bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caesarean Scar Pregnancy: Treatment with Bilateral Uterine Artery Chemoembolization Combined with Dilation and Curettage
Authors: Zhang X-B , Zhong Y-C , Chi J-C , Shen J-L , Qiu X-X , Xu J-R , Zhao A-M , Di W
Published: February 2013

Objective:

This study investigated bilateral uterine artery chemo -embolization (BUACE) combined with dilation and curettage (D&C) in caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods:

Nineteen women with CSP were referred for interventional radiology. In 13 patients, BUACE was performed before D&C, following a diagnosis of CSP. A further six patients received BUACE for massive vaginal bleeding after D&C for inevitable miscarriage; the diagnosis of CSP was subsequently confirmed ultrasonographically. BUACE of the uterine arteries was performed using gelfoam particles following intra-arterial infusion of 100 mg/m2 methotrexate.

Results:

BUACE was technically successful and immediate haemostasis was achieved in all patients. Blood loss was significantly greater during D&C undertaken before BUACE compared with D&C after BUACE, but this bleeding was controlled by BUACE. No patient required further surgical intervention and there were no severe complications. The gestational sac and placenta could no longer be detected ultrasonographically and the menstrual cycle returned to normal 2 - 3 months after treatment in all patients.

Conclusions:

BUACE followed by D&C seems to be a safe and effective treatment for CSP and should be considered as a treatment of choice.
Cavernous Angioma of the Cauda Equina: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Nie Q-B , Chen Z , Jian F-Z , Wu H , Ling F
Published: February 2013

Cavernous angioma is an uncommon vascular malformation of the central nervous system with a tumoural aspect. Spinal cavernous angioma mainly occurs within vertebral bodies; only 3 - 5% of tumours are located entirely in the vertebral canal. This case report describes a case of cavernous angioma, originating from the nerve roots of the cauda equina at the L1 level, in a 57-year-old woman presenting with acute lower back pain. The lesion was surgically resected 6 months after symptom onset and the structural integrity of the nerve root was maintained. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous angioma. The patient experienced no postoperative neurological deficit or recurrence. The diagnosis, histopatho -logical features and surgical treatment of this case are presented, together with a literature review of clinical details and surgical procedures undertaken in cases of cavernous angioma of the cauda equina.
Efficacy and Safety of an Intra-operative Intra-articular Magnesium/Ropivacaine Injection for Pain Control following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Chen Y , Zhang Y , Zhu Y-L , Fu P-L
Published: February 2013

Eighty patients with osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to two groups: the trial group received an intraoperative intra-articular injection of magnesium sulphate and ropivacaine, and the control group received an injection of normal saline. All patients received patient-controlled analgesia with morphine for 48 h post-operatively. It was found that an intra-articular injection of magnesium sulphate and ropivacaine significantly reduced morphine consumption during the 0 - 24 h post-operative period and total 48-h postoperative morphine consumption. Pain scores at rest and during motion in the trial group were significantly lower than in the controls during the first 24 h post-operatively. The time to be able to perform a straight leg raise and to reach a 90° knee flexion was significantly shorter in the trial group compared with the controls. This study demonstrated that an intra-operative intra-articular magnesium sulphate and ropivacaine injection reduced the use of post-operative morphine.
Effects of Soy Isoflavone and Endogenous Oestrogen on Breast Cancer in MMTV-erbB2 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Zhang Gp , Han D , Liu G , Gao Sg , Cai Xq , Duan Rh , Feng Xs
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Soy isoflavone is associated with modification of breast cancer risk. Effects of dietary isoflavone on breast tissue carcinogenesis under varying endogenous oestrogen contexts were investigated.

Methods:

Five-week-old mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV)-erbB2 female transgenic mice (n = 180) were divided into three equal groups: low-, normal- and high-oestrogen groups. Each group was then subdivided into an experimental group (given soybean feed) and a control group (given control feed).

Results:

In the high-oestrogen environment, breast cancer incidence was significantly lower in the experimental versus the control group, whereas in the low-oestrogen environment, breast cancer incidence was significantly higher in the experimental versus the control group. There were no between-group differences in mean breast tumour latency, mean largest tumour diameter and breast tumour tissue vascular endothelial growth factor levels.

Conclusions:

Dietary soy isoflavones promote breast cancer at low oestrogen levels but inhibit breast cancer at high oestrogen levels. This effect may only occur during the initiation stage of breast cancer.
Expression and Clinical Significance of SHP2 in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Dong S , Li F-Q , Zhang Q , Lv K-Z , Yang H-L , Gao Y , Yu J-R
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the expression and clinical significance of the protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 11 (PTPN11 or SHP2) gene, which encodes Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase (SHP-2) in gastric cancer.

Methods:

SHP2 expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining and realtime quantitative reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction in tissue samples of normal gastric mucosa and different grades of gastric cancer. Correlation between SHP2 expression and standard clinico pathological parameters was analysed.

