bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Chiral Amino Acid Anilides by Ligand‐Free Copper‐Catalyzed Selective N‐Arylation of Amino Acid Amides.
Authors: Dong Junyu , Wang Yan , Xiang Qinjie , Lv Xirui , Weng Wen , Zeng Qingle
Published: July 2013

Generally the reactivity of aryl‐/heteroaryl‐/styryl‐halides is I < Br < Cl.
ChemInform Abstract: Aspulvinones from a Mangrove Rhizosphere Soil‐Derived Fungus Aspergillus terreus Gwq‐48 with Antiinfluenza A Viral (H1N1) Activity.
Authors: Gao Huquan , Guo Wenqiang , Wang Qiang , Zhang Lianqing , Zhu Meilin , Zhu Tianjiao , Gu Qianqun , Wang Wei , Li Dehai
Published: July 2013

A new butenolide, isoaspulvinone E (I), is isolated along with two known butenolides from the marine derived fungus, Aspergillus terreus Gwq‐48.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Zero‐valent Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Baer Donald R. , Tratnyek Paul G. , Qiang You , Amonette James E. , Linehan John , Sarathy Vaishnavi , Nurmi James T. , Wang Chongmin , Antony J.
Published: July 2013

Review: 80 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Theoretical Insights into Photoinduced Charge Transfer and Catalysis at Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Akimov Alexey V. , Neukirch Amanda J. , Prezhdo Oleg V.
Published: July 2013

Review: emphasis on processes that are essential in terms of photovoltaic and photocatlytic cells; 655 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Regio‐and Stereoselective Metal‐Catalyzed Reactions and Their Application to a Total Synthesis of (‐)‐Dactylolide
Authors: Lee Daesung , Volchkov Ivan
Published: July 2013

Review: 92 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Systematic Synthesis of Aminosugars and Their Stereoselective Glycosylation
Authors: Wang Jinhua , Chang Cheng‐Wei Tom
Published: July 2013

Review: 87 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: The Schmidt Reaction
Authors: Wrobleski Aaron , Coombs Thomas C. , Huh Chan Woo , Li Sze‐Wan , Aube Jeffrey
Published: July 2013

Review: 669 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Challenges and Strategies to the Total Syntheses of Fawcettimine‐Type and Serratinine‐Type Lycopodium Alkaloids.
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Li Houhua , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: July 2013

Review: ca. 100 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: α‐Lithiated α‐Heterosubstituted 2‐Alkyloxazolines: Key Players in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Florio Saverio
Published: July 2013

Review: ca. 100 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Fluoro‐C‐glycosides and Fluoro‐Carbasugars, Hydrolytically Stable and Synthetically Challenging Glycomimetics
Authors: Leclerc Eric , Pannecoucke Xavier , Etheve‐Quelquejeu Melanie , Sollogoub Matthieu
Published: July 2013

Review: 55 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Approaches for the Synthesis of Modified Cryptophycins
Authors: Weiss Christine , Sammet Benedikt , Sewald Norbert
Published: July 2013

Review: 77 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in the Synthesis of 1‐Monosubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Jiang Yubo , Kuang Chunxiang
Published: July 2013

Review: 45 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwaves in Heterocyclic Chemistry
Authors: Bazureau Jean Pierre , Paquin Ludovic , Carrie Daniel , L'Helgoual'ch Jean Martial , Guiheneuf Solene , Coulibaly Karime Wacothon , Burgy Guillaume , Komaty Sarah , Limanton Emmanuelle
Published: July 2013

Review: 166 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic and Structure—Activity Relationship Studies on Bioactive Natural Products
Authors: Kuramochi Kouji
Published: July 2013

Review: 91 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxidative Dehydrogenation of C2—C4 Alkanes into Alkenes: Conventional Catalytic Systems and Microwave Catalysis
Authors: Kustov L. M. , Kucherov A. V. , Finashina E. D.
Published: July 2013

Review: 84 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Air as the Renewable Carbon Source of the Future: An Overview of CO2 Capture from the Atmosphere
Authors: Goeppert Alain , Czaun Miklos , Surya Prakash G. K. , Olah George A.
Published: July 2013

Review: 217 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Glyconanoparticles as Multifunctional and Multimodal Carbohydrate Systems
Authors: Marradi Marco , Chiodo Fabrizio , Garcia Isabel , Penades Soledad
Published: July 2013

Review: 105 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Binding Sugars: From Natural Lectins to Synthetic Receptors and Engineered Neolectins
Authors: Arnaud Julie , Audfray Aymeric , Imberty Anne
Published: July 2013

Review: 197 refs.
Clinical costs of colorectal cancer screening in 5 federally funded demonstration programs
Authors: Tangka Florence K. L. , Subramanian Sujha , Beebe Maggie C. , Hoover Sonja , Royalty Janet , Seeff Laura C.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiated the Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program (CRCSDP) to explore the feasibility of establishing a large‐scale colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program for underserved populations in the United States. The authors of this report assessed the clinical costs incurred at each of the 5 participating sites during the demonstration period.

