bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Transition: Missed Opportunities and Emerging Challenges for Landscape Planning and Designing
Authors: De Waal Renée , Stremke Sven
Published: July 2014

Making the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy seems inevitable. Because energy transition poses new challenges and opportunities to the discipline of landscape architecture, the questions addressed in this paper are: (1) what landscape architects can learn from successful energy transitions in Güssing, Jühnde and Samsø; and (2) to what extent landscape architecture (or other spatial disciplines) contributed to energy transition in the aforementioned cases. An exploratory, comparative case study was conducted to identify differences and similarities among the cases, to answer the research questions, and to formulate recommendations for further research and practice. The comparison indicated that the realized renewable energy systems are context-dependent and, therefore, specifically designed to meet the respective energy demand, making use of the available potentials for renewable energy generation and efficiency. Further success factors seemed to be the presence of (local) frontrunners and a certain degree of citizen participation. The relatively smooth implementation of renewable energy technologies in Jühnde and on Samsø may indicate the importance of careful and (partly) institutionalized consideration of landscape impact, siting and design. Comparing the cases against the literature demonstrated that landscape architects were not as involved as they, theoretically, could have been. However, particularly when the aim is sustainable development, rather than “merely” renewable energy provision, the integrative concept of “sustainable energy landscapes” can be the arena where landscape architecture and other disciplines meet to pursue global sustainability goals, while empowering local communities and safeguarding landscape quality.
Comparison of Lifts Versus Tape Measure in Determining Leg Length Discrepancy
Authors: Badii Maziar , Wade A. Nicole , Collins David R. , Nicolaou Savvakis , Kobza B. Jacek , Kopec Jacek A.
Published: July 2014

Objective.

To evaluate the validity (accuracy) and reliability of 2 commonly used clinical methods, 1 indirect (lifts) and 1 direct (tape measure), for assessment of leg length discrepancy (LLD) in comparison to radiograph.

Methods.

Twenty subjects suspected of having LLD participated in this study. Two clinical methods, 1 direct using a tape measure and 1 indirect using lifts, were standardized and carried out by 4 examiners. Difference in height of the femoral heads on standing pelvic radiograph was measured and served as the gold standard.

Results.

The intraclass correlation coefficient assessing interobserver reliability was 0.737 for lifts and 0.477 for tape measure. The remainder of the analysis is based on the average of the measurements by the 4 examiners. Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.93 for the lifts and 0.75 for the tape measure method. Paired sample t tests showed difference in means of 2 mm (p = 0.051) for lifts and −5 mm (p = 0.007) for tape measure compared with radiograph. Sensitivity and specificity were 55% and 89% for lifts and 45% and 56% for tape measure, respectively, using > 5 mm as the definition for LLD. The wrong leg was identified as being shorter in 1 out of 20 subjects using lifts versus 7 out of 20 using tape measure.

Conclusion.

The indirect standing method of LLD measurement using lifts had superior validity, interobserver reliability, and specificity in comparison with radiograph over the direct supine method using tape measure. Both clinical methods underestimated LLD compared with radiograph.
Systemic Sclerosis and the Risk of Tuberculosis
Authors: Ou Shuo-Ming , Fan Wen-Chien , Cho Kun-Ta , Yeh Chiu-Mei , Su Vincent Yi-Fong , Hung Man-Hsin , Chang Yu-Sheng , Lee Yi-Jung , Chen Yung-Tai , Chao Pei-Wen , Yang Wu-Chang , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Wang Wei-Shu , Tsao Hsuan-Ming , Chen Li-Fu , Lee Fa-Yauh , Liu Chia-Jen
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Pulmonary involvement is common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and this condition causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Disrupted immunity from the disease or associated medication may render such patients subject to tuberculosis (TB) infection. However, the relationship between SSc and TB has not yet been investigated.

Methods.

Using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, 838 patients with SSc diagnosed in Taiwan during 2000–2006 were identified and followed for emergence of TB infection. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) of TB compared to 8380 randomly selected age-, sex-, and comorbidity-matched controls without SSc were calculated. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate adjustment to identify independent risk factors for TB infection.

Results.

The risk of TB infection was higher in the SSc cohort than in controls (IRR 2.81, 95% CI 1.36–5.37; p = 0.004), particularly for pulmonary TB (IRR 2.53, 95% CI 1.08–5.30; p = 0.022). Other independent risk factors for TB infection in patients with SSc were age ≥ 60 years [hazard ratio (HR) 3.52, 95% CI 1.10–11.33; p = 0.035] and pulmonary hypertension (PH; HR 6.06, 95% CI 1.59–23.17; p = 0.008). Mortality did not differ for SSc patients with or without TB.

Conclusion.

