bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relation between Angle Class II malocclusion and deleterious oral habits
Authors: Ferreira José Tarcísio Lima , Lima Maria do Rosário Ferreira , Pizzolato Luciana Zappeloni
Published: March 2013

INTRODUCTION: Oral habits may interfere on the growth and development of the stomatognathic system and orofacial myofunctional conditions, producing changes in the position of teeth in their dental arches. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to verify the presence of deleterious oral habits in individuals with malocclusion and see if there is a predominance of Class II malocclusion in these individuals. METHODS: The records of 140 patients treated at the Clinic of Preventive Orthodontics FORP-USP who had already completed treatment were randomly selected and analyzed. Their ages ranged from 6 to 10 years and 11 months. Associations were made between the presence or absence of deleterious oral habits, type and number of habits found in each individual and the type of malocclusion according to Angle classification. The statistical analysis used was the Chi-square test with a significance level of 5%. History of deleterious oral habits was found in 67.1% of individuals. RESULTS: The Class I malocclusion was most frequent (82.9%), followed by Class II malocclusion (12.1%) and Class III (5%). CONCLUSION: There was a predominance of Class II malocclusion in individuals with a history of deleterious oral habits.
Analysis of the cephalometric pattern of Brazilian achondroplastic adult subjects
Authors: Cardoso Renato , Ajzen Sergio , Andriolo Aline Ribeiro , Oliveira Jefferson Xavier de , Andriolo Adagmar
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the position of the cranial base, maxilla, and mandible of Brazilian achondroplastic adult subjects through cephalometric measurements of the cranio-dento-facial complex, and to compare the results to normal patterns established in literature. METHODS: Fourteen achondroplastic adult subjects were evaluated based on their radiographic cephalometric measurements, which were obtained using the tracings proposed by Downs, Steinner, Bjork, Ricketts and McNamara. Statistical comparison of the means was performed with Student's t test. RESULTS: When compared to normal patterns, the cranial base presented a smaller size in both its anterior and posterior portions, the cranial base angle was acute and there was an anterior projection of the porion; the maxilla was found to be smaller in size in both the anteroposterior and transversal directions, it was inclined anteriorly with anterior vertical excess, and retropositioned in relation to the cranial base and to the mandible; the mandible presented a normal-sized ramus, a decreased body and transverse dimension, a tendency towards vertical growth and clockwise rotation, and it was slightly protruded in relation to the cranial base and maxilla. CONCLUSION: Although we observed wide individual variation in some parameters, it was possible to identify significant differences responsible for the phenotypical characteristics of achondroplastic patients.
Comparison between two methods for resin removing after bracket debonding
Authors: Marchi Rodrigo De , Marchi Luciana Manzotti De , Terada Raquel Sano Suga , Terada Hélio Hissashi
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess - using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) - the effectiveness of two abrasive discs, one made from silicon and one from aluminum oxide, in removing adhesive remnants (AR) after debonding orthodontic brackets. METHODS: Ten randomly selected bovine teeth were used, i.e., 2 in the control group, and the other 8 divided into two groups, which had orthodontic brackets bonded to their surface with Concise Orthodontic Adhesive (3M). The following methods were employed - in one single step - to remove AR after debracketing: Group A, Optimize discs (TDV) and Group B, Onegloss discs (Shofu), used at low speed. After removing the AR with the aforementioned methods, the teeth were prepared to undergo SEM analysis, and photographs were taken of the enamel surface with 50x magnification. Six examiners evaluated the photographs applying the Zachrisson and Årtun enamel surface index (ESI) system (1979). RESULTS: Group A exhibited minor scratches on the enamel surface as well as some AR in some of the photographs, while Group B showed a smoother surface, little or no AR and some abrasion marks in the photographs. No statistically significant differences were found between the two methods and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The two abrasive discs were effective in removing the AR after bracket debonding in one single step.
Ethical and legal considerations on professional liability of the orthodontist
Authors: Paranhos Luiz Renato , Benedicto Eduardo De Novaes , Fernandes Mário Marques , Queluz Dagmar De Paula , Daruge Eduardo , Torres Fernando César
Published: March 2013

INTRODUCTION: After the enactment of Law 8078, of September 11, 1990, the Consumers Defense Code implied important alterations in Brazil's legal scenario, providing a greater balance in the relationship between consumers and service providers. From this law, dental surgeons came to establish a consumer relationship with their clients. OBJECTIVE: Due to the ethical and legal issues against the dental professionals, this work makes general considerations about the nature of the dentist´s obligation in services, specifically in Orthodontics. CONCLUSION: The responsibility of the professional shall be restricted to predictable risks and undertaken obligations. When the professional warns the client in a correct, clear and express manner, it will lower the chances of being later charged.
Briefing: Off-site construction of a new nuclear laboratory at Dounreay, Scotland
Authors: Ambler Simon
Published: March 2013