METHODS

By using data on payments to providers by each of the 5 CRCSDP sites, the authors estimated costs for specific clinical services and overall clinical costs for each of the 2 CRC screening methods used by the sites: colonoscopy and fecal occult blood test (FOBT).

RESULTS

Among CRCSDP clients who were at average risk for CRC and for whom complete cost data were available, 2131 were screened by FOBT, and 1888 were screened by colonoscopy. The total average clinical cost per individual screened by FOBT (including costs for screening, diagnosis, initial surveillance, office visits, and associated clinical services averaged across all individuals who received screening FOBT) ranged from $48 in Nebraska to $149 in Greater Seattle. This compared with an average clinical cost per individual for all services related to the colonoscopy screening ranging from $654 in St. Louis to $1600 in Baltimore City.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in how sites contracted with providers and in the services provided through CRCSDP affected the cost of clinical services and the complexity of collecting cost data. Health officials may find these data useful in program planning and budgeting. Cancer 2013;119(15 suppl):2863–9. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Moving forward: Using the experience of the CDCs' Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program to guide future colorectal cancer programming efforts
Authors: Seeff Laura C. , DeGroff Amy , Joseph Djenaba A. , Royalty Janet , Tangka Florence K. L. , Nadel Marion R. , Plescia Marcus
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established and supported a 4‐year Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program (CRCSDP) from 2005 to 2009 for low‐income, under‐ or uninsured men and women aged 50‐64 at 5 sites in the United States.

METHODS

A multiple methods evaluation was conducted including 1) a longitudinal, comparative case study of program implementation, 2) the collection and analysis of client‐level screening and diagnostic services outcome data, and 3) the collection and analysis of program‐ and patient‐level cost data.

RESULTS

Several themes emerged from the results reported in the series of articles in this Supplement. These included the benefit of building on an existing infrastructure, strengths and weakness of both the 2 most frequently used screening tests (colonoscopy and fecal occult blood tests), variability in costs of maintaining this screening program, and the importance of measuring the quality of screening tests. Population‐level evaluation questions could not be answered because of the small size of the participating population and the limited time frame of the evaluation. The comprehensive evaluation of the program determined overall feasibility of this effort.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical lessons learned through the implementation and evaluation of the CDC's CRCSDP led to the development of a larger population‐based program, the CDC's Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP). Cancer 2013;119(15 suppl):2940–6. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Costs of planning and implementing the CDC's Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program
Authors: Subramanian Sujha , Tangka Florence K. L. , Hoover Sonja , Beebe Maggie C. , DeGroff Amy , Royalty Janet , Seeff Laura C.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated the Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program (CRCSDP) to explore the feasibility of establishing a large‐scale colorectal cancer screening program for underserved populations in the United States. The authors of the current report provide a detailed description of the total program costs (clinical and nonclinical) incurred during both the start‐up and service delivery (screening) phases of the 4‐year program.

METHODS

Tailored cost questionnaires were completed by staff at the 5 CRCSDP sites. Cost data were collected for clinical services and nonclinical programmatic activities (program management, data collection, and tracking, etc). In‐kind contributions also were measured and were assigned monetary values.

RESULTS

Nearly $11.3 million was expended by the 5 sites over 4 years, and 71% was provided by the CDC. The proportion of funding spent on clinical service delivery and service delivery/patient support comprised the largest proportion of cost during the implementation phase (years 2‐4). The per‐person nonclinical cost comprised a substantial portion of total costs for all sites. The cost per person screened varied across the 5 sites and by screening method. Overall, economies of scale were observed, with lower costs resulting from larger numbers of individuals screened.

CONCLUSIONS

Programs incur substantial variable costs related to clinical services and semivariable costs related to nonclinical services. Therefore, programs that serve large populations are likely to achieve a lower cost per person.Cancer2013;119(15 suppl):2855–62.©2013 American Cancer Society.
Outpatient colonoscopy complications in the CDC's Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program
Authors: Castro Georgina , Azrak M. Fuad , Seeff Laura C. , Royalty Janet
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

To the authors's knowledge, there are few published prospective cohort studies of colonoscopy complications in patients at average risk for colorectal cancer who received colorectal cancer screening from a community‐based program. In this article, the authors report the rate of colonoscopy complications in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program (CRCSDP), which provided colorectal cancer screening to a medically underserved population aged 50 years to 64 years for screening, diagnostic follow‐up after positive stool blood tests, and surveillance purposes.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected prospectively from 5 community‐based colorectal cancer screening programs. Complications were identified by reviewing the standardized clinical data and medical complication reporting forms submitted by the programs to the CDC. Serious complications were defined as conditions or symptoms that resulted in hospital admission within 30 days after the procedure, including perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding requiring or not requiring blood transfusion, cardiopulmonary events, postpolypectomy syndrome, excessive abdominal pain, or death.

