human KIR repertoire. Education by inhibitory KIRs promotes the expansion of NK cells, causing repertoire skewing and a bias for self-specific inhibitory KIRs.
Machine learning methods can replace 3D profile method in classification of amyloidogenic hexapeptides
Authors: Stanislawski Jerzy , Kotulska Malgorzata , Unold Olgierd
Published: January 2013

Background

Amyloids are proteins capable of forming fibrils. Many of them underlie serious diseases, like Alzheimer disease. The number of amyloid-associated diseases is constantly increasing. Recent studies indicate that amyloidogenic properties can be associated with short segments of aminoacids, which transform the structure when exposed. A few hundreds of such peptides have been experimentally found. Experimental testing of all possible aminoacid combinations is currently not feasible. Instead, they can be predicted by computational methods. 3D profile is a physicochemical-based method that has generated the most numerous dataset - ZipperDB. However, it is computationally very demanding. Here, we show that dataset generation can be accelerated. Two methods to increase the classification efficiency of amyloidogenic candidates are presented and tested: simplified 3D profile generation and machine learning methods.

Results

We generated a new dataset of hexapeptides, using more economical 3D profile algorithm, which showed very good classification overlap with ZipperDB (93.5%). The new part of our dataset contains 1779 segments, with 204 classified as amyloidogenic. The dataset of 6-residue sequences with their binary classification, based on the energy of the segment, was applied for training machine learning methods. A separate set of sequences from ZipperDB was used as a test set. The most effective methods were Alternating Decision Tree and Multilayer Perceptron. Both methods obtained area under ROC curve of 0.96, accuracy 91%, true positive rate ca. 78%, and true negative rate 95%. A few other machine learning methods also achieved a good performance. The computational time was reduced from 18-20 CPU-hours (full 3D profile) to 0.5 CPU-hours (simplified 3D profile) to seconds (machine learning).

Conclusions

We showed that the simplified profile generation method does not introduce an error with regard to the original method, while increasing the computational efficiency. Our new dataset proved representative enough to use simple statistical methods for testing the amylogenicity based only on six letter sequences. Statistical machine learning methods such as Alternating Decision Tree and Multilayer Perceptron can replace the energy based classifier, with advantage of very significantly reduced computational time and simplicity to perform the analysis. Additionally, a decision tree provides a set of very easily interpretable rules.
Novel aspects of grapevine response to phytoplasma infection investigated by a proteomic and phospho-proteomic approach with data integration into functional networks
Authors: Margaria Paolo , Abbà Simona , Palmano Sabrina
Published: January 2013

Background

Translational and post-translational protein modifications play a key role in the response of plants to pathogen infection. Among the latter, phosphorylation is critical in modulating protein structure, localization and interaction with other partners. In this work, we used a multiplex staining approach with 2D gels to study quantitative changes in the proteome and phosphoproteome of Flavescence dorée-affected and recovered ‘Barbera’ grapevines, compared to healthy plants.

Results

We identified 48 proteins that differentially changed in abundance, phosphorylation, or both in response to Flavescence dorée phytoplasma infection. Most of them did not show any significant difference in recovered plants, which, by contrast, were characterized by changes in abundance, phosphorylation, or both for 17 proteins not detected in infected plants. Some enzymes involved in the antioxidant response that were up-regulated in infected plants, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase and glutathione S-transferase, returned to healthy-state levels in recovered plants. Others belonging to the same functional category were even down-regulated in recovered plants (oxidoreductase GLYR1 and ascorbate peroxidase). Our proteomic approach thus agreed with previously published biochemical and RT-qPCR data which reported down-regulation of scavenging enzymes and accumulation of H2O2 in recovered plants, possibly suggesting a role for this molecule in remission from infection. Fifteen differentially phosphorylated proteins (| ratio | > 2, p < 0.05) were identified in infected compared to healthy plants, including proteins involved in photosynthesis, response to stress and the antioxidant system. Many were not differentially phosphorylated in recovered compared to healthy plants, pointing to their specific role in responding to infection, followed by a return to a steady-state phosphorylation level after remission of symptoms. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and statistical analysis showed that the general main category “response to stimulus” was over-represented in both infected and recovered plants but, in the latter, the specific child category “response to biotic stimulus” was no longer found, suggesting a return to steady-state levels for those proteins specifically required for defence against pathogens.

Conclusions

Proteomic data were integrated into biological networks and their interactions were represented through a hypothetical model, showing the effects of protein modulation on primary metabolic ways and related secondary pathways. By following a multiplex-staining approach, we obtained new data on grapevine proteome pathways that specifically change at the phosphorylation level during phytoplasma infection and following recovery, focusing for the first time on phosphoproteome changes during pathogen infection in this host.
Male circumcision and prevalence of genital human papillomavirus infection in men: a multinational study
Authors: Albero Ginesa , Villa Luisa L , Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo , Fulp William , Papenfuss Mary R , Nyitray Alan G , Lu Beibei , Castellsagué Xavier , Abrahamsen Martha , Smith Danélle , Bosch F Xavier , Salmerón Jorge , Quiterio Manuel , Giuliano Anna R
Published: January 2013

Background

Accumulated evidence from epidemiological studies and more recently from randomized controlled trials suggests that male circumcision (MC) may substantially protect against genital HPV infection in men. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between MC and genital HPV infection in men in a large multinational study.

