bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The outcome of fractures in very elderly patients
Authors: Clement N. D. , Aitken S. A. , Duckworth A. D. , McQueen M. M. , Court-Brown C. M.
Published: May 2011

We compared case-mix and outcome variables in 1310 patients who sustained an acute fracture at the age of 80 years or over. A group of 318 very elderly patients (≥ 90 years) was compared with a group of 992 elderly patients (80 to 89 years), all of whom presented to a single trauma unit between July 2007 and June 2008. The very elderly group represented only 0.6% of the overall population, but accounted for 4.1% of all fractures and 9.3% of all orthopaedic trauma admissions. Patients in this group were more likely to require hospital admission (odds ratio 1.4), less likely to return to independent living (odds ratio 3.1), and to have a significantly longer hospital stay (ten days, p = 0.01).

The 30- and 120-day unadjusted mortality was greater in the very elderly group. The 120-day mortality associated with non-hip fractures of the lower limb was equal to that of proximal femoral fractures, and was significantly increased with a delay to surgery > 48 hours for both age groups (p = 0.04). This suggests that the principle of early surgery and mobilisation of elderly patients with hip fractures should be extended to include all those in this vulnerable age group.
Peri-acetabular rotational osteotomy with concomitant hip arthroscopy for treatment of hip dysplasia
Authors: Kim K.-I. , Cho Y.-J. , Ramteke A. A. , Yoo M.-C.
Published: May 2011

Reconstructive acetabular osteotomy is a well established and effective procedure in the treatment of acetabular dysplasia. However, the dysplasia is frequently accompanied by intra-articular pathology such as labral tears. We intended to determine whether a concomitant hip arthroscopy with peri-acetabular rotational osteotomy could identify and treat intra-articular pathology associated with dysplasia and thereby produce a favourable outcome. We prospectively evaluated 43 consecutive hips treated by combined arthroscopy and acetabular osteotomy. Intra-operative arthroscopic examination revealed labral lesions in 38 hips. At a mean follow-up of 74 months (60 to 97) the mean Harris hip score improved from 72.4 to 94.0 (p < 0.001), as did all the radiological parameters (p < 0.001). Complications included penetration of the joint by the osteotome in one patient, a fracture of the posterior column in another and deep-vein thrombosis in one further patient. This combined surgical treatment gave good results in the medium term.

We suggest that arthroscopy of the hip can be performed in conjunction with peri-acetabular osteotomy to provide good results in patients with symptomatic dysplasia of the hip, and the arthroscopic treatment of intra-articular pathology may alter the progression of osteoarthritis.
Weight-bearing-induced displacement and migration over time of fracture fragments following split depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau
Authors: Solomon L. B. , Callary S. A. , Stevenson A. W. , McGee M. A. , Chehade M. J. , Howie D. W.
Published: May 2011

We investigated the stability of seven Schatzker type II fractures of the lateral tibial plateau treated by subchondral screws and a buttress plate followed by immediate partial weight-bearing. In order to assess the stability of the fracture, weight-bearing inducible displacements of the fracture fragments and their migration over a one-year period were measured by differentially loaded radiostereometric analysis and standard radiostereometric analysis, respectively. The mean inducible craniocaudal fracture fragment displacements measured −0.30 mm (−0.73 to 0.02) at two weeks and 0.00 mm (−0.12 to 0.15) at 52 weeks. All inducible displacements were elastic in nature under all loads at each examination during follow-up. At one year, the mean craniocaudal migration of the fracture fragments was −0.34 mm (−1.64 to 1.51).

Using radiostereometric methods, this case series has shown that in the Schatzker type II fractures investigated, internal fixation with subchondral screws and a buttress plate provided adequate stability to allow immediate post-operative partial weight-bearing, without harmful consequences.
The Chiari pelvic osteotomy for patients with dysplastic hips and poor joint congruency
Authors: Ito H. , Tanino H. , Yamanaka Y. , Nakamura T. , Minami A. , Matsuno T.
Published: May 2011

We report the mid- to long-term (mean 20.3 years, 10 to 32.5) results of the Chiari pelvic osteotomy in patients with pre- to advanced stage osteoarthritis in dysplastic hips. We followed 163 Japanese patients (173 hips) with a mean age at surgery of 20 years (9 to 54). Overall, 124 hips (72%) had satisfactory results, with Harris hip scores ≥ 80. Satisfactory results were seen in 105 of 134 hips with pre- or early osteoarthritis (78%) and 19 of 39 hips with advanced osteoarthritis (49%). A total of 15 hips (9%) underwent a total hip replacement (THR) with a mean interval between osteotomy and THR of 16.4 years. With conversion to THR as the endpoint, the 30-year survival rate was 85.9% (95% confidence interval 82.3 to 89.5). It was 91.8% for patients with pre- or early osteoarthritis and 43.6% for those with advanced osteoarthritis (p < 0.001).