RESULTS

A total of 3215 individuals underwent 3355 colonoscopies. Of these, 89% of the colonoscopies were conducted for screening, 9% were conducted for diagnostic follow‐up, and 2% were conducted for surveillance purposes. The mean age of the individuals was 55.9 years. Eight individuals experienced serious complications, for an incidence of 2.38 per 1000 colonoscopies. Three patients experienced bowel perforations that required surgery, 1 patient was hospitalized for postpolypectomy bleeding, 3 patients experienced cardiopulmonary events, and 1 patient visited the emergency room for excessive abdominal pain and underwent surgery for an identified colorectal mass. No deaths were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In the CDC's CRCSDP, in which a total of 3215 individuals underwent 3355 colonoscopies, the overall incidence of serious complications from colonoscopy was found to be low. Cancer 2013;119(15 suppl):2849‐54. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Implementing the CDC's Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program: Wisdom from the field
Authors: Rohan Elizabeth A. , Boehm Jennifer E. , DeGroff Amy , Glover‐Kudon Rebecca , Preissle Judith
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer, as the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths among men and women in the United States, represents an important area for public health intervention. Although colorectal cancer screening can prevent cancer and detect disease early when treatment is most effective, few organized public health screening programs have been implemented and evaluated. From 2005 to 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded 5 sites to participate in the Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program (CRCSDP), which was designed to reach medically underserved populations.

METHODS

The authors conducted a longitudinal, multiple case study to analyze program implementation processes. Qualitative methods included interviews with 100 stakeholders, 125 observations, and review of 19 documents. Data were analyzed within and across cases.

RESULTS

Several themes related to CRCSDP implementation emerged from the cross‐case analysis: the complexity of colorectal cancer screening, the need for teamwork and collaboration, integration of the program into existing systems, the ability of programs to use wisdom at the local level, and the influence of social norms. Although these themes were explored independently from 1 another, interaction across themes was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Colorectal cancer screening is clinically complex, and its screening methods are not well accepted by the general public; both of these circumstances have implications for program implementation. Using patient navigation, engaging in transdisciplinary teamwork, assimilating new programs into existing clinical settings, and deferring to local‐level wisdom together helped to address complexity and enhance program implementation. In addition, public health efforts must confront negative social norms around colorectal cancer screening. Cancer 2013;119(15 suppl):2870–83. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Lessons learned from the CDC's Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program
Authors: Seeff Laura C. , Rohan Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2013

This report briefly summarizes 13 articles in this dedicated supplement to Cancer documenting the full implementation and evaluation of CDC's Colorectal Cancer Screening Demonstration Program (CRCSDP). The supplement includes 3 articles that describe clinical and quality outcomes; 2 articles that describe programmatic and clinical costs; 3 that were based on a multiple case study, using qualitative methods to describe the overall implementation experience of this initiative; and 4 articles written by and about individual program sites. The comprehensive, multi‐methods evaluation conducted alongside the program produced many important lessons regarding the design, start‐up, and implementation of colorectal cancer screening in this high‐need population, and paved the way for the CDC to establish a larger, population‐based colorectal cancer control initiative, broadly aligned with expectations of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act through its population‐based emphasis on using a health systems approach to increase colorectal cancer screening. Cancer 2013;119(15 suppl):2817–9. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Developmental milestones across the programmatic life cycle
Authors: Glover‐Kudon Rebecca , DeGroff Amy , Rohan Elizabeth A. , Preissle Judith , Boehm Jennifer E.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

In 2005 through 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded 5 sites to implement a colorectal cancer screening program for uninsured, low‐income populations. These 5 sites composed a demonstration project intended to explore the feasibility of establishing a national colorectal cancer screening program through various service delivery models.

METHODS

A longitudinal, multiple case study was conducted to understand and document program implementation processes. Using metaphor as a qualitative analytic technique, evaluators identified stages of maturation across the programmatic life cycle.

RESULTS

Analysis rendered a working theory of program development during screening implementation. In early stages, program staff built relationships with CDC and local partners around screening readiness, faced real‐world challenges putting program policies into practice, revised initial program designs, and developed new professional skills. Midterm implementation was defined by establishing program cohesiveness and expanding programmatic reach. In later stages of implementation, staff focused on sustainability and formal program closeout, which prompted reflection about personal and programmatic accomplishments.

CONCLUSIONS

Demonstration sites evolved through common developmental stages during screening implementation. Findings elucidate ways to target technical assistance to more efficiently move programs along their maturation trajectory. In practical terms, the time and cost associated with guiding a program to maturity may be potentially shortened to maximize return on investment for both organizations and clients receiving service benefits. Cancer 2013;119(15 suppl):2926–39. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Glue Versus Suture Fixation of Mesh During Open Repair of Inguinal Hernias: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Colvin Hugh Shunsuke , Rao Ahsan , Cavali Marta , Campanelli Giampiero , Amin Amin Ibrahim
Published: July 2013

Background

Glue fixation of mesh has been explored for some time as a strategy for reducing postoperative chronic groin pain. Previous studies have come to different conclusions about the superiority of one method over another. We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized control trials comparing the performance of glue versus suture fixation of mesh in open inguinal hernioplasty.