In this nationwide study, the incidence of TB infection was significantly higher among patients with SSc than in controls without SSc. Special care should be taken in managing patients with SSc who are at high risk for TB, especially those aged ≥ 60 years or who also have PH.
Tumor Necrosis Factor–α Promoter −308/238 Polymorphism Association with Less Severe Disease in Ankylosing Spondylitis is Unrelated to Serum TNF-α and Does Not Predict TNF Inhibitor Response
Authors: Nossent Johannes C. , Sagen-Johnsen Sylvia , Bakland Gunnstein
Published: July 2014

Objective.

Despite the clinical efficacy of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), the manner in which TNF-α contributes to disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains unresolved. We investigated the relationship between TNF-α gene promoter region polymorphism, serum TNF-α levels, and clinical phenotype.

Methods.

We did a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study in TNFi-naive patients with AS (n = 335). Clinical data and biological samples were collected during a research visit with genotyping for TNF-α −238 A/G and −308 A/G performed by Taqman RT-PCR and TNF levels determined by sandwich ELISA. Longitudinal TNF levels were monitored in unselected patients (n = 61).

Results.

TNF-α −308 GA/AA genotype was present in 14% and TNF-α −238 GA/AA genotype in 1% of patients. TNF-α −308 GA/AA genotype was associated with a reduced risk of uveitis and better spinal function, while TNF-α −238 GA/AA genotype was associated with later age of onset and lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Serum TNF-α level was lower in patients with AS (151 pg/ml) than in controls (263 pg/ml), because more patients with AS had undetectable serum TNF-α (66 vs 25%, p < 0.001). TNFi treatment did not influence serum TNF-α. There was no effect of TNF-α −308/−238 or HLA-B27 genotype on serum TNF-α or subsequent initiation of TNFi.

Conclusion.

TNF-α −238 or −308 GA/AA genotypes in patients with AS are associated with signs of less severe disease. Serum TNF-α is, however, undetectable in two-thirds of patients with AS and is not influenced by TNF-α promoter genotype or TNFi therapy. These data suggest a more significant role for TNF-α at local sites of inflammation in AS than through systemic effects.
The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: China, the European Union, and the United States in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Morris Ian
Published: July 2014

La seule façon de comprendre la dynamique des relations euro- asiatiques est en regardant l’histoire à long terme. Au cours des 15 000 dernières années, la géographie a vu croître le développement social à des vitesses différentes selon les différentes parties du monde ; mais en même temps, le développement social croissant a constamment changé la perception de la géographie. Au cours des 15 000 dernières années, l’Europe a surtout été une simple périphérie des grands centres de pouvoir en Asie. C’est seulement au xv e  siècle que la croissance de développement donne à l’Europe des avantages géographiques cruciaux, et entre 1500 et 1900, que l’Europe arrive à dominer le monde. Son succès, cependant, a modifié le sens de la géographie une fois de plus, et en 1900, la richesse et le pouvoir se sont déplacés au-delà de l’Atlantique en Amérique du Nord – pour que la domination américaine change le sens de la géographie encore plus loin, et que la richesse et le pouvoir traverse le Pacifique vers l’Asie de l’Est. La paix et la prospérité actuelle de l’Europe dépendent de sa position au sein de l’ordre mondial dominé par les Américains, et la montée en puissance de l’Asie de l’Est au xxi e  siècle amène l’Europe à faire face à des choix stratégiques extrêmement difficiles.
Assessing Strategic Partnership Policy
Authors: Sajdak Wiktor Adam
Published: July 2014

Au cours de près de quatre décennies, l’énorme progrès dans l’institutionnalisation de la relation sino-européenne peut être considéré comme un excellent exemple de l’évolution des relations bilatérales. À partir de motifs principalement économiques, donc pragmatiques, en passant par des préoccupations plus sophistiquées et globales, la relation sino-européenne a atteint le niveau de partenariat stratégique. Toutefois, ce genre de politique nécessite un réseau complexe d’interdépendances et un cadre institutionnel bien développé. Le nouveau système à trois piliers, qui incarne l’architecture construite au travers des relations UE-Chine, est très impressionnant, mais est-il efficace dans la poursuite des objectifs du partenariat stratégique ? Cet article met en lumière la définition de la politique de partenariat stratégique, qui pose ses principaux éléments dans le contexte de la relation UE-Chine. Il examine également l’architecture institutionnelle existante et tente de donner une réponse au sujet de l’efficacité d’un tel cadre en termes des objectifs de la politique de partenariat stratégique.
Adenauer, de Gasperi, Schuman et le principe de subsidiarité : un « spillover culturel » ?
Authors: Lancien Anne
Published: July 2014

Cet article vise à appréhender l’émergence de la construction européenne à travers le spectre des idées, conceptions et croyances de trois pères fondateurs : Schuman, Adenauer et de Gasperi. Nous souhaitons pour cela avancer le concept de « spillover culturel » qui insiste sur l’importance de la diffusion normative dans l’émergence de la construction européenne. Il serait la résultante d’un triple processus, selon la théorie des « cycles de vie normatifs » de Martha Finnemore et Kathryn Sikkink. Véritables entrepreneurs de normes, les pères fondateurs seraient parvenus par un processus similaire à construire une Europe fidèle à leurs conceptions de la scène internationale.
The European Union Must Survive
Authors: Piasecki Ryszard , Woroniecki Jan
Published: July 2014