We now perform the Chiari osteotomy for patients with dysplastic hips showing poor joint congruency and who prefer a joint-conserving procedure to THR.
Adult presentation of congenital muscular torticollis
Authors: Patwardhan S. , Shyam A. K. , Sancheti P. , Arora P. , Nagda T. , Naik P.
Published: May 2011

Adult presentation of neglected congenital muscular torticollis is rare. We report 12 patients with this condition who underwent a modified Ferkel’s release comprising a bipolar release of sternocleidomastoid with Z-lengthening. They had a mean age of 24 years (17 to 31) and were followed up for a minimum of two years. Post-operatively a cervical collar was applied for three weeks with intermittent supervised active assisted exercises for six weeks. Outcome was assessed using a modified Lee score and a Cheng and Tang score. The mean pre-operative rotational deficit was 8.25° (0° to 15°) and mean lateral flexion deficit was 20.42° (15° to 30°), which improved after treatment to a mean of 1.67° (0° to 5°) and 7.0° (4° to 14°) after treatment, respectively. According to the modified Lee scoring system, six patients had excellent results, two had good results and four had fair results, and using the Cheng and Tang score, eight patients had excellent results and four had good results.

Surgical management of adult patients with neglected congenital muscular torticollis using a modified Ferkel’s bipolar release gives excellent results. The range of neck movement and head tilt improved in all 12 patients and cosmesis improved in 11, despite the long-standing nature of the deformity.
Transperitoneal removal of an intrapelvic acetabular component after total hip replacement and salvage of a destroyed acetabulum
Authors: Sarasin S. M. , Karthikeyan R. , Skinner P. , Nassef A. , Stockley I.
Published: May 2011

Intrapelvic migration of the acetabular component of a total hip replacement, with severe acetabular destruction making reconstruction impossible, is very rare. We present a patient in whom the component was removed using a laparotomy and a transperitoneal approach with subsequent salvage using a saddle prosthesis and a total femoral replacement.
Assessment of the suspected fracture of the scaphoid
Authors: Duckworth A. D. , Ring D. , McQueen M. M.
Published: May 2011

A suspected fracture of the scaphoid remains difficult to manage despite advances in knowledge and imaging methods. Immobilisation and restriction of activities in a young and active patient must be balanced against the risks of nonunion associated with an undiagnosed and undertreated fracture of the scaphoid.

The assessment of diagnostic tests for a suspected fracture of the scaphoid must take into account two important factors. First, the prevalence of true fractures among suspected fractures is low, which greatly reduces the probability that a positive test will correspond with a true fracture, as false positives are nearly as common as true positives. This situation is accounted for by Bayesian statistics. Secondly, there is no agreed reference standard for a true fracture, which necessitates the need for an alternative method of calculating diagnostic performance characteristics, based upon a statistical method which identifies clinical factors tending to associate (latent classes) in patients with a high probability of fracture.

The most successful diagnostic test to date is MRI, but in low-prevalence situations the positive predictive value of MRI is only 88%, and new data have documented the potential for false positive scans. The best strategy for improving the diagnosis of true fractures among suspected fractures of the scaphoid may well be to develop a clinical prediction rule incorporating a set of demographic and clinical factors which together increase the pre-test probability of a fracture of the scaphoid, in addition to developing increasingly sophisticated radiological tests.
Dendron-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes incorporating polyoxometalates for water-splitting catalysis
Authors: Toma Francesca Maria , Sartorel Andrea , Carraro Mauro , Bonchio Marcella , Prato Maurizio
Published: May 2011

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are versatile nanomaterials with applications spanning from medicinal chemistry and biology, to electronics as field effect transistors or energy as fuel cells. The major drawback stems from the CNT insolubility in most of the organic and aqueous media, which severely hampers the material processability. To overcome this problem, functionalization of CNTs is generally accomplished by either covalent strategies resulting in the modification of the CNT backbone via radical reactions, fluorination, and/or cycloaddition reactions, or noncovalent protocols, exploiting multiple weak interactions (hydrophobic, van der Waals, electrostatic) with suitable reagents. Herein, we highlight that a rewarding approach includes a combination of covalent/noncovalent methods, by a tailored synthetic modification of the CNT surface with polycationic dendrimeric chains, fostering the successive decoration with a multimetallic and polyanionic water oxidation catalyst. The outcome is a hybrid nanomaterial with unperturbed CNT electrical properties, in close contact with a unique multi-electron catalyst enabling electrocatalytic water splitting with high efficiency at low overpotentials.
Social Sources of Women's Emotional Difficulty After Abortion: Lessons from Women's Abortion Narratives
Authors: Kimport Katrina , Foster Kira , Weitz Tracy A.
Published: May 2011

CONTEXT:The experiences of women who have negative emotional outcomes, including regret, following an abortion have received little research attention. Qualitative research can elucidate these women’s experiences and ways their needs can be met and emotional distress reduced.