Methods

Studies published up to November 2012 were searched using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and the international standard randomised controlled trials number (ISRCTN) register. Mean differences (MDs) were derived from secondary continuous outcomes and pooled risk ratios (RRs) for categoric outcomes. Meta‐analysis was conducted utilizing the random‐effects and fixed‐effects models as appropriate.

Results

Ten randomized controlled studies were selected, with a total of 1,623 patients. Glue fixation for open inguinal hernioplasty reduced chronic groin pain (RR 0.46, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.22–0.97), hematoma (RR 0.56, 95 % CI 0.34–0.90), acute postoperative pain (MD −7.92, 95 % CI, −13.17 to −2.66), and time taken to return to normal activities (MD −1.39, 95 % CI, −2.58 to −0.21). There was no evidence of an increase in adverse outcomes including recurrence with glue fixation (RR 0.83, 95 % CI 0.30–2.35).

Conclusions

Glue fixation of mesh for open inguinal hernioplasty is superior in many outcomes including the reduction of chronic groin pain. Glue fixation was not associated with an increased risk of hernia recurrence.
Global brain hypoperfusion and oxygenation in amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhu Yong‐Sheng , Khan Muhammad Ayaz , Brunk Estee , Martin‐Cook Kristin , Weiner Myron F. , Cullum C. Munro , Lu Hanzhang , Levine Benjamin D. , Diaz‐Arrastia Ramon , Zhang Rong
Published: July 2013

Background

To determine if global brain hypoperfusion and oxygen hypometabolism occur in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Methods

Thirty‐two aMCI and 21 normal subjects participated. Total cerebral blood flow (TCBF), cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), and brain tissue volume were measured using color‐coded duplex ultrasonography (CDUS), near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and MRI. TCBF was normalized by total brain tissue volume (TBV) for group comparisons (nTCBF). Cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) was calculated as mean arterial pressure divided by TCBF.

Results

Reductions in nTCBF by 9%, CMRO2 by 11%, and an increase in CVR by 13% were observed in aMCI relative to normal subjects. No group differences in TBV were observed. nTCBF was correlated with CMRO2 in normal controls, but not in aMCI.

Conclusions

Global brain hypoperfusion, oxygen hypometabolism, and neurovascular decoupling observed in aMCI suggest that changes in cerebral hemodynamics occur early at a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease, which can be assessed using low‐cost and bedside‐available CDUS and NIRS technology.
Coping with U.S. and EU’s challenges? Strategic confusion in the Czech foreign and security policy
Authors: Hynek Nik
Published: July 2013

This article traces developments in the Czech political elite’s thinking about structural changes that the region and the country have experienced during the last several years. It is argued that two parallel, external structural constraints have significantly shaped decisions of the Czech political elite as the country has, once again, proven to be an ostensibly “reactive state”. These structural constraints have been the ongoing U.S. recalibration of its grand strategy as well as the financial crisis with a systemic challenge to the European political project in which fiscal and monetary issues have largely replaced previous criticism of the Constitutional Treaty and then the Reform Treaty. It is argued that these developments have posed a notable problem for two predominant ideological convictions present in the Czech political thinking – Atlantism and Europeanism, as neither of them has offered readily answers to deal with such a challenge. As will be shown, this mutually reinforcing dual challenge has further exacerbated previously existing Czech government’s lack of political vision, and resorted to a political mentality which has contained elements of denial, rationalization, and political resignation.
Tunnel Visions: a Decorated Cave at El Pedroso, Castile, in the Light of Fieldwork
Authors: Alves Lara Bacelar , Bradley Richard , Valcarce Ramón Fábregas
Published: July 2013

How can we devise appropriate ways of studying later prehistoric rock art in its wider context, and how can we relate ancient images to the deposits of artefacts found on the same sites? This paper describes the methods adopted in recording a series of carved motifs within a cave located outside the defences of a Chalcolithic hillfort on the Spanish/Portuguese border in Castilla y Leon. It features two quite different series of images, located in separate chambers and divided from one another by a kind of tunnel. Excavation on an artificial terrace outside the cave mouth established a chronological sequence which could be applied to the contents of the different parts of the site. This work suggested that the outer chamber, which features a large number of cup-marks, might have been associated with domestic occupation of a kind found elsewhere on the mountain, whilst the elaborately decorated inner chamber was used over a shorter period and may have played a much more specialised role. Its initial use could have been for burial. In a final phase the entire cave saw the deposition of large numbers of artefacts before its entrance was blocked. Its distinctive layout and the organisation of the decoration suggest that by the 2nd millenniumbcit was considered as a natural passage grave
CONCISENESS OF COPRIME COMMUTATORS IN FINITE GROUPS
Authors: ACCIARRI CRISTINA , SHUMYATSKY PAVEL , THILLAISUNDARAM ANITHA
Published: July 2013

Let$G$be a finite group. We show that the order of the subgroup generated by coprime${\gamma }_{k} $-commutators (respectively,${\delta }_{k} $-commutators) is bounded in terms of the size of the set of coprime${\gamma }_{k} $-commutators (respectively,${\delta }_{k} $-commutators). This is in parallel with the classical theorem due to Turner-Smith that the words${\gamma }_{k} $and${\delta }_{k} $are concise.
PRIMITIVE PERMUTATION GROUPS CONTAINING A CYCLE
Authors: JONES GARETH A.
Published: July 2013