Crise dans la zone euro et l’annexion russe de la Crimée a relancé les discussions sur la pertinence du modèle d’intégration européenne aujourd’hui. En particulier: comment relancer, les valeurs européennes encore valides en sortant de l’impasse Économique; comment assurer une prévoyance sous la pression des difficultés à court terme tout en évitant la perte infondée – mais compréhensible – de confiance dans l’avenir du projet européen parmi les élites et parmi certaines parties de la population dans la plupart d’ anciens pays membres et, enfin, comment prévenir la désillusion des nouveaux États membres de l’UE, toujours très favorable à l’intégration européenne. Le subissant de la solidarité européenne montre que l’UE est arrivée à la croisée des chemins: entre renaissance et de la faillite. Une Europe forte et unie est nécessaire pour maintenir un bon équilibre sur cette scène. Dans les circonstances de l’interdépendance et de la mondialisation croissante, éviter une rivalité destructrice entre les principaux groupes de l’État, ainsi qu’une résolution conjointe des problèmes globaux rencontrés, est une condition préalable à un avenir de paix et de bien-être de la planète. L’Europe rajeuni devrait prendre une part de responsabilité envers ses citoyens, et dans le même temps, la société internationale devrait continuer avec l’intégration croissante et la réaffirmation de ses valeurs qui ont amené et gardé les pays européens ensemble tout en renforçant l’identité européenne.
Le délit d'imprudence sanitaire en France au XX e siècle
Authors: Zylberman Patrick
Published: July 2014

Le procès de Colmar (2005) a-t-il marqué un infléchissement de notre jurisprudence concernant la transmission volontaire d’une maladie infectieuse ? Dès 1905 sont proposés des projets de lois créant un « délit de contamination ». Sans succès. « Privilège » du juge civil dans les affaires de transmission d’une infection, tentative abolitionniste du régime de la prostitution, difficultés de prouver le lien de causalité, absence d’une législation eugénique expliquent les raisons de ces échecs. Face à ces obstacles insurmontables, le « délit d’imprudence sanitaire » apparaît comme une position de repli. Pourtant, dans le sillage de Colmar, les juridictions ont montré un indiscutable durcissement du droit en la matière. Et si le combat abolitionniste, associé au délit d’imprudence sanitaire, avait montré la voie ?
Information and Communication Technologies, Democracy, and Human Rights in Nigeria
Authors: Wilson Joseph , Gapsiso Nuhu
Published: July 2014

The unprecedented impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) on nearly every facet of human endeavour has continued to attract individual and organizational interest to explore these technologies for specific cause. ICTs are increasingly being used in promoting democracy and human rights issues: to mobilize and strengthen solidarity, increase communication among interest groups, and share information more quickly. There is no doubt that ICTs deployment in Nigeria and other developing countries has sparked growth in citizens' abilities to communicate and share ideas, but there are impediments. This chapter looks at the evolution of ICTs in Nigeria, the place of ICTs in promoting democracy/human rights, and discusses the challenges of harnessing the enormous benefits of ICTs in promoting democracy and human rights in Nigeria.
The Opportunities and Challenges of using Email for Political Communication in Authoritarian States
Authors: Takavarasha, Jr. Sam , Masunungure Eldred
Published: July 2014

This chapter uses Illich's (1973) concept of conviviality for analysing the challenges and opportunities of using email for political communication in authoritarian states. Based on evidence from a case study of Zimbabwe's Media Monitoring Project (MMPZ), it contends that while conviviality allows the use of ICTs for political mobilisation, it also enables a counterproductive “big brother” effect. In addition to constant censorship and overt operations, covert strategies are often used for disrupting communication platforms. This calls for a framework for harnessing ICTs for political mobilisation. This chapter is a case study on how perceived state surveillance disrupted a vibrant communicative space in Zimbabwe. Based on evidence from the volumes of email traffic transacted over two weeks of panic, anger, and heroism, the chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities of using email for political mobilisation and warns against uncritical celebration of the role of ICTs in political mobilisation. It concludes by suggesting how the adaption of e-strategies from email marketing to political communication is among the skills that could break the tie between political opponents armed with the same convivial tools for political communication in the information age.
Corruption in the Public Eye
Authors: Katzarova Elitza
Published: July 2014