METHODS:Twenty‐one women who had emotional difficulties related to an abortion participated in semi‐structured, in‐depth telephone interviews in 2009. Of these, 14 women were recruited from abortion support talklines; seven were recruited from a separate research project on women’s experience of abortion. Transcripts were analyzed using the principles of grounded theory to identify key themes.

RESULTS:Two social aspects of the abortion experience produced, exacerbated or mitigated respondents’ negative emotional experience. Negative outcomes were experienced when the woman did not feel that the abortion was primarily her decision (e.g., because her partner abdicated responsibility for the pregnancy, leaving her feeling as though she had no other choice) or did not feel that she had clear emotional support after the abortion. Evidence also points to a division of labor between women and men regarding pregnancy prevention, abortion and childrearing; as a result, the majority of abortion‐related emotional burdens fall on women. Experiencing decisional autonomy or social support reduced respondents’ emotional distress.

CONCLUSIONS:Supporting a woman’s abortion decision‐making process, addressing the division of labor between women and men regarding pregnancy prevention, abortion and childrearing, and offering nonjudgmental support may guide interventions designed to reduce emotional distress after abortion.
Modified phosphatidylserine-dependent antithrombin ELISA enables identification of patients negative for other antiphospholipid antibodies and also detects low avidity antibodies
Authors: Žigon Polona , Ambrožič Aleš , Čučnik Saša , Kveder Tanja , Rozman Blaž , Božič Borut
Published: May 2011

Background: Two approaches for detecting anti-prothrombin antibodies have been described. The first detects antibodies against prothrombin alone and the second, phos-phatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibodies. The latter more often correlate with clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome and with lupus anticoagulant activity.

Methods: In order to increase the capacity of antibody binding, we modified the previously described phosphatidylser-ine-dependent antiprothrombin ELISA and determined their avidity. We examined 203 patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and 222 blood donors.

Results: Our modification resulted in a greater intensity of antibody binding to prothrombin on phosphatidylserine-coated plate surfaces compared to the previously described method. By changing ELISA conditions, we were able to detect with one assay the two, presumably different, populations of antiprothrombin antibodies. Diagnostic specificities of both ELISAs for antiphospholipid syndrome were similar (92.5% vs. 93.1%), while the sensitivity of the modified phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin ELISA was significantly higher than the anti-prothrombin alone ELISA (59% vs. 25%). Low avidity antiprothrombin antibodies were only detected in the modified phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin ELISA. Four percent of patients with positive phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin antibodies, showing clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome, were negative for all other antiphospholipid antibodies. The risk for antiphospholipid syndrome increased with the number of antiphospholipid antibody positivity.

Conclusions: We conclude that antibodies detected with a modified phosphatidylserine-dependent antiprothrombin ELISA could improve the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome by offering additional information on the risk for thrombosis, especially in patients negative for other antiphospholipid antibodies.
High-sensitivity troponin T improves the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with stable coronary artery disease: results from the LURIC Study
Authors: Ivandic Boris T. , Spanuth Eberhard , Kleber Marcus , Grammer Tanja B. , März Winfried
Published: May 2011

Background: Cardiac troponin T is an established prognostic marker in patients with acute coronary syndromes, but not in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) like N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We examined the additive prognostic value of a high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) assay to predict adverse clinical outcomes in stable CAD.

Methods: A retrospective nested case-control analysis of 256 patients with stable CAD who participated in the LURIC study: 128 cases who died from cardiovascular causes during a median follow-up of 7.5 years and 128 survivors (controls) matched for age and gender, were included. hsTnT and NT-proBNP were determined in baseline samples using immunoassays (Roche Diagnostics, Germany).

Results: Sixty-two percent of the 256 subjects exhibited concentrations of hsTnT≥14 ng/L, the manufacturer recommended cut-off to diagnose myocardial infarction in patients with acute chest pain. hsTnT, NT-proBNP, diabetes mellitus and fasting glucose were associated with cardiovascular mortality in univariate analysis. Logistic regression identified hsTnT and NT-proBNP as independent risk markers. Receiver operator characterisitc (ROC) curves analysis identified optimal cut-offs at 15 ng/L and 352 μg/L for hsTnT (AUC 0.728, p<0.05) and NT-proBNP (AUC 0.751, p=0.07), respectively. Patients with one or two positive markers exhibited 5-year cardiovascular mortalities of 40% and 60%, respectively, compared to 10% in patients with negative markers. The addition of hsTnT to NT-proBNP significantly increased c-statistics of proportional hazards calculated from survival times as well as net reclassification indexes.

Conclusions: Many patients with stable CAD exhibited increased concentrations of hsTnT. The combined determination of NT-proBNP and hsTnT was superior for risk stratification compared to determining either marker alone.
Adaptation of the Diazyme Direct Enzymatic HbA1c Assay for a microplate reader at room temperature
Authors: Penttilä Ilkka , Penttilä Karri , Halonen Toivo , Pulkki Kari , Törrönen Jukka , Rauramaa Rainer
Published: May 2011

Background: Measurement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a key diagnostic criterion and a key parameter for the follow-up of the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Typically, immunochemical assays of HbA1c are performed in clinical chemistry analyzers. In this study, we applied the HbA1c assay on a microplate reader at room temperature.