Results:

Immunohisto - chemical staining revealed significantly higher rates of SHP2 expression in gastric cancer tissues (72.5%) versus normal gastric mucosa (21.9%). SHP-2 mRNA levels were also significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues versus normal gastric mucosa. SHP2 expression correlated significantly with tumour differentiation, clinical classification and lymph node metastases, but was independent of sex and age.

Conclusions:

SHP-2 is upregulated in gastric cancer and may be related to the development of gastric cancer. SHP-2 may be a potential prognostic marker of, or a therapeutic target for, gastric cancer.
Identification of Serum MicroRNA-21 as a Biomarker for Chemosensitivity and Prognosis in Human Osteosarcoma
Authors: Yuan J , Chen L , Chen X , Sun W , Zhou X
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the serum level of microRNA (miR)-21 in patients with osteosarcoma and its correlation with chemosensitivity and prognosis.

Methods:

miR-21 levels in sera from 65 patients with osteosarcoma and 30 healthy controls were measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Correlations between serum miR-21 and clinicopathological features in patients with osteosarcoma were determined. The prognostic significance of serum miR-21 was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results:

The serum level of miR-21 was significantly higher in patients with osteosarcoma than in control subjects. High serum miR-21 was significantly correlated with advanced Enneking stage and chemotherapeutic resistance. Univariate and multivariate analyses for overall survival showed that upregulation of serum miR-21 was an independent, unfavourable prognostic factor for patients with osteosarcoma (hazard ratio, 2.325).

Conclusions:

miR-21 might be a good candidate for a therapeutic target, and a potential biomarker for the prediction of chemotherapeutic sensitivity and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma.
Effect of PTEN Antisense Oligonucleotide on Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Sun Mm , Zhang Mz , Chen Y , Li Sl , Zhang W , Ya Gw , Chen Ks
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To investigate the effects of a phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) antisense oligonucleotide on PTEN and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) mRNA and protein, cell proliferation and apoptosis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OCSS) cell lines.

Methods:

EC9706 and EC1 cells were transfected with PTEN antisense oligonucleotide, sense oligo -nucleotide or nonsense oligonucleotide. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were quantified. Immuno cyto chemistry and in situ hybridization were used to determine PTEN and mTOR protein and mRNA levels, respectively.

Results:

Transfection with PTEN antisense oligonucleotide dose-and time-dependently enhanced cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in both EC9706 and EC1 cells. PTEN mRNA and protein were significantly downregulated, and mTOR protein and mRNA were significantly upregulated.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that PTEN is an important tumour suppressor gene in the development of OSCC.
Associations between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Acute Mountain Sickness
Authors: Ding H , Liu Q , Hua M , Ding M , Du H , Zhang W , Li Z , Zhang J
Published: February 2013

Objective:

This study investigated associations between polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and susceptibility to acute mountain sickness.

Methods:

Two hundred Han Chinese soldiers who developed acute mountain sickness after rapidly ascending to an altitude of < 3600 m and 200 control soldiers (who did not develop the condition) were enrolled in the study. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VEGF gene were genotyped in all the study participants. Plasma VEGF concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 40 subjects with acute mountain sickness and 40 controls before and after exposure to high altitude.

Results:

The frequencies of the rs3025039 genotype and allele were significantly different between the groups. Two SNPs, rs3025039 (which involves a C→T allele variation at position 936 in the 3′ untranslated region) and rs3025030 (which involves a G→C allele variation in the intronic sequence), were associated with a decreased risk of acute mountain sickness.

Conclusion:

The SNPs rs3025039 and rs3025030 of the VEGF gene may be associated with a decreased risk of acute mountain sickness development.
Physical Properties of Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogel Promote its Effects on Cardiac Protection after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ren S , Jiang X , Li Z , Wen Y , Chen D , Li X , Zhang X , Zhuo R , Chu H
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Studies have demonstrated the protective effects of biomaterials against myocardial infarction (MI), but the relationship between their physical characteristics and their function is incompletely understood. This study investigated such relationships for a hydrogel preparation.

Methods:

Two types of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel with different degradation times (Gel A and Gel B) were synthesized. In vivo hydrogel formation and maintenance were observed and confirmed in mice. The solutions were also injected into the infarct area immediately after MI induction in rats.

Results:

PNIPAAm hydrogel exhibited a three-dimensional structure resembling native extracellular matrix (ECM). Compared with phosphate-buffered saline, Gel A and Gel B increased contractility of isolated infarcted myocardium, reduced collagen deposition, increased neovascularization, inhibited left ventricle expansion and improved cardiac function. Myocardial contractility was greater with Gel B than with Gel A.

Conclusions:

Intra -myocardial injection of PNIPAAm hydrogel provides structural support and some functional repair of damaged ECM, suggesting that it might be useful for cardiac tissue engineering.
Correlation between Endothelial Dysfunction, Rho-associated Protein Kinase Activity, C-reactive Protein and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome in Male Patients
Authors: Zhang L , Zhuang J-H , Peng H , Huang J , Huang L-Q , Zhao Z-X
Published: February 2013

Objective:

This study investigated the association between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) activity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in male patients.