The primitive finite permutation groups containing a cycle are classified. Of these, only the alternating and symmetric groups contain a cycle fixing at least three points. This removes a primality condition from a classical theorem of Jordan. Some applications to monodromy groups are given, and the contributions of Jordan and Marggraff to this topic are briefly discussed.
The Precarious Future of the Ethiopian Constitution
Authors: Hessebon Gedion T
Published: July 2013

The current Ethiopian Constitution suffers from a severe lack of legitimacy. It lacks legitimacy as a result of a constitution-making process that was not inclusive, as well as the subsequent serious lack of integrity and vitality in the constitutional system. Therefore, if the ruling party, which is also the “author” of the constitution, were to lose its hegemonic position, which is predicated on its control of the security and military apparatus, there is a strong likelihood that there would be calls from significant political forces for a new constitution to be adopted. Such calls should not be heeded. Instead of adopting a new constitution, the current constitution's lack of legitimacy should be remedied by comprehensive constitutional reforms that would still maintain the basic architecture and cornerstones of the current constitution.
Spring calving versus split calving: effects on farm, processor and industry profitability for the Irish dairy industry
Authors: GEARY U. , LOPEZ-VILLALOBOS N. , GARRICK D. J. , SHALLOO L.
Published: July 2013

A combined farm systems and processing sector model was used to determine the effect on industry profitability of changing from the current seasonal milk supply profile to a less seasonal milk supply profile. Differences in investment costs, product portfolio, product storage and financing costs at processor level were included in the analysis. It was found, based on the underlying model assumptions, that a less seasonal supply profile allowed better capacity utilization, enabled higher volumes of high-value products to be produced and generated higher net returns (€1540·7 million) for the processing sector than the seasonal milk supply profile (€1474·9 million); it therefore warranted paying a higher milk price to farmers. In contrast, at farm level the seasonal milk supply profile resulted in lower costs and higher net farm profit, with net margin per litre being 1·6 cents per litre higher relative to the less seasonal milk supply profile. Higher concentrate, labour, silage, machinery hire and heifer replacement costs in the less seasonal supply profile relative to the seasonal milk supply profile were the main factors that contributed to the lower farm profitability. From a national perspective, including processor and farm sector interests, the seasonal milk supply profile was more profitable by an estimated €83 million; the difference in costs at farm level outweighed the increased milk price at processor level found in the less seasonal milk supply profile.
Spontaneous tumour shrinkage in 1261 observed patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Huang X , Caye-Thomasen P , Stangerup S-E
Published: July 2013

Objective:

To determine the rate of spontaneous tumour shrinkage in a group of patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma managed with a ‘wait and scan’ approach.

Patients:

All patients with a unilateral cerebello-pontine angle tumour resembling a vestibular schwannoma were registered prospectively in a national database in Denmark. Patients registered with tumour shrinkage were identified and all computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans retrieved, re-evaluated and related to the clinical data.

Results:

Of 1261 observed patients, 48 displayed spontaneous shrinkage (3.81 per cent). Mean absolute shrinkage was 6.25 mm, equivalent to 52.1 per cent. Absolute shrinkage correlated with tumour size and follow-up period, whereas relative shrinkage was significantly greater for tumours which were purely intrameatal at diagnosis. There was no correlation between age and the degree of shrinkage.

Conclusion:

Four per cent of sporadic vestibular schwannomas shrink spontaneously. These findings substantiate the ‘wait and scan’ strategy for tumours with a largest extrameatal diameter of up to 20 mm.
Voice rest after vocal fold surgery: current practice and evidence
Authors: Coombs A C , Carswell A J , Tierney P A
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Voice rest is commonly recommended after vocal fold surgery, but there is a lack of evidence base and no standard protocol. The aim of this study was to establish common practice regarding voice rest following vocal fold surgery.

Method:

An online survey was circulated via e-mail invitation to members of the ENT UK Expert Panel between October and November 2011.

Results:

The survey revealed that 86.5 per cent of respondents agreed that ‘complete voice rest’ means no sound production at all, but there was variability in how ‘relative voice rest’ was defined. There was no dominant type of voice rest routinely recommended after surgery for laryngeal papillomatosis or intermediate pathologies. There was considerable variability in the duration of voice rest recommended, with no statistically significant, most popular response (except for malignant lesions). Surgeons with less than 10 years of experience were more likely to recommend fewer days of voice rest.