What role is there for publicity in the global anti-corruption debate? This chapter introduces the concepts of “transparency” and “publicity” as analytical tools that account for differentiated channels through which the availability of information can induce social change. Two case studies provide insights into the role of traditional media in comparison to new social media. The first case analyzes the role of Western news coverage during the negotiations of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention in the mid-1990s and the threat of publicity as a negotiation strategy. The second case investigates the role of social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube in the success of the anti-corruption strike carried out by Indian social activist Anna Hazare in 2011. By introducing and further applying the conceptual toolkit of “transparency” and “publicity” to both cases, this chapter argues that transparency requires publicity or in the case of the OECD negotiations—the threat of publicity—in order for the anti-corruption campaign to be successful. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the ramifications for transparency and publicity as tools for social change.
Civic Cultures and Skills in European Digital Rights Campaigning
Authors: Breindl Yana
Published: July 2014

Technical skills are increasingly necessary to successfully intervene in policy-making, especially when dealing with technical matters such as Internet or telecommunications regulation. Skills are rooted in experience and cultural practices. Dahlgren's concept of civic cultures is used in this chapter to investigate the cultural underpinnings of the emergent European digital rights movement that has repeatedly targeted EU legislation on copyright enforcement, software patents, and the Internet. The values and identity of the movement are investigated along with the way knowledge and information are processed and trust established through repeated practices in a variety of online and offline spaces. The analysis illustrates how digitally skilled actors can substantially affect policy-making by disrupting the course of parliamentary law-making at the European level. However, technical skills need to be complemented by social and political competencies to gain access and provide convincing input to political institutions that increasingly rely on extra-institutional expertise.
Googling Democracy
Authors: Babayan Nelli , Braghiroli Stefano
Published: July 2014

The spillover of the Arab Spring is often attributed to the increased use of the Internet and various social networks. In addition, many established democracies and international organizations have adopted democracy promotion as their foreign policy objectives. Heads of states regularly praise democracy and reiterate their commitment to its promotion. However, the on-ground activities of democracy promoters remain largely unknown to the broader population. Nevertheless, given the growing influence of non-democratic but economically successful and resource-rich countries, democracy promoters more than ever need to “win the hearts and minds” of these populations. This chapter compares techniques and the extent of publicising democracy promotion, by focusing on the online presence of democracy promoters as the most cost-effective opportunity of communicating goals, strategies, and accomplishments. The chapter categorizes individual Websites of democracy promoters according to their structural, graphic, informative, and programmatic features. This chapter focuses on the EU and USAID in Eastern Europe, Middle East, North Africa, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. Quantitative and qualitative cross-country and cross-promoter variances are explored by analyzing a wide array of explanatory dimensions. The results suggest that the two promoters vary in their levels of e-activeness and their involvement in Internet-based activities of democracy promotion, with the EU showing a systematically higher commitment in the studied regions. In addition, Internet penetration, the level of democratic development, and geo-political factors are likely to affect a promoter's e-activeness.
From Politics to E-Politics
Authors: Takavarasha, Jr. Sam , Cox Jonathan , Bigirimana Stanislas
Published: July 2014

ICTs are slowly being acknowledged as effective tools for political mobilisation in the information age. Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and the Arab Spring are typical examples of how ICTs can foster political change in the face of challenges that were considered insurmountable before the information age. The secrets behind such success stories are not readily available to local change leaders at a time when authoritarian states are devising ways of entrenching the status quo in the information age. This emphasises the need to inform activists about the relevance of updating pre-information age models in order to address the challenges of politics in the information age. It also calls for more academic analysis on how to conceptualise the role of earlier political models in the information age. This chapter presents a systematic approach for renewing traditional political models to the e-world by proposing how to update Alinsky's (1971) community organising model used by Obama 2008 campaign. The relevance of this chapter to a book on politics in the information age is that it prepares strategists and scholars to update their tried and tested strategies to a new era as Obama did.
The Internet, National Citizenship, and the “Sovereignty Paradox”
Authors: Khan Amadu Wurie
Published: July 2014

This chapter explores the potential of the Internet for asylum seekers'/refugees' political agency and for challenging the boundaries of national citizenship and state sovereignty. It considers that Western governments' formulation of “restrictionist” and “assimilationist” citizenship policies and the conjoining “managerialist” approach to asylum are aimed at asserting state sovereignty and national citizenship. However, it is argued that attempts at the territorial construction of membership amounts to a “sovereignty paradox”: policies promote an international humanitarian norm of citizenship, which depends on state sovereignty for its realisation. Asylum-seeking migrants' views and practices are therefore deployed to explore the counterproductivity of the UK government's attempt to coerce would-be British citizens to have loyalty and allegiance to the nation-state. This UK case study provides empirical substantiation of asylum-seeking migrants' political agency in the West, and the resilience of state sovereignty in affirming an international humanitarian norm of citizenship. It also contributes to an understanding of asylum-seeking migrants' political agency through the Internet in holding political elites in the West accountable for their migration-citizenship policies. This perspective has been strikingly missing in the citizenship and international relations theories, particularly given the context that non-citizen asylum-seeking migrants residing in liberal democracies are a major trigger for these policies. The chapter also attempts to deconstruct the relationship between transnationalism and globalisation: a project that continues to be problematic in the academy.
Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Appropriate Therapy Aims for Service Users in Mental Health: A Survey of Therapists in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lee Sun-Wook , Morley Mary , Garnham Mike , Heasman David , Willis Suzie , Forsyth Kirsty , Melton Jane , Taylor Renee
Published: July 2014

Introduction:

In England, the Payment by Results reimbursement system was introduced for mental health services. Occupational therapists developed the indicative care packages for identified clusters endorsed by the system. This study sought to systematically gather and document occupational therapists' viewpoints on the appropriateness of a range of therapy aims and, thereby, inform the creation of the occupational therapy indicative care packages.