Methods:

Consecutive patients with symptoms suggestive of OSAS were recruited and divided into non-OSAS (n = 18) and OSAS (n = 32) groups. FMD was measured in the brachial artery; blood samples were taken to measure ROCK activity and CRP concentrations.

Results:

ROCK activity and CRP concentrations were significantly higher, and FMD was significantly lower, in the OSAS group than in the non-OSAS group. There was a correlation between ROCK activity and FMD. In stepwise multiple regression analyses, the proportion of sleep time spent with an oxygen saturation < 90% was a significant determinant of ROCK activity, while body mass index was the only significant determinant of CRP concentration. The oxygen desaturation index was a significant determinant of FMD.

Conclusions:

OSAS increased ROCK activity and was a major determinant of endothelial dysfunction.
Comparison between Transareola Singlesite Endoscopic Thyroidectomy and Minimally Invasive Video-assisted Thyroidectomy
Authors: Shana Y-Z , Zhoua L-M , Yu Z-F , Wang S-G , Gao G-L , Shen Y , Zhang X-L
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To compare surgical outcomes between transareola single-site endoscopic thyroidectomy (TASSET) and minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT).

Methods:

Patients with thyroid nodules were randomized to TASSET (n = 24) or MIVAT (n = 24). Surgical outcomes and patient-rated cosmetic results, based on numerical (0 [worst], 10 [best]) and verbal (1 [poor], 4 [excellent]) response scales, were compared.

Results:

There were no significant differences between groups for age, sex, indication for operation, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain and length of postoperative stay. TASSET was associated with a significantly longer mean ± SD operative time than MIVAT (156.84 ± 41.42 vs. 66.38 ± 17.58 min), and significantly improved cosmetic results according to the numerical (9.63 ± 0.60 vs 7.90 ± 1.38) and verbal response (3.8 ± 0.5 vs 3.1 ± 0.7) scales. Postoperative complaints were comparable between the two approaches, although MIVAT involved a shorter operation time.

Conclusions:

Patients treated with TASSET had superior cosmetic results compared with those treated with MIVAT.
Identification of Osteoarthritis Biomarkers by Proteomic Analysis of Synovial Fluid
Authors: Han My , Dai Jj , Zhang Y , Lin Q , Jiang M , Xu Xy , Liu Q
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To use proteomic analysis to identify novel candidate biomarker proteins in synovial fluid for the differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods:

Synovial fluid samples were analysed using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). Data were used to generate an artificial neural network (ANN). The identification of one protein peak was confirmed via Western blotting.

Results:

Fluid samples were analysed from 36 patients with osteoarthritis and 24 with rheumatoid arthritis. In total, three protein peaks (mass-to-charge ratio [m/z] 3893, 10576 and 14175 Da) were identified as potential biomarkers for osteoarthritis. The ANN differentiated between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis with a sensitivity of 89.4% and a specificity of 91.2%. The protein peak at m/z 10 576 was identified as S100 calcium binding protein A12 (S100A12).

Conclusions:

A combination of SELDI-TOF-MS and ANN identified osteoarthritis biomarkers. SELDI-TOF-MS may be a useful tool in the screening of synovial fluid for osteoarthritis diagnosis.
Response to Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in African Americans with Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Essex Mn , O'Connell M , Brown P Bhadra
Published: February 2013

Objective:

This 6-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study compared the analgesic efficacy, tolerability and safety of celecoxib, naproxen and placebo in African Americans with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.

Methods:

A total of 322 patients aged ≥ 45 years with OA of the knee in a flare state received 200 mg celecoxib orally once daily, 500 mg naproxen orally twice daily or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in the Patient's Assessment of Arthritis Pain.

Results:

Celecoxib was as effective as naproxen in reducing OA pain. Similar efficacy was observed in many of the secondary outcome measures. Celecoxib was well tolerated and demonstrated favorable upper gastro-intestinal tolerability. Improvements in outcome measures were numerically greater in the active treatment groups compared with the placebo group, but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:

Celecoxib was as effective as naproxen in relieving OA pain in African Americans and was well tolerated. Few significant differences were observed between active treatments and placebo, possibly because of a strong placebo effect.
Effect of Natural Hirudin on Random Pattern Skin Flap Survival in a Porcine Model
Authors: Zhao H , Shi Q , Sun ZY , Yin GQ , Yang HL
Published: February 2013

Objective:

The effect of local administration of hirudin on random pattern skin flap survival was investigated in a porcine model.

Methods:

Three random pattern skin flaps (4 × 14 cm) were created on each flank of five Chinese minipigs. The experimental group (10 flaps) received 20 antithrombin units of hirudin, injected subdermally into the distal half immediately after surgery and on days 1 and 2; a control group (10 flaps) was injected with saline and a sham group (10 flaps) was not injected. All flaps were followed for 10 days postoperatively.