A new active analysis laboratory building at Dounreay is breaking new ground in the nuclear and construction sectors, being the first to be built using off-site construction. This article provides an overview of the scheme, how it is being delivered and how the specification differs from a typical modular building. The 1300 m2 scheme, which is now on site, is providing active analysis laboratories to be in use for up to 25 years until the Dounreay site is closed. The building is designed to accommodate specialised nuclear ventilation systems with heavier and more complex services compared to more commercial applications of modular construction. Because of its remote coastal location, the building will also have to withstand the rigours of a highly exposed marine environment.
An invasive species facilitates the recovery of salt marsh ecosystems on Cape Cod
Authors: Bertness Mark D. , Coverdale Tyler C.
Published: March 2013

With global increases in human impacts, invasive species have become a major threat to ecosystems worldwide. While they have been traditionally viewed as harmful, invasive species may facilitate the restoration of degraded ecosystems outside their native ranges. In New England (USA) overfishing has depleted salt marsh predators, allowing the herbivorous crab Sesarma reticulatum to denude hundreds of hectares of low marsh. Here, using multiple site surveys and field caging experiments, we show that the subsequent invasion of green crabs, Carcinus maenas, into heavily burrowed marshes partially reverses decades of cordgrass die‐off. By consuming Sesarma, eliciting a nonlethal escape response, and evicting Sesarma from burrows, Carcinus reduces Sesarma herbivory and promotes cordgrass recovery. These results suggest that invasive species can contribute to restoring degraded ecosystems and underscores the potential for invasive species to return ecological functions lost to human impacts.
Using Genomic Prediction to Characterize Environments and Optimize Prediction Accuracy in Applied Breeding Data
Authors: Heslot Nicolas , Jannink Jean‐Luc , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: March 2013

Simulation and empirical studies of genomic selection (GS) show accuracies sufficient to generate rapid annual genetic gains. Whole‐genome genotyping provides the opportunity to go beyond the evaluation of lines to the evaluation of alleles and thus, provides new tools to analyze multienvironment trials. Considering allele replication rather than line replication provides a new way to cope with highly unbalanced phenotypic data sets. Using a two‐row elite barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) population representative of the type of data generated by a commercial breeding program and tested for grain yield across Europe from 2007 to 2010, we characterized allele effect estimates at each test location and used them to successfully identify outlier environments. We also used the prediction accuracy between environments to characterize the environments. The prediction accuracy gave the same pattern as the genetic correlation between environments based on a factor analytic model, suggesting that it could be used to cluster environments. A new method was developed to optimize the composition of the training population for predicting performance in the target population of environments (TPE). This method does not search for mega‐environments, but instead it identifies and removes less predictive environments from the set of environments used to train the model. Using this approach with the barley data set, cross‐validated accuracy increased from 0.54 to 0.61 while controlling overfitting and focusing the prediction on the TPE. This study demonstrates the possibilities offered by GS to analyze multienvironment trials, identify outliers, group environments, and select historical data relevant for current breeding efforts.
A Case for Crop Wild Relative Preservation and Use in Potato
Authors: Jansky S. H. , Dempewolf H. , Camadro E. L. , Simon R. , Zimnoch‐Guzowska E. , Bisognin D. A. , Bonierbale M.
Published: March 2013

Crop wild relatives (CWR) offer a critical resource to address food security needs by providing genetic diversity for crop improvement, leading to increased plasticity and productivity of farming systems. However, plant breeders typically have not developed systematic or comprehensive strategies for the characterization and use of CWR for cultivar improvement. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) provides an excellent case study for the use of CWR germplasm in addressing global food security needs. International cooperation and collaboration are critical to collect, characterize, and use CWR in anticipation of future production needs. Both ex situ and in situ preservation of wild potato species are essential to assure a comprehensive conservation plan. Top priorities include a coordinated inventory of gene bank holdings followed by re‐collection of CWR and new collection where gaps exist. Access to CWR genetic diversity will continue to be critical as breeders face the challenge of developing cultivars that fit into new production systems, especially in response to climate change. With the advent of the genomics era, new visions of germplasm use strategies are emerging. In addition to filling gaps in collections, it will be important to expand efforts to characterize and use potato CWR. A systematic and integrated strategy is needed to evaluate CWR in gene banks for traits to continue breeding progress.
Life Cycle Thinking in the Use of Natural Resources
Authors: Koroneos C.J. , Achillas Ch. , Moussiopoulos N. , Nanaki E.A.
Published: March 2013

The continuous increase of production and consumption of material in the developed world and the increase of
the standard of living of the developing countries leads to the increase of the use of natural resources and the degradation
of the environment. Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) is essential to sustainable consumption and production which will impact
the use of limited resources. LCT is the process of taking into account in decision making both the resources consumed
and the environmental and health pressures associated with the full life cycle of a product. It includes the extraction of
resources, production, use, re-use, transport, recycling, and the ultimate waste disposal to provide goods and services and
it helps in avoiding shifting the burdens among various life stages of a resource processing. It is important to use the life
cycle thinking in analysing products because they may have different environmental impacts at different life cycle stages.
It is important to note that some products have very high environmental impacts during the extraction and processing of
their original natural resource but they may have minor environmental impacts when they are recycled. A good example is
aluminium. The objective of this work is to analyze the importance of the life cycle thinking concept, and show its direct
linkage to sustainability.
American Society of Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire 2012
Authors: Brennan Daniel C. , Glassock Richard J. , Bleyer Anthony J.
Published: March 2013