Conclusion:

There is a lack of consistency in advice given to patients after vocal fold surgery, in terms of both type and length of voice rest. This may arise from an absence of robust evidence on which to base practice.
Host traits explain the genetic structure of parasites: a meta-analysis
Authors: BLASCO-COSTA ISABEL , POULIN ROBERT
Published: July 2013

Gene flow maintains the genetic integrity of species over large spatial scales, and dispersal maintains gene flow among separate populations. However, body size is a strong correlate of dispersal ability, with small-bodied organisms being poor dispersers. For parasites, small size may be compensated by using their hosts for indirect dispersal. In trematodes, some species use only aquatic hosts to complete their life cycle, whereas others use birds or mammals as final hosts, allowing dispersal among separate aquatic habitats. We performed the first test of the universality of the type of life cycle as a driver of parasite dispersal, using a meta-analysis of 16 studies of population genetic structure in 16 trematode species. After accounting for the geographic scale of a study, the number of populations sampled, and the genetic marker used, we found the type of life cycle to be the best predictor of genetic structure (Fst): trematode species bound to complete their life cycle within water showed significantly more pronounced genetic structuring than those leaving water through a bird or mammal host. This finding highlights the dependence of parasites on host traits for their dispersal, suggesting that genetic differentiation of parasites reflects the mobility of their hosts.
Anti-Wolbachia drug discovery and development: safe macrofilaricides for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis
Authors: TAYLOR MARK J. , HOERAUF ACHIM , TOWNSON SIMON , SLATKO BARTON E. , WARD STEPHEN A.
Published: July 2013

Anti-Wolbachia therapy delivers safe macrofilaricidal activity with superior therapeutic outcomes compared to all standard anti-filarial treatments, with the added benefit of substantial improvements in clinical pathology. These outcomes can be achieved, in principle, with existing registered drugs, e.g. doxycycline, that are affordable, available to endemic communities and have well known, albeit population-limiting, safety profiles. The key barriers to using doxycycline as an mass drug administration (MDA) strategy for widespread community-based control are the logistics of a relatively lengthy course of treatment (4–6 weeks) and contraindications in children under eight years and pregnancy. Therefore, the primary goal of the anti-Wolbachia (A·WOL) consortium is to find drugs and regimens that reduce the period of treatment from weeks to days (7 days or less), and to find drugs which would be safe in excluded target populations (pregnancy and children). A secondary goal is to refine regimens of existing antibiotics suitable for a more restricted use, prior to the availability of a regimen that is compatible with MDA usage. For example, for use in the event of the emergence of drug-resistance, in individuals with high loiasis co-infection and at risk of severe adverse events (SAE) to ivermectin, or in post-MDA ‘endgame scenarios’, where test and treat strategies become more cost effective and deliverable.
Bilateral hippocampal increase following first-episode psychosis is associated with good clinical, functional and cognitive outcomes
Authors: Lappin J. M. , Morgan C. , Chalavi S. , Morgan K. D. , Reinders A. A. T. S. , Fearon P. , Heslin M. , Zanelli J. , Jones P. B. , Murray R. M. , Dazzan P.
Published: July 2013

Background

Hippocampal pathology has been proposed to underlie clinical, functional and cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. The hippocampus is a highly plastic brain region; examining change in volume, or change bilaterally, over time, can advance understanding of the substrate of recovery in psychosis.

Method

Magnetic resonance imaging and outcome data were collected at baseline and 6-year follow-up in 42 first-episode psychosis subjects and 32 matched controls, to investigate whether poorer outcomes are associated with loss of global matter and hippocampal volumes. Bilateral hippocampal increase (BHI) over time, as a marker of hippocampal plasticity was hypothesized to be associated with better outcomes. Regression analyses were performed on: (i) clinical and functional outcomes with grey matter volume change and BHI as predictor variables; and (ii) cognitive outcome with BHI as predictor.

Results

BHI was present in 29% of psychosis participants. There was no significant grey matter loss over time in either patient or control groups. Less severe illness course and lesser symptom severity were associated with BHI, but not with grey matter change. Employment and global function were associated with BHI and with less grey matter loss. Superior delayed verbal recall was also associated with BHI.

Conclusions

BHI occurs in a minority of patients following their first psychotic episode and is associated with good outcome across clinical, functional and cognitive domains.
Online cognitive-based intervention for depression: exploring possible circularity in mechanisms of change
Authors: van der Zanden R. , Galindo-Garre F. , Curie K. , Kramer J. , Cuijpers P.
Published: July 2013

Background

This study investigates possible circularity in mechanisms of change in participants of Master Your Mood (MYM), a cognitive-based, online intervention for young adults with depressive symptoms. A previous study showed that MYM effectively reduced depression and anxiety and strengthened mastery.

Method

We randomized 244 participants with depressive symptoms into MYM or a wait-list control condition. We explored the circularity hypothesis by several analyses. Correlations were computed to determine the association between (change in) depression and anxiety. Path analysis mediation models were used to explore whether change in anxiety and mastery mediated the intervention effect on depression, whether depression and mastery mediated the effect on anxiety and whether depression and anxiety mediated the effect on mastery. We used linear regression to explore whether early changes in anxiety predicted later changes in depression, and whether early changes in depression predicted later changes in anxiety.