Results:

Macroscopically, the congested/necrotic length in the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with the other two groups by day 3. Histopathological evaluation revealed venous congestion and inflammation in the control and sham groups from day 1, but minimal changes in the experimental group. By day 10, the mean ± SD surviving area was significantly greater in the experimental group (67.6 ± 2.1%) than in the control (45.2 ± 1.4%) or sham (48.3 ± 1.1%) groups.

Conclusions:

Local administration of hirudin can significantly increase the surviving area in overdimensioned random pattern skin flaps, in a porcine model.
Impact of Chromosomal Translocations on Male Infertility, Semen Quality, Testicular Volume and Reproductive Hormone Levels
Authors: Dong Y , Du R-C , Jiang Y-T , Wu J , Li L-L , Liu R-Z
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To analyse the relationship between male infertility and chromosomal translocations, and the influence of different types of chromosomal translocations on semen quality, testicular volume and hormone levels.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort of infertile men was recruited for chromosomal analysis using standard Giemsa stain banding. Physical examinations, semen analysis, hormonal analysis and the detection of azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions were carried out. Men with normal fertility were used as controls.

Results:

Among the 1056 infertile men, 22 had chromosomal translocations (2.1%), including seven with Robertsonian translocations (0.7%), 11 with autosome- autosome reciprocal translocations (1.0%) and four with gonosome-autosome reciprocal translocations (0.4%). Left and right testicular volumes of patients with chromosomal translocations were significantly smaller than those in the fertile control group. There were no significant differences in hormone levels between patients with chromosomal translocations and fertile controls, except for significantly lower testosterone levels in patients with Robertsonian and gonosome- autosome reciprocal translocations compared with the controls. All AZF microdeletion analyses showed normal results.

Conclusions:

Chromosomal translocations may cause reductions in testicular volume and testosterone level, which may impact spermatogenesis, resulting in azoospermia or oligozoospermia and male infertility.
Effect of Intrafix® SafeSet Infusion Apparatus on Phlebitis in a Neurological Intensive Care Unit: A Case-control Study
Authors: Liu F , Chen D , Liao Y , Diao L , Liu Y , Wu M , Xue X , You C , Kang Y
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To investigate the effect of the Intrafix® SafeSet infusion apparatus on the incidence of phlebitis in patients being intravenously infused in a neurological intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:

Patients aged > 12 years, with no history of diabetes mellitus and no existing phlebitis, requiring a daily peripheral intravenous infusion of ≥ 8 h with the total period lasting ≥ 3 days, were enrolled. Infusions were performed using the Intrafix® SafeSet or normal infusion apparatus. Incidence of phlebitis (scored according to the Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice of the American Infusion Nurses Society) was analysed.

Results:

Patients (n = 1545) were allocated to Intrafix® SafeSet (n = 709) or normal infusion (n = 836) groups, matched for age, gender and preliminary diagnosis. Incidence of phlebitis was significantly higher using normal infusion apparatus compared with the Intrafix® SafeSet (23.4% versus 17.9%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Intrafix® SafeSet infusion apparatus significantly reduced the incidence of phlebitis in patients in the neurological ICU, compared with normal infusion apparatus, and may be suitable for use in routine clinical practice.
The Effects of Smoking and Alcohol Intake on Sperm Quality: Light and Transmission Electron Microscopy Findings
Authors: Joo Kj , Kwon Yw , Myung Sc , Kim Th
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking on sperm quality using transmission electron microscopy and light microscopy.

Methods:

Semen samples were collected from 62 healthy men. The subjects were classified according to alcohol consumption and smoking status. Semen analysis was performed according to World Health Organization criteria. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine sperm ultrastructure.

Results:

Heavy smoking (> 20 cigarettes/day) was associated with a decreased sperm count. Moderate/high alcohol consumption (≥15.4 g/day) was associated with an increase in morphologically abnormal sperm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed no effect of smoking on sperm ultrastructure. Alcohol consumption resulted in significant increases in morphologically abnormal nuclei and plasma membranes.

Conclusions:

Heavy smoking was associated with decreased sperm counts and alcohol consumption was associated with increased numbers of morphologically abnormal sperm.
Intraoperative Electron Beam Radiotherapy for Primary Treatment of Stage IIB Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Z , Gao Y , Soong Yl , Chen X , Gao F , Luo W , Sheng W , Ren J , Zhang L , Wang J
Published: February 2013

Objective:

A retrospective study to evaluate intraoperative electron beam radiotherapy (IOERT) as a primary treatment modality for stage IIB cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods:

Patients underwent treatment with IOERT (n = 78) or radical radiotherapy (RT; n = 89). Patients in the IOERT group received 20 Gy external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in 10 fractions, intracavitary brachy -therapy (7 - 14 Gy, in patients with tumours ≥ 4 cm in diameter) and simple hysterectomy/selective lymphadenectomy with 18 - 20 Gy IOERT. Patients in the RT group received 50 Gy EBRT in 25 fractions followed by intracavitary brachytherapy (35 - 40 Gy).