Methods: HbA1c samples were measured using the Direct Enzymatic HbA1c Assay™ from Diazyme Laboratories (Poway, CA, USA) using a Plate Chameleon™ Microplate Reader (Hidex Co., Turku, Finland) according to the manufacturer's protocol and a modification of the method to room temperature. The Tosoh G7 HPLC method for HbA1c (Tosoh Co., Tokyo, Japan) was used as a comparative method.

Results: There was good correlation of HbA1c results when the assay was performed at room temperature (+22°C) compared with that at +37°C (r=0.987). The modified method was linear over the HbA1c range 4%–14%. Analysis of HbA1c results from 50 blood samples by the modified method showed good agreement with the HPLC method (r=0.990).

Conclusions: The modified Diazyme Direct Enzymatic HbA1c Assay™ appears to work as good at +22°C as that performed according to manufacturer's protocol at +37°C.
Granularity Index of the SYSMEX XE-5000 hematology analyzer as a replacement for manual microscopy of toxic granulation neutrophils in patients with inflammatory diseases
Authors: Zimmermann Mathias , Cremer Malte , Hoffmann Christina , Weimann Karin , Weimann Andreas
Published: May 2011

Background: When certain inflammatory processes occur, toxic granulation neutrophils (TGNs) appear in the blood showing prominent cytoplasmic granules. Currently, the granularity of TGNs is analyzed by manual microscopy of blood smears. The SYSMEX XE-5000 is an automated hematology analyzer, which can measure toxic granulation of TGNs by calculating the Granularity (GI) Index. In this study we investigated if the GI-Index is suitable as a parameter for the TGN granularity in inflammatory diseases.

Methods: An evaluation of the toxic granulation neutrophil (TGN) granularity by manual microscopy, the GI-Index and the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations of 158 patients were determined. Blood samples from 40 healthy individuals were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for in vitro kinetic measurements of the GI-Index. Furthermore, time course measurements of the GI-Index and CRP concentrations of 100 intensive care unit patients were performed.

Results: The GI-Index correlated with the microscopic rating of TGNs (n=158; rs=0.839; p<0.0001). When incubating the blood samples with LPS, the neutrophils displayed hypogranulation 30 min after incubation and a hypergranulation after 90 min. In vivo, the GI-Index indicated changes of the bacterial infection status 1 day earlier than the CRP concentration. The correlation of CRP and GI-Index varied between the patient cohorts (n=158; rs=0.836) (n=100; r=0.177), depending on the cause and extent of inflammation.

Conclusions: The GI-Index is suited to quantify the granularity of TGNs. The GI-Index is an automated, standardized parameter available on a 24 h basis. We suggest that it replace the time-consuming, subjective and semiquantitative microscopic procedure.
Monoclonal gammopathy missed by capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Schild Christof , Egger Florence , Kaelin-Lang Alain , Nuoffer Jean-Marc
Published: May 2011

Background: Serum protein electrophoresis is used as a screening test for monoclonal gammopathies. Here, we present a case of a high-concentration monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-protein) that was missed by serum protein electrophoresis on a Capillarys 2 capillary zone electrophoresis system. The aim of our study was to identify the reason for the failure of the system to detect the M-protein.

Methods: M-protein solubility was examined in response to temperature, pH, ionic strength, the chaotropic agent urea and the reducing agent 2-mercaptoethanol.

Results: Precipitation of the M-protein was not cold-induced, but solubility decreased at pH 8.5 or higher, when the pH approached the apparent isoelectric point. The M-protein also precipitated in alkaline Capillarys 2 electrophoresis buffer (pH 10), which was the reason for the false-negative electrophoresis result. Precipitation of the M-protein was not related to the ionic strength of the buffer. Solubility improved in presence of urea. Pre-treatment of serum with 2-mercaptoethanol revealed the missing M-protein peak of 36 g/L on the electropherogram.

Conclusions: This case shows that insolubility of M-proteins in alkaline buffer is one possible cause of false-negative results on capillary zone electrophoresis systems. False-negative results should be considered, especially when accompanying laboratory results are inconsistent with the electropherogram.
No evidence for an association between the rs2824292 variant at chromosome 21q21 and ventricular fibrillation during acute myocardial infarction in a German population
Authors: Bugert Peter , Elmas Elif , Stach Ksenija , Weiss Christel , Kälsch Thorsten , Dobrev Dobromir , Borggrefe Martin
Published: May 2011

Background: In a recently published genome-wide association study (GWAS), three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2824292, rs1353342, rs12090554) were significantly associated with increased susceptibility for ventricular fibrillation (VF) during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The association of rs2824292 could be confirmed in a second cohort. Both cohorts were from the Netherlands. We aimed to replicate this association in a German cohort of AMI patients with or without VF.