Presentation of the Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire has become an annual tradition at the meetings of the American Society of Nephrology. It is a very popular session, as judged by consistently large attendance. Members of the audience test their knowledge and judgment on a series of case-oriented questions prepared and discussed by experts. They can also compare their answers in real time, using audience response devices, to those of program directors of nephrology training programs in the United States, acquired through an Internet-based questionnaire. Topics presented here include fluid and electrolyte disorders, transplantation, and ESRD and dialysis. Cases representing each of these categories, along with single-best-answer questions, were prepared by a panel of experts (Drs. Palmer, Fervenza, Brennan, and Mehrotra, respectively). The correct and incorrect answers were briefly discussed after the audience responses, and the results of the questionnaire were displayed. This article recapitulates the session and reproduces its educational value for a larger audience—that of the readers of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Have fun.
The Relationship of Age, Race, and Ethnicity with Survival in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Yan Guofen , Norris Keith C. , Yu Alison J. , Ma Jennie Z. , Greene Tom , Yu Wei , Cheung Alfred K.
Published: March 2013

Background and objectives

Reports on the racial and ethnic differences in dialysis patient survival rates have been inconsistent. The literature suggests that these survival differences may be modified by age as well as categorizing white race as inclusive of Hispanic ethnicity. The goal of this study was to better understand these associations by examining survival among US dialysis patients by age, ethnicity, and race.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Between 1995 and 2009, 1,282,201 incident dialysis patients ages 18 years or older were identified in the United States Renal Data System. Dialysis survival was compared among non-Hispanic blacks, non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics overall and stratified by seven age groups.

Results

The median duration of follow-up was 22.3 months. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, a lower mortality risk was seen in Hispanics in all age groups. Consequently, when Hispanic patients were excluded from the white race, the mortality rates in white race all increased. Using non-Hispanic whites as the reference, a significantly lower mortality risk for non-Hispanic blacks was consistently observed in all age groups above 30 years (unadjusted hazard ratios ranged from 0.70 to 0.87; all P<0.001). In the 18- to 30-years age group, there remained an increased mortality risk in blacks versus non-Hispanic whites after adjustment for case mix (adjusted hazard ratio=1.19, 95% confidence interval=1.13–1.25).

Conclusions

The mortality risk was lowest in Hispanics, intermediate in non-Hispanic blacks, and highest in non-Hispanic whites. This pattern generally holds in all age groups except for the 18- to 30-years group, where the adjusted mortality rate for non-Hispanic blacks exceeds the adjusted mortality rate of non-Hispanic whites.
24-Hour Urine Phosphorus Excretion and Mortality and Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Palomino Heather L. , Rifkin Dena E. , Anderson Cheryl , Criqui Michael H. , Whooley Mary A. , Ix Joachim H.
Published: March 2013

Background and objectives

Higher morning serum phosphorus has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with or without CKD. In patients with CKD and a phosphorous level >4.6 mg/dl, the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines recommend dietary phosphorus restriction. However, whether phosphorus restriction influences serum phosphorus concentrations and whether dietary phosphorus is itself associated with CVD or death are uncertain.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Among 880 patients with stable CVD and normal kidney function to moderate CKD, 24-hour urine phosphorus excretion (UPE) and serum phosphorus were measured at baseline. Participants were followed for a median of 7.4 years for CVD events and all-cause mortality.

Results

Mean ± SD age was 67±11 years, estimated GFR (eGFR) was 71±22 ml/min per 1.73 m2, and serum phosphorus was 3.7±0.6 mg/dl. Median UPE was 632 (interquartile range, 439, 853) mg/d. In models adjusted for demographic characteristics and eGFR, UPE was weakly and nonsignificantly associated with serum phosphorus (0.03 mg/dl higher phosphorus per 300 mg higher UPE; P=0.07). When adjusted for demographics, eGFR, and CVD risk factors, each 300-mg higher UPE was associated with 17% lower risk of CVD events. The association of UPE with all-cause mortality was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.05). Results were similar irrespective of CKD status (P interactions > 0.87).

Conclusions

Among outpatients with stable CVD, the magnitude of the association of UPE with morning serum phosphorus is modest. Greater UPE is associated with lower risk for CVD events. The association was similar for all-cause mortality but was not statistically significant.
Chlorophyll catabolism in Prunus serrulata autumnal leaves
Authors: Djapic Nina
Published: March 2013

Chlorophyll catabolism in Prunus serrulata autumnal leaves was investigated.
The amount of chlorophyll catabolites accumulated within the same plant
species varies with the time of the leaf collection, seasonal climate and
developmental stage of the plant. The chlorophyll catabolites found in P.
serrulata autumnal leaves presented the tendency of the organism to decrease
the level of photodynamically active chlorophyll before the programmed cell
death. In the methanol extract several chlorophyll catabolites were
identified. The results obtained by liquid - chromatography/mass spectrometry
permitted the identification of the chlorophyll catabolites found in P.
serrulata autumnal leaves. The analysis done revealed the chlorophyll
catabolic pathway found in P. serrulata autumnal leaves.
Displacement of mammillary bodies by craniopharyngiomas involving the third ventricle: surgical-MRI correlation and use in topographical diagnosis
Authors: Pascual José María , Prieto Ruth , Carrasco Rodrigo , Barrios Laura
Published: March 2013