Results

Co-morbidity between depression and anxiety was high (69.2%) and the association between depression and anxiety change was strong (r = 0.677,p < 0.01). Changes in anxiety and mastery mediated change in depression (mediation proportion 44%); changes in depression mediated change in anxiety (79%) and mastery (75%). We did not find an early change in anxiety predictive for a late change in depression, and vice versa.

Conclusions

This study appears to confirm the hypothesized circularity in the recovery process. We found high co-morbidity and strong correlation between depression and anxiety levels and bi-directional relationships between potential mediators and outcomes. Early anxiety change scores were not predictive of late depression change scores, and vice versa.
Female Combatants and the Perpetration of Violence: Wartime Rape in the Sierra Leone Civil War
Authors: Cohen Dara Kay
Published: July 2013

Much of the current scholarship on wartime violence, including studies of the combatants themselves, assumes that women are victims and men are perpetrators. However, there is an increasing awareness that women in armed groups may be active fighters who function as more than just cooks, cleaners, and sexual slaves. In this article, the author focuses on the involvement of female fighters in a form of violence that is commonly thought to be perpetrated only by men: the wartime rape of noncombatants. Using original interviews with ex-combatants and newly available survey data, she finds that in the Sierra Leone civil war, female combatants were participants in the widespread conflict-related violence, including gang rape. A growing body of evidence from other conflicts suggests that Sierra Leone is not an anomaly and that women likely engage in conflict-related violence, including sexual violence, more often than is currently believed. Many standard interpretations of wartime rape are undermined by the participation of female perpetrators. To explain the involvement of women in wartime rape, the author argues that women in armed group units face similar pressure to that faced by their male counterparts to participate in gang rape. The study has broad implications for future avenues of research on wartime violence, as well as for policy.
Business and Welfare State Development: Why Did Employers Accept Social Reforms?
Authors: Paster Thomas
Published: July 2013

In recent years, employer-centered explanations of welfare state development have begun to challenge conventional labor-centered and state-centered explanations. These new explanations suggest that sector-specific business interests and cross-class alliances propelled the adoption and expansion of social programs (the business interests thesis). This article presents a novel explanation of differences in business support for welfare state expansion based on a diachronic analysis of the German case and shadow case studies of Sweden and the United States. The article suggests that when looking at changes in employers’ positions across time rather than across sectors, political constraints turn out to be the central factor explaining variation in employers’ support for social reforms (the political accommodation thesis). The article identifies two goals of business intervention in welfare state development: pacification and containment. In the case of pacification, business interests propel social policy expansion; in the case of containment, they constrain it. Business chooses pacification when revolutionary forces challenge capitalism and political stabilization thus becomes a priority. Business chooses containment when reformist forces appear likely to succeed in expanding social protection and no revolutionary challenge exists. The article shows that changes over time in the type of political challenges that business interests confront best explain the variation in business support for labor-friendly social reforms.
When Can Liberal States Avoid Unwanted Immigration? Self-Limited Sovereignty and Guest Worker Recruitment in Switzerland and Germany
Authors: Ellermann Antje
Published: July 2013

Advanced democracies, it is commonly argued, are unable to prevent unwanted immigration because their sovereignty is “self-limited” by virtue of their normative, legal, and economic liberalism. This article challenges this claim by examining a critical test case that is at the heart of self-limited sovereignty arguments: guest worker recruitment in postwar Switzerland and West Germany. The author shows that, contrary to conventional wisdom, the unintended settlement of guest workers was not a universal given but instead was far less extensive in Switzerland than in West Germany. This difference in exposure to unwanted immigration, she argues, was the result of path-dependent processes that can be traced back to the inception of each country’s recruitment program. Whereas West German officials made no concerted effort to control settlement until the program’s termination, Swiss policy from its beginning was marked by state-enforced worker rotation and the prevention of family unification. To account for these critical differences in policy design, the article argues that each guest worker system was fundamentally shaped by two sets of factors. First, program design varied depending on whether or not political elites could draw policy lessons from past experience with temporary worker programs. Where past recruitment had resulted in unwanted settlement, as had been the case in Switzerland, political elites sought to adopt policy provisions designed to prevent the past from repeating itself. Where past policy failure was absent, as was the case in West Germany, policymakers were less concerned with preempting settlement. Second, recruitment policy reflected the degree to which policymakers were able to operate autonomously from cross-cutting interests. Whereas the West German government could pursue recruitment relatively insulated from both business and popular pressure, Swiss policymakers had to repeatedly accommodate both sets of actors, in the process devising a recruitment system firmly premised on the principle of worker rotation.
Use of virulence determinants and seropathotypes to distinguish high- and low-riskEscherichia coliO157 and non-O157 isolates from Europe
Authors: ANJUM M. F. , JONES E. , MORRISON V. , TOZZOLI R. , MORABITO S. , TOTH I. , NAGY B. , SMITH G. , ASPAN A. , NIELSEN E. M. , FACH P. , HERRERA-LEÓN S. , WOODWARD M. J. , LA RAGIONE R. M.
Published: July 2013