Methods: We included a German cohort of 90 individuals with AMI and VF (cases) and 167 AMI individuals without VF and used Taqman assays for SNP typing.

Results: None of the loci showed evidence for a statistically significant association with VF. The observed genotype frequencies of the three loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which essentially excludes genotyping errors.

Conclusions: In contrast to the data from the Netherlands, we could not detect a significant association of the rs2824292 locus and risk of VF during AMI in our German cohort. Differences in recruitment and clinical phenotypes between the Dutch and German cohorts may underlie different genotype associations.
Comparison of the results from two different External Quality Assessment Schemes supports the utility of robust quality specifications
Authors: Carobene Anna , Franzini Carlo , Ceriotti Ferruccio
Published: May 2011

Background: The definition of quality goals to evaluate the performance of laboratories participating in External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS) is currently not homogeneous. The aim of the work was to verify the applicability of quality goals based on biological variation comparing the results from two different EQAS.

Methods: We evaluated the performance of the laboratories participating in two Italian EQAS, presenting similar characteristics in terms of number of participants, type of EQA-samples, and program organization. The results were obtained during 2007 for 27 components in the regional scheme of Lombardy (RGL) and in the national scheme of Prolarit (PRL). The percentage total error of single measurements was calculated for each reported EQA value. The total error values at the 68th percentile, at selected critical concentration values, were compared with maximum tolerable error derived from biological variation.

Results: The performance of laboratories participating in the RGL scheme was significantly better. The frequency of satisfactory performance at, respectively, minimum, desirable and optimum levels was 98%, 80% and 59% in the RGL scheme, and 73%, 56% and 22% in the PRL scheme.

Conclusions: Due to the different performance shown in the two programs, objective analytical goals based on biological variability constitute the optimal solution.
The status of frequency, schemas, and identity in Cognitive Sociolinguistics: A case study on definite article reduction
Authors: Hollmann Willem B. , Siewierska Anna
Published: May 2011

This article contributes to the nascent field of Cognitive Sociolinguistics. In particular, we are interested in how usage-based cognitive linguistics and variationist sociolinguistics may enrich each other. We first discuss some of the ways in which variationist insights have led cognitive linguists such as Gries (e.g. Multifactorial analysis in corpus linguistics: A study of particle placement, Continuum, 2003) and Grondelaers et al. (e.g. National variation in the use of er “there”. Regional and diachronic constraints on cognitive explanations, Mouton de Gruyter, 2008) to pay attention to language-external factors (such as medium, region, and register), thereby greatly enhancing the description and understanding of certain grammatical phenomena. The focus then shifts to cognitive linguistic work (by Hollmann and Siewierska, English Language and Linguistics 11: 407–424, 2007 and Clark and Trousdale, English Language and Linguistics 13: 33–55, 2009) which has implications for sociolinguistic theory. The two usage-based concepts that have proved especially relevant in this connection are frequency effects and schemas. The article explores and illustrates the role of these two factors in relation to linguistic variation by means of a new case study on definite article reduction (DAR) in Lancashire dialect, a variety spoken in the North West of England. A twofold conclusion is drawn: first, a symbiotic relation between cognitive and sociolinguistics seems possible, but second, in order for this relation to be truly mutually beneficial variationists should get involved in the Cognitive Sociolinguistic enterprise much more than is currently the case.
Non-coordination-based ellipsis from a Construction Grammar perspective: The case of the coffee construction
Authors: Heine Lena
Published: May 2011

This paper focuses on English yes-no interrogatives of the type Would you like/Do you want [NP]? and their elliptical variants You like/You want [NP]?, Like/Want [NP]? and [NP]?. The central question is what type of theoretical relationship can be assumed between the different forms. A theoretical discussion of different traditional approaches and their limitations is followed by the presentation of an explorative corpus search in the BNC, which can reveal interesting differences between the different stages of initial reduction, in particular regarding the semantic class of the NP head nouns: While the possible lexemes found in the full forms and intermediate reductions seem only restricted by pragmatic constraints, the highly reduced [NP]? question displays only lexemes related to the semantic class of consumption goods.

Construction Grammar (CxG) is suggested as a useful approach to explain the internal relationships between the different forms, especially because it offers the option of lexically open idiomatic structures, assumes a usage-based, hierarchical network with different degrees of independence between single constructions, and allows for an integration of pragmatic features into a grammatical model.
Motivating non-canonicality in Construction Grammar: The case of locative inversion
Authors: Webelhuth Gert
Published: May 2011