Object

Accurate diagnosis of the topographical relationships of craniopharyngiomas (CPs) involving the third ventricle and/or hypothalamus remains a challenging issue that critically influences the prediction of risks associated with their radical surgical removal. This study evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of MRI to define the precise topographical relationships between intraventricular CPs, the third ventricle, and the hypothalamus.

Methods

An extensive retrospective review of well-described CPs reported in the MRI era between 1990 and 2009 yielded 875 lesions largely or wholly involving the third ventricle. Craniopharyngiomas with midsagittal and coronal preoperative and postoperative MRI studies, in addition to detailed descriptions of clinical and surgical findings, were selected from this database (n = 130). The position of the CP and the morphological distortions caused by the tumor on the sella turcica, suprasellar cistern, optic chiasm, pituitary stalk, and third ventricle floor, including the infundibulum, tuber cinereum, and mammillary bodies (MBs), were analyzed on both preoperative and postoperative MRI studies. These changes were correlated with the definitive CP topography and type of third ventricle involvement by the lesion, as confirmed surgically.

Results

The mammillary body angle (MBA) is the angle formed by the intersection of a plane tangential to the base of the MBs and a plane parallel to the floor of the fourth ventricle in midsagittal MRI studies. Measurement of the MBA represented a reliable neuroradiological sign that could be used to discriminate the type of intraventricular involvement by the CP in 83% of cases in this series (n = 109). An acute MBA (< 60°) was indicative of a primary tuberal-intraventricular topography, whereas an obtuse MBA (> 90°) denoted a primary suprasellar CP position, causing either an invagination of the third ventricle (pseudointraventricular lesion) or its invasion (secondarily intraventricular lesion; p < 0.01). A multivariate model including a combination of 5 variables (the MBA, position of the hypothalamus, presence of hydrocephalus, psychiatric symptoms, and patient age) allowed an accurate definition of the CP topography preoperatively in 74%–90% of lesions, depending on the specific type of relationship between the tumor and third ventricle.

Conclusions

The type of mammillary body displacement caused by CPs represents a valuable clue for ascertaining the topographical relationships between these lesions and the third ventricle on preoperative MRI studies. The MBA provides a useful sign to preoperatively differentiate a primary intraventricular CP originating at the infundibulotuberal area from a primary suprasellar CP, which either invaginated or secondarily invaded the third ventricle.
“Imagine your neighbor mows the lawn”: a pilot study of psychological sequelae due to awake craniotomy
Authors: Milian Monika , Luerding Ralf , Ploppa Annette , Decker Karlheinz , Psaras Tsambika , Tatagiba Marcos , Gharabaghi Alireza , Feigl Guenther C.
Published: March 2013

Object

Although it has been reported that awake neurosurgical procedures are well tolerated, the long-term occurrence of general psychological sequelae has not yet been investigated. This study assessed the frequency and effects of psychological symptoms after an awake craniotomy on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods

Sixteen patients undergoing an awake surgery were surveyed with a self-developed questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Inventory For Awake Surgery Patients, which adopts the core components of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria. The mean time between surgery and data collection was 97.3 ± 93.2 weeks. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Results

Forty-four percent of the patients stated that they had experienced either repetitive distressing recollections or dreams related to the awake surgery, 18.8% stated persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the awake surgery, and symptoms of increased arousal occurred in 62.5%. Two patients presented with postoperative psychological sequelae resembling PTSD symptoms. Younger age at surgery and female sex were risk factors for symptoms of increased arousal. The experience of intense anxiety during awake surgery appears to favor the development of postsurgical PTSD symptoms, while recurrent distressing recollections particularly affect HRQOL negatively.

Conclusions

In many cases awake craniotomy is necessary to preserve language and motor function. However, in some cases awake craniotomy can lead to postoperative psychological sequelae resembling PTSD symptoms. Therefore, possible long-term effects of an awake surgery should be considered and discussed with the patient when planning this type of surgery.
Colocalization of thin-walled dome regions with low hemodynamic wall shear stress in unruptured cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Kadasi Laith M. , Dent Walter C. , Malek Adel M.
Published: March 2013

Object

Wall shear stress (WSS) plays a role in regulating endothelial function and has been suspected in cerebral aneurysm rupture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial relationship between localized thinning of the aneurysm dome and estimated hemodynamic factors, hypothesizing that a low WSS would correlate with aneurysm wall degeneration.