Method:

This study is a descriptive, internet-based survey of therapists in six National Health Service trusts in the United Kingdom.

Findings:

A total of 262 therapists completed the survey for a response rate of 61.07%. Most were female (85.5%) with varying levels of experience (less than 5 years [33%]; between 5 and 20 years [54%]; over 20 years [13%]). Therapists evaluated the most appropriate aims specified for three occupational performance levels of service users and for six occupational areas. Additional aims were reported by therapists, and there was near-consensus for more than half of the aims, with over 75% of therapists agreeing on their appropriateness.

Conclusion:

Findings from experts' empirical knowledge inform practice by providing evidence for specifying service outcomes that are theory based and occupation focused in guiding the development of recommended occupational therapy objectives.
An Exploratory Study: Expanding the Concept of Play for Children with Severe Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Graham Naomi , Truman Juliette , Holgate Heather
Published: July 2014

Introduction:

Play is essential to a child's development, and is a dominating component of a child's life. Forming part of a broader study aiming to explore what parents of children with cerebral palsy understand by play, and its use in therapy and home programmes, this research article focuses on how parents expand their concept of play for their children.

Method:

A qualitative methodology and interpretive descriptive approach were taken. Following ethical approval, seven parents were recruited, completed an interview, and provided a contextual information sheet. An interpretive descriptive approach to analysis allowed exploration of this data.

Findings:

Parents appeared to expand their concept of play beyond the conventional idea of play for typically developing children, seemingly as a result of the limitations placed on each child's play through their physical disability. Parents discussions revealed three subthemes: vicarious play, play through communication, and therapy in play.

Conclusion:

Occupational therapists can help parents to understand how the concept of play can be expanded to involve ideas such as vicarious play and communication as play. Parents may then feel more comfortable in allowing their children to experience play as a primary occupation, in a less conventional way.
Balancing Priorities: British Bangladeshi Mothers' Perspectives on Functional Independence for their Disabled Children
Authors: Kingsley Fiona , Wickenden Mary
Published: July 2014

Introduction:

In Western cultures, functional independence is a highly valued concept. It is often utilized as an end goal by occupational therapists working with disabled children. However, little is known about how families from non-Western backgrounds view this concept. Research indicates that professionals frequently use their own understanding of independence to guide input. Without understanding non-Western parents' perspectives on functional independence, occupational therapists are at risk of providing inappropriate and irrelevant intervention.

Aim:

To understand British Bangladeshi mothers' perspectives on developing functional independence with their disabled children.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews with ten Bangladeshi mothers and a focus group of Bangladeshi professionals. Thematic data analysis was used to identify key themes from the participants' narratives.

Results:

Four key themes emerged: developing functional independence in typically developing children; importance of functional independence for disabled children; functional independence versus good care; and functional independence versus safety and protection.

Conclusion:

British Bangladeshi mothers want functional independence for their disabled children. However, this desire competes with other parenting values of ‘providing good care’ and ‘safety/protection’. The mothers balance these priorities but frequently choose care and safety. Understanding parental perspectives on functional independence is an important starting point for occupational therapists in providing culturally congruent care.
Whole body 18F-FDG PET predicts progression free and overall survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Abdelsalam Mahmoud , Bazarbashi Shouki , Abouzied Moheieldin , Amin Tarek , Soudy Hussein , Rahal Mohamed , Darwish Alaa
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

18F-FDG PET yields physiologic information that allows for identifying canccer based on altered tissue metabolism. The aim of this study was to prospectively validate the predictive value of positron emission tomography (PET) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus treated by pre-operattive chemotherapy followed by esophagectomy.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Prospective efficacy and toxicity study of patients enrolled between January 1999 and September 2003.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twenty-one patients with SCC of the esophagus who were potentially resectable underwent 18F-FDG PET imaging before the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and at least 14 days after the third cycle. A patient was classified as a metabolic responder when the metabolic activity of the primary tumor as measured by the maximum standardized uptake values had decreased by 50% or more at the time of the second 18F-FDG PET.

RESULTS:

The median age of the study cohort was 60 years with a range of 39-70 years; 12 patients were males and 9 were females. 18F-FDG PET had increased activity in the primary tumor in all patients. Metabolic response occurred in 14/21 patients (66%), while 7/21 (33%) patients did not show a metabolic response. Metabolic ressponders had a high clinical response rate (92%), a median progression free survival (PFS) of 16.4 months and a median overall survival (OS) of 35.3 months. In contrast, prognosis was poor for metabolic non-responders with a clinical response rate of 42% (P=.025), a median PFS of 7.13 months (P=.032) and median OS of 12 months (P=.038).