This article discusses the English construction variously known as Locative Inversion or Stylistic Inversion. It shows that the construction displays a unique ensemble of grammatical and usage properties that can be stated but not motivated through purely grammatical means. In search of an explanatory approach, an analysis is presented that draws on concepts of Artificial Intelligence, in particular plans viewed as complex mental attitudes. It is claimed that utterances of Locative Inversion are associated with a particular communicative plan on the speaker's part that motivates the grammatical and usage properties of the construction where grammar alone cannot. The final section of the article presents corpus examples showing that Locative Inversion is indeed used in the contexts predicted by the plan associated with the construction. This result is both theoretically and methodologically significant, insofar as it constitutes a case where the grammatical properties of a syntactic construction are better explained through its typical conditions of use than through grammatical means proper.
Antioxidative and hypolipidemic efficacy of alcoholic seed extract of Swietenia macrophylla in streptozotocin diabetic rats
Authors: Kalpana Kalaivanan , Pugalendi Kodukkur Viswanathan
Published: May 2011

The present study was designed to examine the antioxidative potential and antihyperlipidemic activity of Swietenia macrophylla in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The experimental groups were rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ; 40 mg/kg body weight, BW). Rats with glucose levels >200 mg/dL were considered diabetic and were divided into five groups. Three groups of diabetic animals were orally administered daily with seed extract (SME) at a dosage of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg BW. One group of STZ rats was treated as diabetic control and another group orally administered 600 μg/kg BW glibenclamide daily. Repeated daily oral administration of S. macrophylla significantly reduced blood glucose levels after 45 days of treatment. The lipid peroxidation products such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides of SME treated rats decreased in the plasma, liver and kidney. Glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were significantly increased in SME treated rats. Antioxidants such as reduced glutathione level in the plasma, liver and kidney and vitamins C and E levels in the plasma increased in SME treated rats. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids and lipoproteins levels increased. Altered lipid profile of treated rats lead to normality with treatment of S. macrophylla. Thus, our results indicate that the administration of 100 mg/kg BW SME restores near normal blood glucose, redox status and lipid profile in STZ-diabetic rats.
Physician Communication Regarding Smoking and Adolescent Tobacco Use
Authors: Hum Ashley M. , Robinson Leslie A. , Jackson Ashley A. , Ali Khatidja S.
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND:

Physician advice increases quit rates 1% to 3% above unassisted quit rates among adults, an increase sufficient to be ranked as a high-priority, evidence-based preventive service. However, there is little research on the potential impact of physician advice on adolescent smoking.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between recalled physician communication and adolescents' attitudes toward smoking, knowledge about smoking, intentions to smoke, tobacco use, and quitting behaviors.

METHODS:

This study was a retrospective observational study of 5154 students (82.9% black, 17.1% white) from an urban, mid-South school system. Outcome variables included adolescents' self-rated attitudes toward smoking, knowledge about smoking, intentions to smoke, tobacco use, and quitting behaviors.

RESULTS:

Physician advice and the combination of screening and advice were associated with healthier attitudes about smoking. Physician screening and advice were also associated with a more accurate knowledge regarding tobacco-related damage. Among current smokers, recalled physician advice was also associated with reduced intentions to smoke in 5 years. Importantly, advised teens were more likely to plan to quit smoking in 6 months. Furthermore, teens who were screened by their physician reported significantly more quit attempts than those who were neither screened nor advised (P = .007).

CONCLUSIONS:

Physician's tobacco-related interactions with adolescents seemed to positively impact their attitudes, knowledge, intentions to smoke, and quitting behaviors. Brief physician interventions have the potential to be a key intervention on a public health level through the prevention, cessation, and reduction of smoking and smoking-related disease.
Early Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Massachusetts Birth Cohorts, 2001–2005
Authors: Manning Susan E. , Davin Carol A. , Barfield Wanda D. , Kotelchuck Milton , Clements Karen , Diop Hafsatou , Osbahr Tracy , Smith Lauren A.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:

We examined trends in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses by age 36 months (early diagnoses) and identified characteristics associated with early diagnoses.

METHODS:

Massachusetts birth certificate and early-intervention program data were linked to identify infants born between 2001 and 2005 who were enrolled in early intervention and receiving autism-related services before age 36 months (through December 31, 2008). Trends in early autism spectrum disorders were examined using Cochran-Armitage trend tests. χ2 Statistics were used to compare distributions of selected characteristics for children with and without autism spectrum disorders. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of early diagnoses.

RESULTS:

A total of 3013 children (77.5 per 10 000 study population births) were enrolled in early intervention for autism spectrum disorder by age 36 months. Autism spectrum disorder incidence increased from 56 per 10 000 infants among the 2001 birth cohort to 93 per 10 000 infants in 2005. Infants of mothers younger than 24 years of age, whose primary language was not English or who were foreign-born had lower odds of an early autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Maternal age older than 30 years was associated with increased odds of an early autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Odds of early autism spectrum disorders were 4.5 (95% confidence interval: 4.1–5.0) times higher for boys than girls.