Results:

Median duration of follow-up was 92 months. IOERT resulted in significantly better 5- and 10-year overall survival, disease-free survival and local control rates, as well as fewer rectal and bladder complications, compared with RT.

Conclusion:

IOERT is an effective primary treatment for stage IIB cervical squamous cell carcinoma.
Long-term Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Discectomy by Fenestration
Authors: Shi J , Wang Y , Zhou F , Zhang H , Yang H
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To investigate the long-term outcome of discectomy and relevant factors associated with clinical outcome.

Methods:

Patients who underwent lumbar discectomy by fenestration were evaluated retrospectively, using the Oswestry disability index (ODI; 0 - 20 minimal, 21 - 40 moderate, > 41 severe disability) and the Stauffer-Coventry criteria (‘excellent’, ‘good’, ‘fair’, ‘poor’) to measure clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Results:

Sixty patients (mean follow-up, 214 months) were included in the analysis. At final follow-up, patients were rated as ‘excellent’ (n = 31), ‘good’ (n = 13), ‘fair’ (n = 5) and ‘poor’ (n = 11) using the Stauffer-Coventry criteria; the latter group included six patients who underwent reoperations. The mean ODI score was 11.2. The height of the operative intervertebral space was significantly inversely correlated with the follow-up ODI value. Heavy manual work, smoking and a long duration of aggressive preoperative symptoms were significantly associated with unsatisfactory outcomes.

Conclusions:

The long-term outcome of lumbar discectomy by fenestration was satisfactory in the majority of patients. Heavy manual work, smoking and the duration of aggressive preoperative symptoms were negative predictors of a good clinical outcome.
The Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Tolvaptan in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis with Insufficient Response to Conventional Diuretics: a Multicentre, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Phase III Study
Authors: Sakaida I , Yanase M , Kobayashi Y , Yasutake T , Okada M , Okita K ,   For Ascites Clinical Pharmacology Group, Kageyama Fujito , Miyaoka Hiroaki , Nakamura Hiroki , Sakaeda Hiroshi , Kariyama Kazuya , Takaishi Kenji , Joukou Kouji , Nakamuta Makoto , Oshita Masahide , Arai Masahiro , Mita Masaki , Omoto Masaki , Shibatouge Mitsushige , Tajiri Nobuyoshi , Tanaka Nobuyoshi , Mochida Satoshi , Sakisaka Syotaro , Ichida Takafumi , Inokuma Tetsuro , Takayanagi Toshiaki , Saibara Toshiji , Kimura Toshiyuki , Aihara Tsukasa , Tokumoto Yoshio
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES:

This study investigated the pharmacokinetic and pharmaco -dynamic profile of tolvaptan, and verified its efficacy and safety in patients with liver cirrhosis-associated ascites, with insufficient response to conventional diuretic treatment.

Methods:

This multicentre, doubleblind, parallel-group study allocated patients with cirrhosis to receive either 3.75 or 7.5 mg/day tolvaptan orally, once daily, for 7 days. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and efficacy variables were measured.

Results:

Tolvaptan was shown to have high plasma concentrations, and prolonged duration of maximum concentration and half life, in these patients with impaired hepatic function. Tolvaptan resulted in dose-dependent decreases in body weight and ascites volume, and increases in urine output. There were no effects on urinary or serum electrolytes. Tolvaptan was well tolerated, with a good safety profile.

Conclusions:

Tolvaptan at 3.75 mg/day exerts some effects due to the pharmacokinetic profile in patients with liver cirrhosis. Tolvaptan at 7.5 mg/day is a clinically useful option for treating patients who do not respond well to conventional diuretics.
Twin Pregnancy and Childbirth after Reduced-intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Combined with Imatinib Mesylate for Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wua K-N , Luoa Y , Liu L-Z , Zhao Y-M , Hu Y-X , Tan Y-M , Lai X-Y , Huang H
Published: February 2013

The successful outcome of a pregnancy in a woman who had received reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for chronic myeloid leukaemia is reported; publications on recovery of ovarian function and pregnancy following myeloablative conditioning (MAC) or RIC allo-HSCT for haematological disorders are reviewed. Research suggests that RIC allo-HSCT may facilitate ovarian recovery. Indeed, in the case study presented, the patient had a successful twin pregnancy and delivery, subsequent to treatment. After a 5-year follow-up, the patient survives disease-free with a sustained molecular response; her children are both healthy, with no physical defects. These findings suggest that RIC allo-HSCT combined with short-term imatinib mesylate does not necessarily have profound effects on female fertility.
Low concentrations of lidocaine for inguinal hernia repair under local infiltration anaesthesia
Authors: Song Yinghan , Han Bing , Lei Wenzhang , Kou Yingli , Liu Yang , Gong Yanping , Ma Dongyang
Published: February 2013

Objective

A randomized, double-blind, prospective, controlled study to determine the lowest concentration of lidocaine that provides satisfactory anaesthesia and analgesia for inguinal hernia repair.