Methods

Steady-state computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed on 16 aneurysms in 14 patients based on rotational angiographic volumes to derive maps of WSS, its spatial gradient (WSSG), and pressure. Local dome thickness was estimated categorically based on tissue translucency from high-resolution intraoperative microscopy findings. Each computational model was oriented to match the corresponding intraoperative view and numerically sampled in thin and normal adjacent dome regions, with controls at the neck and parent vessel. The pressure differential was computed as the difference between aneurysm dome points and the mean neck pressure. Pulsatile time-dependent confirmatory analysis was carried out in 7 patients.

Results

Matched-pair analysis revealed significantly lower levels of WSS (0.381 Pa vs 0.816 Pa; p < 0.0001) in thin-walled dome areas than in adjacent baseline thickness regions. Similarly, log WSSG and log WSS × WSSG were both lower in thin regions (both p < 0.0001); multivariate logistic regression analysis identified lower WSS and higher pressure differential as independent correlates of lower wall thickness with an area under the curve of 0.80. This relationship was observed in both steady-state and time-dependent pulsatile analyses.

Conclusions

Thin-walled regions of unruptured cerebral aneurysms colocalize with low WSS, suggesting a cellular mechanotransduction link between areas of flow stasis and aneurysm wall thinning.
Subacute cystic expansion of intracranial juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma
Authors: Rowland Nathan C. , Jermakowicz Walter J. , Tihan Tarik , El-Sayed Ivan H. , McDermott Michael W.
Published: March 2013

Juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (JPOF) is a benign fibro-osseous lesion typically associated with the jaw, paranasal region, or orbit. However, JPOF may also originate from the skull base and locally invade the cranium. In published reports, intracranial JPOFs constitute only a small percentage of cases, and therefore it is not known whether more aggressive behavior typifies this distinct population of JPOFs compared with those in other locations. Nevertheless, JPOF histopathology is characterized by a number of active processes, including cystic transformation, that may precipitate violation of skull base boundaries. In the following article, the authors present a case of skull base JPOF that underwent cystic expansion in a young girl, produced a focal neurological deficit, and was resolved using a staged surgical approach.
A systematic review of treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with intracranial ependymomas
Authors: Cage Tene A. , Clark Aaron J. , Aranda Derick , Gupta Nalin , Sun Peter P. , Parsa Andrew T. , Auguste Kurtis I.
Published: March 2013

Object

Ependymoma is the third most common primary brain tumor in children. Tumors are classified according to the WHO pathological grading system. Prior studies have shown high levels of variability in patient outcomes within and across pathological grades. The authors reviewed the results from the published literature on intracranial ependymomas in children to describe clinical outcomes as they relate to treatment modality, associated mortality, and associated progression-free survival (PFS).

Methods

A search of English language peer-reviewed articles describing patients 18 years of age or younger with intracranial ependymomas yielded data on 182 patients. These patients had undergone treatment for ependymoma with 1 of 5 modalities: 1) gross-total resection (GTR), 2) GTR as well as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), 3) subtotal resection (STR), 4) STR as well as EBRT, or 5) radiosurgery. Mortality and outcome data were analyzed for time to tumor progression in patients treated with 1 of these 5 treatment modalities.

Results

Of these 182 patients, 69% had supratentorial ependymomas and 31% presented with infratentorial lesions. Regardless of tumor location or pathological grade, STR was associated with the highest rates of mortality. In contrast, GTR was associated with the lowest rates of mortality, the best overall survival, and the longest PFS. Children with WHO Grade II ependymomas had lower mortality rates when treated more aggressively with GTR. However, patients with WHO Grade III tumors had slightly better survival outcomes after a less aggressive surgical debulking (STR+EBRT) when compared with GTR.

Conclusions

Mortality, PFS, and overall survival vary in pediatric patients with intracranial ependymomas. Pathological classification, tumor location, and method of treatment play a role in outcomes. In this study, GTR was associated with the best overall and PFS rates. Patients with WHO Grade II tumors had better overall survival after GTR+EBRT and better PFS after GTR alone. Patients with WHO Grade III tumors had better overall survival after STR+EBRT. Patients with infratentorial tumors had improved overall survival compared with those with supratentorial tumors. Progression-free survival was best in those patients with infratentorial tumors following STR+EBRT. Consideration of all of these factors is important when counseling families on treatment options.
Successful treatment of post-shunt craniocerebral disproportion by coupling gradual external cranial vault distraction with continuous intracranial pressure monitoring
Authors: Sandler Adam L. , Daniels Lawrence B. , Staffenberg David A. , Kolatch Eliezer , Goodrich James T. , Abbott Rick
Published: March 2013

A subset of hydrocephalic patients in whom shunts are placed at an early age will develop craniocerebral disproportion (CCD), an iatrogenic mismatch between the fixed intracranial volume and the growing brain. The lack of a reliable, reproducible method to diagnose this condition, however, has hampered attempts to treat it appropriately. For those practitioners who acknowledge the need to create more intracranial space in these patients, the lack of agreed-upon therapeutic end points for cranial vault expansion has limited the use of such techniques and has sometimes led to problems of underexpansion. Here, the authors present a definition of CCD based primarily on the temporal correlation of plateau waves on intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and headache exacerbation. The authors describe a technique of exploiting continued ICP monitoring during progressive cranial expansion in which the goal of distraction is the cessation of plateau waves. Previously encountered problems of underexpansion may be mitigated through the simultaneous use of ICP monitors and gradual cranial expansion over time.
A less-invasive cervical laminoplasty for spondylotic myelopathy that preserves the semispinalis cervicis muscles and nuchal ligament
Authors: Umeda Masayuki , Sasai Kunihiko , Kushida Taketoshi , Wakabayashi Ei , Maruyama Tokun , Ikeura Atsushi , Iida Hirokazu
Published: March 2013