CONCLUSION:

Our results demonstrate that changes in tumor metabolic activity after neoadjuvant chemottherapy predicts PFS and OS in esophageal SCC patients.
Successful stem-cell mobilization and transplantation using plerixafor in a patient with a germ cell tumor
Authors: Tuffaha Haitham , Abdel-Rahman Fawzi Abdel-Latif
Published: July 2014

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is an importtant treatment option for a variety of malignancies. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC s) have replaced bone marrow-derived cells as source of stem cells in transplants, and the success of a transplant depends highly on the number of PBSC s mobilized, collected and eventually infused. Nevertheless, a good perccentage of patients fail to mobilize stem cells when growth factors alone or in combination with chemmotherapy are used. Recently, plerixafor has been approved as a novel agent to mobilize stem cells in multiple myeloma and lymphoma patients. Data on the efficacy and safety of plerixafor in solid tumors is lacking. We report the successful stem cell mobilization and transplantation for a patient with a germ cell tumor using plerixafor.
Successful treatment of steroid-refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia associated with Castleman disease with anti-CD-20 antibody (rituximab)
Authors: Ibrahim Khalid , Maghfoor Irfan , Elghazaly Assem , Bakshi Nasir , Mohamed Said Y. , Aljurf Mahmoud
Published: July 2014

Multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder of incompletely understood etiology and with various clinical presentations. The best therapeutic option for this disease is not well established. MCD is known to be associated with autoimmune phenomena. A 70-year-old female patient of MCD with progressive nodal disease associated with autoimmune thrombocytopenia failed steroid treatment and showed a transient response to intravenous immunoglobulin. The patient achieved complete recovery of her platelet count and a very good response in nodal disease after 3 weekly doses of anti-CD-20 antibody (rituximab). Anti-CD20 antibody treatment could be a good therapeutic option for MCD, mainly when associated with immune-related disorders.
Long-term results of non-fludarabine versus fludarabine-based stem cell transplantation without total body irradiation in Fanconi anemia patients
Authors: Hamidieh Amir Ali , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Jahani Mohammad , Mousavi Seyyed Asadollah , Iravani Masoud , Bahar Babak , Jalili Mahdi , Jalali Arash , Behfar Maryam , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only therapeutic modality capable of correcting the hematologic manifestations of Fanconi anemia (FA). The development of well-tolerated immunosuppressive conditioning regimens for FA patients undergoing HCT has proven to be a challenging task for hematologists.

DESIGN AND SETTINGS:

Retrospective, patients referred to the hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation research center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We analyzed the outcome of 53 FA patients who had undergone HCT between 1992 and 2010. The median age at transplantation was 9 years. Patients received transplants from an HLA-identi-cal sibling (n=39) or matched relative (n=9) and one-antigen locus mismatched other relative/sibling (n=5). All of the patients underwent transplantation with fludarabine and non-fludarabine-based conditioning regimens. No radiation therapy was given.

RESULTS:

The median follow-up period for survivors was 13.5 months (range, 3 months-13.5 years). The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 60.6%. The 3-year OS for patients who did or did not receive fludarabine-based preparative regimens for the allograft was 36.4%, and 70%, respectively. However, there were no statistically significant differences in OS rates between these two groups (P=.112). Graft failure occurred in 4 patients (7.5%). All of these 4 patients had received fludarabine-based conditioning regimens. The incidence of acute GVHD after fludarabine-based regimens was 45% versus 79% in non-fludarabine-based regimens (P=.03).

CONCLUSION:

Despite the high incidence of acute GVHD (78.6%) in the non-fludarabine group, which resulted in the death of some patients, the OS rate was significantly better than in fludarabine recipients. Therefore, in spite of the fact that recent studies advocate the fludarabine-based conditioning regimens, we propose to conduct a multicenter, prospective study to evaluate the outcomes of regimens employed in FA patients.
Outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation with a conditioning regimen of busulfan, cyclophosphamide and low-dose etoposide for children with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Al-Seraihy Amal , Ayas Mouhab , Al-Nounou Randa , El-Solh Hassan , Al-Ahmari Ali , Al-Jefri Abdullah , Belgaumi Asim
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) offers the best chance of cure and long-term survival for children with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with primary MDS treated with allogeneic SCT at a single institution treated between January 1993 and December 2008.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Of 16 consecutive children who received allogeneic SCT for treatment of MDS in our center, 14 patients met the criteria of MDS according WHO I and II criteria. The median age was 4.8 years (range, 1-14 years) and 64% were male. The median time from diagnosis to transplant was 6 months. MDS stage was refractory cytopenia (RC) in 9, refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) in 5. Monosomy 7 was present in 35% of the patients. The majority of patients (11/14) were conditioned with a busulfan-based myeloablative (MA) regimen with addition of low-dose of etoposide (30 mg/kg). All but one received a bone marrow graft.