Methods

Patients with inguinal hernia undergoing tension-free mesh repair under local infiltration anaesthesia were randomized to receive 0.25% (Group A), 0.33% (Group B) or 0.5% (Group C) lidocaine. Total dose and volume of lidocaine consumed and intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded for each patient. Each patient’s degree of satisfaction and the incidence of anaesthesia- and procedure-related complications were recorded and assessed.

Results

A total of 120 patients were randomized. There were no between-group differences in median VAS scores, degree of satisfaction, volume of lidocaine consumed or incidence of complications. Patients in group A consumed significantly lower doses of lidocaine than those in both other groups.

Conclusions

The mean dose of lidocaine consumed in group A was significantly lower but exerted similar efficacy to that in the other groups, and may lead to a lower risk of local anaesthetic toxicity.
Infrastructuring and the formation of publics in participatory design
Authors: Dantec Christopher A Le , DiSalvo Carl
Published: February 2013

Of late, there has been a renewed and reinvigorated exchange of ideas across science and technology studies and participatory design, emerging from a shared interest in ‘publics’. In this article, we explore the role of participatory design in constituting publics, drawing together recent scholarship in both science and technology studies and participatory design. To frame our discussion, we present two case studies of community-based participatory design as empirical examples. From these examples and the literature, we discuss the ways in which the concepts of infrastructuring and attachments are central to the constitution of publics. Finally, through an analysis of our case studies, we consider the differences between the practices of enabling participation and infrastructuring, calling attention to the ways that constituting publics foregrounds an engagement with authority structures and unknown futures through the participatory design process.
The tensions over liberal citizenship in a Marxist revolutionary situation: The Maoists in India
Authors: Shah Alpa
Published: February 2013

In recent years, liberal concepts of citizenship have been appropriated in the Indian subcontinent by various sections of the urban bourgeoisie, in particular, left-leaning intellectuals and activists, to make claims off the state on behalf of their poorer rural (sometimes urban) counterparts. In the context of the struggle between the Indian Government and the Maoist revolution, citizenship has provided a convenient means for civil liberties groups to articulate a notion of ‘the people’ as set apart from both the actions and practices of the Indian Government as well as the Maoist revolutionaries, while at the same time promoting the reach of the Indian state. Life in Maoist areas, however, reveals the blurred boundaries between the villagers and the Maoists, the historic alienation of the state from people’s lives, and as such the limits of liberal notions of citizenship, as evoked by the citizen’s rights activists, to analyse the potential of people’s relation with the polity. The paper suggests that this liberal concept of citizenship paradoxically both enables but also perhaps potentially limits the space for a more radical politics. As proponents of an extreme left politics, the paper also critically focuses on Maoist tactics in showing up the state and its responsibilities to its citizens, reflecting on the implications of these tactics for their Marxian utopia and the future relationship between the individual and the state in a communist society.
‘All of us are Presidents’: Radical democracy and citizenship in the Chapare Province, Bolivia1
Authors: Grisaffi Thomas
Published: February 2013

“All of us are presidents” examines the promise and disappointments of direct democracy that followed Evo Morales’ election as president of Bolivia. Working with the literature on politics, the state, and social movements in Latin America, the author contrasts ideas of normative democracy with radical democracy. The article pursues two ideas. First, in the wake of Morales’ election his core political base in the Chapare region perceived and engaged in politics as if they exercised direct, structural authority over the president’s policies. Second, while Morales initially embraced direct democracy he quickly distanced himself from this practice. As the coca growers observe, Morales abandon their political practices they have ceased to refer to themselves as presidents. Therefore, the author suggest that the model of direct democracy that Morales and his aides have promoted is in fact nothing more than a stark utopian claim designed to ensure the legitimacy of the MAS party.
Citizenship, the self, and political agency
Authors: Lazar Sian , Nuijten Monique
Published: February 2013

The articles in this special issue start from the premise that citizenship is more than the legal status of member of a national political community with certain rights and responsibilities (Marshall, 1983). We contend that citizenship is an important and helpful way of framing anthropological enquiry into politics. The authors ask how citizenship is experienced in any given context, and thereby explore how particular political communities and political agency are constituted.
The Sins of Josiah and Hezekiah: A Synchronic Reading of the Final Chapters of Kings
Authors: Janzen David
Published: February 2013

The double redaction theory of the Deuteronomistic History has its roots in the claim that there are logical discontinuities in the narrative from Manasseh to the end of 2 Kings. This article argues, however, that it is possible to see a coherent narrative in a synchronic reading of the final chapters of Kings once we recognize them as presenting a series of lessons to the Davidide in exile. Among the important lessons in 2 Kings 18–25 for Jehoiachin to learn is that, although he has received a negative evaluation from the narrative, the past sins on the parts of Josiah (for initially continuing Manasseh's sin) and Hezekiah (for initially failing to trust Yhwh to deliver Jerusalem) are ignored by Yhwh once they act rightly, and so are erased from their evaluations. It is still possible for Jehoiachin to earn an impeccable evaluation himself if he trusts Yhwh to deliver as Hezekiah eventually learned to do, and leads the nation in repentance as Josiah eventually did.
Where There Is Dirt, Is There System? Revisiting Biblical Purity Constructions
Authors: Lemos T.M.
Published: February 2013