Object

Modified cervical laminoplasty techniques have been developed to reduce postoperative axial neck pain and preserve function in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, the previous studies demonstrating satisfactory surgical outcomes had a retrospective design. Here, the authors aimed to prospectively evaluate the 2-year outcomes of a modified cervical laminoplasty technique for CSM that preserves the paravertebral muscles.

Methods

Outcomes were analyzed for 40 patients (22 men and 18 women; mean age, 66.6 years; age range 44–92 years) with CSM who underwent C4–6 laminoplasty with C-3 and C-7 partial laminectomies or C-3 total and C-7 partial laminectomies and received hydroxyapatite spacers. Neurological, pain severity, and spinal radiographic evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Plain radiography and MRI of the cervical spine were performed to evaluate the range of motion (ROM), sagittal alignment, and cross-sectional areas of the deep extensor muscles. The extent of bone–spacer bonding and bony union at the gutter was assessed by CT.

Results

The mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association CSM score was 10.2, but it increased to 14.4 by 24 months after surgery. Eleven patients had axial neck pain preoperatively, but only 3 reported mild pain at 24 months, and in all 3 cases the pain was mild. The mean angle of lordosis was 11.7° preoperatively and 12.0° 2 years postoperatively. Although the ROM at the C2–7 levels was significantly reduced 3 months postoperatively, an increasing trend was observed up to 12 months, and 86% of the preoperative ROM was achieved by 2 years postoperatively. The mean paravertebral muscle cross-sectional areas were 833 ± 215 mm2 preoperatively and 763 ± 197 mm2 24 months postoperatively, but the difference was not statistically significant. The rates of bone–spacer bonding and bony union at the gutter were low during the early stages but increased to 90% and 93%, respectively, by 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions

The modified laminoplasty technique used in this study ensured very good neurological status and ROM after 2 years and was associated with low incidences of axial neck pain and serious complications. This simple and easy operative method could benefit future laminoplasty protocols.
Isolated cervical spinal canal stenosis at C-1 in the pediatric population and in Williams syndrome
Authors: Desai Sohum K. , Vadivelu Sudhakar , Patel Akash J. , Brayton Alison , Jea Andrew
Published: March 2013

Object

Isolated cervical canal stenosis at the level of the atlas (C-1) is a rare cause of cervical myelopathy in the pediatric population. It has been associated with several genetic disorders including spondyloepiphysial dysplasia congenita, Down syndrome, and Klippel-Feil syndrome. The purpose of this study is to highlight the authors' experience with 4 additional pediatric cases, review the literature, and report a new association of this disease with Williams syndrome.

Methods

The medical records and radiological imaging studies of 4 patients treated at Texas Children's Hospital for symptomatic hypoplasia of the atlas were retrospectively reviewed. Pertinent patient demographic data, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and outcomes after surgery were recorded. A thorough literature review was performed, allowing the authors to compare and contrast their 4 cases to surgical cases already published in the literature.

Results

There were 11 boys and 1 girl in the aggregate series. The average age of the patients was 7 years (range 13 months–14 years), and the duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 6 months (range 0–36 months). The mean sagittal diameter of the spinal canal at the level of the atlas measured from the posterior aspect of the dens to the anterior aspect of the arch of C-1 was 11.9 mm (range 8.3–16 mm) in the aggregate series. In 2 new pediatric patients with hypoplasia of the atlas the disease was associated with Williams syndrome, which has not been previously described. Patients in the aggregate series were followed for an average of 18 months (range 3–50 months). Laminectomy of C-1 provided neurological improvement in all patients who presented.

Conclusions

Isolated cervical spinal canal stenosis at the level of the atlas is a rare cause of cervical myelopathy. The authors hope that this report will prompt clinicians to consider it when searching for the origin of signs and symptoms of cervical myelopathy, especially in children.
Development of SSR markers for Encholirium horridum (Bromeliaceae) and transferability to other Pitcairnioideae
Authors: Hmeljevski Karina Vanessa , Ciampi Maísa B. , Baldauf Cristina , Sedrez dos Reis Maurício , Forzza Rafaela Campostrini
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: We developed a set of primers for Encholirium horridum, a species closely associated with inselbergs of the Atlantic Forest, to assess genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow between populations of this species.

• Methods and Results: From an enriched genomic library, 10 primer pairs for polymorphic microsatellite regions were developed. The average number of alleles ranged from eight to 20, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 1.000, and from 0.000 to 0.929, respectively, across the populations.