CONCLUSIONS:

Early autism spectrum disorder diagnoses are increasing in Massachusetts, reflecting the national trend observed among older children. Linkage of early-intervention program data with population-based vital statistics is valuable for monitoring autism spectrum disorder trends and planning developmental and educational service needs.
The High Tide of Cancer Research in Europe
Authors: Johnston Patrick G. , Pinedo H.M.
Published: May 2011

The launch of the European edition of The Oncologist is announced.
Carbonate Wells Stimulations by Acidizing Through Inflow Control Devices for Sredne-Sercheyusskoe Anticline of Yuzhno-Shapkinskoe Oilfield
Authors: Chertenkov M. , Alabushin A. , Abramov A. , Nukhaev M.
Published: May 2011

In 2009, Lukoil installed inflow control devices (ICDs) in three horizontal wells in the Sredne-Sercheyusskoe anticline of Yuzhno-Shapkinskoe oilfield. The successful installation of the lower completion will describe the planning and design through detailed near wellbore modeling pre and post drilling. The latter used LWD measurements to update the model and redesign the completion to address the actual wellbore heterogeneity to optimize future production in terms of production acceleration and mitigation of more mobile fluids through inflow balancing. In addition, to ensure production contribution from heel to toe through the use of an optimized ICD completion, an acid treatment was also executed in two wells which further improved productivity of the well by successfully removing formation damage and possible debris barrier plugging. The ICD completion offered a means to balance the outflow of acid distribution across heterogeneous wellbores. The predesign acid job and post analysis will be presented and discussed.
Pilot Study to Develop a Rapid Assessment of Tuberculosis Care-Seeking and Adherence Practices in Rural Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Finnie Ramona K. C. , Mabunda Tiyane , Khoza Lunic Base , van den Borne Bart , Selwyn Beatrice , Mullen Patricia Dolan
Published: May 2011

Studies of factors influencing tuberculosis (TB) care-seeking and treatment adherence in high TB/HIV co-burden African countries have typically surveyed urban patients' sociodemographic characteristics. To understand community perceptions and guide rapid assessment interviews, we interviewed key informants (nurses, tribal leaders, n = 9) and local researchers ( n = 3) in poor, rural areas of South Africa. HIV-related stigma and misperceptions about TB causes and symptoms were cited as barriers. Key informants said older people preferred traditional healers; local researchers heard a preference for “western” care and suggested supporting clinic staff travel to remote villages with health education and diagnostic services. Key informants said not understanding the consequences of incomplete treatment and reluctance to relinquish disability grants decreased adherence. All reported that non-family DOTS supporters provided invaluable support. Rapid assessment should include drop-outs, re-treated, and co-infected patients and ask questions examining origins of misperceptions, stigma of testing, and pre-test messages to improve community perceptions about TB care-seeking and treatment adherence.
Indian cosmogonies and cosmologies
Authors: Pajin Dusan
Published: May 2011

Various ideas on how the universe appeared and develops, were in Indian
tradition related to mythic, religious, or philosophical ideas and contexts,
and developed during some 3.000 years - from the time of Vedas, to Puranas.
Conserning its appeareance, two main ideas were presented. In one concept it
appeared out of itself (auto-generated), and gods were among the first to
appear in the cosmic sequences. In the other, it was a kind of divine
creation, with hard work (like the dismembering of the primal Purusha), or as
emanation of divine dance. Indian tradition had also various critiques of
mythic and religious concepts (from the 8th c. BC, to the 6c.), who favoured
naturalistic and materialistic explanations, and concepts, in their cosmogony
and cosmology. One the peculiarities was that indian cosmogony and cosmology
includes great time spans, since they used a digit system which was later (in
the 13th c.) introduced to Europe by Fibonacci (Leonardo of Pisa, 1170-1240).
Altervalent cation-doped MCM-41 supported palladium catalysts and their catalytic properties
Authors: Jiang Haihui , Gai Ligang , Tian Yan
Published: May 2011

Metal cation-doped MCM-41 (M-MCM-41, M=Al, Ce, Co, V, or Zr) supported Pd
catalysts (Pd/M-MCM-41) were prepared by a solution-based reduction method.
The catalysts were characterized by Xray diffraction (XRD) analysis, infrared
spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM), and further evaluated by selective hydrogenation
of parachloronitrobenzene (p-CNB) in anhydrous ethanol. The metal
cationcontaining Pd catalysts can efficiently enhance the selectivity for
parachloroaniline (p-CAN). The highest selectivity of 96.5 % in the molar
distribution for p-CNB to p-CAN was acquired over Pd (1.8 wt. %)/VMCM- 41
(Si/V=30, molar ratio) catalyst, and the corresponding turnover frequency
(TOF) was 1.24?10-2 mol p-CNB mol-1 Pd s-1. Water molecules adsorbed by the
support have important effects on both the catalytic activity of the sample
and the selectivity for p-CAN. A water molecule-mediated catalytic
hydrogenation is discussed.
Demands for property restitution of the former German minority in Serbia
Authors: Dimitrijevic Dusko
Published: May 2011