This article contends that biblical scholarship on impurity has often been concerned with attempting to find one symbolic system underlying Israelite purity constructions. This tendency is clear in the work of Mary Douglas and Jacob Milgrom, but even in more recent scholarship the tendency to treat the diverse body of texts discussing impurity as a ‘system’ has continued. Even recent attempts to place all of these texts into two or more categories of impurity have had to force biblical texts to fit categories that supposedly encompass all of the Hebrew Bible. This article presents various important inconsistencies among the purity constructions of different biblical texts in order to demonstrate that these constructions are not in fact ‘systematic’. There is no ‘system of Israelite impurity’. Moreover, in positing such a system, scholars have displayed assumptions and utilized methods that are at odds with those of contemporary ritual studies. This article argues instead for an embodied approach to studying Israelite purity constructions that moves beyond Cartesian dichotomies and seeks to contextualize the evidence from different biblical texts, treating differences between texts not as obstacles but as analytical opportunities.
Chronopolitics
Authors: Klinke Ian
Published: February 2013

This article engages the platform of critical geopolitics through conceptual clarification of the debates around chronopolitics (the politics of time). It argues that the current literature has either reduced it to the dynamic of ‘speed’ or the ‘modern’ time consciousness in geopolitics. After re-emphasizing a narrative understanding of temporality and a non-dichotomous conception of space and time, the article highlights the heterotemporality of geopolitical discourse. It suggests that chronopolitics should be understood not as an alternative to geopolitics but as one of its crucial elements – and one that can also be found in the project of a critical geopolitics.
‘Socialism with Chinese characteristics’
Authors: Lim Kean Fan
Published: February 2013

While ‘neoliberalization’ is increasingly used to conceptualize concrete realities of China’s economic development, it is not employed in dialectical relation with China’s prevailing developmental ideology – ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics’. This paper offers a fresh framework and research agenda from which to examine this relation. It argues that neoliberalization across China is a variegated process, formed and fractured by actually existing uneven state spatiality and the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) ostensibly contradictory historicization of a Marxian socialist end-state. How neoliberalization works simultaneously in/through multiple sites in China and consequently reproduces the CPC’s ideological legitimacy has become a theoretically significant question for research on geographical political economy.
In vivo evaluation of the interaction between titanium dioxide nanoparticle and rat liver DNA
Authors: Jin Chan , Tang Ying , Fan X Yan , Ye X Ting , Li X Lin , Tang Kai , Zhang Y Fang , Li A Guo , Yang Y Ji
Published: February 2013

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are massively produced and widely used in daily life, which may pose potential risk to human health via uncharacterized interaction between DNAs. This research aims to examine the interaction between DNA and three types of TiO2 NPs of different sizes and crystallines. The interaction between TiO2 NPs and liver DNA molecules obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats was systematically evaluated in vivo using atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, various spectroscopic techniques and gel electrophoresis. We found that TiO2 NPs (diameter <25 nm and <100 nm) in anatase crystalline can covalently interact with liver DNA by either inserting itself in between DNA base pairs or binding to DNA nucleotide via P–O–Ti–O bond. Such interaction may not be NP size-dependent but may be crystalline phase-dependent, because such interaction did not occur in rutile crystal phase, in which the DNA damage was potentially caused by reactive oxygen species.
Language Policy in Ukraine
Authors: Kulyk Volodymyr
Published: February 2013

This article seeks to shed more light on Ukraine’s language problem by specifying popular views of policies the state should pursue in the language domain. Aiming at the delineation of possible ways to reconcile the preferences of main ethnolinguistic and regional groups, it analyzes their views of the valid and desirable legislative and institutional arrangements. The data come from a nationwide representative mass survey and twenty focus groups in different parts of Ukraine. The analysis shows that Ukrainian-speakers would like to see their language dominant in all domains but are ready to put up with the widespread use of Russian, provided that their own right to use Ukrainian is not questioned and the titular language retains the priority status and exclusive role in some symbolically important practices. In contrast, Russian-speakers prefer an upgrade of the status of Russian, which they present as a way to ensure the equality of speakers of the two languages but most of them actually want official bilingualism to let them remain unilingual in their capacities both as citizens and as employees. The best solution would be to adopt compromise legislation providing for a limited upgrade of the status of Russian and then facilitate its observance by both bureaucrats and citizens. However, the new language law adopted under President Yanukovych was widely perceived as endangering the use of Ukrainian and thus contributed to confrontation rather than compromise.
Seizing on European Institutions?
Authors: Jasiewicz Joanna
Published: February 2013