• Conclusions: These markers will be useful in evaluating genetic diversity, spatial genetic structure, analysis of gene flow by paternity, and characterization of mating system of E. horridum.
Les professions du secteur public saisies par la privatisation
Authors: Honta Marina , Julhe Samuel
Published: March 2013

La politique publique du sport de haut niveau, secteur peu investi par la science politique ou la sociologie de l’action publique en France, offre un terrain fécond d’analyse de la manière avec laquelle les recompositions de l’action publique redéfinissent les modes d’organisation du travail des professions liées à l’État. Si les diverses formes de privatisation qui s’y déploient remettent en cause le monopole de l’expertise et l’autonomie des agents chargés de la mise en œuvre de cette politique, les conseillers techniques sportifs, cette problématique est ici dépassée dans la mesure où leur position institutionnelle fait d’abord débat parce qu’elle cristallise l’essentiel des tensions entre État et groupes d’intérêts.
L'émergence de la question climatique à l'OMS
Authors: Debil Fanny
Published: March 2013

Objet d’un programme ad hoc (GWP), le changement climatique est mis à l’agenda de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS) en 2009. Néanmoins, il n’est pas un nouveau problème pour celle-ci. Cette contribution vise à renseigner l’émergence du sujet climatique à l’OMS et remettre en perspective l’apparent changement suggéré par son institutionnalisation. Ses histoire et enjeux se révèlent exemplaires des modalités, opportunités et contraintes de changement dans cette organisation complexe et méconnue. Le développement de la question climatique est marqué par une tension, ponctuellement dénouée par le GWP, entre des forces réformatrices (contexte international et coalition d’acteurs) et des logiques organisationnelles. Moins favorables à une conception environnementale que biomédicale de la santé, ces logiques influent sur les progressions institutionnelles du problème climatique, comme sur ses formulations mêmes. Dans ces perspectives, le GWP relève d’un changement contraint et marginal. Seules ses appropriations ultérieures incarnent un tournant majeur quoique discret. Elles consacrent remarquablement la capacité des acteurs à déborder les approches organisationnelles en fonction de leurs idées et intérêts.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis Associated with Kidney Stones: Radiologic Imaging Features with Gross and Histopathological Correlation
Authors: Kalayci Ozlem Tugce , Bozdag Zehra , Sonmezgoz Fitnet , Sahin Nurhan
Published: March 2013

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the renal pelvis is a rare neoplasm and is usually associated with long standing renal stone disease. This tumor is aggressive in nature and usually has a poor prognosis. We report a case who presented with sudden significant weight loss. During the radiologic investigation, a renal mass and staghorn calculi were detected in the right kidney. The patient subsequently underwent right radical nephrectomy. Pathological diagnosis was SCC of renal pelvis with extensive infiltration in to the renal parenchyma. The radiologic imaging features and histopathologic findings of this rare tumor are discussed in this report.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging as an Adjunct to Ultrasound in Evaluating Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Wu Rebecca , Klein Michelle A. , Mahboob Sabrina , Gupta Mala , Katz Douglas S.
Published: March 2013

Cesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs) are a relatively rare form of ectopic pregnancy in which the embryo is implanted within the fibrous scar of a previous cesarean section. A greater number of cases of CSPs are currently being reported as the rates of cesarean section are increasing globally and as detection of scar pregnancy has improved with use of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) with color Doppler imaging. Delayed diagnosis and management of this potentially life-threatening condition may result in complications, predominantly uterine rupture and hemorrhage with significant potential maternal morbidity. Diagnosis of a cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) requires a high index of clinical suspicion, as up to 40% of patients may be asymptomatic. TVUS has a reported sensitivity of 84.6% and has become the imaging examination of choice for diagnosis of a CSP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used in a small number of patients as an adjunct to TVUS. In the present report, MRI is highlighted as a problem-solving tool capable of more precisely identifying the relationship of a CSP to adjacent structures, thereby providing additional information critical to directing appropriate patient management and therapy.
The Effect of Stevia rebaudiana on the Growth and Survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Sensory Properties of Probiotic Yogurt
Authors: Weber Alison , Hekmat Sharareh
Published: March 2013

This study evaluated the effect of various sweetening agents on sensory properties of probiotic yogurt. The growth and survival of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 in yogurt was measured at 1, 14 and 28 days of storage. Bacterial growth reached a range of 108-109 Colony Forming Units (CFU) ml-1 over the storage period for six probiotic yogurt samples (0.12% stevia, 0.12% stevia-inulin-chromium (SIC), 1.0% sucralose, 5.0% sucrose, 6.0% xylitol and a control). Sensory panelists (n = 109) used a 9-point hedonic scale and evaluated five sensory characteristics (flavour, appearance, sweetness, texture, and overall quality) of the four sweetened probiotic yogurts (0.12% stevia, 0.12% SIC, 1.0% sucralose and 5.0% sucrose). The sucralose sample was significantly preferred for all five characteristics (P < 0.001) and the sucrose sample was significantly liked more than both the stevia and SIC samples for all characteristics except flavour (P < 0.001). Overall, the stevia sample received higher mean scores than the SIC sample. 
Variation in the Proximate, Energy and Mineral Compositions of Different Body Parts of Macrobrachium macrobranchion (Prawn)
Authors: Ekpenyong E. , Williams I. O. , Osakpa U. U.
Published: March 2013