The presence of 10 virulence genes was examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 365 European O157 and non-O157Escherichia coliisolates associated with verotoxin production. Strain-specific PCR data were analysed using hierarchical clustering. The resulting dendrogram clearly separated O157 from non-O157 strains. The former clustered typical high-risk seropathotype (SPT) A strains from all regions, including Sweden and Spain, which were homogenous by Cramer'sVstatistic, and strains with less typical O157 features mostly from Hungary. The non-O157 strains divided into a high-risk SPTB harbouring O26, O111 and O103 strains, a group pathogenic to pigs, and a group with few virulence genes other than for verotoxin. The data demonstrate SPT designation and selected PCR separated verotoxigenicE. coliof high and low risk to humans; although more virulence genes or pulsed-field gel electrophoresis will need to be included to separate high-risk strains further for epidemiological tracing.
Associations between capsular serotype, multilocus sequence type, and macrolide resistance inStreptococcus agalactiaeisolates from Japanese infants with invasive infections
Authors: MOROZUMI M. , WAJIMA T. , KUWATA Y. , CHIBA N. , SUNAOSHI K. , SUGITA K. , SAKATA H. , IWATA S. , UBUKATA K.
Published: July 2013

Streptococcus agalactiae(group B streptococcus; GBS) isolates (n = 150) from infants with invasive infections between 2006 and 2011 were analysed for capsular serotype, multilocus sequence type, and antibiotic susceptibility. In cases with late-onset disease (n = 115), primary meningitis was predominant (62·6%), but represented only 39·1% in cases with early-onset disease (n = 23). The most common serotype was III (58·7%), followed by Ia (21·3%) and Ib (12·7%). Sequence types (STs) of serotype III strains included ST17 (50·0%), ST19 (26·1%), ST335 (18·2%), ST27 (4·5%), and ST1 (1·1%). Predominant STs of serotypes Ia and Ib were ST23 (81·3%) and ST10 (84·2%), respectively. No penicillin-resistant strains were detected, but 22·0% of strains hadmef(A/E),erm(A), orerm(B) genes, which mediate macrolide resistance. A new ST335, possessing anmef(A/E) gene belonging to clonal complex 19 gradually increased in frequency. Improved prevention of invasive GBS infections in infants requires timely identification, and ultimately vaccine development.
Observations of atmospheric boundary layer temperature profiles with a small unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Cassano John J.
Published: July 2013

Small Unmanned Meteorological Observer (SUMO) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used to observe atmospheric boundary layer temperature profiles in the vicinity of McMurdo Station, Antarctica during January and September 2012. The observations from four flight days are shown and exhibit a variety of boundary layer temperature profiles ranging from deep, well-mixed conditions to strong, shallow inversions. Repeat UAV profiles over short periods of time (tens of minutes to several hours) revealed rapid changes in boundary layer structure. The success of the SUMO flights described here demonstrates the potential for using small UAVs for Antarctic research.
The unified method for the heat equation: I. non-separable boundary conditions and non-local constraints in one dimension
Authors: MANTZAVINOS DIONYSSIOS , FOKAS ATHANASSIOS S.
Published: July 2013

We use the heat equation as an illustrative example to show that the unified method introduced by one of the authors can be employed for constructing analytical solutions for linear evolution partial differential equations in one spatial dimension involving non-separable boundary conditions as well as non-local constraints. Furthermore, we show that for the particular case in which the boundary conditions become separable, the unified method provides an easier way for constructing the relevant classical spectral representations avoiding the classical spectral analysis approach. We note that the unified method always yields integral expressions which, in contrast to the series or integral expressions obtained by the standard transform methods, are uniformly convergent at the boundary. Thus, even for the cases that the standard transform methods can be implemented, the unified method provides alternative solution expressions which have advantages for both numerical and asymptotic considerations. The former advantage is illustrated by providing the numerical evaluation of typical boundary value problems.
Turks in Europe: Migration Flows, Migrant Stocks and Demographic Structure
Authors: Fassmann Heinz , İçduygu Ahmet
Published: July 2013

Presented here is an overview of migration flows and demographic structures of Turks in Europe over the past 50 years. Large-scale labour migration from Turkey to Europe occurred between 1961 and 1974. After that, it gave way to family migration, which today has more or less ended. Recently, there is slightly more emigration than immigration from the European point of view. Thus, stable migrant stocks developed in the receiving countries, especially Germany, Austria, France, and the Netherlands. The migrant stocks lag in many respects behind developments in the receiving countries, yet nonetheless they slowly but surely adapt to these. Despite their low status and feelings of exclusion, most Turkish immigrants are content with their lot and do not plan to leave their new homes in Europe.
Turkey and the EU: A Changed Context
Authors: Ferguson Yale H.
Published: July 2013

In 2005 the European Union (EU) began formally to negotiate Turkey's application to become a full member. Today, the EU is a very different organization, Turkey has also experienced major changes, and the Arab Spring has dramatically impacted the Middle East. In sum, there is a changed context for the evolving relationship between Turkey and the EU. This article explains that context and concludes that, for the foreseeable future, Turkey is unlikely to become a full EU member, although close ties with respect to economic matters and immigration will persist.