The human rights and freedom corpus in contemporary international law has
made topical property rights members of the German minority in Eastern and
South-East European countries were deprived of during and after the end of
World War II. The goal of dispossessing them of their property was to
consolidate the demolished economy and plundered and destroyed national
wealth on the part of the Axis powers and above all by, Nazi Germany and its
satellites. Taking into account the fact that various categories of persons
were dispossessed of their property and not only members of the German
national minority that directly or indirectly participated in the occupation
and the war of aggression against the states mentioned above, the demand for
restitution of their property several decades after also opens the question
of their legal and political rehabilitation and then revision of the legal
and historical facts that could produce only limited institutional and legal
effects within the changed sociopolitical circumstances. For the complexity
of the restitution problem, an analysis should be done of the legal and
historical heritage, which does not preclude examination of possible
international implications, this also including negative effects that demands
for restitution can have on the European integration process.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in the treatment of multiple myeloma single center experience
Authors: Marjanovic Slobodan , Stamatovic Dragana , Tukic Ljiljana , Tarabar Olivera , Elez Marija , Madjaru Lavinika , Balint Bela , Tatomirovic Zeljka , Kuljic-Kapulica Nada , Andjelkovic Nebojsa
Published: May 2011

Background/Aim. In comparison to standard therapy autologous stem cell
transplant (ASCT) with high doses melphalane has improved treatment of
multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
results of treatment of MM patients in our center with ASCT conditioning with
melphalane or combining busulphane, cyclophosphamide and melphalane. Methods.
We performed 62 ASCT procedures in 47 patients from 1998 till 2008. Single
ASCT were performed in 32 patients (68%), after 3-6 cycles of vincristine,
adriamycin, dexamethasone (VAD) protocol and double in 9 patients (19%).
Secondary ASCT was performed in 6 (13%) patients during progression of the
disease after single ASCT. Mobilization of stem cells (SC) was either with a
combination of etoposide and cyclophosphamide with granulocyte
colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in 39 (83%) patients or cyclophosphamide
plus G-CSF in 8 (17%) patients. All the patients received G-CSF five days
after the ASCT and maintenance therapy afterwards in the patients with a
complete remission (CR) or a partial remission (PR) was interferon alpha in
14 (30%) patients, thalidomide in 13 (28%) and others in 12 (26%) patients.
Results. Median engraftment was on 12th day. In a 50-month follow-up period
64% patients were alive. The overall response rate (ORR), which was reached in
38 (80%) patients, was better in the group of patients treated in the early
phase of MM. Totally 25 (53%) patients were without progression in a 25-month
follow-up period. Twenty patients met criteria for CR + VGPR (very good
partial remission), that was 5 patients more than in the period before ASCT.
Fourteen (30%) patients died and median time till death was 17 months.
Conclusion. The ASCT perfomed in early phase of MM after VAD induction had a
significant influence on the treatment of MM patients. Reaching CR + VGPR
before and after the ASCT is predictive factor for overall survival (OS) or
prolongation of period till recidive appears, progression, therapy withdrowal
or death.
Ministernotomy: A preliminary experience in heart valve surgery
Authors: Kovacevic Pavle , Mihajlovic Bogoljub , Velicki Lazar , Redzek Aleksandar , Ivanovic Vladimir , Komazec Nikola
Published: May 2011

Background/Aim. The last decade of the 20th century brought up a significant
development in the field of minimally invasive approaches to the valvular
heart surgery. Potential benefits of this method are: good esthetic
appearance, reduced pain, reduction of postoperative hemorrhage and incidence
of surgical site infection, shorter postoperative intensive care units (ICU)
period and overall in-hospital period. Partial upper median sternotomy
currently presents as a state-of-the art method for minimally invasive
surgery of cardiac valves. The aim of this study was to report on initial
experience in application of this surgical method in the surgery of mitral
and aortic valves. Methods. The study was designed and conducted in a
prospective manner and included all the patients who underwent minimally
invasive cardiac valve surgery through the partial upper median sternotomy
during the period November 2008 - August 2009. We analyzed the data on mean
age of patients, mean extubation time, mean postoperative drainage, mean
duration of hospital stay, as well as on occurance of postoperative
complications (postoperative bleeding, surgical site infection and
cerebrovascular insult). Results. During the observed period, in the
Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Clinic for Cardiovascular
Surgery, 17 ministernotomies were performed, with 14 aortic valve
replacements (82.35%) and 3 mitral valve replacements (17.65%). Mean age of
the patients was 60.78 ? 12.99 years (64.71% males, 35.29% females). Mean
extubation time was 12.53 ? 8.87 hours with 23.5% of the patients extubated
in less than 8 hours. Mean duration of hospital stay was 12.35 ? 10.17 days
(in 29.4% of the patients less than 8 days). Mean postoperative drainage was
547.06 ? 335.2 mL. Postoperative complications included: bleeding (5.88%) and
cerebrovascular insult (5.88%). One patient (5.88%) required conversion to
full sternotomy. Conclusion. Partial upper median sternotomy represents the
optimal surgical method for the interventions on the whole ascendant aorta
(including aortic valve) and mitral valve through the roof of the left
atrium, with a few significant advantages compared to the full sternotomy
surgical approach.