The proximate and elemental compositions of various body parts of Macrobrachium macrobranchion (prawn) obtained from the Great Kwa River, a major tributary of Cross River estuary in Cross River State, Nigeria were investigated using standard methods of AOAC. Results showed that the flesh had significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of protein, fat and moisture (22.32, 7.70 and 58.40%, respectively) than the other body parts analyzed. Equally high in protein were the head (20.11%) and appendages (19.28%), while the exoskeleton recorded the least protein content (14.02%). The flesh had the least (p < 0.05) crude fibre (0.03%) and carbohydrate (7.22%) contents, and conversely had the least energy value (187.50 kcal/g) among the body parts. Ash content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the exoskeleton (7.14%), the appendages (7.01%) and the head (6.05%) than in the flesh (4.30%). Individual elements were also unequally distributed among the four body parts investigated: sodium and potassium were more concentrated in the flesh (189.27 mg/100 g and 114.70 mg/100 g, respectively), while calcium and magnesium were highest in the appendages (99.02 mg/100 g and 171.40 mg/100 g, respectively). The concentration of iron was generally low among the body parts; however, it was highest (p < 0.05) in the head. The usual practice of retaining the flesh and discarding the “hard” parts (head, exoskeleton and appendages) of prawn during food preparation should be discouraged as this may promote wastage of important nutrients.
The concept of fractional differential subordination
Authors: Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: March 2013

In this work, we consider a definition for the concept of fractional differential subordination in sense of Srivastava-Owa fractional operators. By employing some types of admissible functions, involving differential operator of fractional order, we illustrate geometric properties such as starlikeness and convexity for a class of analytic functions in the unit disk. Moreover, applications are posed in the sequel.
Subordination for multivalent analytic functions associated with Wright generalized hypergeometric function.
Authors: Sokol J. , Sarkar N. , Goswami P. , Dziok J.
Published: March 2013

Recently M. K. Aouf and T. M. Seoudy, (2011, {\it Integral Trans. Spec. Func.} {\bf 22}(6) (2011), 423--430) have introduced families of analytic functions associated with the Dziok--Srivastava operator. In this work we use the Dziok--Raina operator to consider classes of multivalent analytic functions. It is connected with Wright generalized hypergeometric function, see J. Dziok and R. K. Raina (2004, {\it Demonstratio Math.}, {\bf 37}(3) 533--542). Moreover, we present a new result which extends some of the earlier results and give other properties of these classes. We have made use of differential subordinations and properties of convolution in geometric function theory.
Multi-parameter Burau representations
Authors: Abdulrahim Mohammad N. , Tahan Madline Al- , Habre Samer S.
Published: March 2013

We consider the multi-parameter representation of Artin's braid group introduced by D. D. Long and J. P. Tian, namely $\alpha: B_{n}\rightarrow GL_{m}(C)$, where $m=n!n$ . First, we show that there exists a complex specialization of the multi-parameter representation that does not arise from any Hecke algebra. Second, we find conditions under which the images of the generators of the braid group on three strings under the multi-parameter representation are unitary relative to a nonsingular hermitian matrix.
Oscillatory behavior of solutions of certain third order mixed neutral differential equations
Authors: Thandapani Ethiraj , Rama Renu
Published: March 2013

The objective of this paper is to study the oscillatory and asymptotic properties of third order mixed neutral differential equation of the form $$ (a(t) [x(t) + b(t) x(t - \tau_{1}) + c(t) x(t + \tau_{2})]'')' + q(t) x^{\alpha}(t - \sigma_{1}) + p(t) x^{\beta}(t + \sigma_{2}) = 0 $$where $a(t), b(t), c(t), q(t)$ and $p(t)$ are positive continuous functions, $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are ratios of odd positive integers, $\tau_{1}, \tau_{2}, \sigma_{1}$ and $\sigma_{2}$ are positive constants. We establish some sufficient conditions which ensure that all solutions are either oscillatory or converge to zero. Some examples are provided to illustrate the main results.
Uniqueness and Value Sharing of Meromorphic Functions With Regard to Multiplicity
Authors: Bhoosnurmath Subhas S , Kabbur Smita R
Published: March 2013

In this paper,we study the uniqueness theorems of meromorphic functions,concerning differential polynomials and obtain theorems, from which we obtain as a very special case the results of Lin and Yi cite[4],Xiao Yu Zhang,Jun-Fan Chen,Wei-Chuan lin[8],and Renukadevi S. Dyavanal[9]. We also obtain several new interesting results.
The second Hankel determinant for a class of analytic functions associated with the Carlson-Shaffer operator
Authors: Kund S. N. , Mishra A. K.
Published: March 2013

In this paper a new class of analytic functions, associated with the Carlson-Shaffer operator, is investigated. The sharp estimate for the Second Hankel determinant and class preserving transforms are studied.