This article provides an overview of how ethnic minority and state actors in Poland draw on the European Union and other supranational institutions in their publicized claims. Its objectives are twofold. First, the article relies on the new institutionalism, political opportunity structure and sociology of culture perspectives to interpret the impact of supranational organizations on the domestic public debate in Poland. Second, drawing on the claims-analysis method, it examines the extent to which ethnic minority leaders seized the opportunity to address supranational organizations and legislation on minority rights protection promoted by these institutions. The analysis reveals that ethnic minorities do not take full advantage of the novel political circumstances and only seldom refer to the supranational organizations and symbols. The findings contradict the hypotheses stemming from the new institutionalism and the political opportunity structure approaches and provide support for the sociology of culture perspective.
Institutional sources of policy bias: A computational investigation
Authors: Ragan Robi
Published: February 2013

Representative democracy translates the preferences of the electorate into policy outcomes. Individual voters do not directly vote on policy; rather, their elected representatives create and establish policy. How well do the institutions of representative democracy translate the preferences of the electorate into policy? Is there any systematic bias in a representative democracy system? After formulating a series of computational models it appears that the degree to which legislative districts are ‘gerrymandered’ with respect to preferences about the policy is a source of policy bias. To illustrate the phenomenon, household income is used as a proxy for voters’ preferences with respect to redistribution. Even when the majority of voters are in favor of redistribution, if districts are constructed with a sufficient level of conservative gerrymandering, the policy outcome under representative democracy will favor far less redistribution than the policy outcome under direct democracy.
Proliferation, preemption, and intervention in the nuclearization of second-tier states
Authors: Dittmeier Christopher R.
Published: February 2013

Traditional interpretations of politics among nuclear-weapons states—as epitomized by Schelling’s theory of deterrence through mutually-assured destruction—are less useful in today’s proliferation environment than they were during the Cold War’s superpower rivalry. As regionally-important states begin to pursue nuclear weapons, they do so in an environment that is shaped by the preferences and behaviors of the great powers. Using an elaboration on Powell’s bargaining model of conflict, this article shows that nuclear proliferation radically alters the future distribution of power, introducing a commitment problem vis-à-vis conventionally-stronger neighbors. This explains the occurrence of preemptive war in cases of attempted nuclearization, although the empirical paucity of such bargaining failures requires the shadow of great-power intervention in understanding the relations of second-tier states.
Ideology and information in policymaking
Authors: Morelli Massimo , Van Weelden Richard
Published: February 2013

We consider how the incentives for politicians to pander to public opinion depend on preference heterogeneity and information. Politicians are more likely to pander on issues where politicians’ preferences are divided than on issues where there is a clear majority view. As pandering involves ignoring socially valuable information that goes against the ex ante preferred action of the majority, an increase in the ex ante probability that a politician may hold a minority view can then lead to policy outcomes more biased towards the action ex ante preferred by the majority. In addition, because the updating about the politician’s type is dampened when the voters are uncertain about the state of the world, politicians are more likely to pander when voters are more informed about which action is in their interest. It is then possible that increasing the information available to the voters, by increasing the likelihood of pandering by politicians, can make all voters worse off.
Design and manufacture of components for motor sport using computer-aided design and rapid casting technology
Authors: Davies Huw , Clarke Alastair
Published: February 2013

That motor sport is synonymous with advanced manufacturing is probably true of the upper echelons such as F1, WRC and ALMS. However, at privateer level, many of the advanced manufacturing technologies, and to an extent many of the more traditional manufacturing technologies, are beyond reach due to a combination of cost and low production volumes. One technology that has the potential to make the transition from the upper echelons to the privateer level is rapid casting technology. Rapid casting combines the advantages of traditional casting, including greater flexibility during the design stage and a more effective structural behaviour, with the requirement for low production numbers synonymous with motor sport. The low-volume element is achieved through the use of rapid prototyping technology to fabricate the high quality and complex patterns used in investment casting with lower cost and shorter leading times. A potential application was investigated through the presented case study. This involved the use of rapid casting, based on the direct rapid prototyping approach, to design and manufacture an upright for a single-seater race car. The use of advanced computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture techniques and rapid casting technology resulted in an upright that is structurally efficient (<160 MPa main load cases), has low weight (∼900 g) and a reduced number of component parts.
The development of China’s high-speed railway systems and a study of the dynamics of coupled systems in high-speed trains
Authors: Zhang Wei Hua
Published: February 2013

This paper reports on the development of high-speed railway systems in China. In addition, with respect to the characteristics of the high-speed train system, the relationship between various coupled systems that can affect train operation are analysed, including interactions between two vehicles, between a track and train, a pantograph/catenary and train, and airflow and a train. On the basis of this research, problems pertaining to the dynamics arising from high-speed operations are studied and the necessity for a study of the system dynamics of high-speed trains—considering all these interactions—is discussed. A theoretic framework for the analysis of the dynamics generated by coupled systems in high-speed trains is presented and the modelling methods for these coupled systems are outlined.