Methods

A total of 4072 healthy men ages 18–70 years were enrolled in a study conducted in Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. Enrollment samples combining exfoliated cells from the coronal sulcus, glans penis, shaft, and scrotum were analyzed for the presence and genotyping of HPV DNA by PCR and linear array methods. Prevalence ratios (PR) were used to estimate associations between MC and HPV detection adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

MC was not associated with overall prevalence of any HPV, oncogenic HPV types or unclassified HPV types. However, MC was negatively associated with non-oncogenic HPV infections (PR 0.85, 95% confident interval: 0.76-0.95), in particular for HPV types 11, 40, 61, 71, and 81. HPV 16, 51, 62, and 84 were the most frequently identified genotypes regardless of MC status.

Conclusions

This study shows no overall association between MC and genital HPV infections in men, except for certain non-oncogenic HPV types for which a weak association was found. However, the lack of association with MC might be due to the lack of anatomic site specific HPV data, for example the glans penis, the area expected to be most likely protected by MC.
Plasmodium vivax malaria in Mali: a study from three different regions
Authors: Bernabeu Maria , Gomez-Perez Gloria P , Sissoko Sibiri , Niambélé Mohamed B , Haibala Allassane Ag , Sanz Ariadna , Théra Mahamadou A , Fernandez-Becerra Carmen , Traoré Klénon , Alonso Pedro L , Bassat Quique , del Portillo Hernando A , Doumbo Ogobara
Published: January 2013

Background

Plasmodium vivax has traditionally been considered virtually absent from Western and Central Africa, due to the absence of the Duffy blood group in most of the population living in these areas. Recent reports, however, suggest the circulation of P. vivax in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Giemsa/Field-stained smears from febrile patients recruited in five different cities (Goundam, Tombouctou, Gao, Bourem and Kidal) pertaining to three regions from Northern Mali were examined. Nested-PCR and DNA sequence analyses of selected samples were performed to fully confirm the presence of P. vivax infections.

Results

Results demonstrated the presence of P. vivax infections in close to 30% of the cases as detected by Giemsa/Field-stained smears and nested-PCR and DNA-sequence analyses of selected samples unequivocally confirmed the presence of P. vivax.

Conclusions

The diagnostics of this human malaria parasite should be taken into account in the context of malaria control and elimination efforts, not only in Mali, but also in sub-Saharan Africa.
Trends in multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infections among asymptomatic residents in the middle belt of Ghana
Authors: Agyeman-Budu Akua , Brown Charles , Adjei George , Adams Mohammed , Dosoo David , Dery Dominic , Wilson Michael , Asante Kwaku P , Greenwood Brian , Owusu-Agyei Seth
Published: January 2013

Background

Malaria is the most important cause of mortality and morbidity in children living in the Kintampo districts in the middle part of Ghana. This study has investigated the multiplicity of infection (MOI) within asymptomatic residents of the Kintampo districts, and the influence of age and seasonality on MOI, by studying the distribution of the polymorphic Plasmodium falciparum antigen merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2).

Methods

DNA was extracted from an asymptomatic cohort of children and adults infected with P. falciparum during the period November 2003 to October 2004. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out and multiplicity of infection (MOI) was determined.

Results

Children under 10 years of age had an average MOI of 2.3 while adults 18 years and above had an average MOI of 1.4. Children below five years had high and low average MOIs of 2.8 in the March/April survey and 0.9 in the May/June survey respectively. A similar trend in the monthly distribution of MOI was observed for the entire cohort. IC/3D7 strains outnumbered the FC27 strains throughout the year by a ratio of about 4:1 with the difference between the prevalence of the two strains being least marked in the March/April survey, at the beginning of the rainy season. MOI was not linked to the level of malaria transmission as measured by the entomological inoculation rate.

Discussion/conclusion

The impact of interventions, introduced since this baseline study was carried out on the parasite diversity of asymptomatic residents will be the subject of further investigations.
Extranodal Natural Killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: ‘midline lethal granuloma.’ A case report
Authors: Tlholoe Martha M. , Kotu Monica , Khammissa Razia A. G. , Bida Meschack , Lemmer Johan , Feller Liviu
Published: January 2013

Extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma, nasal type, is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma, most commonly affecting the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx. Clinically it is characterised by destruction of facial tissues, commencing in the midline. In most cases it arises from malignant transformation of natural killer cells (NK); sometimes from malignant transformation of cytotoxic T cells.

Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type, is rare, but even more rare in black persons. The purpose of this article is to report a severe case of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type, in an elderly black male.