RESULTS:

Nine patients achieved complete remission (CR), and seven remain alive. At a median follow-up of 3 years (range, 2-14 years) the OS and EFS was 57% (95%CI, 0.28-0.78). Cumulative EFS at 1 0 years was 43% (95% CI: 0.14–0.70). Relapse-related mortality was 21.4%; nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was 28.57%. All the survivors had etoposide in their conditioning regimen. Patients younger than 10 years had better survival (P=.001). CONCLUSION: Children with MDs achieve encouraging OS and EFS following allogeneic SCT. A busulfan-based regimen with a lower dose of etoposide is an effective and less toxic regimen. The outcomes are best in younger patients.
Arsenic trioxide plus cisplatin/interferon α- 2b/doxorubicin/capecitabine combination chemotherapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tomuleasa Ciprian , Soritau Olga , Fischer-Fodor Eva , Pop Teodora , Susman Sergiu , Mosteanu Ofelia , Petrushev Bobe , Aldea Mihaela , Acalovschi Monica , Irimie Alexanru , Kacso Gabriel
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The failure of existing treatments for liver cancer has recently been attribuuted to the existence of cancer stem cells, which are difficult to kill using current drugs due to their chemoresisttant properties as well as their ability to stimulate neoangiogenesis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate in vitro the antitumor efficacy of arsenic trioxide in combination with conventional chemotherapy, as proposed by the concept of “differentiation therapy” in anticancer research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Cancer stem cells showed enhanced chemoresistance to cancer drugs (carboplatin and doxorubicin) and had the ability to exclude rhodamine 123 dye, proving the existence of the multidrug resisttance efflux pump. Arsenic trioxide was added prior to a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or to a slightly modified Piaf regimmen with capecitabine replacing 5-fluorouracil. We also compared both cancer and normal stem cell lines with the hepG2 non-stem liver cancer cell line to investigate the differences between differentiated and more anaplastic cells. Molecular characterization (immunocytochemistry and rt-PCr analysis) of all the cell lines was carried out.

RESULTS:

Initially, the cells had a high proliferative potential, even when cultured in a medium supplemented with cytostatics, eliminated rhodamine 123 immediately in culture and also formed spheroids in suspension. The molecular characterization showed the expression of albumin, α1-antitrypsin, α-fetoprotein, citokeratin-18, telomerase, CD90 and CD133. Low concentrations of arsenic trioxide lead to morphologic differentiation and differentiation-associated cytochemical features, like increased sensitivity to cytostatic drugs.

CONCLUSION:

Our study suggests that arsenic trioxide sensitizes liver stem-like cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy. Still, further studies on animal models will be needed before we implement this idea in human clinical trials.
Complete recovery following sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a patient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Alkindi Salam , Arafa Najwa , Okbi M Al , Pathare Anil
Published: July 2014

A sickle cell disease (SCD) patient with vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) developed sudden senserinural heariing loss (SNHL), which responded well to a rapid course of corticosteroids along with exchange transffusions. The otolaryngologist should be aware of the otologic manifestations of SCD such as SNHL. A good response to steroids, which averted a permanent hearing loss, warrants further studies to define the augmentive benefits of such therapy along with exchange transfusions in patients with SCD in VOC who develop sudden SNHL.
Clinical outcome of docetaxel in advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer
Authors: Hamed Rasha Hamdy , Abdelkhalek Seham Elsayed
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and toxicity of docetaxel as first-line chemotherapy or in previously treated patients (one regimen) with recurrent or metastatic endometrial cancer.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

Prospective phase II study in patients referred to the Department of Clinical oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura university, Egypt.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Fifty patients with advanced or metastatic endometrial cancer were enrolled to receive docetaxel 70 mg/m2 administered intravenously on day 1 of a 3-week cycle. If patients responded well to docetaxel, additional cycles were administered until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity occurred. Therapy response was evaluated every 6 weeks.

RESULTS:

Of 50 patients with a median age of 60 years (range, 40-70 years) who entered the study, 17 patients (34%) had received one prior chemotherapy regimen. All patients were evaluable for efficacy, yielding an overall response rate of 34% (95% confidence interval, 14.8%–55.6%); complete response and partial response (PR) were 4% and 30%, respectively. Of 17 pretreated patients, 5 (29%) had a PR. The median duration of response was 2 months. The median time-to-progression was 4 months and the median survival time was 18 months. The predominant toxicity was grade 3-4 neutropenia, occurring in 92% of the patients, although febrile neutropenia arose in 10% of the patients. Edema was mild and infrequent.

CONCLUSION:

The study clearly demonstrated that docetaxel is active in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Toxicity was manageable and predominantly hematologic.
What Nonprofit Board Members Don't Know Can Hurt Them (and Their Organizations)
Authors: Shaffer Fred
Published: July 2014

The author dedicates this article to current and future board members of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB), the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), and the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR); their related foundations; state and regional societies; and any other nonprofits who serve our field. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of self-management versus the use of a for-profit management company, explains the value of board orientation, identifies what new and established board members should understand, and stresses the importance of board service with integrity.
Paragonimosis in a Cat and the Temporal Progression of Pulmonary Radiographic Lesions Following Treatment
Authors: Peregrine Andrew S. , Nykamp Stephanie G. , Carey Heather , Kruth Stephen
Published: July 2014

A 16 mo old cat presented with a 5 mo history of dyspnea, coughing, and gagging. Radiographic findings revealed seven nodules measuring 1–3 cm distributed multifocally in the lungs. Examination of feces revealed large numbers of eggs of Paragonimus kellicotti. Two fenbendazole treatment regimens (28 mg/kg per os q 12 hr for 21 days) and prednisone were required to eliminate the infection. Resolution of pulmonary nodules was monitored for 8 mo following successful treatment, and four lesions were still partially visible at 8 mo.
The hazardous impacts of mining activities on population's health in Blue Nile State - Sudan
Authors: Ali A. Mohammed , Omar F. Idris , Elshayeb Ayman A.
Published: July 2014

Background: In recent decades the Ingessana Hills, namely the Bao and Jam areas located in the Southwest of the Blue Nile State in Sudan, have been very important areas due to their mining activities. By releasing bio-monitoring systems we can facilitate extensive evaluation of environmental hazards and their impact on human health. Methods: Measurement of the levels of mineral elements traces in villagers' blood samples using atomic absorption spectroscopy and the automated haematology analyser, then comparing them with the control samples taken from the Khartoum State (which has no mining activities). Results: The concentrations of chromium, iron, copper, and cobalt residuals in blood were evaluated regarding sex and location. We found that chromium and iron in the three different areas was P < 0.05, iron values were found to be within the normal ranges. Serum level of chromium in the Jam area population was P < 0.05, copper and cobalt were P>0.05; and the values were found to be in normal reference range, except for chromium which was found to be slightly increased in Jam area. Sex has no influence on chromium, copper and cobalt, but iron was higher in males than females (P>0.05). The haematological values of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were P>0.05 in the Bao and Jam areas. These values among sex groups did not show significant differences except for haemoglobin, which was found to be higher in male groups. Conclusion: The study confirmed that people who reside in the Jam area are exposed to high levels of chromium. This may occur through many routes of exposure, including drinking water (ground water), ingesting food enriched with chromium, or by inhaling dust or fumes that come from chromium mineralisation companies.
Disciplinaridade e construção interdisciplinar do saber ambiental
Authors: FLORIANI Dimas
Published: July 2014

Natureza e Sociedade mantêm diversos e diferentes mecanismos de trocas e de interações. A maneira de como ocorrem podem ser percebidos, representados e explicados pelos sistemas de conhecimento (científico ou não). Os sistemas culturais das sociedades contemporâneas podem valorizar ou desvalorizar as interpretações que por sua vez reforçam ou debilitam as lógicas das práticas interventoras sobre os ecossistemas e as sociedades que com eles interagem. Questionar esses distintos processos de conhecimento e de intervenção na realidade é um dos objetivos do presente artigo. Disciplinarity and the interdisciplinary construction of environmental knowledge Abstract Nature and Society are connected by many and differents mecanisms. The means that they appear depend on the knowing, as much scientific as common sense one. The cultural systems of contemporary societies can take for granted or not the several interpretation about the meaning of the reality and its results. Discuss these differents views and matters are the main focus of this paper.
O conflito entre a natureza humana e a condição humana no contexto atual das ciências sociais
Authors: LEIS Héctor Ricardo
Published: July 2014

O conhecimento é marcado por duas culturas distintas: uma que promove a interação entre os diferentes objetos de estudos e outra que os exclui, marcada por especializações e que caracteriza a Modernidade. O trabalho inter e transdisciplinar sobre problemas preementes do presente momento possibilita romper com essa última perspectiva. Várias são as proposições apresentadas para a sua efetivação, sendo que no presente texto a abordagem ressalta a perspectiva das ciências sociais na construção interdisciplinar do conhecimento. A dimensão ambiental do conhecimento permeia a reflexão aqui elaborada. Conflict between human nature and human condition in the current social sciences context Abstract Knowledge is marked by two different cultures: one promoting interaction among different study-objects and another one that excludes them, is marked by specialized knowledge, and characterizes Modernity. Inter- and trans-disciplinary work on pressing problems of the present day makes it possible to break away from the latter perspective. Several propositions are presented for accomplishing it, and in this text, the approach highlights the social sciences point-of-view in the interdisciplinary construction of knowledge. Knowledges environmental dimension permeates the reasoning developed here.